Martin Simon
[1] His guitar mentors included Matus Jakabcic, Stanislav Pocaji, Fernando Correa, and Daniela Kukumbergova.[3] This alliance of music aesthetics is found both in his early compositions (1995–1998)—jazz fusion works in which jazz fundaments are treated with synthesizer sounds and electric instruments creating juxtapositions of intense jazz-rock sonic materials with harmonically rich, sometimes almost esoteric material —and in later pieces (2000–2006), in which the integration of opposites, inherent performance complexities and game-like attitude creates the opportunity for free interaction, fusion of singled sounds or even whole ensembles.[4] Simon's most recent compositions draw inspiration from Central European folkloric traditions placed in context with jazz, classical music and contemporary influences.[6] Simon has performed with a world mix of musicians from Western and Eastern Europe, North & South America, Asia, Africa, New Zealand such as David Watson (John Zorn), Paul Steven Ray (Vernon Reid), Salim Washington (Kenny Garret, Anthony Braxton), Chris Bacas (Buddy Rich), Jorge Amorim (Baden Powell, Al Foster), Arturo Martinez (José Greco), Alfonso Cid (Pilar Rioja), Carlos Hayre among others.He is a founding member of groups Escoto & Simon, Jazzva, Areito, BTY Orchestra, Astro Project, and Slavicada.He has participated in improvised music events along with masters of free improvisation including Oliver Lake, Art Lande, Mazen Kerbaj, Stephen Nachmanovitch, Pauline Oliveros, Michael Zerang, Anto Pett, Mark Dresser, Jane Ira Bloom, AACM and others.