Simon Spillett Big Band at The Civic Trowbridge
About the show
Bursting onto the UK jazz scene in 2020, the Simon Spillett Big Band unites some of Britain’s finest jazz soloists and bandleaders in celebration of legendary saxophonist Tubby Hayes, one of the nation’s most celebrated jazz musicians and a key figure in the history of Ronnie Scott’s via the iconic Jazz Couriers.
Led by award-winning tenor saxophonist Simon Spillett, the band recreates the excitement and energy of the Tubby Hayes Big Band of the 1960s with a powerful live sound, outstanding soloists and world-class musicianship.
The orchestra performs Hayes’ own arrangements, many never previously recorded, alongside music by contemporaries including Jimmy Deuchar and Harry South. Since its acclaimed London debut at the legendary 100 Club, the band has appeared at major festivals including the EFG London Jazz Festival and renowned venues such as Soho’s Pizza Express Jazz Club.
Their debut album Dear Tubby H. received widespread acclaim, including a 5-star review from Jazzwise magazine, while their second album was recorded at Abbey Road Studios in 2025.
Simon Spillett (tenor sax) leads:
Nathan Bray, Mark Armstrong, Steve Fishwick, Bruce Adams (trumpets)
Mark Nightingale, Andy Flaxman, Ian Bateman, Pete North (trombones)
Pete Long, Tom Smith, Alex Garnett, Simon Allen, Alan Barnes (saxophones)
Pete Billington (piano), Alec Dankworth (bass), Pete Cater (drums)
Age guidance: 11+. Under 16s must attend with a ticket-holding adult.
Featuring - Simon Spillett
Tenor sax player and winner of the 'Rising Star' in the BBC Jazz Awards 2007 and winner of the British Jazz Award for Tenor Saxophone 2011. Simon - dubbed 'the new Tubby Hayes' - has worked with the likes of alan Barnes, Tina May, Liane Carroll, Danny Moss, Bobby Wellins, Jim Mullen, Alan SKidmore, Allan Ganley, the BBC Big Band, Tommy Whittle and many more.
Alan Barnes
A key figure on the British jazz scene since the late 1970s, Alan Barnes' strong tone, assured improvisations and imaginative arranging technique have marked him out as one of the country's top players, respected by both his audience and fellow players alike. Alan has broadcast regularly over a ten-year period with the BBC Big Band and Radio Orchestra.
He played on film and television soundtracks and jingles. In 2001 and 2006 Alan received the prestigious BBC Jazz Instrumentalist of the Year award.
Alec Dankworth
A stalwart of the British jazz scene, Alec is one of the best acoustic bass players around. Since the 1980s, Alec has worked with musicians from across genres including Nigel Kennedy, Dave Brubeck, Van Morrison and of course his parents John Dankworth and Cleo Laine.
Bruce Adams
Bruce Adams is a brilliant trumpeter from Scotland who is equally at home in a big band or with a small ensemble. Bruce has worked with a diversity of artists - BBC Big Band, Benny Carter, Jools Holland's Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, Scott Hamilton, Jack Parnell, Ted Heath Orchestra, Kenny Baker, Birmingham Royal Ballet, Bob Hope and Freddy Starr to name a few! His stream of jokes, anecdotes, and hilarious observations reflect an early immersion in show-biz, and a keen eye and ear for the many quirks of human nature.