Simon Bates

Simon Bates - Saxophone / Clarinet Simon first learnt the violin at school but the draw of his father's old clarinet was too much and he started having lessons. He progressed quickly, achieving Grade 8 at twelve. Simon took up saxophone aged fourteen, getting his first paid gig in the same year. While taking a classical music degree, he turned to jazz; studying Stravinsky by day and playing Charlie Parker by night in London’s clubs. Simon is known for his stylistic versatility and instrumental prowess and his playing features on countless adverts, film scores, television shows, theme tunes and pop recordings. Simon has worked with many artists including Kylie Minogue, Elvis Costello, Jamie Cullum, Lulu, Chaka Khan, Seal, Tito Jackson, Mary Wilson, Lemar, Dizzee Rascal, Beverley Knight, Heather Small, Carleen Anderson, John Dankworth, Cleo Laine, Steve Gadd, Pete Erskine, Jim Mullen, John Etheridge, The Zappatistas and the Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band. He has been musical director for many singers including Rick Astley and Bette Midler and currently for Pointless presenter Alexander Armstrong. Simon is Professor of Saxophone for the Royal Marines and a Yamaha Custom Saxophone artist. Find out more at www.simonbates.co.uk