In a professional career dating back to his arrival in New York in 1978, Ed Cherry has amassed the kind of credentials that many musicians can only dream about. From 1978 to 1992, the guitarist was an integral part of Dizzy Gillespie’s quartet and big band as well as the Dizzy–led United Nation Orchestra which recorded the GRAMMY Award–winning Enja album Live at Royal Festival Hall. Only after Gillespie’s death in 1993 did Cherry release First Take, his debut album as a leader; in the same year, he was featured with Paquito D’Riveras’ small group, both on tour and on the album Havana Cafe (Chesky Records). In a more exploratory mode, Ed also worked with Henry Threadgill for two years and recorded  three albums with the composer/saxophonist’s Very Very Circus band. Other significant stage and session credits include baritone Hamiett Bluiett, Roy Hargrove (in the trumpeter’s Latin–jazz band Crisol), and three albums with a quartet led by organist John Patton. Soul Tree(2016) is Ed Cherry’s latest release as a leader and features the soulful, endlessly grooving guitar/organ sound he’ll bring to our stage tonight. Ed Cherry – guitar Kyle Koehler – Hammond B3 Anwar Marshall – drums