Jazz pianist Edward Simon, a bandleader and member of SFJazz Collective, has established close ties to Western Michigan's School of Music in the last few years as an Artist-in-Residence, says jazz professor Tom Knific. He will premiere a new, 40-minute jazz suite at the Dalton Center Recital Hall on Sunday.
In House of Numbers, Simon draws on musical traditions from Europe, Africa, North America and South America, blending composed structures with sections for improvisation. Written for his quartet, Afinidad, and the classically-trainedImani Winds, it's another large-scale work from the Venezuelan-born pianist, whose 2014 Venezuelan Suite was called a "masterpiece" by All About Jazz. Knific explains how the piece was made possible with a grant from Chamber Music America, and how Simon has influenced the jazz students at the university.
Knific also looks ahead to upcoming concerts by Renata Knific, Randy Brecker, and Peter Erskine.
You can stay in touch with WMUK music on Facebook, Twitter,and by signing up for our eNewsletter.
