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Ed Cherry

About Me

I've been playing the guitar since the age of 12. Rock and soul music at first (Jimi Hendrix, James Brown, Kool and the Gang, Jeff Beck, Wilson Pickett). After high school, in 1972, I spent 4 months at Berklee College of music, then left to go on the road with the 5 Satins. After that, a wide variety of playing situations (Tim Hardin, Jimmy McGriff, Bobby and Eddie Buster, Ted Daniel, and many others).I continued my music study w/Ted Dunbar at 'Jazzmobile'.Coming in to New York by train from New Haven every saturday to study with that master was quite a thrill for me.

Moved to New York in 1978 to be closer to the source of the music I loved. Met Rodney Jones, then playing with Dizzy Gillespie. Rodney intoduced me to guitar guru Bruce Johnson who introduced me to many other great guitarists on the scene at that time. Rodney left Dizzy's band in 1978 and asked Diz to call me. Remained with Dizzy from 1978 to 1983. Joined again in 1986 until his passing.

Since that time I've performed with many of the great players on the scene today, Bluiett, Henry Threadgill, Jimmy Smith, Kenny Burrell, John Patton, Dakota Staton, Roy Hargove, Sherman Irby, Pheeroan Ak Laff,Ratzo Harris,Oliver Lake,Mario Rivera,Laird Jackson,Hilton Ruiz,Yoron Israel,Andy Mckee,Ruth Brown,Steve Coleman and many others.