Jazz research, Edward Simon

Edward Simon’s, Afinidad, with special guest Gretchen Parlato, will be performing at the Folly Theater in Kansas City, Missouri on October 31, 2009.

About Edward Simon:
Edward Simon was born in Venezuela. His family appreciated and practiced the jubilant rhythms of Latin and Caribbean music. Eventually, he was sent to study in the U.S. to pursue his musical potential; the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and the Manhattan School of Music both offered him scholarships in classical piano and Jazz.

In 1989 Simon moved to New York and began performing with many Jazz masters. Studying and understanding Jazz tradition became increasingly important to him. Additionally, the music of Simon’s native country once again, began to inspire him.

In 1994, Simon officially became a bandleader and formed the Edward Simon trio; this trio has given him the opportunity to experiment with compositions and to continue to develop his style, which is occasionally laced with his Venezuelan roots.

Some of his awards and accomplishments include:
Becoming a Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano Competition finalist, receiving a fellowship from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, serving as adjunct faculty at The New York School for Jazz & Contemporary Music, producing seven albums, two of which have been listed as New York Times top ten jazz records of the year, additionally, he occasionally teaches seminars and workshops at music schools around the world.

A quote about Edward Simon:
“Mr. Simon’s touch, light and warm, allows for his music to drift calmly, taking its time to get to where it has to go.”

Sources:
http://www.edwardsimon.com
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/new.php?id=16991