bands

Simon Spillett leads two regular bands, a quartet and a big band, each representative of his passion for unapologetic, straight-ahead jazz.

The Simon Spillett Quartet

His quartet features pianist Rob Barron, bassist Alec Dankworth and drummer Pete Cater, and draws unashamedly on the classic sounds of British modern jazz from the 1950s and 60s, in particular the repertoire of the iconic UK saxophone legend, Tubby Hayes.

Their dedication to the hard-bop sounds of jazz's golden age has made them a popular attraction at both internationally-renown jazz clubs like Ronnie Scott's and grass roots venues alike.

The Simon Spillett Big Band

Launched to great acclaim in 2020,the big band is another line-up jam-packed with A-List jazz talent, many of whom are respected bandleaders and soloists in their own right.

The band's personnel comprises Nathan Bray, Mark Armstrong, George Hogg, Freddie Gavita (trumpets), Mark Nightingale, Ian Bateman, Andy Flaxman, Pete North (trombones), Sammy Mayne, Pete Long, Alex Garnett, Simon Allen, Alan Barnes (saxes), Rob Barron (piano) Alec Dankworth (bass) Pete Cater (drums).

This band, too, celebrates the music of Tubby Hayes and his contemporaries, playing arrangements by Hayes, Jimmy Deuchar, Harry South and Peter King, many of which haven't been heard in public for over fifty-five years. Hard swing and infectious enthusiasm are the band's calling cards, making their in-person appearances a powerful reminder of the core qualities of big band jazz.