Fred Simon
Usually / Always
Windham Hill Records (Japan) 1988
C28Y5098 (LP) w/obi, insert, company’s inner sleeve, label catalog, post card.
sleeve : NM
media : NM-/NM-
American keyboardist Fred Simon, who debuted in 1980 with an album on Flying High as a duo with Michael Bard and later collaborated with artists such as Jerry Goodman, Lyle Mays, and Ralph Towner, released this album in 1988. Featured musicians include Steve Rodby (bass) and Paul Wertico (drums) from the Pat Metheny Group, Paul McCandless (soprano sax, oboe), and Bonnie Herman (vocals) from The Singers Unlimited. The album primarily showcases pastoral New Age fusion in line with the Windham Hill label’s signature style, but the real standouts are tracks A2 and A3. With crystal-clear piano and synthesizer sounds, these tracks are deeply influenced by the Pat Metheny Group and are exceptionally well-crafted. Highly recommended listening.