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Edmund Velasco

Edmund Velasco is a native Southern Californian that has been recognized as one of the top sax men in the area.

He has played professionally for the past fifteen years with such top names as Mel Torme, Eddie Daniels, Ernie Andrews and many others.

Since the early age of eight, Edmund knew that playing the saxophone was what he wanted to do. When he finally was old enough to play one at age ten, he knew that this would be his life's work.

He has been named the top Tenor Sax Artist in Orange County in 1998 & 1999 by the Orange County Weekly.

He is currently leading his own quintet which has been active for the past eight years, writing and directing as well as producing three CD’s. Alligator Rhythm on Subrosa records (1996) and The Blues in Me (2000) and Smoke Rises (2004). All three recordings have received very favorable reviews in the press. The Blues in me was nominated for the Jazz Recording of the Year by the L.A. Music Awards. As Bob Agnew writes about Smoke Rises" Generating new waves in modern mainstream jazz, the Edmund Velasco Quintet drives forward with energy and a positive outlook. Swinging from start to finish, they turn each session into a festival." Bob Agnew, LA Jazz Scene April 2004.

Edmund has performed at many important local venues, including the Jazz Bakery in Culver City, Steamers Cafe in Fullerton, and L.A.'s Catalina Bar & Grill. He has also performed for arts and music festivals throughout their state including The Day of Music in Long Beach and The San Jose Jazz Festival. He has also has performed in Portugal at the Manoshinos Festival and the Funchal Jazz Festival.

He can be seen as a featured soloist with The Estrada Brothers Latin Jazz Ensemble and has just finished recording their next CD release. He has also recently joined The Chris Williams Quintet. He has also made many guest appearances with Dan Fanley, Joe LaBarbara, Tony Dumas, Ron Eschete and many others. He has also performed twice at the Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl.

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119
Album Review

Edmund Velasco: The Blues In Me

Read "The Blues In Me" reviewed by Jim Santella


The Edmund Velasco Quintet drives hard bop mainstream with class. Their second album, all originals, captures a traditional essence while remaining fresh. The tenor saxophonist and his front line partner, trumpeter Kye Palmer, hand out classic lines as many have done before them these past 50 years. The hard bop quintet instrumentation makes a fine vehicle for mainstream jazz because of its history. But it’s the quality of their music that counts, and Velasco’s unit carries on that tradition well. ...

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75

Event

Sushi and Jazz with Edmund Velasco

Sushi and Jazz with Edmund Velasco

Source: All About Jazz

Enjoy the Edmund Velasco Quintet on Thursday, September 18 at the Kobe Japanese Steakhouse at 7 PM. The band, led by Edmund Velasco on sax, features Francesca Delfin-Proponis on vocals, Matt Politano on piano, Steve Venz on Bass, Jimmy Ford on Drums Edmund Velasco is a native Southern Californian that has been recognized as one of the top sax men in the area. He has played professionally for the past fifteen years with such top names as Mel Torme, Eddie ...

127

Event

The Edmund Velasco Latin Jazz Ensemble Present the Ultimate Cinco de Mayo Celebration

The Edmund Velasco Latin Jazz Ensemble Present the Ultimate Cinco de Mayo Celebration

Source: All About Jazz

The world class OC Pavilion will showcase The Edmund Velasco Latin Jazz Ensemble in its Cinco de Mayo celebration on May 5, 2007, at 8:00 PM. Ticket prices range from $25-$35 and are on sale now through the OC Pavilion box office at 714-550-0880. This one-night event will feature the talents of Edmund Velasco, Ruben Estrada, Rene Camacho, Mike Bennett, Bryan Brock and Mark Massey. The evening will also include a special guest appearance from Chris Williams, recipient of the ...

141

Performance / Tour

OC Pavilion Announces the Edmund Velasco Latin Jazz Ensemble to Perform on Cinco de Mayo

OC Pavilion Announces the Edmund Velasco Latin Jazz Ensemble to Perform on Cinco de Mayo

Source: All About Jazz

The world class OC Pavilion is pleased to welcome The Edmund Velasco Latin Jazz Ensemble to perform on Cinco de Mayo, May 5, 2007 at 8:00 PM. Ticket prices range from $25-$35 and are on sale now through the OC Pavilion box office at 714-550-0880. This one night event will feature the talents of Edmund Velasco, Ruben Estrada, Rene Camacho, Mike Bennett, Bryan Brock and Mark Massey. Edmund Velasco has played professionally for the past fifteen years with such top ...

221

Event

OC Pavilion in Orange County, California Announces the Edmund Velasco Latin Jazz Ensemble May 5

OC Pavilion in Orange County, California Announces the Edmund Velasco Latin Jazz Ensemble May 5

Source: All About Jazz

The OC Pavilion is pleased to welcome The Edmund Velasco Latin Jazz Ensemble to perform on Cinco de Mayo, May 5, 2007 at 8:00 PM. Ticket prices range from $25-$35 and are on sale now through the OC Pavilion box office at 714-550-0880.

This one-night event will feature the talents of Edmund Velasco, Ruben Estrada, Rene Camacho, Mike Bennett, Bryan Brock and Mark Massey. Edmund Velasco has played professionally for the past fifteen years with such top names as Mel ...

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Smoke Rises

GemTone Records
2004

buy

The Blues In Me

GemTone Records
2000

buy

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