Ed Hite - Jazz Guitarist

My musical journey began in Santa Maria, California.

As a child my first instrument was the accordian. My interest in guitar occured during my early teen years. After listening to recordings of Andres Segovia and Chet Adkins, I knew that the guitar was the instrument I wanted to devote the rest of my life learning how to play. Falling in love with jazz and jazz guitar happened after my first guitar teacher, Re Gallion, had me listen to a Joe Pass and Herb Ellis recording. The rest as they say is history.

I have had the privalege and great honor of taking lessons from local guitarists Rex and Von Gallion (they both gave me a strong musical foundation in which to work with), jazz guitarist Ron Anthony, John Collins, Alan deMause, Peter Sprague, Bill Thrasher and vibraphonist Charlie Shoemake. My musical experiences have given me the opportunity to play guitar in solo, duo, trio and quartet settings. My latest quartet experience has been leading and playing guitar in the Elegant Quarter Jazz Quartet. What a treat it is to play with such talented and gifted musicians.

I have also played and recorded for the Pacific Conservatory of Performing Arts (PCPA). Most notable plays were "The King and I" and "Showboat". My symphonic experience so far has been playing guitar in Aaron Copeland's "Appalachian Spring". I also have had the privalege and continue to play in area big bands. The variety of music played in these big bands ranges from jazz (concerts) to commercial (dance).

I sincerely hope, that in some small way, I can continue to encourage the study of and appreciation for jazz as a viable art form.