Edward Simon Brings New Album, ‘Femeninas: Songs of Latin American Women,’ to the Outpost

Edward Simon Group (l2r): Reuben Rogers, Adam Cruz, Edward Simon, Luis Quintero, Magos Herrera. Photo by Goren Sarriegui-Simon.

One of the leading jazz artists from Latin America and perhaps best known as a member of the SF Jazz Collective, award-winning Venezuelan composer and pianist Edward Simon makes good use of both his jazz chops and his Latin background on his latest release, Las Femeninas, Songs of Latin American Women, which features jewels from the Latin American songbook—all by female songwriters—in exquisite jazz settings. In addition to those songs, Simon’s Latino Soy suite graces the album with three original compositions. Simon’s trio, with Reuben Rogers on bass and Adam Cruz on drums, will bring that music to the Outpost this week, along with two guest artists, Grammy-nominated Mexican vocalist Magos Herrera and Venezuelan percussionist Luis Quintero.

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NuAeen Ensemble Brings Persian Classical Music to Albuquerque in Support of Iranian Protesters

The NuAeen Ensemble comprises four of the world’s most-renowned performers and composers of Persian classical music, all natives of Iran now living in the United States, including Albuquerque’s Sourena Sefati. On Saturday, June 3, to raise awareness of both the ongoing protests in Iran and Persian music, the ensemble will give Albuquerque a rare opportunity to hear that music in its For Freedom Concert at Keller Hall.

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Three Releases to Listen Closely to—from Sexmob, Lily Guarneros Maase, and the Ralph Alessi Quartet

  • Sexmob. Back row: Bernstein, Krauss. Front row: Scherr, Wollesen. Photo by Greg Aiello.
  • Lily Guarneros Maase. Photo by Jonathan Kiefer.
  • Ralph Alessi

Three new releases from Sexmob, Lily Guarneros Maase, and the Ralph Alessi Quartet offer wildly different but equally captivating musical experiences.

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R.I.P. Bob Gusch

Bob Gusch. Photo by Roger Baker.

On the morning of April 14, we were saddened to learn of the overnight passing of a longtime, integral, and well-loved member of Albuquerque’s musical community, reedman and educator Bob Gusch. Bob played everything from Brazilian choros to straight-ahead jazz and was always up to learn something new. He loved playing music for people, and the feeling was returned. His light will be missed. We send our condolences to Bob’s family, friends, and colleagues.

Below, to introduce him to those who didn’t know him and to enliven the memories of those who did, I’ve posted a profile of Bob that I wrote for Albuquerque The Magazine back in 2018. A memorial will be held on Saturday, May 13, from 12:30 to 3:00 p.m., at Holiday Dance Studio, 5200 Eubank Blvd.

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Julie Christensen and Terry Burns Plumb Love’s Shadows

Terry Burns and Julie Christensen. Photo by Magnus Diehl.

“Our sweetest songs are those that tell of the saddest thought,” said Percy Bysshe Shelley. In support of that sentiment, I offer exhibit one: The Price We Pay for Love, the new release from vocalist Julie Christensen, coproduced with bassist Terry Burns, who also contributes string arrangements and orchestral programming.

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