Edison Herbert: British Jazz Adorns Itself with Elegance and Passion

The world of jazz has always been a place where creativity and passion intertwine to create unforgettable melodies. This time, we delve into the fascinating universe of British guitarist Edison Herbert. With his distinctive style and deep connection to music, Herbert has emerged as a prominent figure in the jazz scene in the United Kingdom and beyond.

  
Born in Leeds, Edison Herbert found his first love for music at an early age, thanks to the encouragement of his parents. He began his musical journey as a pianist, studying classical piano at the Yorkshire College of Music. However, his passion for the guitar led him to explore this instrument on his own. This self-taught journey took him to new heights and eventually led him to the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where his musical talent and skills flourished. 

One of the defining moments in Edison Herbert's career occurred when he had the opportunity to perform with the Guildhall Big Band at the iconic Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club. At this stage, he shared the stage with renowned trumpeter Randy Brecker, marking a significant milestone in his growth as a jazz musician. 

Edison Herbert is not limited to being a talented guitarist; his versatility as a musician stands out through his ability as a composer and arranger. His ability to create captivating musical arrangements led him to work as a musical arranger in the successful West End musical "Unforgettable." This show not only received great recognition but also led him to become the musical director for its international tour. Edison Herbert's influence and reach in the music industry don't stop there. His compositions have been featured on BBC Radio 4, and he has had the privilege of playing with renowned musicians such as the Jazz Warriors, among other standout talents. 

One of the highlights in Edison Herbert's career was his participation in the Sky Arts program, "Guitar Star." During his appearance on the show, he performed one of his original compositions for the legendary George Benson. Benson's response was an affirmation of his impressive talent: "You played great!" Since then, he has maintained a mentorship relationship with George Benson, which speaks to the mutual respect and admiration between these two great musicians. But the list of achievements and collaborations for Edison Herbert doesn't stop here.

 Singer-songwriter Lianne La Havas also crossed paths with him during the "Guitar Star" program and couldn't help but express her amazement at his talent, describing him as "mega talented." These interactions with renowned musicians are a testament to the quality and appeal of Herbert's music. Edison Herbert leads a musical trio featuring Neville Malcolm on the double bass and drummer Winston Clifford. 

In 2015, he received sponsorship from the Arts Council to undertake a tour with his debut album, "My Favourite Tunes." This album marked a significant milestone in his career and positioned him as a prominent jazz guitarist in the United Kingdom. However, Edison Herbert doesn't rest on his laurels and continues to seek new musical expressions. His latest album, "Time for Love," funded by the Arts Council, offers an exciting change of direction, with a new band lineup and an eclectic mix of original compositions and popular song covers. This album provides a fresh and captivating auditory experience that reflects Herbert's ongoing evolution as a musician. An interesting aspect of Edison Herbert's career is his discovery of the AMP1 Mercury Edition amplifier, which has left a lasting impression on him. Herbert describes it as love at first note, highlighting its portability and its ability to produce exceptionally warm and versatile sound. 

This amplifier has influenced his music and contributed to the tonal richness of his recent recordings. Another exciting moment in Edison Herbert's career was his nomination for the Hollywood Independent Music Award. This distinction validates his excellence in the world of music and his ability to connect with audiences worldwide. His music, situated at the crossroads of jazz and smooth jazz, is a testament to his skill in weaving elegance and passion into every note. If you're a fan of artists like George Benson, you'll find similarities in Edison Herbert's style. What sets him apart is his unique style, with arrangements and compositions that diverge from those of his more experienced counterpart. 

The guitar has been a passion that has shaped Edison Herbert's life since the age of 12. He began as a self-taught guitarist and continued his studies at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. During this time, he had the opportunity to perform alongside Randy Brecker at the Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club. When you listen to his album "Time for Love," it's easy to understand why renowned artists would want to collaborate with him. In "Time for Love," we discover a modern crooner, Richard McKoy, whose singing is equally captivating as Edison's performance, especially in the song "Is She Is She Not." The album as a whole is a delicately elegant collection of 10 songs that promise a beautiful jazz performance, surrounded by excellent musicians. It almost makes you forget that this artist is British, as the album has the sound of productions from the West Coast of the United States. 

