Jade on CNN for AspireTV Launch

“Simmons has an uncanny ability to connect classical music with the sounds of today.” -Sumi Hahn, Seattle Times

“She is an utterly beguiling stage presence, moving from stupendous keyboard virtuosity to personable program commentary in one agile step.” -Sumi Hahn, Seattle Times

“For a few intense moments during a recent performance and lecture on campus, classical pianist Jade Simmons literally moved her audience to tears... She brings a formidable mix of spirit and technical mastery...” -Lou Carolozo, Univ of Chicago Online

“Classical music would have no problem attracting crowds if Impulse Artist Series founder Jade Simmons was in charge.” - Olivia Alvarez, Houston Press

“Jade has exactly the kind of creative energy that the classical music world needs.” -Jon Kimura Parker, pianist

“Think classical musicians are stuffy? Not if you attended the Jade Simmons piano concert... Lovely, charming, humorous — oh, and add talented and skilled at her art — Simmons presented a program of Russian piano pieces that wowed the audience.” -Peggy Kehoe, Polk County Democrat

“Unusual and exciting talent, she communicates extraordinarily well…” -Ursula Oppens, piano

“A musical force of nature.” -Yamaha Corporation of America

“Her runs at the keyboard rang in the club with the clarity of a diamond in a coal mine.” -Tara Dooley, Houston Chronicle

“…Simmons topped off her feats in the orchestral work with an impossibly exciting encore…” -Chicago Sun-Times

“Simmons dazzled both the kids in the schools and the adults in her master class with her enthusiasm, proficiency, moxie and musicianship.” -Islands’ Sounder, Orcas Island

"She makes a brilliant impression, has a presence which fills the room, and plays with authority and dedication...Additionally, her outreach to young people in the name of classical music is vital." - James Steeber, Yamaha

“...you’ll see a lovely, confident, determined young woman who possesses great vision as well as great gifts. How refreshing to meet someone who seems so well prepared for her close-up.” -Maria Corley, Broad Street Review

“a thought-provoking, entertaining, and fun debut that easily establishes Simmons as a major talent.”! -allmusic.com

“Simmons’s technical skill and interpretive abilities shine throughout this album, making Revolutionary Rhythm not only a cohesive and interesting group of contemporary pieces, but a promising first step for an artist with a vision of where she wants to go.” -Archives of African-American Music and Culture

“Among the new generation of classical music artists, few are making the huge impact and receiving the kind of acclaim that pianist Jade Simmons has been of late.” -Sergio Mims, Ebony/Jet Magazine

“In Jade one could not ask for more, a performer who takes the written score to heart and makes it her own.” -Tania León, composer

“Fresh sound filled the hall, this music is exciting!” -Stacey Holzer, VisualSeen Magazine

“Listeners are likely to agree she’s hot stuff.” -Katherine Millett, Chicago Magazine

“It’s got to be hard to find someone who sparkles in front of the camera and knows classical music backward and forward, but the Cliburn found exactly what its webcast needed.” -Alyson Ward, Ft. Worth Star Telegram

“…a very engaging musical personality and a well developed musical taste.” -Philippe Entremont, pianist/conductor