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Paul Plimley is a pianist/composer/improvisor active nationally and internationally for more than 20 years. He has synthesized jazz traditions, classical influences and elements of new music into a number of stylistic approaches which he distills through his original compositions and improvisations. He has toured many times throughout Europe, Canada and the United States. Paul’s music is heard frequently on international TV and radio, as a soloist, ensemble collaborators and on over a dozen CD recordings with musicians from around the globe. Paul's creative work comprises a wide range of ensemble settings, text and multi-media. He has written music for solo piano, small and large ensembles, symphony orchestra, and electronic music. In addition Paul Plimley has been leading bands for over twenty years and has conducted small and large ensembles.

Proliferasian (excerpt) - MP3 link

Paul Plimley (2001), (BC Arts Council Commission)
Recording date: 2002 Sonic Boom Festival of BC Composers - Vancouver Pro Music Society
zheng performed by previous member Mei Han

It consists of a written score at a moderate tempo with syncopated 16th notes and melodic passages played by the erhu and marimba, with the zheng playing a slower counter melody alternating with unison passages with the other two instruments. After the written music, the ensemble utilizes sections of this composed material and expands the rhythmic and textual fabrics in four sections of improvisation. The improvisational requirements are quite demanding. Each player is encouraged to improvise in his/her own tempo, independent from anyone else. The musicians play from a focused awareness of their bodies in a relaxed and involved participation in the shaping of phrasing and the options to change tempo (gradually or all of a sudden) at any time. After the improvisations are completed, the group Da capos from beginning to the end of the same written score.