Pianist Edward Simon continues his path as an increasingly important player on the New York City and international scene upon arrival from his native Venezuela. Simplicitas is yet another extraordinary musical statement among the handful of sessions he has created as a leader. His view of simplicity is a broad-based notion manifested in that there are many ways to play jazz-based music. Whether in a deconstructed form, using minimalist, spare chords and phrases, or utilizing themes and motifs that spring from the barest of branches, Simon knows this aspect of the art. Differences arise in the underlying elements of ethnic rhythms, the varied textures from occasional electric and mainly acoustic instruments, and -- in a few scant instances -- the usage of a vocal, steel drums, or very subtle piano nuances. "Infinite One" signifies Simon's ability to stretch lean lines into intricate complex themes, building on bass and piano unison, two-hand chords, a swing/bop bridge, repeat themes, start-stop phrases, and a modal or spiritual stance all in one stunning piece of music. "Not So Unique" has quirky ups and downs on a piece written by vocalist Luciana Souza, but absent her singing. She does appear briefly for the circular "Unknown Path," a short repeat minimalist story with the ringing bass of Avishai Cohen following Simon's left hand and urged on by the electric guitar of Adam Rogers. Embracing Simon's South American roots, the angular and jerky "Fiestas" (in two separate parts) bubbles with the percussion of Pernell Saturnino and steel drums of Adam Cruz. In his most edited moments, the title track is a stripped-down soul ballad, pastoral and very similar to something Abdullah Ibrahim might do. Two takes of the standard "You're My Everything" have Simon very relaxed, confident, and glowing with satisfaction. If you are not familiar with Edward Simon, best get up to speed, for he is as brilliant a technician and resourceful a player as can be heard in contemporary jazz. - Michael G. Nastos
Some artists seem to burst onto the scene, even though the reality may be something else entirely. Ethan Iverson of the Bad Plus and Esbjorn Svensson of E.S.T. both worked below the radar for periods of time before they were, seemingly suddenly, "discovered." Such instant fame comes with a disadvantage, however. Being the flavour of the month also implies that, at some point, the public's tastes will move on.
Others gradually insinuate themselves into the public's consciousness, often through years of apprenticeship with others and a steady move towards a solo career. Case in point is pianist Edward Simon, who spent the early '90s working with artists including Greg Osby and, perhaps most notably, Bobby Watson's Horizons. Simon has also developed some long-standing musical partnerships that continue to this day, including those with alto saxophonist David Binney, with whom he recently released a duet recording, Fiestas de Agosto, and guitarist Adam Rogers, on whose three Criss Cross albums he's appeared, including the new Apparitions. The wealth of experience that Simon has gained has given him a broader scope that never forgets the folkloric roots of his Venezuelan upbringing, and it has kept him from being branded as just another Latin player.
On Simplicitas Simon continues to expand the piano trio tradition that he so vividly explored on '03's The Process. Mixing original material with compositions by Brazilian singer Luciana Souza—who also adds wordless vocals to the impressionistic, ECM-informed Simon piece, "Unknown Path"—and Irish saxophonist Michael Buckley—whose melancholic hymnal, "South Facing," is a highlight of the album, demonstrating Simon's undivided attention to the nuances of and between every note—Simon has created a set where the songs flow forward with a distinct sense of purpose.
While Simon reveals clear roots in all the usual suspects—Evans, Hancock, Jarrett—he has long since subsumed them within his own brand of lyricism. He has the kind of technical facility, the kind of left hand/right hand independence that can only come from years of woodshedding and on-the-bandstand experience. It's Simon's ability to make every note count and every phrase feel special—whether on the more overtly Latin-informed 6/8 vamp of "Fiestas" or the equally bright "Infinite One," which alternates between a bass-held pedal point and an invigorating swing supported by bassist Avishai Cohen and drummer Adam Cruz—that makes his work truly sing.
Two versions of the Harry Warren standard "You're My Everything," based on Herbie Hancock's reharmonized changes for the '62 Freddie Hubbard classic Hub-Tones, vividly demonstrate how imaginative improvisers can approach the same piece night after night, still making every performance feel familiar, yet fresh and new.
Simon may not have the name recognition or popularity of the Bad Plus or E.S.T., but he's every bit their contemporary equal. With a steadily-growing body of work that reaches further stylistically than either of these groups, Simon will undoubtedly prove to have greater longevity. - John Kelman
Tracks
01. Opening (E. Simon)
02. Infinite One (E. Simon)
03. Not So Unique (L. Souza)
04. You're My Everything I (H. Warren)
05. Simplicity (E. Simon)
06. Fiestas (E. Simon)
07. Unknown Path (E. Simon)
08. Fiestas (Reprise) (E. Simon)
09. You're My Everything II (H. Warren)
10. South Facing (M. Buckley)
11. Exit (E. Simon)
AVISHAI COHEN bass
ADAM CRUZ drums, steel drums
ADAM ROGERS guitar (7, 11)
EDWARD SIMON piano
PERNELL SATURNINO percussion (1, 6, 8)
LUCIANA SOUZA vocals (7)
Recorded May 3, 2004 at Systems Two Recording Studios, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Criss Cross Jazz CRISS 1267 CD (Holland)