"Initié en 2004 en région Auvergne dans le cadre du programme de résidence "Escales" coproduit par Yzeurespace avec le soutien du C.G 03 et de la SPEDIDAM, le projet Black Chantilly invite Marlon Simon piloté par le percussionniste Marc Glomeau vient de remporter le FRENCH AMERICAN JAZZ EXCHANGE. A la clef une bourse de 10 000 Dollars et une tournée aux états unis en préparation. C'est la première fois qu'un projet Jazz latin réunissant des musiciens Français et Américain est récompensé dans le cadre du F.A.J.E. Ce prix est placé sous l'égide des services culturels de l'ambassade de France à New York, du Chamber Music of America et de la Doris Duke Foundation. Musiciens : Dominique Rieux (trompette, bugle), Frédéric Breton (piano), Laurent Audinos (sax), Marlon Simon (drums et compositions) Marc Glomeau (congas) et Fredéric Bidou (Basse)."

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"Marlon Simon’s extended compositions bring together folkloric Cuban rhythms, jazz harmonies, improvisation, and symphonic structures into a unique blend that defies categorization. A call to the Orishas opens “Overture,” leading into a calming exchange between a string quartet and Edward Simon on piano. The strings bring new melodies to the forefront, disappearing as tenor saxophonist Peter Brainin and trumpet player Alex Norris make solo statements directly to the bata. “Un Canto A Ericka” paints a complex picture that truly invokes a personal image. A solemn string introduction moves into a bata driven interchange between tenor sax and trumpet, suddenly breaking into a jazz ballad. Brainin and Norris’ solos dig deeper into the song’s harmony until a call and response interlude brings the piece to a stirring conclusion. The bata drums drive a contemplative feeling underneath “Root Medley” that makes way towards an extended and insightful trumpet solo. Free improvisation evolves into Marlon’s drum solo, displaying a thoughtful sense of creation. Rhythmic strings build into an up-tempo ending, both interesting and danceable. Marlon’s compositional voice unveils a unique artistic vision, blending ideas while maintaining the integrity of several influential traditions."

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Rumba A' La Patato

"Pure pleasure best describes Venezuelan percussionist Marlon Simon' and the nagual spirits Rumba a la Patato cd. Nagual is the part of us for which there is not a description, no words, no names. This music reaches out to the" nagual" within each listener and touches the soul. The numbers are alive with emotions from the Joyful Songo Pa Monk to the sweet Ericka to the haunting Belleza India. The percussion on this recording moves as Simon himself and Roberto Quintero propel the songs forward. The pair are extraordinarie, and the numbers positively swing." Linette Tobin. Clave Magazine.

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"Ever since Marlon Simon's first Nagual Spirits cd and his wonderful second cd Rumba a la Patato, this spirited group has come a long way in their special blending of bop,contemporary and Latin Jazz. Recorded Live, Marlon has taken the enthusiasm of this spirited audience and blend with it the proup's sp[irits and the end result has been a fine recording of what proved to be an exciting concert, the kind the listener yearns to attend and contribute to it. While his prior studio based recordings showed the academic abilities and skills he and his group of musicians posses, it is this live recording that shows us the full expansion of this talented drummer. On this concert no one in the band is afraid to go outside to bend,twist or change to try something new and different." Pete La Barbera. Jazzine Magazine.

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Music of Marlon Simon

"The Venezuelan percussionist debut as a leader and composer is a fabulous jazz work presenting good soloist and a outstanding rhythm section creating a balance between caribbean rhythms and American Jazz." Elmer Gonzalez. Latin Beat Magazine.

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