The Common Space > February 2001

The Ambassadors
Frederick's Music Lounge, 4454 Chippewa
March 10; 21-up

When songwriter David Simon moved back to St. Louis a few months ago, he talked about going without a band for a bit, just working the scene as a solo act until the exact right group presented itself. Apparently, that combo was meant to happen quickly, as Simon was soon thereafter booking dates with a trio called the Ambassadors, rounded out by bassist Paul Davis and drummer Jill Aboussie.

After playing in a number of popular and/or influential St. Louis acts (including Blank Space, Filet of Funk, Buzz Circuit and Thick), Simon spent the better part of a decade living in New York and San Francisco. There, he and cohort Marwan Kanafani made some beautiful music together as Solarcane, creating some lovely, pure pop. Upon his return, that duo ethic was obviously split, Simon now handling the bulk of the writing and singing in his new group.

You get the sense that this lineup might not be what you find with the Ambassadors a year from now. After all, Simon's got a beat in his head; he wants dancers on the floor. Augmented by a single horn from a guest musician, you can hear Simon's songs open up and take new dimensions. This group, though talented, might just be a hint of what's to come. Already, he and Davis have an obvious understanding, the pair having played together in the golden, funky days of lore.

As it is, it's nice to have a true St. Louis original back in the fold, crafting some solid music and shaping a band that'll hopefully have more legs than some of his previous acts. It'll be fun to see and hear the direction this group chooses to take.