Baltimore Jazz Hero
The Jazz Journalists Association is proud to name Ed Hrybyk, the upright and electric bassist, composer, arranger and educator, as the 2022 Baltimore Jazz Hero. But estimable as he is in fulfilling those roles, it’s something else that has elevated this musician to Jazz Hero status.
Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, Hrybyk had been playing in two shows weekly, but with restaurant and venue closures and social distancing to contend with, he upped his creativity in order to keep performing and earning a living for himself and others.
Early during the shutdown period, “I started doing live streams, [but] it rubbed me the wrong way,” he’s said. “It’s a totally different ballgame when you’re playing for people in person.” So, after a period of experimentation, in April 2020 he launched the Charles Village Porch Concerts, performing for tips with other local musicians from his North Calvert Street front porch. He learned that neighbors found the concerts a welcomed respite from the pandemic. He endeavored to build community on his block in a way that respected government restrictions and health precautions.
As a result, Hrybyk launched both The Charm City Porch Concerts and The Baltimore Pop-Up Jazz Jam, free events that occurred in a different neighborhood across Baltimore every week from last spring to December. He recalls, “I really started to get into the community and into bringing the music to the public, doing it outside, because of Covid. Everybody can sit on their porches and listen.”
Note was taken of his efforts; Hrybyk’s initiative has been recognized by the Kennedy Center, Maryland State Arts Council, Baltimore Office of the Promotion of the Arts, Baltimore Jazz Alliance, Fox45, WJZ-13, WEAA 88.9FM, WMAR-2, Baltimore Magazine, WYPR 88.1FM and Baltimore Fishbowl, besides the people making up his audiences.
Some jazz fans were already aware of him. Ed graduated from Baltimore School for the Arts in 2006 and University of the Arts in 2010 with an undergraduate degree in jazz bass performance and the cherished Jymie Merritt Bass Award. He completed his Master of Arts in Teaching at UArts in 2011. In September 2018, Ed returned to Baltimore School for the Arts as the school’s jazz instructor.
He is featured on three albums with Ultrafaux, three with Hot Club of Baltimore, and one album with Sonny Nelson and Unity Reggae Band. In addition to these ensembles, Ed has performed alongside musicians including Sean Jones, Tedd Baker, Victor Provost, Lena Seikaly, Cesar Orozco, Warren Wolf, Rhythm Future Quartet, Olli Soikelli and Stephane Wremble. In 2016, he made his debut as a bandleader with Bright Moments Sextet, heard on Bright Moments, his August 2018 album of original compositions.
For his gumption and labors to bring the joy of jazz and the sound of surprise to people and neighborhoods across the City of Baltimore during a bleak time, the JJA thanks and hails Jazz Hero Ed Hrybyk. — Don Palmer, photo © Ephrain Ribiero
