Simon Hardy

In the early 1800s magistrates in the Australian colonies were often frustrated by the language used by reoffending convicts to disguise their criminal activities and intensions. Convict clerk James Hardy Vaux came up with a useful idea: a dictionary of slang and other terms used by convicts. And so, in 1812, he compiled what was to be Australia's first published dictionary.

This rare collection of all-star recordings from keyboardist Harris Simon features Michael Brecker at his very best! As a 21-year-old wunderkind, pianist-composer-arranger Harris Simon went into the studio in March of 1978 to record his first recording under his own name entitled "New York Connection" featuring an all-star cast including tenor sax titan Michael Brecker, Brazilian trumpeter Claudio Roditi, saxophonist-flutist Joe Farrell, bassist Mike Richmond, guitarist Bill Washer and Brazilian drummer Portinho. Two years later, Simon returned to the studio with essentially the same heavyweight crew to record Swish. Selections from both quintessential late '70s offerings, are now available in the compilation The "Mastery of Passion", represent a moment in time when jazz was crossing over to a wider audience.

The fruit of an intense complicity with Simon Zaoui, "Reflets" is based around major works from the french music repertoire for bassoon and piano dating from the beginning of the 20th century: Saint-Saens, Koechlin, Dutilleux. These pieces are played alongside other, more rare, compositions by Jeanjean and D'Ollone. The choices made were guided throughout by a search for the lyricism and colours which are such an integral part of the character of the french made bassoon. This disc is dedicated to Régis Roy.

Hedkandi is a UK-based record label, events and music brand. Its back catalogue includes both artist albums and dance music compilations.