Ed started his career playing in the New York City subways with famed blues musician Carolina Slim. From there, he began playing local shows with his rockabilly band, The Moonshiners. Upon graduating from high school, he pursued a Bachelor's degree in Music Education from SUNY Fredonia, which he completed in 2013.  

 

It was here that Ed had the chance to perform and study with local legends such as Tom Gestwicki, John Bacon, Bruce Johnstone, and more, including an orchestra concert with Yo Yo Ma. Before he'd completed his studies at Fredonia, he began a career as a touring musician starting with two years traveling with celtic rock band The Town Pants, and touring for another two years with bluegrass band The Jakobs Ferry Stragglers.

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In between national shows, music festivals, and local showcases, Ed received his Masters degree from Bowling Green State University where he studied under Jeff Halsey, David Bixler, and Chris Buzzeli. Ed was also able to perform with Mike Stern, Dave Samuels (of Spyro Gyro fame), Gary Smulyan, Tim Hagans, Jimmy Heath, and Conrad Herwig during his time in Ohio. 

 

Now, Ed resides in Buffalo, NY where he is making a big impression on the local music scene.  

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As a freelance bassist, Ed has performed with Buffalo jazz greats Darryl Washington, Greg Millar, Rey Scott, and Bobby Jones. He has also shared the stage with Buffalo Music Hall of Famers such as Doug Yeomans, Mary Ramsey, Ray Hangen, and Joe Rozler.

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Ed has also performed with national, and international, performers such as Tom Roberts (Boardwalk Empire, Leon Redbone), Greg Westoff (Family Guy), Dave Braham (Lou Donaldson, Houston Person), John Clay (Zoot Sims, Bill Withers), and Tia Brazda (Canadian jazz sensation).

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Ed won the 2023 JazzBuffalo Poll for Best Acoustic Upright Bassist (with repeat wins from 2017 - 2022). In 2018, Ed also received the Rising Star, and the John Hunt Jazz Artist of the Year awards, the first recipient to win both awards simultaneously The results of these awards are decided on by residents of the city of Buffalo and all of Western New York. Ed is currently the longest consecutive winner of any JazzBuffalo poll category.

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Keep checking edcroft.com for upcoming performances!