Description
Release Date: 04/01/22
On his 15th album as a leader pianist Edward Simon delivers a gorgeous statement with Solo Live, his first unaccompanied recording
While Solo Live reconfigures the order of the pieces he performed, the album reflects the
concert's carefully calibrated ebb and flow, with the first three tracks
unfolding in the original sequence. Opening with a breathtaking version of
Billy Strayhorn's 'Lush Life,' Simon gives a master class in dynamics, flow,
and melodic invention.
Simon has clearly assimilated the solo work of piano greats like Keith
Jarrett, Herbie Hancock, and Chick Corea, who he credits with providing
inspiration for his take on 'Lush Life.' It's the opening track on Corea's
Expressions, a 1994 solo piano album that also turned Simon's ear to
'Monk's Mood,' one of Thelonious's most sublime ballads. Simon displays
exemplary patience as he strolls inquisitively through the melody, letting the
tempo shift to accentuate Monk's reverie.
Simon digs into the knotty rhythms of 'Monk's Dream' while revealing the
tune's steely harmonic architecture. Swinging with authority, he captures
Monk's singular combination of sly, earthy humor and intellectual curiosity.
Simon's original piece 'Country' is the album's longest track. Originally
recorded by Steel House on the collective trio's eponymous 2015 debut
album, Simon evokes an entire ensemble with his joyous rendition. The
spritely, spinning melody evokes the leaping sense of possibility inspired by
moving across a sun-steeped landscape. It's a piece that seems to call out
for lyrics, and it's likely Simon will record the tune again with Luciana Souza
singing her original verse.
The album concludes much as it started, with a classic American ballad
interpreted with patience and deep empathy. Simon caresses Gershwin's
astoundingly sad and beautiful 'I Loves You, Porgy' with hushed intensity
and tenderness. 'It's one of those timeless pieces, like 'Lush Life,' if you
allow yourself to open up to it, it can take you to those unearthly places.'
| Label: Ridgeway Records |
| Genre: Jazz |
| Language: English |
| Run Time: 31:47 mins |