Primary Instrument: Bass
Ed Howard currently resides in New York City and is a highly sought after bassist. Ed has also had a long-standing tenure with the Roy Haynes Quartet. Since joining Mr. Haynes in 1982, Ed has had the opportunity to tour extensively and record three CD's with this grand master of the drums. Ed also sights Clifford Jordan as a major influence in his musical development. He was the bassist in Mr. Jordan's quartet from 1983 to 1992. Ed credits Mr. Jordan for giving him his first recording experience (Dr. Chicago, featuring Jaki Byard - Beehive Records). Ed's involvement with Gary Thomas' Group, 7th Quadrant, is a testimony to his abilities outside the parameters of acoustic jazz. Mr. Thomas' rap/hip hop inspired work is rhythmically and harmonically demanding. Ed states: “Gary's music is a perfect vehicle for me to express myself in ways I would not normally be able to.” Some of Ed's best recorded work can be heard on Mr. Thomas' CD, Till We Have Faces, a project which afforded Ed his first opportunity to perform with guitarist Pat Metheny. Another musical association which Ed deems significant is that with the great trumpet player, Dr. Eddie Henderson, whom Ed feels has greatly contributed to bringing out the creative aspect of his musicianship. Ed can be heard on two CD's with Dr. Henderson, the most recent of which is Manhattan In Blue, winner of Swing Journal's Gold Disc Award. Ed was born and raised in Washington D.C., where he attended Federal City College and studied with bassist Marshall Hawkins. In 1981 Ed was the recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts Award, enabling him to study with bassist Buster Williams.
