EDWARD SIMON

VENEZUELA: LATIN AMERICAN SONGBOOK, VOL. 2

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Edward Simon. Piano; Reuben Rogers, bass; Adam Cruz, drums. SPECIAL GUEST, Jackeline Rago, cuatro maracas.

On this project, acclaimed pianist, composer and NAACP Image Award winner, Edward Simon, along with his celebrated trio, explore the music and Latin culture of Venezuela.

Beginning with “Presagio,” an Enrique Hidalgo composition that means ‘Omen,’ Simon has lushly arranged this Venezuelan song in a very European classical way.  Halfway through the arrangement, Simon switches gears, invigorating this lovely tune with a very bebop style, giving it a jazz transformation. Towards the end of the production, Adam Cruz is wildly showcased on drums, rolling energy through the piece with great excitement.

A stunning ballad follows, with just Simon at the piano to play the introduction.  When Reuben Rogers joins him on bass, he becomes the soloist who introduces my attentive ears to the melody.  This piece, “Atardecer,” (in English translates to ‘Sunset’) is quite beautiful, performed as a duo, with only bass and piano.

These songs, each one unfolding like an expensive fabric enhanced by spun gold, brings peace and calm to my world.  Simon’s arrangements not only entertain but are just plain delightful to hear.

There is a certain tenderness in these Edward Simon productions. He is a Guggenheim Fellow, a Chamber Music America grantee, and SFJAZZ Collective member since 2009.  This Punta Cardon, Venezuelan native has collaborated with iconic musicians like Paquito D’Rivera, Terence Blanchard, Bobby Watson, Chris Potter, David Binney and Grammy Award winning vocalist Diane Reeves.  Simon adds contemporary jazz arrangements to Latin American, Caribbean, and West African music, creating a fresh blend of tradition and 21^st Century ingenuity. Edward Simon celebrates a unique style and musical character, along with his excellence as a musician, enhanced by his talented bandmates.

This may be Edward Simon’s best album release to date.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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