Ed Cherry

"Ed is a great, soulful, swinging underrated player deserving of wider recognition." - Bill Milkowski 1/13/11"
"An expressive instrumentalist, Cherry has a hip, melodic approach that is a refreshing contrast to guitarists who frequently resort to playing 'finger music', the execution of rapid streams of notes that serve no musical purpose other than to fill space"- Jim Ferguson: Jazztimes - 06/02
"Particularly dazzling - Cherry's guitar had the young bar crowd dancing" - Kay Cordtz : blues review-5/10
Born in New Haven,Conn.,After moving to New York in 78',Ed Cherry played guitar with Dizzy Gillespie from 1978 to 1992, performing in Gillespie's quartet, big band and with The United Nation Orchestra, which recorded the Grammy Award-winning Live at Royal Festival Hall (Enja). Gillespie died in 1993, and Cherry released his first recording as a leader, 'First Take' (Groovin' High) that same year as well as performing w/Paquito D'Riveras' small group and recording "Havana Cafe"(Chesky Records).Ed also worked with composer/saxophonist Henry Threadgill for two years(recorded 3 cd's w/ Henry's 'Very Very Circus' group.
In 1995, Cherry released his second project as a solo artist, entitled A Second Look (Groovin' High).During that same period Ed worked with Hammond organist John Patton recording 3 critically acclaimed cd's with Patton's quartet-'Blue Planet Man','Minor Swing' and 'This ones for Jah'(DIW). From 1997 to 1998, Cherry worked in Roy Hargrove's “Crisol” Latin jazz band, which performed Havana, Cuba.During this same period,he also worked w/baritone saxist Hamiett Bluiett,recording Bluiett's cd 'with eyes wide open' on justin-time records.In 2001, Cherry toured Europe for the first time with his own group. He also released his latest CD, The Spirit Speaks on the Canadian Justin Time label, inspired by the great jazz organist Jimmy Smith with whom he had also recently worked.Ed was asked to perform at the 'Vodaphone Madarao Jazz festival'in 2002 in Madarao Japan with his quartet featuring trumpeter Jon Faddis.
In 2003 Ed performed with his quartet at Detroit Jazz Festival. Right now,Ed is a member of vocalist Paula West quartet as well as leading his own trio. In addition to his stellar work as a sideman and as a critically acclaimed leader, Ed Cherry also has impressive credentials as a music educator. He taught guitar at Essex Community College in Newark, NJ from 1995 to 1996, and at the Henry Street Settlement in New York City from 1996 to 1997. He was also a faculty member at Montclair State University, School of Fine and Performing Arts for J.O.Y. (Jazz Opportunity for Youth).Ed is currently on staff at 'jazzmobile' here NYC.