I first heard him playing on a Paul Desmond record back in the 70's. Some of his chord voicings made me stop the record, go back and play it again, and then just shake me head at what I heard. He definitely should have been more widely known in the States. Phenominal guitarist.
there's an interview with Lenny Breau who said he was really turned onto jazz guitar when he was 15 (1956) and heard ed bickert. in another interview, ed bickert talks about lenny breau and how amazing he was and what he was feeling the first time he saw Lenny play.
Ed Bickert was a genius. His lines and lyricism are so much more relatable to me than the current top-level jazz guitarists. He really was the George Shearing of the guitar. When I hear him improvise it's hard not to think "Oh, that's the way that tune should have been written in the first place."
Ed Bickert had the elegance of a Jim Hall. Flawless technique, everlasting good taste, and creativity that allows him to never do the same two times, EB is definitely in the top league. (Even though I don't like to make hierarchies)
Woah this is a great record, loved the rounds of applause after each solo. Thanks for uploading and doing your part to keep the legacy of this very talented artist alive.
Wow! Amazing guitarist! Never heard of him but he is underrated. He should be mentioned in the top 25 jazz guitarists of all time. I like him way more than Herb Ellis, Barney Kessel, Kenny Burrell for example.
Wtf!..since when has music communism been defeated so obviously? Gunz fer Jesus..and creative instrumentalists who worship and suffer for GOD AND CREATION.... THANKYOU Sir Bickert of dubious Kanukistan origins..love yer creativity..God does too
