Simon Bates is known and respected for his stylistic versatility and instrumental prowess.

 

His playing features on countless adverts, film scores, theme tunes and pop recordings. He is Alexander Armstrong’s Musical Director and also runs his own Jazz Club, Big Band and several small ensembles including the Simon Bates Organ Trio.

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Simon has appeared live and recorded with a wide variety of bands and musicians including Elvis Costello, Jamie Cullum, Lulu, Rick Wakeman, Chaka Khan, Seal, Beverley Knight, Kylie Minogue, Tito Jackson, Mary Wilson, Lemar, Dizzee Rascal, Cilla Black, John Dankworth, Cleo Laine, Ronnie Scott’s All Stars, Eddie Daniels and Steve Gadd and has been the Musical Director for many artists including Rick Astley and Bette Midler. 

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He appears frequently on television and radio - you will have seen him on programmes such as The One Show, Strictly Come Dancing, The Big Breakfast and The Parkinson Show; and you’ll have heard him on Radio where a highlight was conducting the BBC Singers and The Orchestra of Academy of St Martin in the Fields for Radio 3’s In Tune Christmas Special.

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Simon is Professor of Saxophone for the Royal Marines and the Royal Corps of Army Music and has featured as a guest soloist with many major ensembles including the London Concert Orchestra, Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band and the bands of the Grenadier and Coldstream Guards. He also features frequently on the Dawkes Music You Tube channel, reviewing products and giving advice and tips. Simon Bates is a Yamaha Custom Saxophone, BG Music Products and Marca Reeds artist.