Piano (1935-2016)

Born Donald Ernest Friedman on 4 May 1935 in San Francisco. He studied music at Los Angeles City College. He began playing professionally in Los Angeles from 1955 or 1956, working with Ornette Coleman, Shorty Rogers, Scott LaFaro, Chet Baker, Dexter Gordon, Buddy Collette, Buddy DeFranco, Don Cherry, Billy Higgins, and Charles Lloyd. In 1958 he moved to New York, where he played with Pepper Adams, Booker Little, Jimmy Giuffre, Charles Lloyd, Chuck Wayne, Elvin Jones, Herbie Mann, and Clark Terry's big band. His first album as leader was A Day in the City in 1961. He recorded for producer Orrin Keepnews at Riverside Records from 1961 through 1964, his first three albums with his trio, the fourth Dreams and Explorations (1964) featuring guitarist Attila Zoller. He continued as a pianist and educator in New York, touring the United States, Europe, and Japan. His lyrical style, technical virtuosity, and mastery of solo performance drew acclaim. He died in the Bronx on 30 June 2016, aged 81.