Bassist | Guitarist | Educator
Adjunct Lecturer, Music Industry, SUNY Fredonia

ED CROFT started his career playing in the New York City subways with famed blues musician Carolina Slim. From there, he began playing local shows with his rockabilly band, The Moonshiners. Upon graduating from high school, he pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from SUNY Fredonia, which he completed in 2013. It was here that Ed had the chance to perform and study with local legends such as Tom Gestwicki, John Bacon, Bruce Johnstone, and more, including an orchestra concert with Yo Yo Ma. Before he’d completed his studies at Fredonia, he began a career as a touring musician starting with two years traveling with celtic rock band The Town Pants, and touring for another two years with bluegrass band The Jakob’s Ferry Stragglers. In between national shows, music festivals, and local showcases, Ed received his Master’s Degree from Bowling Green State University, where he studied under Jeff Halsey, David Bixler, and Chris Buzzeli. Ed was also able to perform with Mike Stern, Dave Samuels (of Spyro Gyro fame), Gary Smulyan, Tim Hagans, Jimmy Heath, and Conrad Herwig during his time in Ohio.

Now, Ed resides in Buffalo, NY where he is making a big impression on the local music scene. As a freelance bassist, Ed has performed with Buffalo jazz greats Darryl Washington, Greg Millar, Rey Scott, and Bobby Jones. He has also shared the stage with Buffalo Music Hall of Famers such as Doug Yeomans, Mary Ramsey, Ray Hangen and Joe Rozler. Ed also has performed with national and international performers, such as Tom Roberts (Boardwalk Empire, Leon Redbone), Greg Westoff (Family Guy), Dave Braham (Lou Donaldson, Houston Person), John Clay (Zoot Sims, Bill Withers), and Tia Brazda (Canadian jazz sensation).

In December of 2017, Ed became one of the founding members of The Tim Clarke Soul-tet. This ensemble presents rarely heard soul and jazz classics, along with original compositions that expand on the genre’s tradition. At the core of this group’s sound are two legends of the genre: Greg Millar (Ronnie Foster, Charles Earland) on guitar, and Darryl Washington (Groove Holmes, Charles Earland, Grover Washington Jr.) on drums.
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Ed won the JazzBuffalo Poll for Best Acoustic Upright Bassist in 2017, 2018, and 2019. In 2018, Ed also received the Rising Star and the John Hunt Jazz Artist of the Year awards, the first recipient to win both awards simultaneously. The results of these awards are decided on by residents of the city of Buffalo and all of Western New York.