Ed Reed at The Back Room

Ed Reed, 88-year-old jazz recording artist and performing jazz vocalist, and 2014’s #1 Rising Star Male Vocalist (DownBeat magazine Critics Poll), has been singing his entire life, though it was not until 2007 that he burst onto the jazz scene at age 78, following the release of his first CD, Ed Reed Sings Love Stories.

His path getting there was circuitous, even torturous, and his story of addiction, incarceration, recovery and redemption is a testament to the power of the human spirit. Since 2007, he has recorded another three critically acclaimed albums, performed in many of the world’s prominent jazz venues, including three sold out nights at Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola at Jazz at Lincoln Center, been reviewed in major jazz publications and news media, was a guest on the legendary Marian McPartland's Piano Jazz NPR radio program, and was profiled by Nat Hentoff in the Wall Street Journal. ...

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Ed Reed, 88-year-old jazz recording artist and performing jazz vocalist, and 2014’s #1 Rising Star Male Vocalist (DownBeat magazine Critics Poll), has been singing his entire life, though it was not until 2007 that he burst onto the jazz scene at age 78, following the release of his first CD, Ed Reed Sings Love Stories.

His path getting there was circuitous, even torturous, and his story of addiction, incarceration, recovery and redemption is a testament to the power of the human spirit. Since 2007, he has recorded another three critically acclaimed albums, performed in many of the world’s prominent jazz venues, including three sold out nights at Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola at Jazz at Lincoln Center, been reviewed in major jazz publications and news media, was a guest on the legendary Marian McPartland's Piano Jazz NPR radio program, and was profiled by Nat Hentoff in the Wall Street Journal.

Reed will be accompanied by Adam Shulman, piano; Carla Kaufman, bass; and Dave Rokeach, drums.

“Reed has developed a jazz voice that is distinct—full of the pain, sorrow, love and beauty that go along with taking that long, hard trail through life. All of that is on full display here. When Ed Reed sings... look for an intimate story every time.” - DownBeat Editors Pick, July 2011

"[Reed] stylistically harkens back to the elegant tenderness of Johnny Hartman...richly insightful...intensely moving...hypnotic renderings..." - JazzTimes, July/August 2011

“Mr. Reed sings in a dark mahogany baritone with careful diction, evoking the midcentury styles of Billy Eckstine and Nat King Cole.” - New York Times, December 2015

Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Advance tickets are available at the link below, or you may purchase your tickets at the door the night of the show. Doors open one half hour before show time. We accept cash only at the door (ATMs are nearby).

The Back Room is an all-ages, BYOB (for those 21+) space, dedicated to (mostly) acoustic music of all kinds. You are welcome to bring your own adult beverage with no additional corkage fee. If you need more information or have any questions, please call us: #510-654-3808. Thank you for your support!

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