TITLE: “Since Forever” (Naim Jazz)

ARTIST: Fred Simon

STARS: 4 out Of 5 Stars

SOUNDS LIKE: Something Pat Metheny would do.

At first listen, pianist Fred Simon’s “Since Forever” sounds like one of the Windham Hill New Age creations that has defined his musical career in most recent years. But listening to it without distraction you catch more of a subtle jazz nuance than you’d find in New Age.

“Since Forever” mixes jazz and classical with a little pop sensibility that easily digestible and relaxing. The music also has the same sort of pastoral folk jazz feel to it that's reminiscent of Pat Metheny’s work. Perhaps that mood is influenced somewhat by having Steve Rodby, Metheny’s long time bass player in the lineup.

Paul McCandless’ English horn add an extremely pleasantly surprising touch to tunes like the sunny “I Know You Know” and the reverent “More Often Than Not.”

The Miles Davis single chord masterpiece “In A Silent Way” gets an elegantly forlorn update here that keeps the original mood intact while adding new shadings.

“Since Forever” is delightfully refreshing morning drive time music.