CRITICS
"Tastefully inventive. An accompanist par excellence and a soloist
with over tones of Eroll Garner."
--- New York Times ---
"Norman Simmons was a reminder of how earthy, fresh, and full of surprise
the jazz repertoire could be."
--- New York Newsday ---
"He's got jazz at his fingertips. He has provided texture and solo relief
for a who's who of horn players, from Charlie Parker to Roy Eldridge."
--- Avenue Magazine ---
"Pianist Norman Simmons -enlivivened backing with frequent and delectable quotes."
--- Chicago Sun Times ---
"Norman Simmons, a pianist who combines harmonic sophistication and melodic inventiveness."
--- Soho Weekly News ---
"Simmons is a veteran pianist who has backed up instrumentalists from
Coleman Hawkins to Charie Parker and
vocalists from Carmen McRae to Betty Carter.
He has the touch and texture of and artist who knows both the expanse
and limitations of his instrument, and is able to coax the most from it."
--- Syracuse New Times ---
"He is and imaginative interpreter of the blues.
His soulful articulation breathes with the essence of jazz.
Norman Simmons should be better known."
--- Leslie Gourse, Amtrac Express ---
"Norman Simmons says what he has to say, it's real honest jazz,
like something between a seance and a church service."
--- Red Mitchell, Bassist ---
'Norman Simmons worked with some biggied(Carmen McRae, Betty Carter)
and after hearing one of his sets we don't doubt why."
--- Spa City Spectator ---
"Simmons is from Chicago, home of the blues, and the flaver of the windy city
is present in his playing. His joyous approach to the art of jazz piano is
a dynamic experience which shouldn't be missed."
--- The Globe and Mail ---
"Backing Joe Williams a singer's best possible friend, pianist Norman Simmons."
--- New York Newsday ---