Edward Simon (musician)

Early life

Simon was born into a musical family; both his brothers, Marlon and Michael Simon are also noted professional musicians. He was sent to the United States by his father at the age of fifteen to study classical piano at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia with Susan Starr. After that, he studied with Harold Danko at the Manhattan School of Music beginning in 1989. As a student he played with Kevin Eubanks and Greg Osby.

Later life and career

In New York City he played with musicians such as Herbie Mann, Paquito D'Rivera, Bobby Hutcherson, Jerry Gonzalez, John Patitucci, Arturo Sandoval, Manny Oquendo, and Don Byron. In 1989 Simon became a member of Bobby Watson's band Horizon, leaving in 1994 to join Terence Blanchard. He played in both Blanchard's jazz band and on his film scores for nearly ten years. He recorded his first album as a bandleader in 1994. In the same year he was a finalist in the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano Competition. Then the following year he composed his Rumba Neurotica for the Relache Ensemble. He also composed his Venezuelan Suite on behalf of Chamber Music America.

Simon has played on several Grammy-nominated jazz albums. Besides his trio he also leads the Sexteto Venezuela, the Afinidad Quartet, and the group Simon, Simon & Simon, with his brothers. He teaches at the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York.

Simon is currently an artist in residence at Western Michigan University.

Discography

With Greg Osby

With Terence Blanchard