Simon Spillett Quartet

Always a good night when he’s in town, over his twenty-five-year career, Simon Spillett has worn almost as many hats as possible within jazz: a multi-award-winning instrumentalist, quartet and big band leader, recording artist, author, historian, record producer, archivist, magazine columnist, social media commentator, and, more recently, a blogger.

However, despite his diverse skills, he identifies most strongly as a powerfully swinging, straight-ahead tenor saxophonist—a talent capable of taking audiences on a rollercoaster ride, encompassing everything from energetic bebop to heartfelt balladry.

In this capacity, he has become a solid fixture on the UK jazz landscape, regularly performing to sold-out crowds at major festivals and world-famous club venues.

A charismatic performer gifted with dry observational wit, he has never lost sight of the fact that jazz is as much about entertainment as it is about self-expression. Whether playing, writing, or eloquently discussing his favorite subject (UK jazz history), he remains an infectiously passionate communicator.

Tonight, his quartet features pianist Pete Billington, bassist Alec Dankworth and drummer Pete Cater, drawing unashamedly on the classic sounds of British modern jazz from the 1950s and 60s—particularly 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.