Simon Bates

Simon Bates Big Band

Introducing the Simon Bates Big Band: An Electrifying Fusion of Timeless Melodies and Dynamic Rhythms!
Prepare to be transported to a bygone era of swing and sophistication with the exhilarating sounds of the Simon Bates Big Band. Led by the musical director and renowned jazz musician Simon Bates, this exceptional ensemble captivates audiences with their vibrant performances and unrivalled musical prowess.
The Simon Bates Big Band effortlessly blends the rich traditions of the big band era with contemporary influences, resulting in a sensational sound that transcends generations. From the infectious energy of swing classics to soulful renditions of modern hits, their repertoire spans a vast musical landscape, appealing to both die-hard jazz aficionados and newcomers alike.
With an ensemble comprised of world-class musicians, the Simon Bates Big Band delivers a breathtaking musical experience like no other. Immerse yourself in the irresistible chutzpah of the brass section, get swept away by the virtuosic solos of the saxophones, and revel in the mesmerising time of the rhythm section, all expertly guided by Simon Bates' masterful direction.
Whether performing on renowned stages or captivating intimate crowds, the Simon Bates Big Band consistently ignites a palpable atmosphere of joy and nostalgia. Their passion for the music is contagious, leaving audiences spellbound and longing for more.
Indulge in an unforgettable evening of glamour, sophistication, and sheer musical brilliance with the Simon Bates Big Band. Get ready to be transported on a sonic journey that celebrates the timeless artistry of the big band genre while pushing boundaries and redefining what it means to create captivating, contemporary jazz music.

Simon Bates Organ Trio

The Simon Bates Organ Trio is a highly acclaimed jazz ensemble that enjoys great popularity in jazz clubs and festivals across the UK. The trio comprises the incredible Pete Whittaker on Organ, Elliott Henshaw on Drums, and Simon Bates on Saxophones.
Their repertoire primarily draws inspiration from the iconic Blue Note era of the 1950s and 60s. They skilfully perform music by renowned artists like Jimmy Smith, Stanley Turrentine, and Lou Donaldson, while also incorporating original compositions. Their performances are guaranteed to make your feet tap and bring a smile to your face.
The band members boast impressive collaborations with notable figures such as Kylie Minogue, Elvis Costello, Shirley Bassey, and Phil Collins. With such a remarkable background, the Simon Bates Organ Trio consistently delivers

classy and exceptional music.

Funk Explosion

Introducing Simon and his Jazz Funk Explosion, renowned for their vibrant sound and funky style. The group consists of Simon himself, known for his mastery of the genre, along with a lineup of exceptional musicians.
Joining Simon is the talented guitarist and saxophonist Harry Greene, whose impressive CV includes collaborations with artists such as KT Tunstall, Mica Paris, Rumer, and Tom Seals.
On keyboards, the group is enriched by the presence of Carl Hudson, a member of Culture Club and a frequent collaborator with Boy George, Omar, Jocelyn Brown, The Average White Band, Sister Sledge, and Emilie Sandé.
Bringing the bottom end bass mastery to the group is the esteemed session player Phil Mulford. Phil's illustrious career includes collaborations with an array of notable artists such as Lionel Ritchie, Steve Hackett, Beyonce, Kylie Minogue, Mick Hucknall, Tom Jones, Chaka Khan, Annie Lennox, and The BeeGees.
Completing this exceptional lineup is Geoff Dunn, one of the UK's top drummers. Geoff's credits span across a wide range of renowned artists, including Joe Cocker, Van Morrison, Joe Sample, Shania Twain, 10cc, Paul Young, Spyro Gyra, Randy Crawford, Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello, Joni Mitchell, Ray Charles, Sting, and Tom Jones.
Together, this Jazz Funk Supergroup delivers a repertoire filled with hits from esteemed jazz funk artists such as Grover Washington Jr, The Crusaders, Spyro Gyra, and The Yellowjackets. With their exceptional talent and passion for the genre, Simon and his band create an electrifying musical experience that captivates audiences everywhere.

Simon & Harry

Simon Bates and Harry The Piano are truly a remarkable duo with their unparalleled virtuosity and versatility. Their ability to seamlessly transition between jazz and classical genres sets them apart from any other pairing in the country. It is exceedingly rare to find musicians who can confidently headline at both jazz and classical festivals.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Simon and Harry's collaboration is their telepathic understanding of each other's playing. This deep connection has been developed over years of spontaneous improvisations on live television and numerous theatre performances. Their chemistry enables them to deliver a wide range of musical experiences, from providing a subtle and tasteful background ambiance to delivering an energetic and captivating jazz set. They can even deliver an exciting cabaret act, which has been showcased in various international festivals.
Simon and Harry's performances have graced a multitude of events, including parties for royalty and some of the world's largest companies. They have also made appearances on television and radio, having enjoyed residencies on Channel 4 and BBC 1 for an impressive eight years. Their talents extend to recording sessions and educational workshops, catering to audiences of all ages and skill levels. Additionally, they have had the privilege of backing Rod Stewart at Hello magazine's 25th Birthday party, further highlighting their versatility and prominence in the music industry.
In summary, Simon and Harry's extraordinary musical talents, combined with their extensive experience and diverse repertoire, make them an unmatched duo in the realm of jazz and cabaret music. Their performances have captivated audiences worldwide, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry.In summary, Simon and Harry's extraordinary musical talents, combined with their extensive experience and diverse repertoire, make them an unmatched duo in the realm of jazz and cabaret music. Their performances have captivated audiences worldwide, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry.

