Hal Schaefer

about

Hal Schaefer, world-class jazz pianist, has had a rich and eclectic career that has bridged several worlds – those of music (from classical to swing and jazz), film and singing. Considered a rising star of progressive jazz in the 1950's, he is an extraordinary pianist with a distinctive musical approach, which combines a lush romanticism with a strong sense of swing. His journey as a professional pianist began at the age of twelve in his native New York City . While still in his teens, he joined a big band and toured the country, ending up in Los Angeles in the 1940's, in the middle of a progressive jazz scene. He played in bands led by Benny Carter, Harry James, Boyd Raeburn and Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey. Hal became an accompanist for Peggy Lee, Billy Eckstine and other singers, and was befriended by and became the protégé of the great Duke Ellington, who gave him his 21st birthday party. Later, Hal worked at 20th Century Fox, where his highly specialized, very well compensated but then un-credited work was to compose and arrange film music. There he developed a specialty of teaching actors to sing. “Most of these world-famous stars were terrified to sing,” he says. “Part of my job was to work with them and get them comfortable.” During his dozen years at Fox, Hal coached such stars as Susan Hayward, Mitzi Gaynor and Robert Wagner. However, his most noted efforts were produced when he coached Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell in the classic Gentlemen Prefer Blondes . Schaefer

top songs

albums

June 1st

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Brilliant!

Vintage Jazz No. 142 - EP: Dancing In The Dark

The RCA Victor Jazz Workshop

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How Do You Like This Piano Playing? Solo Jazz Piano, Circa 1960

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Just Too Much

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100 Jazz Grand Reserve

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Just Too Much / The RCA Victor Jazz Workshop

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Solo, Duo, Trio

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100 Vintage Romantic Songs

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June 1st - A Date to Remember

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The New Old Name In Jazz

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