Promotions
Marlon Simon Re-releases his First Album: “The Music of Marlon Simon and The Nagual Spirits”
The Music of Marlon Simon and The Nagual Spirits
This was the first venture of educator, drummer, percussionist and composer Marlon Simon as a leader, back in 1998. This album features a very select group of artists, most of them already bandleaders in their own right at that time. Bobby Watson, Jerry González, Brian Lynch, Edward Simon, John Stubblefield, John Benítez, Joe Santiago. All of them contributed to create a memorable recording, working together with Marlon Simon to take his musical ideas to a higher level. Out of print for many years, The Music of Marlon Simon gets a second life 22 years after its initial release. A sought after album for collectors, fans of Jazz and Latin jazz now have the opportunity to get and keep this true masterpiece. After all these years, The Music of Marlon Simon sounds as fresh and hip as if it had been recently recorded. This is intelligent music, relevant in times of uncertainty and is certainly music for the soul and for the senses, soothing and uplifting at the same time. We hear lately of deep listening experiences, something we have forgotten to practice. Take this recording, play it back out loud, sit down on a comfortable chair and get involved. Get yourself into the music in a state of relaxation that allows you to enjoy and give pleasure to your brain in the way the composer and the interpreters intended to transmit to the listeners.
– Danilo Navas, latinjazznet.com founder, webmaster and editor
Where to buy The Music of Marlon Simon
- Visit Marlon Simon’s official website: https://marlonsimon.com/online-store
- Offered on CD format and/or electronic download in high-quality WAV format
- Method of payment: PayPal. Pay with your PayPal account or debit/credit card
- Support independent artists buying their music directly from them
Marlon Simon thoughts on The Music of Marlon Simon
“As I recall it was twenty two years ago that I was approached by Dennis Sheppard, who was the K-Jazz executive producer at that time. He was very familiar with my work as a sideman for other artists on his label – especially my work with the late bassist Charles Fambrough. I guess Dennis must have liked the work I was doing. He surprised me with a question: “Marlon, why don’t you do your own record?” Honestly, I had not thought of doing a record at that time. But I felt it would be a good opportunity for me to expose my work as a percussionist, drummer and composer. However, I was not known as a leader, which was an obstacle in the music industry at that time, so I thought maybe I should get some recognized band leaders whom I’d worked with, to come and help me get my name out there. Then I thought about featuring my mentors, Bobby Watson [former musical director with the Art Blakey Jazz Messengers]; Brian Lynch, a well known trumpet player on both fields, Latin and Jazz; Jerry González, who was – to me – among the best conga players in the world with his unique groove and style, pulling with him the long time tenor player with The Fort Apache Band, John Stubblefield; and of course my brother, pianist Edward Simon, was there to back me up with his exceptional pianism. They all brought a great enthusiasm to help me out on my first venture as a leader and this is the result. A repertoire that sounds as fresh today as it did 22 years ago; with great soloists that offer a kind of intensity without getting too loud. This recording has been out of print for more than fifteen years! It was the seed that gave birth to my band, The Nagual Spirits.” – Educator, Drummer, Percussionist, Composer Marlon Simon
Writer Raul Da Gama reviews The Music of Marlon Simon
“Not surprisingly this album came to be titled The Music of Marlon Simon, because the repertoire, in fact, served to launch Mr Simon’s voice not only as the great drummer and percussion colourist that he was, but also as a formidable composer. Naturally seven of ten songs in the repertoire of the album come from the pen of Mr Simon. However, saying that Mr Simon composes with a pen, does not give the whole picture. Indeed this music – which swings with unbridled energy as in “Root Medley”, and unfurls seemingly suspended in time, as in the bittersweet melodicism of “Hard Times with Nena” – appears to come directly from the raw nerve endings of its composer.
Moreover, Mr Simon employs a vast palette of colours, daubed and woven into a wondrous canvas and that too, expressed in a myriad textures on a battery of percussion from the drum set and bàtás to timbales and assorted percussion. All of this forms a veritable symphonic, albeit rhythmic soundscape upon which the music ultimately casts its impressive image. With a celestial cast in orbit around Mr Simon’s sinewy rhythms, the music is exquisitely performed, with idiomatic soli from each of the stars who have interiorised this music to perfection.” Read full review.
