Eddie Safranski


Edward Safranski was an American jazz double bassist, composer & arranger who worked with Stan Kenton. He also worked with Tony Bennett, Charlie Barnet, Benny Goodman & Bobby Darin. From 1946 to 1953 he won the Down Beat Readers' Poll for bassist.

Biography

A native of Pittsburgh, Safranski took violin lessons as a child. In high school he began playing double bass. His career began in 1941 with Hal McIntyre. Safranski played bass and wrote arrangements for McIntyre until 1945. He then worked with Miff Mole, Stan Kenton, and Charlie Barnet. After moving to New York City, he was hired by NBC. During the 1950s he played with Benny Goodman and Marian McPartland. In the 1960s he taught classes and workshops as the representative of a bass company. At the end of his career he lived in Los Angeles and played in bands there.

Personal

Eddie was born Eric Edward Szafranski to Bronislaw & Wladyslawa in Poland. He was married to Irene Kovach and had one daughter, Erica.

Discography

As sideman