Edward Simon, a native of Venezuela, is among the foremost pianists of his generation. With his trio, he continues to explore the commonalities jazz can have with the folkloric sounds of Latin America. His 2016 album Latin American Songbook, with the four-and-a-half-star DownBeat review praising its “grand and sophisticated” sound, won Simon an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Jazz Album. The New York Times has praised Simon’s “light, warm touch” as a pianist, while Jazz Journal International singled out “his deep emotional statements” as a composer and improviser. One of the longest members of the SFJAZZ Collective, Simon has collaborated with jazz legends like Bobby Watson, Terence Blanchard, Greg Osby, Bobby Hutcherson, and Paquito D’Rivera.
This performance will spotlight material from Simon’s upcoming album Venezuela: Latin American Songbook Vol. 2, and will feature bassist Reuben Rogers, a sought-after sideman for icons like Dianne Reeves and Joshua Redman, and drummer Adam Cruz, a longtime member of Simon’s trio who has played with Danilo Pérez and Steve Wilson.
Edward Simon – Piano; Reuben Rogers – Bass; Adam Cruz – Drums