– Album Review by Raul Da Gama for latinjazznet.com
Tracks – Para Pucho [6:07]; 2. Little Stars [4:36]; 3. Mi Niña [5:09]; 4. Root Medley [5:48]; 5. Dance of the Infidels [8:11]; 6. Remembrance [6:17]; 7. Como Fué [4:33]; 8. Blues pa’ Changuito [5:37]; 9. Hard Times with Nena [5:59]; 10. Heidi [5:38].
Personnel – Marlon Simon: drum set, batá drums, timbales, percussion; Edward Simon: piano; Joe Santiago: bass; John Benítez: bass; John Stubblefield: tenor saxophone; Bobby Watson: alto saxophone and soprano saxophone on track 2; Brian Lynch: trumpet, flugelhorn; Jerry González: congas.
Year of Release: 1999
Record Label: K-Jazz Productions
Runtime – 57:39
Composed and Produced by Marlon Simon
For more information please contact
Marlon Simon [marlonsi@live.com]
Simon Rhythmic Productions
1-915-234-9346
Follow Marlon Simon on Social Media
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marlonsimonmusic
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marlonsimonmusic
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarlonSimonDrum
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC42QZY4BJmnI7GzFg6y-Ifg
- Mailing List: You can subscribe visiting https://marlonsimon.com
Latin Grammy nominee Estrella Acosta expands her artistic reach with Caminos – A Latin American Landscape. Recorded with her Amsterdam-based ensemble, Esquina 25, the album is a vibrant exploration of “music without borders,” bridging the gap between Cuban roots and the diverse traditions of Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, and beyond.
Acosta’s vision traces a musical map across the continent, blending Afro-Caribbean grooves with Brazilian lyricism and Peruvian rhythms. From intimate duos to the expansive sound of a full band with special guests, the recording offers a wide variety of creative arrangements. This project isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s a living dialogue that connects cultures through a shared musical language.
Whether you’re drawn to intricate jazz compositions or infectious rhythms that invite you to dance, Caminos provides a captivating journey through the soul of Latin America. Experience a landscape where tradition meets innovation in one seamless, borderless performance.
• FEATURED VIDEOS •
• SELECTED QUOTES •
“…Balancing the sophistication of jazz with the warmth and rhythmic energy of Latin American music… Acosta has a smooth yet commanding presence, and her vocals give the album a feeling of intimacy even when the music becomes lively and exuberant… Contemporary Latin jazz that is polished and accessible, but still full of the distinctive rhythmic and emotional character of Latin American music… an album of warmth, movement, and atmosphere.”
– Acacia Grace (All About Jazz)
“The new album by Cuban-Dutch singer Estrella Acosta opens with familiar sounds— jazzy Cuban vibes, just as we’ve come to expect from her previous CDs. Her longtime partners-in-crime, pianist Marc Bischoff and reed player Efraïm Trujillo, are still on board, so the instrumental quality is top-notch. Immediately, the first surprise arrives, as the second track kicks off with the feather-light swing so characteristic of Brazilian bossa nova. … In
Nevando en Camagüey, the rhythm section—drummer Enrique Firpi and double bassist Samuel Ruiz—steps up, delightfully delivering angular breaks and punchy accents. When the backing vocals join the fray, Acosta takes flight, her voice soaring joyfully above the beautiful, spirited interplay. … Stylistically more varied than previous albums, yet bearing the same
unmistakable signature of craftsman/womanship that has been honed and refined in friendship over the years…”
– Ton Maas (MixedWorldMusic.com)
“What happens when an artist maps an entire continent through song? For Amsterdam-based, Cuban-born vocalist and Latin Grammy nominee Estrella Acosta, the result is Caminos – A Latin American Landscape (released May 2026). Backed by her formidable, long-standing ensemble Esquina 25, Acosta crafts a spectacular musical map tracing the folk traditions of Mexico, Cuba, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Uruguay, and Argentina. It is a stunning showcase of what she calls music without borders.”
– Danilo Navas (LatinJazzNet.com)
“I enjoyed every note of the CD… very fresh arrangements and your voice fits them perfectly. I loved the work of the tresero, as well as the bassist, the guitarist, the tenor player and the rhythm section, very delicious.”
Paquito D’Rivera (multiple Grammy-winning clarinetist/saxophonist)
“Estrella Acosta has pulled it all together on this very special recording: heartfelt and unique vocal interpretations, an incredible team of musicians, and stunning arrangements. She has brought new life to many of Cuba’s forgotten great women composers by uncovering many musical gems with a new and fresh approach.”
