Seven Shades of Violet (Rebiralost), due out September 8, 2023 via Ridgeway Records’ Rising Stars series, features bassist Jeff Denson and drummer Dillon Vado along with a vibrant host of guests
“I was captivated by Michael’s unique musical vision… His musical universe is rich and deep [and his] compositions are extremely detailed, with a great deal of complexity and depth.” – Jeff Denson, producer and founder, Ridgeway Records
release date: 23.09.2022 via Ridgway Records
Shining Through the Pandemic Darkness, the Extraordinary Trio of Bassist Jeff Denson, Drummer Brian Blade and Guitarist Romain Pilon Offer a Celebratory Second Album, Finding Light
release date: 15.10.2021 via Ridgeway Records
On his 15th release as a leader, Simon offers up gorgeous interpretations of classic and original tunes delivered with exceptional artistry and finesse. Recorded at Oakland’s Piedmont Piano Company on his 50th birthday in 2019, it’s a ravishing portrait of one of jazz’s most eloquent improvisers.
release date: 09.09.2020 on Ridgeway Recs
4 stars: “In a musical journey that spans the titular 25 Years, Simon has crafted a lot of music, employing a Latin/jazz/classical approach with a seemingly effortless refinement, making sounds that are unfailingly engaging and beautiful.” – Dan McClenaghan, All About Jazz
“One of the strongest pianists of his generation, with intuitive empathy and drum-like ingenuity, and solos compositionally with passionate elegance.” — Ted Panken, DownBeat
Featuring tracks drawn from 13 albums spanning more than two decades, 25 features a brilliant cadre of Simon’s closest collaborators including tenor saxophonist Mark Turner, altoist David Binney, bassists Scott Colley, John Patitucci and Ben Street and drummers Brian Blade and Adam Cruz.
Release date: 17th January 2020
Oakland drummer/vibraphonist Dillon Vado didn’t necessarily set out to make a bold statement. As a young bandleader and composer, he wanted to forge a distinctive group sound with some of the most vividly inventive improvisers on the Bay Area scene. He achieved exactly that with his quintet Never Weather, but what makes Blissonance such an impressive debut album is the music’s combination of emotional and musical intelligence. The album is slated for release on January 17, 2020 on bassist Jeff Denson’s Ridgeway Records.
Denson’s trio recording features a collaboration with French guitarist Romain Pilon and celebrated U.S. drummer Brian Blade, available October 25, 2019 via Ridgeway Records
“Jeff is an exceptional musician who is a creative force … He is always thinking outside the box and bringing his musicality and lyricism to all of his work.” – Lee Konitz
“Denson is breaking new musical ground, proving that he should be counted as one of the leading bassists of contemporary jazz.” – Teddy Doering, Jazz Podium