Tribute To Paul Desmond

Welcome to an exploration of the mellower side of Simon, accompanied by guitarist Dave Warren, bass player Dominic Howles, and drummer Jeff Lardner. Together, their goal is to craft an unforgettable and exquisitely beautiful sound reminiscent of Dave Brubeck's saxophone player, within the setting of a quartet featuring a guitar. In a tribute to his boss and friend Dave Brubeck, Paul Desmond made a solemn promise as a bandleader not to collaborate with another pianist. As a result, a multitude of recordings feature Paul Desmond supported by his trio consisting of guitar, bass, and drums.

The music of Paul Desmond was introduced to Simon during his early childhood by his father, and it had a profound impact on him, leading him to embrace the alto saxophone at the tender age of 14. Revered by the great Charlie Parker himself, Paul Desmond was hailed by Down Beat as "one of the most truly creative figures in modern jazz." With utmost fidelity, Simon and the rhythm section skilfully recreate Desmond's melodious and gentle music. Alongside guitarists Jim Hall and Ed Bickert, they weave together a tapestry of harmonies, punctuated by captivating anecdotes and tales that pay homage to this exceptionally gifted musician.

Pure Brubeck

Experience the timeless allure of jazz with the unforgettable melodies of Dave Brubeck's iconic compositions. "Take Five," "Blue Rondo a la Turk," and "Unsquare Dance" continue to resonate as prominently today as they did during their inception, perhaps even more so. Whether you tune in to your favourite TV show, step into a jazz club or a trendy bar, or simply pass by an underground busker, chances are you won't have to wait long before one of Brubeck's masterpieces captivates your senses. The legacy of this beloved jazz quartet surrounds us, and now, four exceptional musicians in the UK are faithfully recreating Brubeck's music with unparalleled passion and authenticity.
Simon Bates effortlessly breathes life into the legendary saxophonist Paul Desmond, the mastermind behind the ubiquitous "Take Five." Simon's incredibly versatile career makes him the ideal candidate to emulate the dry martini-like elegance floating above Brubeck's driving rhythm section.
Similar to Simon and the esteemed Brubeck-Desmond partnership, Harry the Piano initially received classical training before venturing into other musical realms. His diverse musical journey includes collaborations with Simply Red, David Bowie, a multitude of UK jazz luminaries, and the Opera Babes. His remarkable 20-year partnership with Simon adds an extra layer of authenticity to the Brubeck-Desmond synergy.
Drummer Pete Cater, the recipient of numerous jazz awards, including Best Band for his Buddy Rich tribute, boasts an awe-inspiring resume. His credits span from working with Benny Carter and Eddie Lockjaw Davis to Kid Creole, Jamie Cullum, and touring with Arturo Sandoval.
Completing the quartet is Dominic Howles on bass, who gained prominence with the Tommy Chase Quartet. He has collaborated with prominent jazz figures such as Stan Sulzman, Alan Skidmore, Tim Whitehead, and his own band, the Dominic Howles/Gareth Lockrane Nonet.

Their performances honour the classic style of the Dave Brubeck Quartet, featuring DB, Paul Desmond, Eugene Wright, and Joe Morello. The repertoire draws from the period spanning 1951 to 1968, encompassing albums like the Jazz Goes to College series, Time Out, Time Further Out, and Time In. Throughout the evening, the music intertwines with captivating anecdotes about the quartet's life and experiences, providing intriguing insights into the creation of these timeless tunes and the inevitable clashes within the band. The two sets are carefully curated to showcase the virtuosity of the original members of Brubeck's quartet, incorporating a combination of transcriptions and original improvisations that remain faithful to the original style.

Kings of Clarinet

Whilst renowned for his saxophone playing, Simon’s first love was the clarinet and in this swinging, foot-tapping show Simon Bates takes you on a journey of the first 100 years of the Clarinet in Jazz, starting with the pioneers Johnny Dodds and Sidney Bechet; through the swing era greats like Benny Goodman and Artie Shaw; on to the be-bop of Buddy DeFranco and Eric Dolphy to contemporary players like Paquito D’Rivera and Eddie Daniels (pictured with Simon) and many more. There will be rare appearances of the beast that is the Bass Clarinet and its tiny brother the Eb Clarinet alongside the standard Bb Clarinet. You might even hear Simon's famous Acker Bilk impression! As ever, this show features the best musicians British jazz has to offer backing Simon.