Jane Bunnett (Canadian artist, multiple Juno Award winner and Grammy nominee)
“The delightful whimsy of Ms. Acosta’s interplay with the saxophone of Efraim Trujillo and the piano of the incomparable Marc Bischoff also adds to the marvellous aesthetic of this music. The supple bass playing of Samuel Ruiz throughout, and the masterful rhythmic colours of Enrique Firpi make this music so memorable that you will want to return to it frequently.”
– Raul da Gama (LatinJazzNet.com)
• PHOTO GALLERY •
Click on thumbnails to enlarge
• LISTEN TO “CAMINOS – A LATIN AMERICAN LANDSCAPE” •
• WEBSITE / SOCIAL MEDIA •
WEBSITE: https://estrellaacosta.com/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/estrellaacostamusic
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/estrella.acosta.music/
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@estrellaacosta7061
BANDCAMP: https://estrellaacosta.bandcamp.com/
LINKTREE: https://linktr.ee/estrellaacosta
• CONTACT •
EMAIL: estrella@xs4all.nl
In 2025, Amsterdam-based band Estrella Acosta & Esquina 25 celebrate their 20 years of playing together! They will be touring to commemorate this anniversary and would love to make you part of their festivities
Marc Bischoff (piano)
Efraim Trujillo (saxes/flute)
Samuel Ruiz (double bass)
Enrique Firpi (drums)
Estrella Acosta (vocals)
Guest TBA (percussion)
Latin GRAMMY® 2023 nominee Estrella Acosta is an acclaimed vocalist known for her captivating performances and deep connection to her Cuban roots. In Esquina 25, Acosta has assembled a group of international musicians based in The Netherlands who artfully combine Afro-Cuban music and Latin jazz with modern arrangements and playful creativity.
Drawing inspiration from the rich musical heritage of her motherland, and especially the works of its female composers, they play a program featuring music from their nominated album ‘Tierra’, with songs deeply rooted in the music of the Cuban countryside, known as ‘música guajira’, including her own compositions. Thanks to the creative collaboration of all musicians and arrangers, the band has crafted a repertoire with a distinctive character, in which elements like improvisation and jazz harmonies meet Cuban tradition.
Performances at festivals like North Sea Jazz, World Music Chicago and Canada’s Sunfest have brought them international acclaim. Their music is described as “a happy transatlantic party that takes off and soars”.
• FEATURED VIDEOS •
• SELECTED QUOTES •
“I enjoyed every note of the cd… very fresh arrangements and your voice fits them perfectly. I loved the work of the tresero, as well as the bassist, the guitarist, the tenor player and the rhythm section, very delicious.”
Paquito D’Rivera (multiple Grammy winning clarinetist/saxophonist)
“Digging deeper, Estrella has bypassed classic tunes for songs off the beaten path that, like their authors, clamor for greater recognition… For her dedication to showcasing hidden gems in the songbook of her country of origin, Estrella Acosta deserves the appreciation of Cuban music lovers, not only in the Netherlands, her home base, but the world over.”
Nat Chediak, author of ‘Diccionario de Jazz Latino’ and Grammy winning music producer
“Estrella Acosta has pulled it all together on this very special recording: heartfelt and unique vocal intrepretations, an incredible team of musicians, and stunning arrangements. She has brought new life to many of Cuba’s forgotten great women composers by uncovering many musical gems with a new and fresh approach.”
Jane Bunnett, Canadian artist, multiple Juno Award winner and Grammy nominee
“The delightful whimsy of Ms. Acosta’s interplay with the saxophone of Efraim Trujillo and the piano of the incomparable Marc Bischoff also adds to the marvellous aesthetic of this music. The supple bass playing of Samuel Ruiz throughout, and the masterful rhythmic colours of Enrique Firpi make this music so memorable that you will want to return to it frequently.”
– Raul da Gama, LatinJazzNet.com
“A project that pays tribute to the deepest roots of Cuban popular music. Sound imbued with the authentic fringes of the Guajiro-Sonero flavor in fusion with echoes of jazz and Afro-Caribbean cadences, in orchestrations of singular harmonic consonance.”
