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Ed Klancnik's musical journey began when he was just two years old. His parents gave him a "Mickey Mouse" drum set for Christmas, and on the front of it was an image of Disney characters playing the banjo, guitar, bass and drums. Coincidentally, these were the four instruments that he would ultimately pursue. When he was growing up, Ed spent several hours a week in the family’s basement practicing with his father, Gaylord Klancnik. It wasn't long before he began to “sit in” with his Dad’s band and at age 13, officially joined the Klancnik Brothers Orchestra. That same year, he also played his first official “gig” with the legendary Steve Meisner. While in school, Ed Klancnik studied music and took private lessons. At age 16, he was given the opportunity to play banjo and guitar with The Don Wojtila Orchestra. Don and the members of his band would later play a major role in the shaping of Ed’s musical approach. In addition to his father, Ed Klancnik’s next biggest influence was easily that of Jack “Porky” Ponikvar. It was through Jack that Ed developed much of his progressive technique, finesse and, most certainly, attitude.
A graduate of Michigan State University, Ed spent the next several years playing in a rock band that he co-founded with his friend, Jim "Sal" Bonomo. The group performed original material, toured all over the United States, and recorded 3 self-produced albums. It was at this time that Ed began to record music as a part-time hobby. In 1995 he and his father made their first recording together, which was an original song called “Fast Eddie’s Polka." It would be the first of several Gaylord Klancnik Orchestra tracks to appear on Walter Ostanek Grammy nominated projects over the next ten years. These recordings also allowed Ed to work with Gary Rhamy who ultimately inspired him to begin recording full-time. In 1997, Ed Klancnik moved to Nashville, Tennessee where he was able to meet numerous musicians, recording engineers and record producers. As a performing musician, Ed started playing gigs around town and began to pick up recording sessions on drums. Ranch Recordings was founded in 1998 to meet the constant demand of musicians, songwriters and independent labels who were seeking the use of his technical resources and talented friends.
Ed Klancnik has performed across the United States as well as Canada, Mexico, Brazil and Europe. He has played with dozens of bands in the polka, rock, pop, country, and big band fields. Ed has worked on over 60 full length albums as either a musician, recording engineer, producer, or graphic designer. He has been associated with 12 Grammy nominated projects including "Polkas United" which he co-produced in 2004. Ed has also made several television and radio appearances, and is credited on a Disney / Pixar animated blockbuster release. Twice recognized by the National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame, Ed Klancnik continues to push the boundaries of polka music through his musical and artistic abilities.
Other Instruments:
Banjo, Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Mandolin and Latin Percussion
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