A Tribute to Simon Salz, 1955-2005

When I first moved to Miami, by chance, I moved into an apartment that was walking distance from the Unitarian Church in South Miami. There I met Ira Sullivan and of course so many other great musicians like Simon Salz.

I loved listening to those guys play and I drank in the vibe of the place; the reverberating sound, the low lights and relaxed atmosphere where people got up to dance and move to the music. I tried to make it there every Monday night.

I was impressed by Simon the first time I heard him play. He played without a pick, using instead, a classical style of fingerpicking.  He knew an endless list of tunes and Ira's tempos were not a problem for him. He had a warm sound and was an important part of the band. He often set a mood with an intro vamp or played with Ira till the very last note of a tune quietly ascended to the vaulted ceiling.

I remember his enthusiasm. He seemed to be having the time of his life. I miss those days.

-Sandy Poltarack