Lelah Simon from the Lelah Simon Collection
Whomever coined the phrase, “Hard work is it’s own reward” probably was not a musician. Bassist Lelah Simon prefers to think that hard work brings a tangible reward: such as a cd documenting her music; in fact, she now knows it. Simon is releasing the fruits of her labor in a cd titled, Lelah Simon’s Third Week of April. Simon remarks on the process:
“The whole project has been an incredible experience, learning a lot of things on my own that they don’t teach in music school. It has been intense, emotional and stressful, but so exciting.”
The new recording features, as Simon describes. “7 originals and 2 unlikely adaptations of pop songs.” The seven originals being choice picks from her own compositions and the remaining two are Simon’s adaptations of an Elliot Smith tune and one by Neil Young. Simon says (no pun intended) that the recording will clearly show some of her influences beyond jazz, such as Bulgarian folk music and the work of artists such as Bjork and Tom Waits.
As was reported when Simon was profiled, in a previous Examiner article, where the beginnings of this cd project were chronicled, the recording’s personnel includes Denver drummer Paul Romaine, Oregon-based guitarist Chris Mosley, the talented Carmen Sandim on keyboards, and Danny Meyer on tenor saxophone. Not having a bottomless disposable income, Simon is not able to bring Mosley for the cd release. In his stead, guitarist Dan Schwindt will join the lineup in performing the tunes.
Simon chose graphic designer Kristophor Hutson to create the cover front and back for Third Week of April. The resulting artwork has a flair of femininity and a dollop of dense mystery, causing the cover to pleasantly beckon listeners to another unknown port.
Simon says that the cd is not only titled Third Week of April, but the entire collection of music, the players, and the mood of the time this was created is all Third Week of April. Acknowledging the possible confusion, Simon clarifies:
“When I lived in NYC, it seemed to me that there were only two short periods when the weather was perfect; one was sometime around Halloween, the other was the third week of April. That was the time when the weather was beautiful and people came out and blossomed all over town before the humidity and heat set in.”
Hearing Simon’s debut recording should bring a sense of freshness to those who are lucky enough to attend. A bonus for attendees is that with the price of admission, ticket buyers will also get a copy of the new release. It is a win-win all the way around. Simon says that for those who can’t get to the release will soon be able to purchase this recording on CD Baby.
As one of the young, creative brood of jazz musicians in the Denver area, Simon’s work is gaining notice and her reputation is increasingly solid. Her performances are guaranteed to please and enlighten. Drummer Paul Romaine, an awfully nice guy, but sparse with compliments, says this about working with Simon on this project:
”Being involved in the recording of Lelah Simon’s CD was a complete joy. The youthful enthusiasm of Lelah, Chris, Danny, and Carmen translates into fat grooves, inviting melodies, and creative improvisational romps. Lelah’s music is as much fun to play as it is to listen to.”
Check out Simon’s release party to share in Romaine’s testimony of real fun on July 24th, 2009 at the Bug Theater (3654 Navajo St, Denver, CO). Only cool people will be there, y'all.
For more info: Lelah Simon wants you
Lelah Simon’s Third Week of April CD Release Party
Friday July 24th, 2009, doors at 7:30 pm
The Bug Theater, 3654 Navajo St, Denver, CO 80211
with Roger Green opening on solo guitar.
Tickets include a copy of the new album (Additional copies will be available for purchase.)
Available online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/72902 and cash or check at the door, $13 adv./ $15 d.o.s. The Bug Theater: http://www.bugtheatre.org/
Lelah: www.myspace.com/lelahsimon, www.myspace.com/lelahplaysbass
Carmen Sandim: www.myspace.com/carmensandim
Danny Meyer: www.myspace.com/dannymeyermusic
Dan Schwindt: www.myspace.com/schwio
Paul Romaine: www.myspace.com/paulromaine
Artwork by Kristophor Hutson
His website is http://www.kristophorhutson.com/
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