Edward Simon | Biography

Belonging to a generation of young "multilingual" musicians who have grown up studying classical, jazz and Latin American music, Edward Simon's love of music began in his native city of Punta Cardón, in the state of Falcón, Venezuela. The talent he demonstrated as a youth led his father to send him to study in
the US where he won scholarships in classical piano at The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, and jazz at the Manhattan School of Music. While a student in his teens, Simon performed with Philly guitarist Kevin Eubanks and saxophonist Greg Osby.

Settling in New York City, he continued his career performing with a number of jazz masters - Herbie Mann, Paquito D'Rivera, Bobby Hutcherson, Bobby Watson, Terence Blanchard, Jerry Gonzalez and The Fort Apache Band, Arturo Sandoval, Don Byron, Many Oquendo and Libre. The time he spent playing with Paquito D'Rivera proved to be inspirational, as it sparked an interest in the music of his native country.

Edward Simon has performed on more than forty recordings andhas produced seven albums as a leader. He currently collaborates with bassist John Patitucci, saxophonist David Binney, Brazilian singer Luciana Souza, and leads two groups, a jazz trio and his “EnsembleVenezuela”.