Edward Simon - Edward Simon (1995)

Edward Simon plays mostly restrained and introspective piano on this release that recalls Keith Jarrett while also hinting now and then at Simon's Venezuelan heritage. Although tenor-saxophonist Mark Turner and percussionist Milton Cardona help out here and there, this is essentially a low-key trio date with bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Adam Cruz in the post bop tradition of Bill Evans. Most of the tunes were contributed by Simon and only "Slippin' & Slidin"' and the tenor solo in "Teen's Romance" (which is unfortunately faded out) generate much heat although the close interplay between the alert musicians and the consistent inner tension does hold on to one's interest throughout. -- Scott Yanow