Image Credit: Broadhouse Media
Simon Spillett with Craig Milverton
"Straight-ahead, high energy jazz is his line and he does it with aplomb"
The Guardian
In a career stretching over twenty-five years multi-award-winning (BBC Jazz Awards, British Jazz Awards, Jazz Journal's Album of The Year) tenor saxophonist Simon Spillett has cultivated a unique persona within British jazz.
Leading both his own quartet and big band, and inspired by the classic Brit-bop of the 1950s and 1960s, his is a powerfully passionate style, its emphasis on straight-ahead jazz delighting audiences who like their music hard swinging, heartfelt and entertaining.
Popular across the entire spectrum of the UK scene, from Ronnie Scott’s club to major festivals (the EFG London Jazz Festival), Simon’s communicative performances are a roller-coaster ride encompassing everything from high energy bebop to lyrical balladry, the whole tied together by his signature dryly witty stage presence.
And he’s not only a gifted instrumentalist and band leader; he’s also become a champion of the music in all manner of ways, including writing a major biography of legendary British saxophonist Tubby Hayes (‘The Long Shadow of The Little Giant’), penning hundreds of accompanying notes for vintage album reissues, contributing essays to many jazz periodicals and latterly becoming the go-to expert on UK post-war history.
He has recorded four highly-regarded albums, the latest of which,’ Dear Tubby H.’, garnered a prestigious five star review in ‘Jazzwise’ magazine.
Simon will be performing with Craig Milverton, one of Britain's finest Jazz Pianists. In 2010 Craig was winner of Best Jazz Pianist in the Best Small Group Category at the British Jazz Awards with Digby Fairweather and his Half Dozen.
Craig is sought after as a skilled accompanist to such star vocalists as Stacey Kent and Tina May. His trios are regularly required to back visiting American soloists at festivals and venues across the country including Scott Hamilton, Ken Peplowski and Warren Vache. Few British pianists have Craig’s thorough knowledge and grasp of jazz styles.
Ashley John Long is an award-winning virtuoso double bassist and composer across a wide range of genres. He is an active performer in jazz and free improvisation, regularly playing and recording with some of the leading figures in both fields. He has toured internationally with a wide range of artists and is much in demand as a session musician.
Gary Evans will be on Drums.
Performance starts at 7:30pm, doors from 6:30pm with bar available.
Tickets:
General admission: £20
Students: £5 with valid student ID
Children 12 and under: Free, accompanied by a paying adult (max 3 children per adult)
Tickets can also be purchased by ringing 01460 54973 or visiting us during opening hours.
*Please note that tickets for performances and workshops are not refundable unless we are fully booked and have a waiting list. Refunds are subject to a £5 admin charge.