Clare Fischer

Clare Fischer had a varied career as keyboardist, composer, arranger, and bandleader. The composer of two standards, "Pensativa" and "Morning," Fischer long had an interest in Latin rhythms. After graduating from Michigan State University, he moved to Los Angeles in 1957, working as accompanist and arranger for the Hi-Lo's. He wrote for a 1960 Dizzy Gillespie album (A Portrait of Duke Ellington) and recorded bossa nova as early as 1962; that same year he recorded two trio sets and the following year he led his first big band date. Fischer, who alternated between the two format...