Michael Simon

Door: Maartje Den Breejen
De Venezolaanse trompettist Michael Simon (1975) woont al sinds begin jaren negentig in Nederland. Hij maakt vast deel uit van de Fra Fra Sound en het Gerardo Rosales Latin Jazz Ensemble. Als componist, arrangeur en bandleider geniet hij nog niet al te veel bekendheid. Daar mag wel verandering in komen, want zijn album New York Encounter is een genot van vakmanschap en gracieuze latinjazz zonder de cliché’s van de al te uitgemolken ritmes.

De bandleden vinden elkaar moeiteloos, wat niet heel verwonderlijk is, omdat twee van de zes bandleden broers van Michael zijn. Edward Simon speelt piano, Marlon Simon is slagwerker. Op altsaxofoon doet de fantastische in New York woonachtige Puertoricaan Miquel Zenon mee.

De composities zijn sterk met als topstuk House of thoughts. De drie blazers leiden het stuk in als een dissonant zingend meerstemmig koortje, en dan neemt het verschillende wendingen. Het krijgt een lome vaart, de muzikanten houden stil in een overpeinzing, het probleem wordt opgelost en het tempo wordt nu met iets meer kracht ingezet. Het koortje becommentarieert het spel van de pianist, de altsaxofonist neemt het voortouw, de beginklanken zwellen weer aan en uiteindelijk volgt het harmonieuze slotakkoord. Een mooi avontuur. - Het Parool

Door: Maartje Den Breejen
De Venezolaanse trompettist Michael Simon (1975) woont al sinds begin jaren negentig in Nederland. Hij maakt vast deel uit van de Fra Fra Sound en het Gerardo Rosales Latin Jazz Ensemble. Als componist, arrangeur en bandleider geniet hij nog niet al te veel bekendheid. Daar mag wel verandering in komen, want zijn album New York Encounter is een genot van vakmanschap en gracieuze latinjazz zonder de cliché’s van de al te uitgemolken ritmes.

De bandleden vinden elkaar moeiteloos, wat niet heel verwonderlijk is, omdat twee van de zes bandleden broers van Michael zijn. Edward Simon speelt piano, Marlon Simon is slagwerker. Op altsaxofoon doet de fantastische in New York woonachtige Puertoricaan Miquel Zenon mee.

De composities zijn sterk met als topstuk House of thoughts. De drie blazers leiden het stuk in als een dissonant zingend meerstemmig koortje, en dan neemt het verschillende wendingen. Het krijgt een lome vaart, de muzikanten houden stil in een overpeinzing, het probleem wordt opgelost en het tempo wordt nu met iets meer kracht ingezet. Het koortje becommentarieert het spel van de pianist, de altsaxofonist neemt het voortouw, de beginklanken zwellen weer aan en uiteindelijk volgt het harmonieuze slotakkoord. Een mooi avontuur. - Het Parool

"The Jazz world knows him from several other projects; he is trumpeter Michael Simon who played at the North Sea Jazz Festival as a member of Fra Fra Big Band and the Gerardo Rosales Latin jazz ensamble. Now, at last this musician from Rotterdam (1975) has debuted with his own CD. Simon born in Venezuela is traveling on "Revelación" through unique moments of inspiration; it is a pleasant start together with his two brothers Marlon (drummer) and Edward (pianist).

The trumpeter who is now living for 10 years in the seaport city studied at the Rotterdams Conservatory. His sound comes mainly from Latin jazz mengled with mystic afrovenezuelan percussion (Spiritual Affinities). Although Simon starts his first number "Before I go" with much energy, nonetheless intimity and emotions have the overtones; special guest in this piece is Ilja Reijngoud on trombone.

Assisted by the 7 members of Roots United the venezuelan lets his emotions have free charge, without letting his mood restrict the joy of the overall performance. For instance, in "My Respose", a piece about anger and sadness, you can hear the tragic in the piano performance."
- Rotterdams Dagblad

"The Jazz world knows him from several other projects; he is trumpeter Michael Simon who played at the North Sea Jazz Festival as a member of Fra Fra Big Band and the Gerardo Rosales Latin jazz ensamble. Now, at last this musician from Rotterdam (1975) has debuted with his own CD. Simon born in Venezuela is traveling on "Revelación" through unique moments of inspiration; it is a pleasant start together with his two brothers Marlon (drummer) and Edward (pianist).

The trumpeter who is now living for 10 years in the seaport city studied at the Rotterdams Conservatory. His sound comes mainly from Latin jazz mengled with mystic afrovenezuelan percussion (Spiritual Affinities). Although Simon starts his first number "Before I go" with much energy, nonetheless intimity and emotions have the overtones; special guest in this piece is Ilja Reijngoud on trombone.

