Born in Brooklyn, NY, 1924, Edward Zaretsky learned to play the saxophone by watching his cousin. After two lessons, he started his career at the Brill Building, securing his first gig before he even knew how to read music. Moving to Providence in his senior year of high school, he gained experience by playing in restaurants including the Port Arthur Restaurant, Bovi's, and Ballard's. Zaretsky was a member of the first house band of the Celebrity Club, the first racially integrated jazz club in Rhode Island. He played with musicians like Louis Bellson, Count Basie, Chubby Jackson, Jim Mendez, Bill Harris, Charlie Ventura, Slim Gaillard, Slim Stewart, and others. Retired now, he lives outside of Providence.
© 2005
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