Eddie Gómez facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Eddie Gómez
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Gómez on tour with Chick Corea, May 2010, Santiago, Chile
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Edgar Gómez |
| Born | October 4, 1944 Santurce, Puerto Rico |
| Origin | New York City |
| Genres | Jazz, jazz fusion |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Double bass |
| Years active | 1959–present |
| Labels | Columbia |
| Associated acts | Bill Evans, Chick Corea, Mark Kramer, Steps Ahead |
Edgar Gómez (born October 4, 1944) is a talented Puerto Rican jazz musician. He is famous for playing the double bass, a large string instrument. He is especially well-known for his time with the Bill Evans Trio, where he played from 1966 to 1977.
Contents
About Eddie Gómez
Early Life and Musical Journey
Eddie Gómez moved from Puerto Rico to New York with his family when he was young. He started playing the double bass in school at age eleven. By age thirteen, he was attending the New York City High School of Music & Art, a special school for young musicians.
From 1959 to 1961, Eddie played in the Newport Festival Youth Band. This was a great opportunity for young musicians. He then graduated from Juilliard, a very famous music school, in 1963.
Playing with Famous Musicians
Eddie Gómez has played with many amazing musicians throughout his career. These include Gerry Mulligan, Marian McPartland, Paul Bley, Tania Maria, Steps Ahead, and Chick Corea.
He spent eleven years playing with the Bill Evans Trio. During this time, they performed all over the United States, Europe, and Asia. They also made many recordings together.
Eddie's Role as a Musician
Eddie Gómez is known for being a great "accompanist." This means he is excellent at playing along with other musicians, supporting their sound with his quick reflexes and flexible style. He has also worked as a "studio musician," recording music for many famous jazz artists.
Besides playing with others, Eddie has also recorded his own music. He has released albums as a leader for labels like Columbia Records and Stretch. Many of his recent albums as a leader have been with jazz pianist Mark Kramer.
In May 2013, Eddie Gómez received a special award. He was given an Honorary Doctorate of Music from Berklee College of Music in Valencia, Spain. This was a big honor, as it was the first time this award was given at their new campus in Spain.
Eddie Gómez's Music
Albums as a Leader
Eddie Gómez has released several albums where he is the main artist or a co-leader. Here are some of his notable recordings:
| Year | Title |
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| 1976 | Down Stretch |
| 1984 | Gomez |
| 1986 | Mezgo |
| 1988 | Power Play |
| 1989 | Street Smart |
| 1993 | Next Future |
| 1998 | Dedication |
| 2004 | Art Of The Heart |
| 2005 | Jazz Fiddler on the Roof |
| 2010 | Forever |
| 2014 | Live At Montmartre |
| 2017 | Kind of Bill |
Playing with Other Artists
Eddie Gómez has played on many albums as a sideman, meaning he played alongside other main artists. He has contributed his double bass skills to recordings by:
- John Abercrombie
- Warren Bernhardt
- Paul Bley
- Joanne Brackeen
- Randy Brecker
- Chick Corea
- Jack DeJohnette
- Eliane Elias
- Bill Evans (many albums, including Bill Evans at the Montreux Jazz Festival and The Bill Evans Album)
- Art Farmer
- Michael Franks
- Mick Goodrick
- Richie Havens
- Freddie Hubbard
- Bob James
- Lee Konitz
- Mark Kramer
- Kronos Quartet
- Andy LaVerne
- Joe Locke
- Giuseppi Logan
- Manhattan Jazz Quintet
- Herbie Mann
- Tania Maria
- Hugh Masekela
- Charles Mingus
- Gerry Mulligan
- Mike Nock
- Michel Petrucciani
- Emily Remler
- John Scofield
- Ben Sidran
- Carly Simon
- Jeremy Steig (many albums, including Outlaws and Rain Forest)
- Steps Ahead
- Richard Stoltzman
- Spyro Gyra
- Martin Taylor
- The Gadd Gang
- The Great Jazz Trio
- Ralph Towner
- McCoy Tyner
- Bennie Wallace
- Larry Willis
See also
In Spanish: Eddie Gómez para niños
