Ed Bickert

Edward Isaac "Ed" Bickert CM ( born November 29, 1932 in high-field ( Manitoba ) ) is a Canadian jazz guitarist.

Life and work

Shortly after his birth the family moved to Vernon, British Columbia. Although his parents were active mainly as a farmer and fruit gardener, his mother the piano and his father played the violin. As a child Bickert learned the first guitar chords from his older brother. In the 1940s he played with his parents on the weekends at country dances. After high school and some smaller jobs, he moved in 1952 to Toronto, where he was able to establish itself after a few years in which he worked and took guitar lessons, as a guitarist for the best jazz bands in Toronto.

In the sixties he was one of the first studio musician in Ontario. Viewed through his long involvement in the shooting of Moe Koffman and Phil Nimmons was Bickert a founding member of Rob McConnell's band " Boss Brass". Bickert married, but because rarely American musicians came to Toronto, he stayed at home and took his children.

Bickert recorded several albums with Rosemary Clooney and other famous artists in the 1980s and 1990s. In the mid-1990s, a crash caused serious injuries to both arms. However Bickert recovered and continued to play until the beginning of the 21st century.

By using a Fender Telecaster he reached a warm, full tone that sets him apart from other musicians.

Awards

Bickert and Don Thompson received a Juno Award in 1980 for her album Sackville 4005th Bickert was with his duo partner, guitarist Lorne Lofsky, excellent for the album This is New. In 1996 he was awarded the Order of Canada.

Auswahldiskographie

• I Wished on the Moon ( Concord, 1985)
• Third Floor Richard ( Concord, 1989)
• This Is New ( Concord, 1989)