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
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