Assisted by the 7 members of Roots United the venezuelan lets his emotions have free charge, without letting his mood restrict the joy of the overall performance. For instance, in "My Respose", a piece about anger and sadness, you can hear the tragic in the piano performance."
- Rotterdams Dagblad

"Revelación" is the debut album of Michael Simon and Roots United. An international formation based in Rotterdam. The music of "Revelación" is a fusion of jazz, modern music styles from the Caribbean and Afro-Venezuelan influences. All compositions on this CD are originals of trumpeter and composer Michael Simon.

The cd exposes 8 pieces that vary from vigorous salsa to soft lyric ballads wherein the pretty warm tone of trumpeter Simon leads the setting into beautiful places. The components of the group are all excellent musicians. As a matter of fact all of them are well versed in Latin American music and this can certainly be heard in the top quality performance!. The excellent arrangements are masterly performed, and contribute to the value of the music. Outstanding indeed!

This new release is once more an example of the multicultural blend of musicians that find a home in The Netherlands.

"Revelación" is produced by Pramisi Records and distributed by Munich Records.
- Muziekwereld

"Revelación" is the debut album of Michael Simon and Roots United. An international formation based in Rotterdam. The music of "Revelación" is a fusion of jazz, modern music styles from the Caribbean and Afro-Venezuelan influences. All compositions on this CD are originals of trumpeter and composer Michael Simon.

The cd exposes 8 pieces that vary from vigorous salsa to soft lyric ballads wherein the pretty warm tone of trumpeter Simon leads the setting into beautiful places. The components of the group are all excellent musicians. As a matter of fact all of them are well versed in Latin American music and this can certainly be heard in the top quality performance!. The excellent arrangements are masterly performed, and contribute to the value of the music. Outstanding indeed!

This new release is once more an example of the multicultural blend of musicians that find a home in The Netherlands.

"Revelación" is produced by Pramisi Records and distributed by Munich Records.
- Muziekwereld

"This young, intellectual acting and blowing trumpet player Michael Simon agitates during his performance with a sharp, cutting tone, sometimes attacking aggressively. Until his breack he kept distance and dicipline. After his breack he shouwed himself in great condition and was getting loose with courage and experimental pleasure. During his performance he was heating the musical athmosphere in a strong and powerfull way". - Aalener Volkszeitung/Ipf - und Jagst - Zeitung

"This young, intellectual acting and blowing trumpet player Michael Simon agitates during his performance with a sharp, cutting tone, sometimes attacking aggressively. Until his breack he kept distance and dicipline. After his breack he shouwed himself in great condition and was getting loose with courage and experimental pleasure. During his performance he was heating the musical athmosphere in a strong and powerfull way". - Aalener Volkszeitung/Ipf - und Jagst - Zeitung

"Music is your own experience, your own thoughts, your wisdom. If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn. Charlie Parker spoke these words decades ago, however they are even more factual in this musical age we exist in. What he proclaimed was, know you, know what is you, understand what it is to be you, then deliver that to your audience, this is what Michael Simon has accomplished. Within the grooves of Mr. Simon’s debut project “Revelación” released in 2004 by Pramisi Records, is himself wrapped around years of travel and culture. “Revelación” is a musically poetic tour through his looking glass."

Read the entire review at www.jazzreview.com - JazzReview.com

Michael Simon was born in a family where music was a strong persuasion. His father Hadsy, a guitarist and singer, first inculcated the love of music in him, while his brothers Edward and Marlon turned his ear towards jazz. After attending a concert by Irakere in Curacao, he went to Cuba and learned the music of that country. Three years later, in 1992, he moved to the Netherlands, where he now resides.
Simon composed and arranged all the music on Revelación, which falls not only into the Latin jazz category, but also the realm of Afro-Venezuelan rhythms as well. He makes full use of the styles and turns out a highly satisfying record.

Simon uses the blues as the base for “Juliana Bridge Bomba-Blues,” fermenting it with a bop beat which he essays with technical facility on the trumpet, sounding edgy and flinty as he drives the pulse. Jose Luis Lopretti brings in a lighter hue, his fingers dancing on the piano keys, the whole wrapped in bomba and calypso rhythms. There is a lot in there, but it is all put together seamlessly, making it an aural delight.

While brother Marlon plays drums on all the tracks, Edward (piano) joins Michael for the remarkable “Renacer.” The two are also brothers in spirit, playing with a striking depth of communication. In doing so, they ignite the tune with an intense, warm glow, turning this ballad into one of the highlights of the album.

