Simon Spillett

Rightly regarded as one of the finest sax players in the country, Simon Spillett is touring the south west this year with by the Ronnie Jones Trio to mark the 30th anniversary of his professional debut.

Bursting on to the jazz scene as an effervescent – and fully-formed – talent in his early 20s, Simon has gone on to forge a white hot, stellar career, with numerous sold out headline shows at the UK’s premier jazz clubs: Ronnie Scott’s and Pizza Express (Soho); plus appearances at major UK jazz festivals –including the ESG London jazz festival – winning a handful of top jazz industry awards along the way.

Simon is also a highly-regarded band leader, whose all-star Tubby Hayes Big Band released a critically-acclaimed album, and recently recorded a second, at London’s world-famous Abbey Road studios.

The tenor virtuoso is supported by three exceptional SW-based musicians; some well-known to Ashburton Arts, one a fresh new talent. Will Butterworth (piano) and Ronnie Jones (drums) have played here many times now with different groups. Cornwall-based James MacPhail (bass) completes the trio. James wowed us at our jazz jam earlier in the summer – and he is sure to become a regular addition to Devon’s vibrant jazz scene.

Featuring - Simon Spillett