Ed Fast may very well be one of Hartford’s most interesting men and musicians. Fast has released two incredible albums, toured as a sideman on Broadway shows, and turned down a job with Aretha Franklin to go on an adventure in Africa and jam with local musicians in Tanzania. Ed Fast and Congabop combine the harmony and sensibilities of hard-bop with the rhythms of the Caribbean to produce an original and vibrant sound that is Latin and jazz. Drummer / Vibist / Composer Ed Fast leads this octet through an exciting array of his own soulful originals as well as Latin jazz classics by legendary artists such as Cal Tjader, Tito Puente and Hilton Ruiz. Ed Fast and Congabop have shared the stage with Latin Jazz luminaries Arturo Sandoval, Dave Valentin, Andy Gonzalez, and Bill Fitch.