Ed Bickert is a Canadian jazz guitarist born in 1932. He has played with such renowned musicians as Oscar Peterson, Paul Desmond and Herb Ellis. Bickert was a jazz pioneer in the 1950s and 1960s, and helped shape the sound of the Toronto Jazz Scene.
Who is Ed Bickert?
Ed Bickert is a Canadian jazz guitarist born in Hamilton, Ontario. He was one of the first jazz guitarists to play in the bebop style, and also pioneered the use of electric guitar in the genre. Bickert began his musical career in the very early 1940s, and played with many great jazz musicians during his long career. He was particularly associated with pianist Oscar Peterson, with whom he recorded several albums and toured extensively. Bickert is considered one of the finest jazz guitarists of his generation, and has been honored with numerous distinctions throughout his career.
His musical career
Ed Bickert is a Canadian jazz guitarist who has played with some of the world’s finest jazz musicians. He grew up in Toronto and began his musical career playing rockabilly and country in Toronto clubs. In 1955, he joined Maynard Ferguson’s band and played with him for three years. After leaving Ferguson, Bickert went to New York, where he played with trumpeter Chet Baker. In 1963, he returned to Toronto and joined pianist Oscar Peterson. Over the next few years, Bickert played with many jazz musicians, including Herb Ellis, Ben Webster, Red Rodney, Paul Desmond and Barney Kessel. In 1973, he recorded his first solo album, Ed Bickert. Since then, he has recorded several albums and is considered one of the world’s finest jazz guitarists.
His influences
Ed Bickert is a Canadian jazz guitarist born in 1932. He is considered one of the pioneers of jazz guitar and has influenced many musicians.
Bickert grew up in Toronto and began his musical career in the 1950s. He played with numerous groups and artists, including trumpeter Maynard Ferguson, pianist Oscar Peterson and bassist Neil Swainson. In 1968, he joined pianist Paul Bley’s trio, which also featured Swainson and drummer Barry Elmes. This trio was very popular in Canada and recorded several albums.
Bickert established himself as one of the finest jazz guitarists of his generation. He was influenced by guitarists Django Reinhardt and Charlie Christian, but developed his own unique style. His elaborate technique and sense of melody made him a virtuoso soloist.
Bickert retired in 2006, but continued to teach music. He passed away in 2019 at the age of 86.
His impact on jazz
Guitarist Ed Bickert was a jazz pioneer who had a considerable impact on jazz music. He played with many great jazz musicians and helped develop their style. Bickert was known for his impeccable technique, rich musical expression and elegant swing. His solos were always melodious and emotionally powerful. Many jazz guitarists admired him and tried to imitate him. His influence lives on in contemporary jazz.
His best songs
Ed Bickert is a Canadian jazz guitarist born in Hamilton, Ontario, in 1932. He began his professional career in the 1950s and has played with many famous jazz musicians, including Oscar Peterson, Paul Desmond and Herb Ellis. His best songs include “Just Friends”, “I Can’t Get Started” and “Body and Soul”. As a soloist, Ed Bickert is renowned for his light touch and elegant phrasing. He has been a major influence on many jazz guitarists and has recorded several critically acclaimed solo albums.
Ed Bickert is considered one of the pioneers of jazz. He has played with many renowned musicians and has been highly influential in the development of modern jazz. His music is characterized by simplicity and elegance, and he has managed to evolve it over the years. His guitar solo technique is inimitable, and he has been an inspiration to many musicians. Ed Bickert is an extremely talented and influential jazz guitarist, and his music is appreciated by all.
Ed Bickert’s discography and career
In 1976, Ed Bickert’s debut album was released to immediate critical acclaim. The album showcased his ability to improvise and explore a wide range of musical styles, from blues to jazz and even rockabilly. That same year, he joined Rob McConnell’s Grammy-nominated Boss Brass.
Throughout the ’80s and ’90s, Ed Bickert continued to perform with musicians such as Joe Sealy and Paul Novotny, who would later form the Canada-Jazz trio. During this period, he also released several acclaimed albums, including Vignettes (1985). In the 2000s, Ed Bickert performed with artists such as Don Thompson, Kevin Turcotte, David Braid and John Macleod, and continued to release albums until his retirement in 2013.
His complete discography:
- I Wished on the Moon (1979)
- Out of the Past (1981)
- At the Garden Party (1983)
- Bye Bye Baby (1983)
- Sackville 4003 (1983)
- Third Floor Richard (1983)
- This is New (1984)
- Live at the Senator (1985)
- Bick’s Bag (1987)
- Mutual Street (1989)
- Skyline (1991)
- Out of Town (1994)
- Bye Bye Baby (1996)
- At the Garden Party (1997)
- Third Floor Richard (1998)
- Out of the Past (2000)
Ed Bickert’s private life and awards
In 1998, Ed Bickert was inducted into the Toronto Jazz Hall of Fame, and in 2012 he was honored with the Glenn Gould Award for his outstanding contribution to music. Finally, in 2016, he received a Juno Award for his album “Triple Play”.
Although Ed Bickert remained discreet about his personal life, we do know that he was married and had two daughters. Sadly, he lost his wife in 1999. He lived to the age of 84, before passing away on January 15, 2017.
Ed Bickert’s influence
Ed Bickert was universally recognized and respected by jazz musicians in Canada and around the world. His music had a fundamental influence on subsequent generations of Canadian musicians, some of whom consider Ed Bickert to be one of the greatest guitarists who ever lived.
In addition, Ed Bickert was a great mentor to many young musicians seeking to perfect their art. Many say that his influence on Canadian jazz was not limited to his music. He was a spiritual guide for those who met him, and an example for musicians seeking a deeply human approach to music.
While his musical legacy is unforgettable, Ed Bickert’s influence on the Canadian jazz scene goes far beyond that. His contribution to music, his sensitivity and his charisma will always have a place in the hearts of music lovers. His albums, collaborations and high-flying performances leave behind an incredibly valuable legacy.