(Vocal Jazz, Bossa Nova) Ed Laub (Feat. Bucky Pizzarelli) - Soft Guitar - 2014, MP3, 320

Ed Laub is a locally renowned guitarist and vocalist whose style has been compared to a blend of Kenny Rankin, Chet Baker and James Taylor all being accompanied by Bucky Pizzarelli. Ed says, “ that’s not bad company to be associated with. They were amongst the artists to whom I listened to and was most influenced by. I guess I would say I am honored with that comparison”
Because of Ed’s talent as an accompanist and the fact that he is one of the more accomplished 7 String guitarists, he is sought after by many of the top guitarists in the NYC metropolitan area to back them up and adds a pianistic style that makes a duo sound more like a trio. Focusing mostly on the American Songbook genre Ed also loves to perform the great Brazilian classics using a nylon 7 string guitar.
Born in northern Bergen County, New Jersey in 1952, Ed grew up in a family of musicians and his one uncle was an accomplished organist/arranger who spent many years with Mitch Miller and Fred Waring. There was always live music at every family gathering and the desire to be part of that encouraged Ed to pursue learning an instrument. After abandoning the trumpet and the piano, the February 1964 performance of the Beatles on Ed Sullivan’s show was the catalyst to taking up the guitar and singing.
In ’66 Ed had the good fortune to study with a marvelous guitarist and banjoist, Bobby Domenic (Uncle to jazz legend, Bucky Pizzarelli) and ultimately a few years later in 1969, studying the 7 String guitar with Bucky. Ed graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University with a degree in music and business and maintained a dual career in both his family business and as a musician in a variety of bands.
12 years ago Ed divorced himself of all his business ties and became the steady partner to his childhood teacher, idol and close friend, Bucky Pizzarelli. They now travel all over the metropolitan area and major cities in the US, playing in clubs, concert venues and jazz festivals. All About Jazz Magazine said, “Pizzarelli is the complete jazz musician and Laub complements him perfectly!”
Ed works primarily with other guitarists when not working with Bucky and can be seen around the area with the likes of Gene Bertoncini, Howard Alden, Paul Meyers, Martin Pizzarelli, Jack Wilkins, Russell Malone, Frank Vignola and pianist Russ Kassoff. Ed also had the privilege of several guest appearances with his idol, the late Kenny Rankin.
In late February 2014 Ed will be featured on a guitar trio album along with John Pizzarelli and leader, Bucky Pizzarelli. The CD, “Three For All”- The Bucky Pizzarelli Trio will be released on Chesky Records.
In early March 2014 Ed will be releasing his debut CD featuring his mentor and partner, Bucky Pizzarelli.
Ed has been married to the love of his life, Bonnie for 40 years and they have two marvelous children, Krystle-Lynn and Adam. Bonnie is an accomplished vocalist and pianist and teaches privately.

This album represents a collection of songs that I have played over the years with my long time partner and friend, Bucky Pizzarelli. As my mentor for 4 decades he has been a major influence on my style and approach to music.
My first lesson was not as much about playing the guitar as it was understanding his philosophy about playing and performing. He said "your most important responsibility as a musician is to make the the other people you are playing with sound as good as possible...its not about you!" Over the years my role as Bucky's accompanist has always been to enhance every note he plays and it has earned me the respect of other musicians that I work with.
I have always loved to sing and on this CD i have gotten the opportunity to demonstrate some of the tunes that I do so often in my live performances. I am hoping this is a jumping off point to record a purely guitar/vocal cd just by myself.
The addition of Gene Bertoncini and Paul Meyers on two of the tracks was an extra added bonus I hadn't planned on, but so glad that it worked out that way!
Bucky, Gene and Paul are all friends first and it meant so much to me that they were excited to help with my first CD. ~Ed Laub

With featured guest's: Bucky Pizzarelli Gene Bertoncini Paul Meyers