Simon Spillet

Name: Simon Spillet
Start: 2026-03-20T20:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-03-20T20:00:00+00:00
Location: Wakefield Sports Club

About

"Straight-ahead, high-energy jazz is his line and he does it with aplomb." — The Guardian
2026 marks a milestone for tenor saxophonist and bandleader Simon Spillett, celebrating 30 years on the UK jazz scene. Since his debut in the 1990s, he has become one of Britain’s most prominent jazz figures, known for a powerful, straight-ahead style that draws on the jazz tradition and the inspiration of the late great Tubby Hayes.
A popular live performer, Simon regularly sells out shows at top jazz venues including Ronnie Scott’s, and appears at virtually every major UK festival, from the EFG London Jazz Festival to regional events, with both his quartet and his acclaimed big band.
As a recording artist, he has released five highly regarded albums, including his big band debut Dear Tubby H. (2023), which received a five-star review in Jazzwise. His accolades include BBC Rising Star (2007), Album of the Year – Jazz Journal (2008), Top Tenor Saxophone – British Jazz Awards (2011), and Services to British Jazz (2016).
A charismatic and witty performer, Simon is equally passionate about jazz history. He authored the widely praised biography The Long Shadow of The Little Giant, has written sleeve notes for over 150 albums, contributed to publications including Jazzwise and Record Collector, and appears regularly as an expert interviewee on BBC and Jazz FM documentaries.