Marc Edwards

Born on 23 July 1949 in New York City, Edwards developed his craft as a percussionist and drummer through formal studies with Ted Reed and Alan Dawson. During adolescence he appeared in several groups, among them the All City High School Band and the American Symphony Orchestra. His profile rose sharply after an incisive performance on Cecil Taylor’s 1976 album Dark Unto Themselves. Subsequent sessions with David S. Ware yielded some of his most demanding work, documented on Passage To Music, Great Bliss and Flight Of i, while further rigorous outings were recorded with Charles Gayle on More Live At KF.

Edwards launched his own ensemble in 1990 and has since appeared at festivals worldwide. His playing emphasizes restraint until a given passage requires forceful execution, as illustrated by the track ‘Bumblebees And Marigold Flowers’ on Black Queen. Leader dates under his name have prominently showcased alto saxophonist Rob Brown and tenor saxophonist Sabir Mateen.