“Simple Songs” received a four-star rating in a glowing review by writer James Hale in February’s upcoming Downbeat magazine:

“The paradox of Siskind’s ability to shift shapes and dodge expectations lingers throughout his sophomore recording, but there is also a sense of purpose, which keeps it from sounding like a pastiche by a prodigiously talented young musician…

From Brad Mehldau to Ethan Iverson, plenty of younger pianist tread similar territory, but Siskind distinguishes himself in his duo work with Lawry. In that setting, he seems even less wedded to the jazz continuum… In he end, Siskind seems happy to go his own way.”

Chicago’s “Accujazz” blog has named “Simple Songs” as one of the top 36 CDs of the year! I’m particularly excited to be on this list with friends Chris Lightcap, Ethan Iverson, Fred Hersch, and Jason Moran.

Critic Peter Hum of Ottawa and Richard B. Kamins of Hartford both selected “Simple Songs” as one of their “Top CDs of 2010.” I’m honored! Hum, in particular, listed “Simple Songs” as #2 in a section entitled “Four Debuts that Knocked Me Out,” beneath only drummer Eric Harland.

Got a really nice and nicely-written review here along with Dan Tepfer’s forthcoming album. Also, my publicist has alerted me to watch for a review in the February issue of Downbeat Magazine (!).

Reviews are starting to trickle in for my album. I’m linking one from “Audiophile Audition.” Reviewer Robbie Gerson raves “the music is rich in texture and nuance, and delves into improvisation with sophisticated constructs. Jeremy Siskind’s career as a composer and bandleader is off to a rousing start.”

Another interesting review was from Midwest Record Magazine where the writer says that the CD is “mainly for people looking for a really, really personal listening experience.” I’ll take that as a compliment!

Hi all! I’m back in New York after a really great trip to California. I wanted to tell you about the CD Release gigs I’ll be giving on the east coast:

• In Boston: 10/10 at the Lily Pond (in Cambridge), featuring John Sutton and Mike Davis
• In New York: 10/17 at Caffe Vivaldi (in the Village) w/Taylor Waugh and Jared Schonig, 11/7 at Miles Cafe (on the East Side) w/Taylor Waugh and Jared Schonig

Hi all! Guitarist Graham Dechter, and bassist Will Snyder, and I are swinging into action on the west coast, performing the arrangements of the great Oscar Peterson for his drumless trio. We’ve already been listed as one of Don Heckman’s picks of the week for the Los Angeles area this week (link). We’ve been rehearsing a ton and I’m thrilled with the results so far. Here are the dates:

• 8.22.10 The Hamlet (Cambria, CA)
• 8.25.10 Charlie O’s (Van Nuys, CA)
• 8.26.10 Vibrato Grill (Beverly Hills, CA)
• 8.27.10 Blue Whale (Los Angeles, CA)
• 8.28.10 Idyllwild Jazz Festival (Idyllwild, CA)
• 8.29.10 Irvine High School Theater (Irvine, CA)

My new CD, “Simple Songs (for When the World Seems Strange)” has a release date – October 15th – and will be released on the Brooklyn Jazz Underground Records (BJUR) label. The CD features mostly original music and the incredible musicianship of Jo Lawry’s voice, Chris Lightcap’s bass-paying, and Ted Poor’s drumming.

BJUR is an independent and artist-run label committed to creative and adventurous contemporary improvised music that strives to put out quality recordings that define the shape of today’s jazz. Recent BJUR CD releases have been by Randy Ingram, Sunny Jain, and Mike Fahie.

Jeremy will be heading to Zhongshan, China to teach and perform with students from various Chinese conservatories. He’ll be there from July 9th-26th. Then he will spend the next three weeks getting over the jetlag.

Starting this Sunday (June 6), I’ll be playing Sunday “brunch” (2-4 PM doesn’t sound like brunch to me, but that’s what they’re calling it) with vocalist Lea Delaria, bassist Dylan Shamatt, and drummer Josh Giunta. This excludes June 13, but other than that, we should be there every Sunday this summer. Hope to see you there!

http://www.smokejazz.com/