Hi
a new review for last Michael's CD on air on RADIOVINILEMANIA in
Italy:

http://www.vinilemania.net/vMICHAELSIMON.htm

Ciao ciao P

courtesy: http://www.allaboutjazz.com

Revelacion
Michael Simon & Roots United | Munich Records (2006)
By Jerry D'Souza

Michael Simon was born in a family where music was a strong
persuasion. His father Hadsy, a guitarist and singer, first
inculcated the love of music in him, while his brothers Edward and
Marlon turned his ear towards jazz. After attending a concert by
Irakere in Curacao, he went to Cuba and learned the music of that
country. Three years later, in 1992, he moved to the Netherlands,
where he now resides.
Simon composed and arranged all the music on Revelación, which falls
not only into the Latin jazz category, but also the realm of Afro-
Venezuelan rhythms as well. He makes full use of the styles and
turns out a highly satisfying record.

Simon uses the blues as the base for "Juliana Bridge Bomba-Blues,"
fermenting it with a bop beat which he essays with technical
facility on the trumpet, sounding edgy and flinty as he drives the
pulse. Jose Luis Lopretti brings in a lighter hue, his fingers
dancing on the piano keys, the whole wrapped in bomba and calypso
rhythms. There is a lot in there, but it is all put together
seamlessly, making it an aural delight.

While brother Marlon plays drums on all the tracks, Edward (piano)
joins Michael for the remarkable "Renacer." The two are also
brothers in spirit, playing with a striking depth of communication.
In doing so, they ignite the tune with an intense, warm glow,
turning this ballad into one of the highlights of the album.

Simon finds his "Spiritual Affinities" with alto saxophone player
Konstantin Klashtorni. This composition has a lot going for it: not
only are there several Venezuelan rhythms, but Simon and Konstantin
show how they can ride on top of them and create jazz harmony.
Konstantin daubs a wide tonal canvas and complements Simon
perfectly, both in the pictures they create and in their tradeoffs
along the way. In doing so, they put the final stamp of class on the
recording.

Visit Michael Simon on the web.



Track listing: Before I Go; Juliana Bridge Bomba-Blues; My Response;
Ocho Rios Mood; Mangueriando; Por Instinto; Renacer; Spiritual
Affinities.

Personnel: Michael Simon: trumpet, flugelhorn, vocals; Efraim
Trujillo: Tenor and soprano saxophones; Konstantin Klashtorni: alto
saxophone; Marlon Simon: drums, timbales and small percussion;
Gerardo Rosales: congas, Afro-Venezuelan percussion, vocals, guiro
and claves; Jose Luis Lopretti: piano; Leslie Lopez: baby bass;
J.C. "Bulu" Viloria: lead vocals; Ilja Reijngoud: bass & tenor
trombones (1); Edward Simon: piano (7).