Jacques PELZER is one the few musicians who has been through a wide range of jazz periods and not lost sight of his goals or his integrity. He was admired and respected by many jazz greats, and had a long, rich, and active career. Jacques PELZER was born in Liege, June 24, 1924. He got his inspiration from Charlie PARKER, Benny CARTER and Lee KONITZ. After World War II, Jacques PELZER was exposed to the BOB SHOTS. This legendary Belgian jazz band featured pioneers like Bobby JASPAR and Rene THOMAS. He played with Francy BOLAND (pianist/arranger), Toots THIELEMANS (guitar and harmonica player), Benoit QERRSIN, etc… His collaboration with Rene THOMAS lasted several years, which led to many recordings. Lou BENNETT, organ player. But Jacques PELZER’s journey didn’t end there. He was open to new music in the sixties and seventies. Don CHERRY, Philip CaTHERINE, Gato BARIERI and Gato CHERRY recorded the soundtrack to “Le Depart”. Three American tours with Chet Baker laid the foundations for a genuine friendship and a true musical partnership. Dexter GORDON and Stan GETZ, Archie SHEPPs, Stan GETZ, Lee KONITZ, Philly Joe JONES, Bill EVANS were also among his many encounters. Jacques PELZER led his own groups as well, a.o. OPEN SKY UNIT. In the eighties and nineties, Jacques PELZER returned to straight ahead jazz. He preferred acoustic jazz, including selected bebop standards as well as songs he played with Chet BAKER. A diverse repertoire that emphasized concentration, lyricism, and expression. Jacques PELZER returned to the studios to record “Never Let Me Go” (IGLOO – IGL084) in 1990 with the Open Sky Unit, Michel GRAILLIER, Eric LEGNINI, and the Open Sky Unit as his guests. This album won the Sax Prize 1991 for best jazz album. For his album “Salute To The Bandbox”, three outstanding Belgian jazz musicians, Philippe AERTS, Philippe CATHERINE, and Bruno CASTELLUCCI, joined Jacques PELZER. This was to be his final CD. Jacques PELZER left us on August 6th, 1994. from http://www.jazzinbelgium.com