– Carlos Olivares Baró, La Razón, Mexico
“The seven songs, including three of her own, receive an emphatically jazz-tinged treatment with room for improvisation and soloistic excursions, especially by pianist Marc Bischof and saxophonist/flutist Efraim Trujillo. In addition, the sophisticated arrangements full of surprising breaks and twists provide extra listening pleasure.”
– Ton Maas, MixedWorldMusic.com
“Because Estrella Acosta is seasoned in the Latin American music tradition, this album sounds like a bell: it swings, introduces you to the Cuban music tradition, gives you a sense of ‘joie de vivre’ through the mixture of Cuban and jazz music and… gives you a new view on this special mix that was initiated by American jazz musicians in the 1940s and is now given a new handle by Estrella Acosta’s approach.”
– Rinus van der Heijden, JazzNu.com
• PHOTO GALLERY •
click on thumbnails to enlarge
• LISTEN TO THE LATIN GRAMMY® NOMINATED ALBUM “TIERRA” •
• WEBSITE / SOCIAL MEDIA •
WEBSITE: https://estrellaacosta.com/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/estrellaacostamusic
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/estrella.acosta.music/
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@estrellaacosta7061
BANDCAMP: https://estrellaacosta.bandcamp.com/
LINKTREE: https://linktr.ee/estrellaacosta
• CONTACT •
EMAIL: estrella@xs4all.nl
Marlon Simon and The Nagual Spirits return with the ambitious new album On Different Paths, blending a myriad of cultural and musical traditions. A Truth Revolution Records release, On Different Paths features pianist Edward Simon, trumpeters Michael Simon and Alex Norris, saxophonist Peter Brainin, bassist Boris Kozlov and percussionist Roberto Quintero.
You can buy this acclaimed album directly from his creator at https://marlonsimon.com/online-store. Your purchase will contribute to keep the music alive and will support the artist directly, without intermediaries. GET YOUR COPY NOW!
JazzWax Review by Marc Myers
“The album is Latin jazz, but it’s way more than that. The album is loaded with a wide range of rhythms, jazz feel and tenderness… The Latin jazz on this album is unlike any you’ve heard before. Marlon’s original compositions seem to evolve organically, shifting moods and rhythms as they flower. The music is truly extraordinary.”
Modern Drummer Magazine Review
“The drum and percussion world should be much more aware of Marlon Simon, he is a master drummer, percussionist, and composer. And all of these components have never been on better display than on the record On Different Paths. Bassist Boris Koslov and pianist Edward Simon round out the rhythm section and guide us through eleven deeply emotional compositions. The Venezuelan drummer leaves more space than his contemporaries, but his sense of space is impeccable.”
LatinJazzNet Review by Brooks Geiken
In eleven tracks Marlon Simon and the Nagual Spirits explore a captivating and superbly imagined outing, On Different Paths. Marlon and his brothers Edward and Michael, all born in Venezuela, all composers, all esteemed instrumentalists, join together to delve into a sonic world with ties to jazz, European classical and world music. Having some experience with Edward’s piano playing through recordings with Charlie Sepulveda, SF Jazz Collective and his band with Scott Colley and Brian Blade, Steel House, I was somewhat prepared for On Different Paths. What I was unprepared for is the composing and drumming of Marlon taking the listener into some delightful and brilliant textures.
Jazziz Magazine Review by Matt Micucci
“On Different Paths is the fifth album from drummer, percussionist and composer Marlon Simon with his eclectic ensemble, The Nagual Spirits. Partly funded by Simon’s 2022 Guggenheim Fellowship, this bold new project propels beyond the innovative fusion of pan-Latin jazz and classical elements found in their earlier works, embracing a captivating blend of diverse cultural and musical traditions.”
Paris-Move Review by Thierry De Clemensat
“On Different Paths is an important, essential album that, beyond its cultural inspirations, serves as a note of hope, a form of renewal, a ray of sunshine in the heart of a winter that greatly needs it. Without hesitation, the editorial teams of Bayou Blue Radio and Paris Move have placed this album in the stack of Essentials.”
-
25 Most Read Posts12 years agoJuan García-Herreros “Snow Owl” – Normas
-
25 Most Read Posts14 years agoEdy Martínez, the Music Architect Behind the Piano
-
25 Most Read Posts16 years agoRaphael Cruz Reaffirms His Commitment To Latin Jazz!
-
25 Most Read Posts11 years agoRubén Blades con Roberto Delgado & Orquesta: Son de Panamá