Gregory J. Edwards is a native of the state of New Jersey and a product of its public schools. He is an alumnus of Geneva College, The University of Delaware- Graduate School of Urban Affairs and Public Policy, and Drew University. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Urban Affairs and a Master of Divinity degree.
Gregory’s love of music began at age 9 when he was first given the chance to play clarinet. He quickly added the soprano, alto and tenor saxophones to his practice routine and ultimately performance repertoire. While still a teenager, he had the opportunity to meet, study and work with the late clarinetist Kenny Davern. Being a protégé of Davern’s allowed him to “learn the repertoire,” and hone his craft in the world of traditional and mainstream jazz. It also afforded him the opportunity to work with such jazz luminaries as pianists/singer Ray Charles, vibraphonist Lionel Hampton, and saxophonist Phil Woods.
Still in his 30’s, Gregory has performed with Vic Dickinson, Milt Hinton, Eddie Locke, vocalist Maxine Sullivan, and saxophonist Harry Allen to name a few. He has recorded with bassist Gary Mazzaroppi (Maryland McPartland) as well as guitar virtuoso Frank Dibussolo (Tony Bennett) among others. Frank says “In the world of improvised music, Greg Edwards is one of the finest proponents of jazz clarinet today. It’s always a joy making music with him.” Saxophonist Tim Price, says “Greg Edwards is a very committed player, student of the music and good friend. His diversity is only matched by his educational background which expands every day. He is an asset to everything he does.”
Because he understands the power of providing children with a musical experience in the earliest years of life, and desires to ensure that roots of jazz are remembered, recalled and revitalized, Gregory is dedicated to providing economically disadvantaged children with the opportunity to play and perform music. To this end, he teaches privately in Pennsylvania and is an adjunct instructor for the Lehigh Valley School of the Performing Arts.
His professional affiliations include membership on the board of directors of the Arts Luminarium, Inc. of the Lehigh Valley, a new performing and fine arts organization committed to making the performing and fine arts accessible to all, and membership in the American Society for Training and Development, a national training organization dedicated to enhancing the design and delivery skills of educators from a variety of disciplines. He also serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Bucks County Jazz Society.
Along with other saxophone colossals Gregory is also an endorsing artist and clinician for the Selmer (Paris) Company, the world’s leading manufacturer of professional saxophones.
In addition to his work as musician and music educator, Gregory is a non-profit leader and administrator who has served on the US Department of Health and Human Service’s Fatherhood Advisory Committee and has directed the Early Head Start Fatherhood Demonstration Project and the Family Formation and Development Programs at Community Services for Children, Inc. (CSC), a 40 million dollar private non-profit that serves economically disadvantaged persons. His work at CSC with economically disadvantaged persons was featured in the Nov. 04, 2004 ed. of TIME Magazine. He has also provided training at national forums on the importance of Father Involvement.
Beyond his work as a professional musician, music educator and non-profit leader, Gregory is an ordained minister and is the founding pastor of Resurrected Life Community Church in Allentown, Pennsylvania; a non-denominational, multi-racial church committed to serving the needs of the community by uplifting those who’ve experience spiritual, emotional, and economic issues. He currently serves as the church’s Senior Pastor. The influence of the church and gospel music are evident in his playing.
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