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Mark Simon

About Me

My Jazz Story

I love jazz because it stimulates my mind. It is both simple and complex at the same time and I like it best when I can understand and follow along with the music. I was first exposed to jazz when I raided my father's extensive and eclectic record collection. This happened when I was around 7 years old. There was a J.A.P.T. album I listened to that got me wrapped up into jazz. It featured Lester, Bird, Roy, Illinois, etc. Whenever a player played something the audience dug, they burst into loud and spontaneous applause, similar to when a home team player hits a home run in a well attended important baseball game. I knew at this point I had to know more about this music. I have met many great musicians that I respect and look up to and have played with my share of them as well. Musicians are people, just like you and I, and that is the way I treat them, with the dignity and respect any human deserves for walking this planet. I have attended many great jazz shows, but one sticks out in my mind in particular. It was the Phil Woods Quartet performing in a college auditorium (Berkeley CA). What impressed me most was that no microphones were used, yet the band mixed themselves perfectly where I could hear each instrument clearly. I imagine it would be difficult for an alto player to control volume because of the amount of breath required to make a sound on this instrument. I do not recall what the first jazz record I ever bought was, but I recall picking up a Yusef Lateef album in a Woolworth's bargain bin for $1 when I was around 10 years old. My advice to new listeners is that if you do not like or understand the music upon the first few hearings, return to it with an open mind. Some of my favorite things I had trouble liking at first.