MP3 Edward Simon - JAZZ: Latin Jazz

Arrangements of Venezuelan folk pieces and contemplative compositions all imaginative payed by an ensamble of unique improvisers.

8 MP3 Songs
JAZZ: Latin Jazz, LATIN: Latin Jazz



Details:
The process by which Simon became an internationally regarded jazz musician begins in the small coastal town of Cardón, Venezuela. Born there in 1969, Simon credits his father, Hadsy, for developing his passion for music and supporting him and his two brothers, Marlon and Michael, to become professional musicians.
Soon, Simonâs father recognized the kind of talent in his son should be fostered by formal training in the United States. At fifteen, Edward was studying classical music in Philadelphia at the University of the Arts under the tutelage of concert pianist Susan Starr. Being that Simon was initially a self-taught musician, he was excited by the formal setting and considered it a great challenge.
Still a teenager, living alone in urban America presented its own challenges for Simon, who would suffer from loneliness and displacement. He endured by immersing himself in study and practice, and by discovering the music of the jazz giants. He was initially drawn to Bill Evans and then gravitated toward Hancock, Monk and Bud Powell. As for non-pianists, Simonâs strongest influence was Miles Davis, whose use of space affected him profoundly and ultimately inspired his minimalist sensibility.
In 1988, Simon arrived on the jazz scene performing in a trio led by bassist Charles Fambrough. The steady gig garnered him a reputation as a pensive, rhythmically-astute player, which caught the ear of noted musicians Greg Osby, Kevin Eubanks, and Bobby Watson, all of whom hired Simon. He toured with Watsonâs Horizon band for five years while juggling dates with established Latin jazz players, Jerry Gonzales, Herbie Mann, and Paquito DâRivera.
Simon will tour this year with John Patitucci, his bassist on The Process, and then follow up the album with another trio recording for Criss Cross in 2004. As part of an ongoing collaboration with saxophonist/composer David Binney, this year will bring us a duo recording for Red Records and in 2004 a duo recording with Grammy nominee vocalist Luciana Souza. Currently, he is producing a project close to his heart, arranging traditional Venezuelan songs for a jazz setting. His ability to blend Afro-Caribbean rhythms, boleros, and his native folk songs with jazz harmonies established him as a unique talent who transcended genres.