Building on a base of "slave labor" lessons, Bazel's love of music grew and eventually blossomed after college, into a 10-year career as a notable solo pianist. Tickling the ivories at a host of celebrity events and resorts, Bazel was the house pianist at such prestigious venues as The Beverly Hills Country Club and The Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel to name a few. He was also named "Best Pianist in Downtown Los Angeles" by The Los Angeles Downtown News. "I got even with my parents, he says. "I showed them I didn't get a 'real job' after I graduated for well over 10 years!"

Finding the progression from artist to agent to be a natural one, Bazel says, "I feel I have a good understanding of both sides of the equation -- artist's needs as well as those of the talent buyer." Starting as an agent first in the hotel and resort industry in Los Angeles, Bazel then moved into the international arena specializing in placing American artists in the Asia/Pacific market. Having traveled to 18 countries, Bazel was named "The Marco Polo of Modern Music" by the Los Angeles Times for his groundbreaking work in providing the first American artists to mainland China in modern history.

In 1995 Bazel relocated from California to Nashville to open an office for That's Entertainment International (TEI). "The move was a great choice," says Bazel. "The Nashville music community is a wonderful place to work. With the help and guidance of others on Music Row, not only have I grown professionally, I have also made many good friends throughout the years too."

In Nashville, Bazel continues his ongoing work with the Asia/Pacific market. He has also developed into a seasoned veteran of talent promotion in casinos, performing arts centers, symphonies and corporate events.

Bazel is also known for combining charitable contributions with his talent for endurance athletics. He has run and completed the Los Angeles, New York, Chicago and Honolulu marathons. In addition, he organized, rode and completed a 3,000-mile transcontinental bicycle ride from Los Angeles to St. Augustine, Fla. to raise money for the City of Hope Cancer Research Center. "Endurance events are a lot like being in the music business," he says. "You have to set goals, have stamina and coincidentally, you sweat an awful lot too!"

Known for his polished and friendly approach, Bazel attributes his success to positive thinking, continuing education, and treating others with the same kindness as he would like to be treated.

Bazel's professional affiliations include serving as the current President of NATD - Nashville Association of Talent Directors. "I think they must have voted me in as president because I am the guy who keeps showing up!," he says.

As a member of IEBA - International Entertainment Buyers Association, he serves on their planning committee. "I show up there a lot too!" In addition, Bazel was picked to host IEBA's "ebusiness entertainment" panel at their national convention in 2001. "Any guesses why?" Other affiliations include NASP - National Association of Sales Professionals, NACE - National Association of Catering Executives, Big Brothers of America and the Leukemia Society Team in Training.

Bazel holds a Bachelor's of Business Administration degree from Marshall University and a postgraduate degree in Computer Sciences from the University of Kentucky. He and his wife, Catherine, livein Franklin, Tenn. with their four children -- Drew, Ryan, Emily and Katie.

Summing up his career, Bazel reflects, "With over 25 years of growth and experience in the entertainment industry, I have been very fortunate to coordinate events for a great number of venues in the U.S. and throughout the world. In addition to working with a prestigious client list, I have also had the pleasure of working with many gifted musical artists - the famous, and not-yet-famous. I receive the same enjoyment working with an artist whose music and words are known by millions, as with the aspiring artist who has the burning desire to follow their dream. Music is a wonderful form of art and expression - it can span the globe and melt the barriers of language instantly. I am happy I was forced into music by means of 'slave labor' as a child - it has now truly turned into a lifetime 'labor of love' for me!"

First industry job

Playing gigs in a band in Jr. High. I was too shy to ask girls to dance, so I ended up forming a band and playing our sock hops. The girls still didn't dance with me, but I had a great time and knew I was on to something much bigger!

Career highlight

I have been a very lucky guy with many highlights throughout the years. For example, each time I attend one of our corporate events and hear an artist perform their hits that have touched millions - well, this honestly thrills me. Another highlight is seeing the smile on my client's face when he is getting rave reviews from his clients for a great concert. Also, standing atop the Great Wall of China, after booking some of the first American bands in Beijing in modern history, was a very satisfying experience.

Career disappointment

That the further I go on this path, the more I realize how little I know, and how much I have yet to learn.

Greatest challenge

Managing my promises effectively. With the amount of information overload and projects I am involved in, it is easy to commit to more than I can realistically deliver.

Best business decision

Getting a degree in computer programming and becoming involved with the Internet early on. Also, getting involved in organizations like the Nashville Association of Talent Directors, and the International Entertainment Buyers Association - these are excellent organizations with wonderful people. I have truly learned and grown with the guidance of the members of both groups.

Worst business decision

Thinking I can do it all myself and not asking for help. No man is an island... Including me.

Best business advice you received

Treat others the way you want to be treated. Help other people. Shakespeare once said, "It is one of the most beautiful compensations of life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself." Also, for the sake of good business - an old Chinese proverb once said, "The palest ink is better than the sharpest memory."

Most memorable concert/event

The first 16 bars of "Brick House" at a corporate event did the trick for me. The lights were low, the Commodores were on stage, the curtain of sparks were falling in the background, the crowd was going wild ….Brick, dum dum dum, dum … House ... what fun! Secretly, in my mind, I am a funk guitar player in an R&B band.... however, I'm trapped in a white man's body. Oh, the humanity ...

Office paraphernalia

Computers and electronics abound - I have three computers on my desk, two on the side. To balance it out, outside of my window I have a beautiful view of the countryside with a pond, wild deer and wild turkeys (the birds, not the drink) wandering across the property.

Industry pet peeve

I am in constant search of the truth and am still looking!

Ed can be reached at 615-329-4900; e-mail: ebazel@t-e-i.com