Simon Mogul is a 23-year-old Tenor Saxophonist originally from Miami (FL), currently based in New York City. Simon’s music fuses a respect and understanding of jazz’s past (channeling saxophonists such as the great John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins) with modern genres, such as Hip Hop and R&B. Simon completed his first international tour in the Summer of 2022, touring South Africa, and playing sets of all original music. The tour was well received, and was covered by South African national media. Simon leads an award-winning quintet that was selected as a semifinalist in two of the most renowned jazz competitions in the world for the summer of 2023, the Bucharest International Jazz Competition and the 7 Virtual Jazz Club. In his short time in New York City, Simon has already performed with NYC jazz luminaries such as Matt Wilson, Stacy Dillard, Valery Ponomarev, and Mimi Jones.
How did you learn to play? Where did you study?
I am very fortunate to have the absolute best mentors and teachers I could possibly ask for. These include Abraham Burton, Steve Wilson, Marcus Strickland, Vincent Herring, Jaleel Shaw, and Marc Cary. In terms of where I studied, I originally started playing in my High School jazz band in Miami (FL), then moved to New York City for college, studying 2 years at the New School, then transferring for my last two to the Manhattan School of Music. I am currently pursuing my masters degree at the City College of New York, under the tutelage of Steve Wilson.
Who are the musicians that influenced you the most?
My biggest influence always has been and always will be Sonny Rollins. When I first discovered his masterpiece “Saxophone Colossus” in the 8th grade, I was absolutely hooked, and I played that record so often I could sing the notes to many of his solos. Since then I’ve branched out from just Sonny, and have been heavily influenced by the playing of John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, Billy Harper, Bud Powell, Joe Henderson, Lester Young, Gene Ammons, Eddie Harris, I could go on forever! I consider myself a true student of the saxophone, and feel it is essential for me to have studied the entire lineage of the instrument. I also take a lot of inspiration from artists outside the “jazz” world, such as Curtis Mayfield, James Brown, Kendrick Lamar, Flying Lotus, J Dilla, D’Angelo, again I could go on forever!
What are your thoughts and opinions on today’s jazz scene?
I think today’s jazz scene is in an excellent place, and there are so many incredible young artists out there such as Immanuel Wilkins, Samara Joy, Joel Ross, Theo Croker, Marquis Hill, etc…So many young jazz artists today are playing listenable, catchy, thought-provoking, grooving music, which is both reassuring and affirming for the genre’s sustainability and continued artistic milestones.
Can you tell us more about your experience with the 7 Virtual Jazz Club?
I had an amazing experience with the 7VJC competition and team, it was such an honor to be considered amongst so many of my esteemed peers! The team at 7VJC was always extremely helpful when it came to communication regarding the competition, there was never any confusion or delay in any of our exchanges! I would recommend this competition to any aspiring jazz artist, and I cannot wait to become a part of the 7VJC family!
What are your future projects?
I am heading into the studio with my group featured in my 7VJC video submission in November we are going to record my original music, featuring vocalist Tyreek McDole and MC Ra$h Ka$h. I incredibly excited about this, as well as an upcoming gig with my quartet at one of New York City’s most premier clubs, The Django.