The album "Time for Love" was released in 2021, and it's hard to imagine how fantastic the next one will be, given the quality of this one. Without a doubt, it will be another little marvel, and we look forward to hearing more of Edison Herbert's voice in it. "Time for Love" is his third album, and in addition to being a musician, Edison also teaches guitar. You can find all the information about him on his website, which is provided at the end of this article. Both Bayou Blue Radio and Paris-Move publications have labeled this album as "Essential." Now, it's up to you to enjoy this little marvel if you haven't already. Edison Herbert is an expressive and talented guitarist based in the United Kingdom. 

His accessible style with fluid rhythms and melodic lines makes for a delightful listening experience. His journey from studying classical piano at the Yorkshire College of Music to teaching himself the guitar took him to the Guildhall School Of Music and Drama, where he studied guitar with Phil Lee. He performed with the Guildhall Big Band alongside Randy Brecker at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club. Edison continued his career as a musical arranger for the successful Olivier-nominated West End musical "Unforgettable" and also played Motown music in "The Grapevine" and composed music for BBC Radio 4. He has appeared on television and collaborated with musicians such as Rose Rose, The Jazz Warriors, 'No Ordinary Christmas' with Kim Burell, HKB Finn, and Snakeskips Johnson. Edison is an international musician who has toured England, Ireland, Spain, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and the United States. 

He currently dedicates his time to promoting his new album, the "My Favourite Tunes" project, performing, teaching, and writing new music. Edison is also available for live performances and studio work; feel free to get in touch to discuss your needs. Edison Herbert, whose album "My Favourite Tunes" is a delightful album of bop/post-bop that sometimes ventures into R&B territory. Herbert generally leads an intimate guitar trio on this 2014 recording, with Neville Malcolm on double bass and Winston Clifford on drums. 

As a guitarist, Herbert prefers a lyrical approach in the vein of Wes Montgomery and George Benson, two of his major influences. Herbert brings a melodic touch to accessible performances like "Paintings," "Is This It?," and "E's Train" (which hints at Duke Ellington's "Take the A Train"). Ballads are one of his strengths, and his prowess as a ballad performer is evident in "It Takes Time," "You Never Know," and "One Hello." Since Herbert includes a vocal track that leans more toward R&B than jazz, some people might wonder if "My Favourite Tunes" is a "smooth jazz" album. But no, the performances on this recording are mainly of conventional instrumental jazz. Herbert is a musician who combines elegance and passion in his music, creating an unforgettable listening experience. 

In 2006, when I reviewed 'More Beautiful Each Day' by London guitarist Edison Herbert, I described him as a virtuoso complemented by his strong production skills. Now, as The Edison Herbert Trio, he has joined drummer Winston Clifford and double bassist Neville Malcolm to reinterpret nine of his all-time favorite songs that, if personal taste is any indication, will soon become your favorites as well. 

Titled 'My Favourite Tunes,' the overall mood of the project is extremely relaxing and is exemplified in the amazingly pleasant 'Loves In Need Of Love Today,' which not only opens the CD but also showcases the combined talents of this outstanding collective. The same can be said of one of Herbert's own songs, the wonderfully deconstructed 'It Takes Time,' and when he delivers a stripped-down version of Randy Crawford's 'One Hello,' the result is equally good. 'My Favourite Tunes' was recorded in London. 

This compilation stands out for its ease of listening, and Herbert achieves an exceptional balance between jazz tradition and modern expression. Edison Herbert's music is a treat for the ears, and this album is an outstanding example of his talent in performance and music creation. British jazz is enriched by the presence of Edison Herbert, a passionate and talented musician who has carved his path in the world of jazz with a unique blend of elegance and passion. As his music continues to evolve and captivate audiences worldwide, there is no doubt that his legacy in the jazz world will endure and continue to inspire future generations.

https://edisonherbert.com/