Irene Schweizer

About

Improvisational free-jazz artist who gained great fame outside of her native Switzerland for her contributions as a female jazz pioneer.

Before Fame

She began playing piano when she was 12 and later took up the drums.

Trivia

She was involved with the Feminist Improvising Group, which eventually changed its name to the less politically charged European Women's Improvising Group.

Family Life

Her father ran a restaurant that doubled as a performance venue for dance bands.

Associated With

She was greatly influenced by Ornette Coleman's free-jazz musicianship.