DON PULLEN (pianist, organist, composer, bandleader) was born December 25, 1941 in Roanoke, Virginia and passed away in April 1995. Pullen, although largely associated in his early career with the “free jazz” world was comfortable working in a variety of styles. Difficult to categorize and with sometimes controversial comparisons to Cecil Taylor, Pullen achieved great success in the 1980s in Europe with the George Adams/Don Pullen Quartet. Pullen also performed with Charles Mingus’ group from 1973-75. His recording, “New Beginnings” with Gary Peacock and Tony Williams is considered one of the top tier trio albums. Pullen’s recordings consisted largely of his own compositions. The respected musician worked with David Murray, Maceo Parker and Toronto’s own Jane Bunnett among others.