Hybrid Jazz From Trish Hennessey - with Todd Simon!

Truth be told, Ive never had a guest who has won multiple medals from the U.S. Navy - including The Global War on Terrorism Medal! But Todd Simon is a different breed of cat. A red, white and blue one, no doubt. Guess when you "find yourself" early, the unique in you spreads its wings and flies :) Born in Dover, Delaware - but closer to Baltimore/DC turf now, Todd is a sought-after pianist, saxophonist, arranger and composer. Its probably a no-brainer that he would follow a musical path - Dad is the founder of the extraordinarily popular group, The Fabulous Hubcaps. Guided by a sublime harmonic direction, then, Todd came to Baltimore to study Jazz Piano at the revered Peabody Conservatory. Having paid his dues at hotels, restaurants and various events where he might have been in the shadows, Todd is ready to take his turn, front and center. His spanking new project is called (this is so cute that I cant stand it!), "Simon Says." Of COURSE it is! On the CD are ten original tracks, featuring the cream of the region - including our good friend (recently on the show), Todd Marcus. There is a song about McCoy Tyner, one that is reflective of his time in Boot Camp (think scribbled music in a spiral notebook) and a tune that pays homage to 70s Hancock. And we dont mean John :-D Ten tracks, ten-piece band and ten star rating. There you have the debut of Todd Simon - and we must mention that his colleagues from the U.S. Naval Academy are also playing with him on this world-class production. In the musical world, as in life, there is a season for everything. We have just lost the legendary Mulgrew Miller - and some of us have wondered aloud: Who will fill his shoes? We dare not speculate as to who - but this is sure. The passion of Jazz continues in the fingers of Todd Simon.

US Naval Multiple Medalist