Transcendent Folkloric Jazz
Jan P. Dennis | Monument, CO USA | 03/02/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In one sense, it's a travesty, if not a tragedy, that an artist as talented and versatile as Edward Simon is forced to record for a tiny, obscure lable such as Mythology. In another sense, we should be eternally grateful that such a label has enabled this glorious music to see the light of day.Best known, perhaps, for holding down the piano chair in Bobby Watson's great postbop unit, Horizon, Ed Simon comes fully into his own on this remarkable disc. Okay, I'm going to come right out and say it: this is certainly one of a handful of absolutely great world jazz cds. Along with Egberto Gismonti's Sanfona, Andy Narell's Light in Your Eyes, and Dion Parson and Ron Blake's fabulous but virtually unknown disc 21st Century, this cd represents the apex of jazz beat or world jazz.First of all, Simon has put together perhaps THE ultimate band for this type of music. With perhaps the top young lion of the tenor sax, Mark Turner, the hugely underated David Binney on alto sax, the fluid yet burning Diego Urcola on trumpet, Adam Cruz turning in his most nuanced and accomplished recorded percussion performance, and the underated Ben Street on acoustic bass, this is truly a monster musical agglomeration. But, as with Gismonti's Sanfona, what's going on her is not mere virtuosity, although there're killer solos to spare. It's a deep plumbing of authentic folkloric sensibilities, transmuted into ravishingly beautiful jazz beat music.Really, this is one of the most beautiful instrumental records ever recorded. Everything is perfect: island/latin sensibilities, bubbling rhythms, drop-dead gorgous melodies, sophisticated harmonies--you name it. And it all sounds effortless. If you have ANY predisposition at all to world jazz, DO NOT miss out on the incredible disc."
Perfection
R. J. Marsella | California | 03/18/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ever pop in a new CD and realize that you have just hit paydirt? That's how I felt the first time I heard this remarkable recording from Edward Simon. Having previously enjoyed his CD The Process I decided to check this one out and I was immediately captivated by the incredible musicianship dispayed here. The cd is strong throughout and all the artists are in top form. The rhythmic intensity of El Manicero (the peanut vendor)is complemented by a few beautiful ballads. Simon's own compositions are inventive and melodic without trying too hard for technical virtuosity as many young jazz composers frequently do.
This is really wonderful music and a great find. Check it out for yourself."
Track Listings (9) - Disc #1