Ed Simon premiered his latest release Venezuela: Latin American Songbook Volume 2 (artistshare.bandcamp.com) at Union College’s Emerson Auditorium on 2.25.26.
Venezuelan born, Ed is a well known pianist and composer in the jazz world. Among his many projects, he is an acomplished Composer, arranger and pianist with the world renowned SF Jazz Collective (SFJAZZ.org.)
He composed suites such as the Venezuelan Suite and the forthcoming When Dogs Howl: The Migrant Soundscapes of Venezuelan Refugees multimedia presentation.
He has also appeared as a performer at many major venues throughout the world as a solo pianist and with his various ensembles,
Completing the trio are drummer Adam Cruz and bass player Omer Avital.
Omer Avital is a NY based Israeli American bassist, composer and band leader. He has been active in world music as well as jazz projects. He has been back and forth from Israel several times, formed a world music quartet Yemen Blues and has been a member of Anat Cohen‘s band.
Adam Cruz is a drummer with quite a resume’. He has been long associated with Ed Simon, David Sanchez as well as the Mingus Big Band ). His swinging yet floating rhythms are always sought after.
The performance was comprised primarily of the just released album. Many South American rhythms such as the Columbian salsa,cumbia, joropo and fandango were exemplified by these performances, The intricacies and complexity of these rhythms were represented in this performance although it was a little brief to completely grasp them.
Thank you to Professor Tim Olsen of the Union College Music Department and Professor Jose’ Cruz of the SUNY Albany Political Science Dept. and head of Jazz Latino Inc., who have facilitated bringing Latin American Musicians to the Capital District.
Album Music
Presagio
Atardecer
Dama Antanona
El Vuelo de la Mosca
Sabana
