April 18, 1938 – July 18, 2025

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Pianist Hal Galper passed away on July 18, 2025 at the age of 87.

He was born on April 18, 1938 in Salem, Massachusetts where he studied classical music.

After switching to jazz, Galper studied at the Berklee College Of Music (1955-58) and worked extensively in Boston including with Herb Pomeroy and as the house pianist at several clubs including Lenny’s On The Turnpike.

Galper moved to New York, recording with Chet Baker (1964-65), Sam Rivers (1966’s Conception), and Randy Brecker and leading his first album in 1970.

The pianist had his own style within the hard bop/post-bop world, working with such notables as Stan Getz, Cannonball Adderley, Randy and Michael Brecker (who often appeared on his records), Lee Konitz (with whom he recorded a duet album), John Scofield, and the Phil Woods Quintet (1980-90).

After leaving Woods, Galper primarily performed with his own trios and worked as an educator, leading at least 27 albums during his busy career.

Hal Galper is featured in 1977 leading a group on his “This Is The Thing” that includes tenor-saxophonist Michael Brecker, trumpeter Randy Brecker, bassist Wayne Dockery, and drummer Bob Moses (who has a notable solo).

-Scott Yanow

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