*MUsician spotlight*

This week we feature bassist/educational director Sam Edwards. Sam is a local staple on the Columbia scene and can often be found playing at clubs like The Joint and various other places around the state with musicians such as Amos Hoffman, Mitch Butler, Ben Eidson, Rob Foster and many more!

-When did you start playing?

-I started playing guitar when I was 13 or so, then the bass when I was 18.

-What was some of the first music you loved?

-KISS. Then I came to my senses and started listening to groups likes Steely Dan and the Allman Brothers, both whom were influenced by jazz.

-If you could pick a different instrument to ply what would it be and why?

-The piano. I feel like a good portion of the musicians I listen to are piano players. It would be nice to play the songs I wanted.

-What are you listening to these days?

-Lester Young, Charlie Parker, Tommy Flanagan, Lucky Thompson, Paul Gonsalves, Jimmy Reed, Mississippi John Hurt and Barry Harris. Just to name a few.

-What's one of the coolest places you have played?

-Mezzrow Jazz Club in New York. I have gotten to play there a handful of times with guitarist Pasquale Grasso, bass clarinestist Stefano Doglioni and saxophonist Zaid Nasser.

-Who's a musician you love thank you think other people should know about?

- It's a tie between pianists Al Haig and Dodo Marmarosa. Both played and recorded with Charlie Parker. Both were very little know musicians who faded into obscurity then had comeback careers. Al Haig's was much more successful than Dodo Marmarosa's. Al Haig's trio and solo playing is some of my favorite music of all time.

-What's keeping you busy these days (musically and non)?

-Playing the Joint, playing in places like Augusta and Savannah, and trying to play more frequently, not just on gigs. Non musically: Fatherhood, folding laundry, vacuuming, watching King of The Hill and building Legos.