Electric Guitarist

Simon Bolley

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About Simon

I REALLY do Music.
Simon Bolley's profile picture
Electric Guitarist
York

I'm a multi-instrumentalist with a degree in performance and composition. I speciallise in arranging current and classic songs and performing them either solo or with one of bands. I've played in bands for the last 15 years, along side acts including Reverend and The Makers, Badly Drawn Boy, David Ford and Ocean Colour Scene. I've taught rock and pop bands for 5 years, and been a solo performing musician for the last 8years. I Really love music, everything about it, performing, writing, teaching, collaborating and arranging. I'm currently in 4 bands, Flora Greysteel, Gobbledigook, Foreground Gorilla and Das Happy. Feel free to contact me in regards to any of them aswell.

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This act has been working with Encore for over 5 years
Musicianship
Genres:
Contemporary Christian, Pop, Ambient pop, Funk, Funk rock, Soul, Hip Hop, Covers, Rock, Hard rock, Classic rock, Alternative rock, Post rock, Rock 'n' Roll, Punk rock, Progressive rock, Gospel, Blues, Cabaret, Ambient, Electronic, Electro-Swing, Christmas, Traditional church music, Classical crossover, Contemporary classical, Film / TV music, Musical theatre, Fanfare, Breakbeat, Deep house, Drum 'n' Bass, Dubstep, EDM, Electronica, Garage, House, IDM, Ibiza club, Jungle, Techno, Triphop, 1920s era music, 1930s era music, 1940s era music, 1950s era music, 1960s era music, 1970s era music, 1980s era music, 1990s era music, Folk, Bluegrass, Ceilidh, Country, Folk rock, Irish rock, Rockabilly, Traditional English folk, Traditional Irish folk, Traditional Scottish folk, Welsh folk, Jazz, Swing, Avant garde, Easy listening, Experimental, Light music, Noise music, Originals, Acoustic, Americana, Disco, Karaoke, Motown, R&B, Top 40, Tribute, Vintage, Indie, Pop rock, Power rock, World music, African music, Afrobeat, Caribbean music, Calypso, Indian music, Ska, Skiffle, Britpop, Glam rock, Synth rock, Asian music, Bollywood, Modern jazz, Barbershop, Classical
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Event types:
Hotel / Restaurant event, Wedding, Wedding proposal, Funeral / Memorial service, Church service, Bar / Club / Venue event, Private event, Corporate event, Charity event, Concert, Recording session, Theatre / Show, Cruise, Burns night, Birthday party, Christmas party, New Year's Eve
See all event types
Other skills:
Arranger, Audio engineer, Composer, Producer, Songwriter, Sound technician, Ableton Live, Live looping, Fluent improviser, Instrumental teaching, Community music worker, Theory teaching
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Simon's Song list

All Along the Watchtower - Bob Dylan (my own arrangement)
7 Nation Army - The White Stripes (my own funk arrangement)
A Change Gone Come - Sam Cooke
I Put a Spell on You - Nina Simone (Annie Lennox arrangement)
Express Yourself - Charles Wright Band
Sir Duke - Stevie Wonder
I Wish - Stevie Wonder
Ain't No Sunshine -
House of the Rising Sun - The Animals (my own 'soul' arrangement)
I Shot the Sheriff - Bob Marley
I Want To Love You - Bob Marley
Master Blaster - Stevie Wonder
Valerie - The Zootons (Amy Winehouse arrangement)
First Day of My Life - Bright Eye's
Delicate - Damien Rice
Landslide - Stevie Nicks
Peach Plum Pear - Joanna Newsom
Send Me On My Way - Rusted Root
Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood -
Hard To Handle -
Sun Is Shining - Bob Marley
Don't Forget Me - Red Hot Chili Peppers
Under the Bridge - Red Hot Chili Peppers
I Remember - Damien Rice
Call Me Al - Paul Simon
Customer questions

What if my timings change after I've booked you?

I will always try my best to be flexible to ensure your even runs as smoothly and joyfully as possible. If timings change slightly during the run up to the event just let me know. If you decide you want more music on the night, that’s great!! I’m happy to playas long as you want at £50 per half hour.

Can you provide an iPod/DJ service before and between your sets?

Yeah for sure. I can provide music for between sets.

How much time do you need to set up?

I usually like to arrive and start set up no less than 1 hour before starting. Once the PA is up I can provide a free playlist service to help get your guests ready for a live performance.

Can I pick the pieces you play from the set list?

My setlist is crafted through countless performances and learning what works, however i’m happy to chat through it with you and make sure we find what works for your event.

Do you bring all the equipment you need to perform?

Yes absolutely! I bring my own PA and everything needed to give a hear performance wherever you are.

Can you learn specific pieces before the event?

If there is a song you want that isn’t on my setlist there may still be a chance I know it, please ask. If not, i’m always happy to learn new songs! Here is a fee of £25 per song for this service to account for rehearsal time, to make sure I get it just right for you.

What do your clients love most about your performances?

My clients love my voice, I have warm tones and a big old range. They also love my professionalism, there hasn’t been a week since 2011 that I havn’t performed and i’ve learnt that an amazing performance is vital, but being prompt, on time, communicative and easy going mean I always leave people with a smile.

Which venues have you performed at in the past?

I’ve performed all over the country, some of the most notable venues include; Fibbers (York) 93 Feet East (London) Co Lab (London)

Which artists have you been most influenced by?

I’m influenced by a plethora of artists, all of whom have gone into the individual style I create. Most notably are:- Carlos Santana, Nina Simone, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sam Cooke, Mononoke, Mark Ronson, Michael Jackson, Prince, Joanna Newsom, Damien Rice, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, John Lee Hooker, Stevie Ray Vaughn, STEVIE WONDER.

What is the most high profile gig you've performed?

I’ve played supporting Ocean Colour Scene I’m front of 9,000 people. But i’ve also supported Reverend and the Makers and David Ford.

Simon's Prices

Note: prices may vary based on travel distance. For an exact quote, click “Check availability”.

Standard Prices
Performance durationPrice
Short performance (up to 15 min)£90
Up to 1 hour£200
Up to 2 hours£300
Up to 3 hours£400

Add-ons

Learn a Song of your choice
+£30
Simon
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5 out of 5
4 verified reviews

Simon's Reviews

From customers:

JM
Justine M
5 years ago, for a Private event in York
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5 out of 5

I booked the Music Machine for a private gig in York and couldn't have been more please. The band were super lovely and played an amazing set. Myself and my guests had a wonderful time and would definitely book them again.

TJ
Tom J
5 years ago, for a Recording session in 9 Melrose's Yard
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5 out of 5

I couldn't imagine you could find a better band for an event or function. I was blown away by the talent of all the musicians and the energy they bring to their performance. They are fabulous fun, a wonderful bunch of friendly and easy going people who will bring an event alive with their signature soul and funk numbers. Totally recommended.

Read all 4 reviews