The chart-topping pianist, and composer who is known for his genre-defying music, will release his anticipated 12th album, Midnight Groove on March 28th.
~ Courtesy Shanachie Entertainment
Brian Simpson, a chart-topping pianist, and composer, known for his genre-defying musical style, is ready to take his audience on a captivating journey with his highly anticipated 12th album, Midnight Groove (March 28, 2025). This album showcases Simpson’s unique sound, blending Jazz, R&B, Funk, Soul, Blues, and Pop into a soul-stirring musical experience. Joined by a stellar lineup of special guests, including trumpeter Keyon Harrold, saxophonist Isaiah Collier, and Spanish guitarist Antonio Gomez, Midnight Groove explores themes of love, dreams, mysticism, and celestial bodies, offering listeners a deep, emotional connection through music.
A musician’s musician, Brian Simpson’s creative journey has been one driven by passion and a desire to brighten the lives of his listeners. “Music has been a great comfort to me throughout my life,” he says, “so I can only hope my creations may make someone’s day a little brighter.” Over the years, Simpson has made a lasting mark on contemporary jazz, performing alongside iconic artists such as Janet Jackson, Teena Marie, George Duke, Stanley Clarke, and Dave Koz. His eclectic fusion of musical styles, coupled with his soulful touch and knack for crafting infectious melodies, has made him a beloved figure in the genre.
Simpson’s artistry has earned the praise of his peers, including the late George Duke, who admired Simpson’s “unique way of being musically creative while accessible.” Saxophonist Dave Koz, who tapped Simpson as his music director, remarked, “Brian’s incredibly memorable and infectious melodies truly set him apart.”
Midnight Groove marks a pivotal moment in Simpson’s career, showcasing his ever-evolving mastery as a composer and performer. The album opens with the funky and percussive “Blue Mystic,” setting the stage for the captivating experience that follows. Simpson’s signature sound shines through on tracks like “Under The Stars,” the album’s first single, featuring rising tenor sax star Isaiah Collier. Simpson’s compositional genius is evident in the track’s stunning blend of jazz and smooth grooves, showcasing the beauty of the universe through music.
“The melody is always king,” Simpson emphasizes, and this belief permeates every track on Midnight Groove. The album flows seamlessly from the sensual, mid-tempo beauty of “Lost in the Moment,” featuring flutist Jeff Kashiwa, to the Latin rhythms of “Tropical Escape,” which conjures images of sun-kissed beaches and swaying palm trees. Simpson’s ability to fuse different musical styles results in a cohesive yet diverse listening experience.
A standout collaboration on the album is the title track “Midnight Groove,” featuring trumpeter Keyon Harrold. The song encapsulates the magic of late-night jazz and the soul-stirring emotion that Simpson has perfected over the years. “Keyon and I met for the first time at the Java Jazz Fest in Jakarta, Indonesia,” Simpson recalls. “I had no idea of the depth of his career, having worked with artists like Beyoncé and Maxwell. Our collaboration was truly special, and ‘Midnight Groove’ is the result of that creative synergy.”
Other album highlights include the smooth, R&B-tinged “A Quiet Kiss” and the heartfelt “In Search of My Dream,” which features the passionate guitar work of Antonio Gomez. “Antonio (who resides in Madrid and speaks only Spanish) and I have a unique musical relationship,” Simpson notes, describing their cross-language collaboration as a testament to the universal power of music.
Simpson’s journey as an artist began with his father’s deep love for jazz, which sparked his own appreciation for the genre. After studying at Northern Illinois University, he moved to Los Angeles and quickly became a fixture in the local jazz scene, playing alongside legends such as Everette Harp, Boney James, and Norman Brown. His career took an unexpected turn when he toured the world with pop divas like Janet Jackson and Teena Marie, but his passion for jazz remained ever-present.
In 1991, Simpson co-wrote the #1 hit “The First Time” by Surface, a milestone that helped him find his place at the intersection of pop and jazz. His solo career took off in 2005 with the release of It’s All Good, which spawned a #1 radio hit. He followed this success with a string of albums that included numerous chart-topping singles, cementing his place in contemporary jazz history.
Looking back on his journey, Simpson reflects, “I’ve remained consistent in delivering the highest quality music I can achieve. I’m incredibly grateful to Shanachie Entertainment for supporting my projects over the past 15 years. “I’ve never taken this opportunity for granted, and I’m honored that my music resonates with so many people.”
Midnight Groove is a testament to Brian Simpson’s unwavering dedication to his craft and his ability to create music that stirs the soul. With its rich melodies, enchanting rhythms, and heartfelt performances, the album is sure to leave a lasting impression on listeners around the world.
