New Works: Creation & Presentation Grant Recipient Announced.

Pianist & composer Edward Simon honored with Chamber Music America's New Works: Creation and Presentation grant. Through this grant, Edward has been commissioned to write a new work titled "Venezuelan Jazz Suite", which will premier at Simon's "Venezuelan Project" performance at the prestigious Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts on Feb 19th, 2005.

New York, NY (PRWEB) July 25, 2004 -- Chamber Music America has selected Edward Simon as a grant recipient of the New Works: Creation and Presentation Program. Through this grant, Edward has been commissioned to write a new work titled "Venezuelan Jazz Suite", which will premier at Simon's "Venezuelan Project" performance at the prestigious Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts on Feb 19th, 2005. New Works: Creation and Presentation is a competitive program in which the CMA recognizes both established and emerging artists by funding the composition and presentation of new works in the jazz idiom. The New Works Program is funded by the generosity of the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.

An internationally known pianist and composer, Edward Simon is deeply rooted in his Latin background. His ability to blend Afro-Caribbean rhythms, Latin American musical forms, and native folk songs with jazz harmonies and improvisation has established him as a unique talent. With a reputation as a pensive, rhythmically astute, versatile player, Edward has worked with the best - catching the attention of noted musicians Jerry Gonzalez, Herbie Mann, and Paquito DRivera. His work with trumpeter Terrence Blanchard and vocalist Luciana Souza places him among the most sensitive and tasteful accompanists in jazz.

Edward Simons Venezuelan Project" is composed of an ensemble of gifted musicians, brought together to explore the marriage between jazz and Venezuelas rich musical folklore. A Venezuelan native, Edward presents original compositions with his all-star trio as well as beautiful jazz interpretations of folk standards. Considered part of a new generation of multilingual" musicians who have grown up studying classical, jazz and Latin American music, Edward Simon is reinventing a language that stands to transcend any rigid genre.

Edward Simons latest release, Immersion", was recorded with long time collaborator, alto saxophonist/composer, David Binney. It will be available September 2004 on Red Records. Edward Simon will be appearing at the Jazz Standard in NYC August 26-29th with his trio and with the Venezuelan Project. For more information visit him on the web at http://www.edwardsimon.com.

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