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2005 Best Jazz Performer 27.80% Jamie Simon*
Others with Votes (more than one):
* On the ballot | 
Jamie Simon is no stranger to the Whammy. As
the former Blue Moon Boy drummer, Jamie was part
of that band’s multi-Whammy success. Since the
break-up of that band, Simon, who recently turned
30, has been extremely busy behind the traps for
numerous bands, including the Jamie Simon Trio,
the unit for which he won Best Jazz Performer.
"I’m just blown away," Simon said of his win. "It could have gone to any number of other bands. There are so many good jazz players in town." Some of those players were nominated along with Simon, including guitarist Phil Schurger, the Geo Trio and Eric Clancy. Simon sits in with the Geo Trio on occasion. He also plays regular gigs with the Taj Maholics and the Matthew Sturm Band. In fact, Simon is busier that he ever thought he would be following the road-warrior days with BMB. Simon is a Fort Wayne native. He graduated from North Side High School, which has spawned a number of good musicians over the years, jazz and otherwise. Following graduation he found himself working with the Blue Moon Boys and traveling all over the country and Europe with the rockabilly foursome. That experience lasted seven years, and left him with a seasoned, realistic attitude. But it’s fellow drummer and teacher Kent Klee who Simon credits most with helping him develop as a jazz artist in particular and a musician in general. "Kent told me to learn to play in as many different styles as possible," Simon said. "I did that and I’ve been working more than I ever imagined." The style he prefers to play with his trio grows out a love for Miles Davis, pre-Bitches Brew. "There’s a lot of other jazz I love but begins with Miles Davis. Added to his regular gigs are occasional stints with the Fabulous Rhythm Kids and as part of the house band for G Money’s All-Star Blues Jams at Mid City Grill every Monday night. It’s unlikely that Simon will slow down any in the near future. He’s playing so much now he just has time for a part-time, bill-paying job. His only complaint is that there aren’t enough local clubs hiring jazz musicians. If there were more, he could give up his day job for good. (Mark Hunter) |
Copyright 2006 Ad Media Inc.