Search - Edward Simon :: Process

It's remarkable to me the extent of tonal variety . . .

Jan P. Dennis | Monument, CO USA | 12/14/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

". . . achieved by the contemporary jazz piano trio. And this thoroughly satisfying disc by Venezuelan jazz genius Edward Simon goes a long way toward demonstrating the truth of this observation.We seem to be blessed with a plethora of first-rate piano trios, among the finest, in my opinion, being Frank Kimbrough, Jacky Terrasson, Jean-Michel Pilc, Taylor Eigsti, Vijay Iyer, Tord Gustavson, Jason Moran, Monty Alexander, Abdullah Ibrahim, Ahmad Jamal, and The Bad Plus. The Edward Simon Trio easily hangs with the very best of these. Simon, himself a deep and deft player, has chosen bandmates of the very highest order, John Patitucci (bass) and Eric Harland (drums). Together they engage in sparkling conversation, attractive personal statement, and fluid group improv. Besides making a series of highly regarded solo albums, Patitucci has become one of the most in-demand session bassists in jazz today, being a member of Wayne Shorter's current quartet, for example. It's easy to see why: he gets a wonderfully rich tone from his acoustic bass, and is always interesting, sometimes even arresting, as a soloist. Evidence? Check out his solo on the title cut. And his arco playing on "Reprocess" sings with mystery and longing. Eric Harland is fast becoming one of the very top jazz drummers. Always deeply swinging (his approach completely locks in the vibe of "Azules," e.g.), he also brings a certain impossibly engaging infectuousness to everything he does. A listen to his mega-sophisticated work on the Dizzy classic, "Woody'n You," (also featuring a virtuoso upper-register Patitucci solo) seals the deal.One of the most attractive aspects of this trio is their ability to move with complete fluidity between Latin and jazz sensibilities, brilliantly demonstrated by the aforementioned number, "Woody'n You." After establishing a groove-oriented Latin vibe, they shift, mid-tune, into a burning bop mode, completely pulverising the tune, and then back into a dancing Latin sensibility. Really, if you have even the slightest affinity for Latin trio jazz, this is your record. By all means, check it out!"