by Scott YanowA subtle but adventurous bassist, Gary Peacocks flexibility and consistently creative ideas have been an asset to several important groups. He was originally a pianist, playing in an Army band while stationed in Germany in the late 50s. Peacock switched to bass in 1956, staying on in Germany after his discharge to play with Hans Koller, Attila Zoller, Tony Scott, and Bud Shank. In 1958 he moved to Los Angeles where he performed with Barney Kessel, Don Ellis, Terry Gibbs, Shorty Rogers, and (most importantly) Paul Bley, among others. After moving to New York in 1962, Peacock worked with Bill Evans (1962-1963), the Paul Bley trio, Jimmy Giuffre, Roland Kirk, and George Russell. In 1964, after a brief stint with Miles Davis, Peacock started an association with Albert Ayler in Europe, also playing with Roswell Rudd and Steve Lacy. Peacock alternated between Ayler and Paul Bley for a time and returned briefly to Miles Davis in the late 60s. After a period in Japan (1969-1972), Peacock studied biology (1972-1976), worked with Bley, and off and on from the late 70s has played (and recorded) in a trio with Keith Jarrett and Jack DeJohnette.