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A BEDtime Story…
In that little niche called “swing” in the broader world of jazz, they began bumping into one another more and more often. They were each working all over the USA and Europe and sometimes as far away as Australia. Dan was being featured as the trombone soloist in Benny Goodman’s last band in 1986, touring Europe with Woody Allen, co-leading the ABQ with Howard Alden, and headlining many a festival. Becky was singing and recording with greats such as Dave Frishberg and appearing on National Public Radio. Joel was always playing somewhere, keeping the rhythm section solid for the likes of Jimmy Cobb, Harry Allen, and Frank Wess. At jazz festivals, parties, and his own bands at Disney World, Eddie was captivating the crowds with his guitar, banjo, and singing, and charming them with his humor. And, they were all making lots of recordings, for Concord, Arbors, Nagel-Heyer, and Jump.
One day Becky, Eddie, and Dan were playing separate gigs at the Triangle Jazz Party in Kingsport, Tennessee and were asked to perform as a trio for the welcome party and the Jazz in the Schools program. It was the first time Becky and Eddie had sung together, and the first time the three had performed as a trio. It planted the seed for what was to come. A few years later, after continuing to cross paths and occasionally perform as an impromptu group, they were invited to perform, again as a trio, for an anniversary party of two friends in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Performing together was becoming so much fun for them and the audiences they decided they simply must do it more often.
Shortly thereafter Dan began leading his band called International Swing Party, comprised of eight pieces that included the three of them and Joel. As they toured Europe, the talk started buzzing and International Swing Party was voted #1 band at the prestigious Ascona (Switzerland) Jazz Festival in 2003. They continued playing together in the larger band and, in addition, often found themselves performing as a trio and having an absolute ball. Word spread and the rooms were packed every time they played. Eddie and Becky discovered their compatibility for vocals and repartee on some wonderful tunes that lend themselves so well to duets, such as Let’s Get Away From it All and C’est Si Bon. Sometimes they even sang in French! The crowds begged for more. Standing O’s were not unusual.
From this ever-growing popular combination of the crème de la crème on vocals, trombone, guitar, banjo, arrangements, and good-natured humor: Voila! A trio was born! Becky, Eddie, and Dan. Now, a name was needed. Something short and catchy. "How about our initials?" they asked in unison. BED - of course! It’s goofy, it’s memorable, it’s easy to spell. It works.
After including many a fine bass player on some of their gigs, they yearned more and more for a permanent bassist in the group. One day while Joel was sitting in with them, they smiled at one another and asked, again in unison, “How about you, Joel?” Joel replied with a resounding “yes.” Voila! A quartet was born! Now, the only problem was how to add a J to the name. They thought and they thought. They asked everyone - friends, colleagues, fans. Finally, they asked, “How about BED?” Joel agreed. In jest of course, they call him the “silent letter.” In reality, he is the musical box spring on which BED rests.
So there, folks, is the story of how BED began. They continue to have a ball playing together all over the world. Their engagements include festivals, parties, cruises, clubs, concert halls, and cabarets. If you have been fortunate enough to catch them live, you know how engaging they are. Whether in a giant hall or a cozy room, they make you feel as if you’re sitting in your own living room with old friends who have come to visit and end up playing just for you. If you haven't, you don't know what you’re missing!
Don't forget to check the Calendar and the CD page and…Get Ready for BED!
For links to sites of the individual BED-mates please click on a "head." There you will find most impressive credentials for each and every one of them.
And, if you would like to book them, please contact their representative, Barb Hauser.
