Edward Simon

Edward Simon, a native of Venezuela, has established himself as a distinguished jazz improviser, composer-arranger, and band leader over decades in America. Renowned for blending jazz with Latin American folkloric sounds, Simon’s profile has risen in recent years. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, he is a member of the all-star SFJAZZ Collective and has received prestigious accolades such as the Guggenheim Fellowship and multiple composition grants from Chamber Music America’s New Jazz Works program.

Simon, a Yamaha artist, has recorded 17 albums as a leader or co-leader. His latest album, “Femeninas, Songs of Latin American Women,” highlights his dedication to celebrating and reinterpreting Latin American musical heritage. Released in 2023, this album showcases Simon’s innovative arrangements and deep appreciation for the region’s rich cultural tapestry.

Simon’s 2016 album, “Latin American Songbook,” received a four-and-a-half-star review from DownBeat for its “grand and sophisticated” sound and earned him a NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Jazz Album. The New York Times has praised his “light, warm touch” as a pianist, while Jazz Journal International lauded “his deep emotional statements” as a composer and improviser.

A 2021 recipient of Chamber Music America’s New Jazz Works and South Arts Creative Residencies awards, Simon continues to push the boundaries of jazz and Latin music. His album “Solo Live,” released via Ridgeway Records in October 2021, further solidifies his reputation as a visionary artist dedicated to musical excellence and cultural exploration.