Jazz at the Barn turns five years old! This season, from September 2026 to July 2027, local musician Matt Ward invites guests to join us in celebration at the Barn Theatre for a gig list packed full of the UK’s top jazz musicians, young rising stars, as well as some familiar and favourite local faces along the way.
For this season’s opening gig on 11th September, we kick off with award-winning tenor saxophonist Simon Spillett, and his quartet, who himself celebrates 30 years performing as a professional musician in the UK jazz industry. Back by popular demand, Simon brings his burning quartet of musicians to play originals and much loved standards, all in his characteristic charm and technical excellence. Simon requested Jazz at the Barn specifically to be part of his 30-year anniversary tour around some of his favourite venues – it won’t be one to miss!
Over his thirty year career Simon Spillett has worn almost as many hats as it’s possible to wear within jazz; multi-award-winning instrumentalist (BBC Jazz Awards, British Jazz Awards, Jazz Journal’s Album of The Year), quartet and big band leader, recording artist, author, historian, record producer, archivist, magazine columnist and latterly blogger.
Known for his powerfully swinging tenor sax playing, he’s become a solid fixture on the UK jazz landscape, regularly playing sold-out gigs at major festivals (EFG London Jazz Festival, Brecon, Swanage, Scarborough, Wigan etc.) and world famous club venues (Ronnie Scott’s). Simon plays Rico Reeds supplied by D’Addario UK and Cannonball Vintage Reborn Soprano Saxophones.
Performing at this Event:
- Simon Spillett – tenor saxophone
- Pete Billington – piano
- Alec Dankworth – double bass
- Pete Cater – drums