Born in Chicago in 1938, Zeitlin’s parents both combined medicine and music. He began playing piano as a toddler, studied classical music initially and discovered jazz in high school as a natural extension of his interests in composition and improvisation. Soon he was playing professionally in the Chicago area, where he had opportunities to sit in with Joe Farrell, Wes Montgomery, and Ira Sullivan. He formally studied music in college, graduating from the University of Illinois in 1960 and then earning his M.D. from Johns Hopkins in 1964. After several highly acclaimed recordings for Concord, Zeitlin focused his musical efforts on fusing jazz, electronics, classical, and rock through the 1970s, leading to a number of recordings and the symphonic score for “The Invasion of the Body Snatchers” in 1978. Refocusing on acoustic music, Zeitlin turned again to solo piano work and other projects, including composing for Sesame Street; appearing on network TV (the Tonight Show and CBS Sunday Morning); touring throughout the world at colleges, clubs, and major festivals; and performing with such jazz luminaries as Joe Henderson, Herbie Hancock, Pat Metheny, Tony Williams, Marian McPartland, Charlie Haden, the Kronos Quartet, and Paul Winter.

Buster Williams

Meanwhile, Zeitlin also established a private psychiatric practice in San Francisco and Marin County, and teaches at the University of California. Merging his background in music and psychiatry, Zeitlin has developed a lecture-demonstration, "Unlocking the Creative Impulse: The Psychology of Improvisation,” which has been well received in the U.S. and Europe. Wrote Jules Epstein, “[his] technical skills are abetted by his psychiatrist's understanding of spontaneity as a key to analysis—like the technique of ‘free association,’ Zeitlin approaches melody as a line to be coveted, addressed and focused on, but also as a point of departure. His particular skill is in departing without losing sight of the original thought.” High Fidelity noted, “he can rip the keyboard apart or coax the most delicate nuances from it with a virtuoso's assurance. And it is done not as showmanship, but as a means to a distinctly creative end.” Zeitlin’s latest recording, Slickrock (MaxJazz, 2004) featured Buster Williams and Matt Wilson.

At the Iridium, Zeitlin teams up with long-time bassist Buster Williams and Billy Hart. Buster Williams needs no introduction to jazz fans, having toured in recent years with his stellar quartet, “Something More” as well as in the company of such luminaries as Kenny Barron. One of the busiest bassists working today, Williams is admired for what the Penguin Guide describes as his “impeccable harmony” and “rhythmic sense that is unfailing, feeling, and utterly original.” His sets are always marked by his elegant and melodic lines, his ability to dazzle without calling attention to the effort.

Billy Hart © Andrea Canter

Billy Hart may be an unsung hero in the larger world of jazz despite his appearance on over 600 recordings from Miles Davis to Stan Getz. Early in his career he worked in his native Washington, DC, McCoy Tyner, Stan Getz.,Gerry Mulligan, Clark Terry, Joe Lovano, Tom Harrell and Charles Lloyd, but was perhaps best known for his work with Herbie Hancock’s fusion Sextet of the early 70s. Lately Hart has been leading an acclaimed band of young lions, including Ethan Iverson, Mark Turner and Ben Street, and released The Billy Hart Quartet on Ambient in 2005.

For a cover charge that runs at about 25% of the usual fee for an hour of therapy, you won’t find a better session with a psychiatrist! Catch Dr. Zeitlin and this remarkable trio at the Iridium, August 31-September 3; sets at 8:30/10:30 pm with midnight sets added on Friday and Saturday. For information and reservations, visit www.iridiumjazzclub.com

The Iridium is located at 1650 Broadway (corner of 51^st) in Manhattan.