Victor Feldman
Piano
About
Victor Feldman was a jazz pianist, vibraphonist, percussionist, composer and band leader. A child prodigy who began playing professionally in Great Britain at the age of 10, his career included playing with jazz legends, significant studio work and recording with pop artists. In 1955, at the age of 21, Feldman emigrated to the US and began playing with Woody Herman's band. He settled in Los Angeles where he played with the Lighthouse All-Stars and began studio work, notably playing vibraphone on Henry Mancini's Peter Gunn soundtrack. From 1960 - 1961 he was a member of Cannonball Adderly's Quintet and then worked with Miles Davis, composing the title track for 1963's album "Seven Steps to Heaven" and playing piano on several tunes. In the 1970s he worked with pop artists including Steely Dan, Joni Mitchell, and Cher. In the 1980s Feldman led the cross-over Generation Band and continued to work frequently until his death from a heart attack in 1987 at the age of 53.
Trivia
Victor Feldman was invited to join Miles Davis' group, but turned it down so that he could stay closer to his home and family. Victor Feldman was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville in 2009. Victor Feldman's sons, Trevor (drums) and Jake (bass) performed with him as part of the Generation Band.
Early Life
Born into a musical family in London, England in 1934, Victor Feldman began playing the drums as a young child, By the time he was 7 years old he was working professionally performing with his brothers as part of The Feldman Trio. He appeared with the Glen Miller Band and in various movies earning him the moniker "Kid Krupa" in homage to the renowned drummer Gene Krupa. In his teens Feldman added the piano and vibraphone to his repertoire. He studied music briefly at the London College of Music but wanted to focus on jazz so joined saxophonist Ronnie Scott's band where he recorded over 20 albums by the age of 20. In 1955 Feldman made the decision to emigrate to the US and was soon asked to join Woody Herman's band.
Victor Feldman Solos
1960
Piano solo - Movin' Along - 1960
4/4 swing in E♭ major at 87 BPM
Piano solo - Tune Up - 1960
4/4 swing in C major at 252 BPM
Piano solo - Tune Up - 1960
4/4 swing in C major at 254 BPM
Piano solo - I Don't Stand A Ghost Of A Chance With You - 1960
4/4 ballad in C major at 53 BPM
Piano solo - Body And Soul - 1960
4/4 swing in D♭ major at 215 BPM
Piano solo - Body And Soul - 1960
4/4 swing in D♭ major at 206 BPM
Piano solo - So Do It! - 1960
4/4 swing in G major at 195 BPM
Piano solo - Says You - 1960
4/4 swing in C major at 205 BPM