As one of the truly establishment voices in British jazz as a leading musician and respected commentator, 2026 will see Simon Spillett celebrating his 30th year in the business – so we’re lucky he’ll visit us for our opening gig of the new year. Inspired by the classic Brit-bop of the 1950s and ‘60s, Spillett is a multi-award-winning tenor saxophonist and band leader, of both his own big band and quartet, but he is also a man of letters, as music journalist, essayist and author (penning a major biography of British sax legend Tubby Hayes), as well as face and voice on TV, radio and various jazz podcasts. Expect a swinging selection of bebop, hard bop and post-bop, and hopefully some shared stories and experience. Simon will be joined by his quartet featuring bassist Alec Dankworth, Johnny and Cleo’s son.
Line-up:
Simon Spillett – tenor sax
Pete Billington – piano
Alec Dankworth – bass
Pete Cater – drums