EDWARD SIMON - SOLO LIVE

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."

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