Short Bio
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. 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.
Press Photos
Live Video
Press Quotes
“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.”