Cleve
Edwards
SOLO KEYBOARDS AND
VOCALS
Pianist Cleve Edwards, a
native of Columbia, SC, has made music all over the United States.
Classically trained since age 6, Cleve was heavily influenced by some
supremely talented jazz and soul artists during his formative years of
the late 1960's. He would frequent various primarily African-American
night clubs, gaining a rich and diverse education from those he greatly
admired. Cleve began his professional career at age 14, sneaking into
night clubs and playing with musicians far beyond his years. Over his
career, Cleve Edwards has performed for Presidents and prisoners, in
dirt floor blues clubs and Governor's Mansions, for Saudi oil princes
and bridal princesses, for Ambassadors and bass fishermen.
While still in high school, Cleve joined Mainstream Records band Lion,
recording 4 songs in the famous Criteria Studios of Miami in June of
1970, months ahead of the classic Eric Clapton/Duane Allman project,
"Derek and the Dominoes". He has continued to perform and tour with
various bands around the southeast for over forty years. Cleve has done
recording session work with Nashville artists Rob Crosby and Hank
Martin, and also with beach music/Northern Soul sensations Maurice
Williams and Rick Strickland. Cleve is a frequent performer with Nick
Trivelas and A Night in Athens, a very popular touring Greek music
ensemble. He also composed and produced original theme and background
music for various PBS programs.
In recent years, Cleve has a band leader, keyboardist, and vocalist for
several bands of his making. His groups feature the sounds of his native
South; blues, jazz, and rhythm and blues. These bands perform around the
Southeast for numerous functions. In November 2011, Cleve toured Florida
with exquisite vocalist Connie James, a favorite of the world-famous
Feinstein's of New York City. He also performs with The Footnotes of
Sumter, SC, members of the Beach Music Hall of Fame. Four of Cleve's
five children are excellent musicians in their own right; his one
daughter is a softball star.
60 Minute Man
Autumn Leaves
Down Home Blues
Have I Told You Lately
Here, There And Everywhere
Love Potion #9
Lucille
Moon River
Nearness Of You
Nobody Loves You
Shake, Rattle And Roll
Sick And Tired
Summertime
Time After Time
Under My Skin
Under The Boardwalk
You Send Me
