Poesia 4 stars from Downbeat!
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9/7/2010 5:53:27 PM -  At 40, Venezuelan pianist Edward Simon hasn't acquired the kind of recognition that many of his contemporaries enjoy, but on the strength of Poesía that doesn't seem fair. Bookended by two slowly unfolding takes of his pretty "My Love For You," the album is filled with absorbing piano work, attractive writing and a rhythm section - bassist John Patitucci and drummer Brian Blade - that alternately purrs and roars.
The deliverate placement of the two takes of the love song indicate the care Simon has taken in pacing the album, and two Patitucci composition play key roles. "Winter" features a rolling piano lead, beautifully articulated, and the kind of coiled energy that Wayne Shorter has come to rely on from Patitucci and Blade. "Roby" opens with meditative, ringing notes from Simon, and then expands into a dark, quite ballad.
Patitucci's tuneful electric work provides sonic contrast on "One for J.P.," and a pair of agressive Simon tunes balances the ballads and demonstrates the full power of the band. Again, Simon's pacing pays dividends, as the choppy "Intention" -with its jagged, five notes bass motif- gives way to the surging "Trumph". Best of all is the deconstruction of "Gian Steps" that could only work with a trio with superior harmonice and rhythmic sense.
-James Hale
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