Simon finds his “Spiritual Affinities” with alto saxophone player Konstantin Klashtorni. This composition has a lot going for it: not only are there several Venezuelan rhythms, but Simon and Konstantin show how they can ride on top of them and create jazz harmony. Konstantin daubs a wide tonal canvas and complements Simon perfectly, both in the pictures they create and in their tradeoffs along the way. In doing so, they put the final stamp of class on the recording. - by Jerry D'Souza (allaboutjazz.com)

"His new set 'Revelacion' is culmination of his experiences and exposure to different styles of Latin Jazz and he has employed a group of musicians to join him on the album who have experienced his own fusion and mix of these Caribbean and South American musical styles. The result is a pulsating energy of original tracks which is a true sense of discovery...Simon's trumpet has certain differing qualities to it.....There is also a very modern day feel to the arrangements with the musicians' freedom of expression evident in the recordings.....Anyone who has listened to salsa, bolero or to any of the panoplies of traditional Southern American rhythms will instantly feel at home with this collection of superior tracks which have been performed by a tightly constructed group of musicians. Modern day Latin Jazz at its very best." - Euro Club De Jazz

Trumpeter Michael Simon breathes fresh Latin bebop through his horn. Michael composed the new music with two tracks written by his older brother, pianist Edward Simon. There is no shortage of talent with Miguel Zen?n (sax), Andy Gonzalez (b), Roberto Quintero (congas, perc) and brother, Marlon (d) in the band. They captured our interest from the start on "Mi Amigo El Machista" and never let go. The blending of percussion, piano and brass is balanced and engaging. Varied tempos and syncopated beats with fresh music make this one of the best Latin jazz albums of the year. We are making that statement in May! - O's Place Jazz Newsletter

Trumpeter Michael Simon breathes fresh Latin bebop through his horn. Michael composed the new music with two tracks written by his older brother, pianist Edward Simon. There is no shortage of talent with Miguel Zen?n (sax), Andy Gonzalez (b), Roberto Quintero (congas, perc) and brother, Marlon (d) in the band. They captured our interest from the start on "Mi Amigo El Machista" and never let go. The blending of percussion, piano and brass is balanced and engaging. Varied tempos and syncopated beats with fresh music make this one of the best Latin jazz albums of the year. We are making that statement in May! - O's Place Jazz Newsletter

Venezuelan trumpeter Michael Simon joins the talent-spotting jazz label’s roster with a fine Latin jazz release that blends rhythmic subtlety, sharp harmony and full-blooded arrangement.

The balance between stand-out ensembles and freely breathing rhythm is just right, and his writing adds lustre to the strong solos of the leader and saxophonists Miguel Zenón and Peter Brainin.

Simon’s older brothers, pianist Edward and drummer Marlon, sit in a glistening rhythm section that glides from pre-arranged complexity to deft swing with a tightness and strength pulse that implies this recording was more labour of love than chance meeting. - The Financial Times

Truly an album which depicts the early stages of a talented composer/arranger. Following in the same footsteps of his brothers Marlon and Edward...Michael is creating a voice on his own. Revelacion clearly defines this album...every tune in it's own language expresses revelation to something which touched this musician deeply. Old memories...loved ones...good times...and bad times are all laid out in these tracks for those who understand and relate. Musicians play with such professionalism, respect and precise tone. I know Michael had a good time reminiscing while writing these compositions. Definitely an album which should receive more recognition by Latin Jazz listeners and abroad...my favorite tune is "Ocho Rios" - Latin Jazz Magazine

Afgaand op de eerste twee tracks van 'New York Encounter' zou je zeggen dat dit typische, hoewel smakelijke Latin jazz is, hard bop met clavé-ritmes.
Maar verderop laat de Venezolaans-Nederlandse trompettist Michael Simon horen dat hij ook veel avontuurlijker en origineler werk kan afleveren. Zo is 'House of Thoughts' een suite-achtig meesterwerkje, dat begint met een zoetzure, licht dissonante ballad en daar na enkele tempowisselingen weer in uitmondt.

De in Amerika opgenomen muziek wordt uitgevoerd door een geweldige bezetting, met Simons broers Edward en Marlon op piano en slagwerk, de saxofonisten Miguel Zenon en Peter Brainin, en extra percussionisten. Zelfs duizelingwekkend polyritmische passages worden heerlijk soepel gespeeld, en daar boven straalt de trompet of bugel in weloverwogen, sierlijke solo’s. - De Volkskrant

New York Encounter displays a broad swatch of Simon’s musical abilities, bringing together all the influences of his community connections. The different pieces of this puzzle are most apparent in Simon’s compositions, which reflect a broad artistic viewpoint. Simon weaves together various musical elements including Afro-Cuban and Afro-Venezuelan styles, odd time signatures and free improvisation, as well as straight-ahead swing and extended improvisations. The seamless integration of these pieces reflect a mature musical mind with a wealth of experience. The inclusion of Simon’s brothers - pianist Edward and drummer Marlon - creates a comfortable environment that resonates with endless possibilities. There’s a sympathetic interaction in the group’s performance that only arises from a lifetime’s worth of shared musical experiences. The addition of some of New York’s best musicians inject the recording with an authentic jazz edge and an inspired sound. Bassist Andy Gonzalez and Kozlov, saxophonists Zenón and Brainin, as well as percussionist Quintero all represent a piece of New York’s long connection to Latin Jazz, a direction that bursts through the album with resounding clarity. The potent brew resulting from Simon’s connection to these various communities flows through New York Encounter with a unified strength, giving us an idea of the powerful contribution that Simon’s music can give back to Latin Jazz communities around the world. - The Latin Jazz Corner