Short Bio
Praised by DownBeat as “one of the strongest pianists of his generation,” awarding-winning artist and composer Edward Simon has become an irrepressible force in modern music. Throughout his accomplished career, the Venezuela-born Bay Area artist has refined his sound by exploring its pluralisms and by fostering global connections on and off the bandstand.
Grounded in the moment and wired for exploration, Simon’s expression leans into different styles from Latin America, the Caribbean and the United States, treating their elements and traditions as inextricably related and universal. His technical mastery continues expanding, as does his emotional resonance and his social impact. He’s a storyteller. Lithe and beautiful, guttural and lamenting — his music courts tension even beyond harmony and rhythm, renewing his legacy of artistry, advocacy and true creative expression.
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“He is an artist of uncommon sensitivity and deep soul.”
— Willard Jenkins, Jazz Times
“Simon is an important presence on the jazz and world music scene.”
— Bill Kohlhaase, Los Angeles Times
“One of the strongest pianists of his generation, comps with intuitive empathy and drum-like ingenuity, and solo compositionally with passionate elegance.”