Pierre Favre
b. 2 June 1937, Le Locle, nr. Neuchatel, Switzerland. The self-taught Favre spent his formative years drumming with Philly Joe Jones, Bud Powell and Benny Bailey as well as working in a cymbal factory before developing his own style in one of the key '60s free jazz trios with Irène Schweizeron piano and, initially, George Mrazon bass. The latter was replaced by Peter Kowald who came over from Germany. The addition of Evan Parkeron saxophones took the group in further new directions. Favre appeared with the other three on EUROPEAN ECHOES by Manfred Schoof, but tended afterwards to avoid the more explosive areas of European new jazz. Favre's search for new voices led to his involvment with Indian and other percussionists, with the singer Tamia, and with the formation of his Drum Orchestra. A variety of bells, gongs and cymbals contribute to his percussive armoury, which has been heard to great effect in recent years on the ECM label. Favre also played with musicians such as Peter Brötzmann, John Tchicai, Don Cherry and Eje Thelin. A lasting collaboration with the French reed-player Michel Portal began in 1972. With his emphasis on the development of the sound aspects, Favre is an important innovator on his instrument.