The Heights – An Xperience Column

The Heights – An Xperience Column – by Joe Barna.

In this month’s edition of The Heights, I will pay my respects to one of the greatest friends, musicians, mentors, and men to have passed through my life in the pursuit of obtaining my potential as a drummer/composer. His name is Hal Galper. Not only known for his genius as a jazz pianist, Hal also contributed to the education and success of his students throughout the world. He passed on July 18th, 2025, at the tender age of 87. His legacy as one of the most powerful voices in jazz history will live on for eternity.

So, who exactly is Hal Galper?

Harold (Hal) Galper was a gifted pianist and composer originally from Salem, Massachusetts. He was born on April 18th, 1938, to father Irving Galper and mother Pearl Galper. To my knowledge, neither one of Hal’s parents had a professional life in the performing arts. His father was a grocer and his mother a housewife. Originally focusing his studies on classical piano, he eventually made the decision to pursue a life in jazz around 1955-58. These years saw Galper enrolled at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston. While there, he had the honor to spend time listening to and hanging out with jazz luminaries the likes of Sam Rivers and Jaki Byard. Not too long after leaving school, Galper found himself sharing the stage with legends such as Stan Getz, Cannonball Adderley, Chet Baker, Anita O’Day, and many others. He had an impact on jazz almost immediately and never stopped being productive till the day he left this realm.

Later in his career, Galper spent most of his time leading his own trios and quintets with some of the music’s most respected musicians. Some of those involved in helping Hal reach his vision were Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker, John Scofield, Todd Coolman, Steve Ellington, Bob Moses, Billy Hart, Jeff Johnson, Billy Mintz, and others. Hal also spent over a decade touring and performing with iconic saxophonist Phil Woods. He not only performed with the group, Galper also made contributions through his composing and arranging. Check out “Birds of a Feather,” “Bop Stew,” “All Bird’s Children,” and “Bouquet.” These are great examples of Hal Galper’s piano artistry with the great Phil Woods.

In my humble opinion, Hal Galper is one of the greatest voices of jazz piano in the vast history of music. He has a sound and approach that emanates all that the music embodies. For examples of his mastery, one need look no further than recordings such as “Ivory Forest” (1980), “Redux ‘78,” “Reach Out!” (1977), and “Let’s Call This That” (1999). Galper was a force of nature who devoted his life to bringing beauty into a world in desperate need. He helped mold the minds of students and introduced many to concepts most closely associated with pursuing a life as a professional jazz artist. It would be difficult to accurately quantify what this gentle giant meant to the great American art form.

What impact did Hal Galper have on my life?

When starting school at SUNY Purchase in the fall of 1999, I was as green as Kermit the Frog. My knowledge of jazz history was quite limited. I didn’t know many of the greats who came before me, nor did I have much of an understanding in regards to my role as the drummer in a jazz group. (Although I must state for the record that having come out of SCCC in Schenectady, I was as prepared as I could have been. With teachers the likes of Nat Phipps, Bill Meckley, and Jeff Grubbs, I felt like I had been provided a concrete launching pad to move onto the next level with some confidence.)

Enter the great Hal Galper …

In the spring of 2000, I was informed that Hal had personally requested that I be enrolled in his jazz combo class. The news came as a shock, as I really hadn’t developed a relationship with him to that point. I gladly accepted and started attending his weekly combo. Shortly into my stint with the group, I stayed after class to ask him, “Why did you request me for your jazz combo?” In true Hal fashion, he said … ”Because you got heart, kid. I’ve heard about you, and I want a chance to guide your passion. I’m gonna teach you the right way to do this. I think you can do something special if given the proper direction.”

Now, you must understand … being a poor kid from a small town who had little confidence going into school and who knew very little about this art form, those were powerful words coming from this man. He also happened to be about 6’4” and about 300 pounds. To have this imposing man look me square in the eyes and say these words to me was something I had always wished my own father to do. It was one of the only times I can remember someone like him taking such a genuine interest in my future. Had he not caught me so early in my time at Purchase, maybe I would not have had the confidence to invest as much of myself into this art form as I have. And, it didn’t stop there. Hal and I continued to talk and share thoughts right up till a few months before his passing. He never stopped believing in me and always kept things 100% honest, even if he knew it would hurt my feelings. That’s what a real mentor does. They stay honest at all costs, never pulling punches or giving undeserved praise. He was the real deal.

There were others who had an impact on my musical pursuits. Kevin Champagne, Rob Cenci, Jim Iaketta, John Riley, Adam Nussbaum, Doug Munro, Richie Morales, Jon Faddis, Bill Meckley, Nat Phipps, and others. They are great people who have encouraged and pushed me to become better in all facets of life. But there was only one Hal Galper. He is a special man who had a positive impact on generations of young musicians. It’s an honor and a privilege to have been given the opportunity to know him.

I love and miss you, big guy … Keep Swingin’

Warmest Regards,

Joe

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