David Samuel Pike, a jazz vibraphone player, was born March 23, 1938 in Detroit. At eight years old, he learned to drum and is now a self-taught vibes player. He also plays marimba, especially with Herbie Mann. He was inspired by Milt Jackson and Lionel Hampton. In 1958, Pike recorded his first recording with the Paul Bley Quintet. In the 1960s, Pike began using an amplifier to power his vibes while working with Herbie Mann, a flautist. He also created many other works that were inspired by Brazilian, Latin, and world music. In the 1960s, Pike began to explore his music. His unique voice and the new contexts he used helped push the boundaries in an era that was known for its exploratory nature. “Doors of Perception”, a 1970 album by Atlantic Records subsidiary Vortex Records, was produced by Herbie Mann. It explored the use of modal territory, chanson concrete, ballads and free and lyricalimprovisation. The group included Lee Konitz, Chuck Israels (of Bill Evans fame), Don Friedman, and pianist Don Friedman, whose talents were up to the challenge of exploring new areas in jazz. Pike’s move from America to Europe and his tenure at MPS/Saba Records produced some of the best jazz of that era. Volker Kriegel (guitar) and J. He formed the Dave Pike Set with Volker Kriegel (guitar) and Peter Baumeister, (drums). From 1969 to 1972, six records were recorded by the group. They included funky grooves and textural tracks. Although the group was short-lived it created a distinctive identity and a rich textural palette. Kriegel’s compositional (playing acoustic and classical guitars as well as the sitar) contributions helped to set the Dave Pike Set apart. The group incorporated influences from jazz and soul jazz as well as avant-garde and world music (Indians, Brazilians, Latin, and Middle Eastern sounds).
