Education
Plimley studied classical piano under Kum-Sing Lee at the University of British Columbia (1971-1973). In 1978-1979 he studied with Karl Berger and Cecil Taylor at the Creative Music Studio in Woodstock, New New York
Plimley studied classical piano under Kum-Sing Lee at the University of British Columbia (1971-1973). In 1978-1979 he studied with Karl Berger and Cecil Taylor at the Creative Music Studio in Woodstock, New New York
He is well versed in classical music and in all styles of jazz. He was one of the first and most convincing interpreters of Ornette Coleman"s music on the piano (an instrument usually seen as antithetical to Coleman"s music). In 1977 he founded the New Orchestra Workshop (National Organization for Women), and he has been active in many of the ensembles associated with National Organization for Women, including the National Organization for Women Orchestra.
His work with Lisle Ellis is extensive, and includes the duo Civil Defense Both Sides of the Same Mirror (Nine Winds, 1989).
When Silence Pulls, with Andrew Cyrille (Music & Arts, 1990). Noir, with Bruce Freedman and Gregg Bendian (Victo, 1992).
Density of the Lovestruck Demons with Donald Robinson (Music & Arts, 1994). And Safecrackers with Scott Amendola (Victo, 1999).
Most notable, perhaps, are two recordings for Hat Art: the collection of Ornette Coleman interpretations, Kaleidoscopes (1992), and (under Joe McPhee"s leadership), a revisiting of Max Roach"s Freedom Now Suite called Sweet Freedom, Now What? (1994).
In May 2000 he recorded a live act at the 17th International Festival of New Music in Victoriaville, Quebec with John Oswald, Marilyn Crispell and Cecil Taylor. The album was released at Victo Records. The still Vancouver based musician is a regular at the annual Vancouver International Jazz Festival.
In the Key of Eh! Canadian Jazz Piano (1996)
Duos: the jazz sessions (2000)
Solos: the jazz sessions (2004).