Harris Simon - The Mastery Of Passion (2010/2017) [Hi-Res]

This rare collection of all-star recordings from keyboardist Harris Simon features Michael Brecker at his very best!

As a 21-year-old wunderkind, pianist-composer-arranger Harris Simon went into the studio in March of 1978 to record his first recording under his own name entitled New York Connection featuring an all-star cast including tenor sax titan Michael Brecker, Brazilian trumpeter Claudio Roditi, saxophonist-flutist Joe Farrell, bassist Mike Richmond, guitarist Bill Washer and Brazilian drummer Portinho. Two years later, Simon returned to the studio with essentially the same heavyweight crew to record Swish. Selections from both quintessential late '70s offerings, are now available in the compilation The Mastery of Passion, represent a moment in time when jazz was crossing over to a wider audience.

„Discovering gold in reissues going 30 years back is always a pleasure. Such is the case with Harris Simon's The Mastery of Passion…“ (Larry Taylor, All About Jazz)

"I remember being very impressed with this CD when it was first released, partly because Mike was quite happy with his playing on it, (for once!). Everyone else involved is at the top of their game too" (Randy Brecker)

Harris Simon, piano, Rhodes, harmonica
Michael Brecker, tenor saxophone
Claudio Roditi, trumpet & flugelhorn
Bill Washer, guitar
Mike Richmond, upright and electric bass
Brian Brake, drums
Ann Lang, vocals
Janice Pendarvis, vocals
Lani Groves, vocals
Juilliard Strings, strings
Joe Farrell, flute (Loufiana)
Michael Urbaniak, violin (Midday Dreams)
Andy Laverne, synthesizer (All Points South, Don the Don)
Scott Hardy, guitar (Swish, Street Song)
Ratzo Harris, bass (Midday Dreams)
Grady Tate, drums (Midday Dreams)
John Riley, drums (Swish, Street Song)
Portinho, drums (Wind Chant, Romance of Death)
Guilherme Franco, percussion (Wind Chant)
Escola de Samba, percussion (Wind Chant)

Digitally remastered