Ghanaian-born, Hammond organ player / musician/ composer Ed Bentley arrived in The United Kingdom in 1971. He swiftly won the respect of musicians across Europe and has been gigging and recording ever since. Best known for his Blue Note Quartet, he has played numerous venues in the UK, including Ronnie Scotts, the Jazz Café, 100 Club and the Royal Festival Hall and is a seasoned traveller on the European jazz circuit. He has also recorded various albums on the Prestige-Elite Label. Noted principally for his work on piano and organ, Bentley also plays bass and guitar. His best-known recording is perhaps Never Again, featuring George Williams (Tymes) which graced the UK singles charts for 18 weeks in 1985. He has also worked with Deniece Williams, Irene Reed (Count Basie Band), Bobby Watson, Jim Mullen, Dale Barlow and Harry Beckett. Ed is regarded as the new Jimmy Smith in many ways for some years now. As the title Funk Bop suggests, this CD is a move away from Eds last swing album towards a more Afro funk beat. He draws on his Ghanaian roots but combines these influences with a healthy respect for jazz. Ed is one of the most talented keyboard players currently out there.
