Paul Plimley was a great musician, pianist, and a kind soul. We had many fun and exciting times making music and touring Canada and the US together in our trio with Lisle Ellis.
Paul was always happy and we had lots of laughter and joking around during our periods of creativity. Our recording, NOIR was one of my first recordings after leaving Cecil Taylor’s band, and it included compositions from Paul, Lisle and me. For a time it was quite a happy collective. Paul was very open minded and highly intelligent, something that contributed greatly to our friendship and our collaborative efforts.
We shared interests in Captain Beefheart, Allan Holdsworth and much guitar-based music. He was also a foodie and we often geeked out on exotic chocolates and the like. Paul was a rare talent and what I refer to as a “rugged individualist.” I will miss him.
Gregg Bendian
GREGG BENDIAN composer, percussionist, producer, educator
The ProgCast with Gregg Bendian
Gregg Bendian: Spotify Playlist
Yale Oral History of American Music
Tributes to Paul Plimley