About

Edward Simon, a native of Venezuela, has made a name for himself over decades in America as a jazz improviser, composer-arranger and band leader, with his profile heightening in recent years as he has explored the commonalities jazz can have with the folkloric sounds of Latin America. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, as a member of the all-star SFJAZZ Collective, he has been a Guggenheim Fellow along with being awarded multiple composition grants as part of the Chamber Music America’s New Jazz Works initiative.

Music

I specialize in a vibrant fusion of jazz with rich tapestries of Latin American musical traditions. Drawing from diverse sources such as Venezuelan tonadas by Simon Diaz, Piazzolla's "Libertango", and jazz standards by T. Monk, and my music embodies a cultural crossroads where rhythms interlock and melodies soar.

At the heart of my repertoire lies jazz, a genre that resonates deeply with its improvisational spirit and harmonic complexities.

Growing up immersed in the sounds of my native Venezuela, I developed a profound appreciation for the rhythmic intricacies of merengues and the spirited dances of joropos. These influences infuse my music with a pulsating energy and an irresistible groove that keeps audiences tapping their feet.

Through my music, I aim to create a space where listeners can embark on a sonic journey, traversing continents and experiencing the rich tapestry of human expression.

Videos

Audio