A document of our time, as well as an exploration into a celebrated career, Venezuelan pianist and composer, Edward Simon joins us.  

Now based in the San Francisco Bay Area, but long associated through his work with the all-star SF JAZZ Collective, Simon is celebrating over 30 years in music with his Ridgeway Records release, 25 Years. 

His work has found him collaborating with prominent jazz, vocals, and chamber groups, such as Gretchen Parlato, Imani Winds, Mark Turner, David Binney, Scott Colley, and Brian Blade.  The latter of which includes celebrated trio recordings along with John Patitucci.  

We spoke with Edward about his two-disc career retrospective, as well as his newly announced role as Associate Artistic Director with the Ridgeway Arts organization (a producer of this podcast).

At the time of our conversation, the country was several months into the shelter-in-place effects of COVID-19; where musicians in particular were some of the first to lose prevalent sources of their financial living.  Along with renewed light shone on familiar issues of racial injustice, the black lives matter movement, and escalated political divisiveness, it was only natural that some discussion swayed into addressing the systemic indignities more often directed towards people of color in the U.S.; implicitly, and/or overtly.

Tracks featured throughout Episode #019:

• Impossible Question - Edward Simon - 25 Years
• Pathless Path - Edward Simon - 25 Years
• Aguantando - Edward Simon - 25 Years
• Triumphs - Edward Simon - 25 Years
• Govinda - Edward Simon - 25 Years
• Fiestas - Edward Simon - 25 Years
• Lover’s  Park - Edward Simon - Steel House
• Simplicity - Edward Simon - 25 Years
• Alma Llanera (Part 2)- Edward Simon - 25 Years
• Pere - Edward Simon - 25 Years
• What if… - Edward Simon - 25 Years
• Gracias La Vida - Edward Simon - 25 Years
• Navigator - Edward Simon - 25 Years
• Ericka - Edward Simon - 25 Years

More Information:
https://www.edwardsimon.com