Warning: Creating default object from empty value in /home/musicshm/vault_scripts/include/config.inc.php on line 384
Simon Bates - Saxophone
For queries and bookings please call 07768 40 60 80 or email simon@simonbates.co.uk
Newsletter signup

Simon Bates. And All Because...


And all because... my friends and family have been hassling me to produce an album but I never quite got around to it; the phone always seems to be ringing with other people wanting me to work for them! I've played for years asa soloist, arranger, musical director, session player and sideman with the likes of Jamie Cullum, Peter Erskine, Elvis Costello, Seal, Chaka Khan, Lulu and the Johnny Vaughan Tonight Show. but now I've decided it's high time to put the phone on silent and record my debut album as a leader. Here it is...

It's a real mix of jazz styles. I've used the framework of the classic jazz quartet but with the guitar replacing the piano. This creates a rare space for the four members of the group to come to the fore and be creative. I couldn't have done this without the help of three fantastic musicians, all of them virtuosos on their instruments.

It is no coincidence that the trio backing me forms part of the dynamic and exciting band the Zappatistas. These guys are used to working together as a unit and it shows. John Etheridge is a household name and probably the most versatile guitarist on the scene, having started off his career simultaneously working for jazz violinist Stephane Grappelli and rock band Soft Machine. Similarly, Mike Bradley's CV contains the seemingly conflicting names of David Cassidy, Natalie Cole, Ronnie Scott and the Swingle Singers and Rob Statham's precision and daxxling technique has ensured that he has worked with the elite of the jazz world.

With my tenor and soprano sax (as well as clarinet) playing I've aimed for a feel which is sometimes sultry and sexy and sometimes brash and in-your-face - but also covers every emotion in between.

I hope you enjoy listening to this album as much as I enjoyed making it!

Tracks:
And All Becauseā€¦
Well You Needn't
The Look Of Love
Let's Make The Water Turn Black
Yesterdays
Taxi Driver
Softly As In A Morning Sunrise
Sugar
Twilight
Out Of Nowhere
Georgia On My Mind
Yesterdays #2

Musicians:
Simon Bates - Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Clarinet
John Etheridge - Guitar
Rob Statham - Bass
Mike Bradley - Drums

Click to buy
Latest News : read more

30th July 2021

***SOLD OUT*** Loxwood's Jazz, Gin & Blues Festival will take place on Sunday 1st August....read more >

30th July 2021

As covid restrictions relax, life in the music business seem too be returning to normal for Simon....read more >

30th July 2021

From September, Simon will be adding Professor of Saxophone to the Army to his role as Professor to the Royal......read more >
Twitter : follow simon
Facebook : become a fan
Flickr : view gallery
5835539591_5bcded545b_b 5836078746_1f3083225c_b 5836068014_be647cca25_b 5836042792_110a7f25d7_b 5836040050_bde8677c69_b 5836018548_566297f516_b 5835464233_9954b9b62e_b 5835460557_7a42e9672c 5835457245_82702933f8_b 5835456925_00f2420ac8_b 5835450365_df606d20f1_b 5835997760_d058e04de9_b
  • 5835539591_5bcded545b_b
  • 5836078746_1f3083225c_b
  • 5836068014_be647cca25_b
  • 5836042792_110a7f25d7_b
  • 5836040050_bde8677c69_b
  • 5836018548_566297f516_b
  • 5835464233_9954b9b62e_b
  • 5835460557_7a42e9672c
  • 5835457245_82702933f8_b
  • 5835456925_00f2420ac8_b
  • 5835450365_df606d20f1_b
  • 5835997760_d058e04de9_b