ED PIERCE Jazz Guitar Blues Ed Pierce was born to play guitar and had one in his hands from an early age. In his teens, he joined a popular local rock n roll singer to play guitar in his band, Joe Wilson and the Sabres, where Ed quickly learned the popular rock and blues songs of the day. In this band he also easily mastered guitar for the popular regional dance style, the North Texas Push. Since the Joe Wilson and the Sabres band also backed up many well known entertainers coming through the Texas area, he performed with greats such as The Drifters, The Platters, Chuck Berry, Jimmy Reed, Roy Orbison and Jerry Lee Lewis. Being a natural born guitar player, his playing skills expanded rapidly to include country music, backing up Kenny Rogers, B.J. Thomas,The Gatlin Brothers, Hank Thompson. Mel Tillis and Johnny Cash. And as time passed, he learned to play the more complex chords and licks required for backing up Liza Minnelli, Jack Jones, Roy Hamilton and Mel Torme, as well as specialty acts such as The Smothers Brothers, Jim Nabors, Dan Blocker and Lorne Greene. He also soon conquered the difficult field of jazz music, playing in The Dallas Jazz Orchestra and struck up a music-based friendship with actor and karate expert Chuck Norris. But to say that all Ed Pierce did was to back up other artists is like saying the only purpose of a train is just to meet schedules! On many occasions he sang and emceed shows. And quietly, all along, he developed an awesome lead guitar style of his own. This original style manifested itself in a combination of jazz and blues. He frequently brought crowds to their feet after only playing an eight bar solo in the middle of a song! Some guitarists were reluctant to follow Ed's performances after hearing his guitar work shine! Another aspect of Ed's career is his songwriting. When inspired, finely crafted tunes make their way out of his psyche into recording projects he's involved with. These days, and in semi-retirement, Ed takes it easy and only accepts live playing jobs that he will personally enjoy, and with peformers he enjoys playing and recording with. On this CD you will hear pure Ed Pierce at his stunning best. These songs are only a sampling of his composing and playing gifts. So, move over B.B. King, Robert Cray, Stevie Ray Vaughn and Santana. Ed Pierce is at last taking the stage with his own CD! Enjoy!