Biography
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Born
17 December 1946 (age 77)
Professor of Saxophone for the Royal Marines, Simon Bates is known and respected for his stylistic versatility and instrumental prowess. He is in great demand on the London session scene and has appeared live and recorded with a wide variety of bands and musicians including Elvis Costello, Jamie Cullum, Shane MacGowan, Bette Midler, Lulu, Rick Wakeman, D:Ream, Chaka Khan, Emma Bunton, Seal, The Zappatistas and Peter Erskine. He has performed around the world in a wide variety of settings from the Q.E.2. and Eiffel Tower to Ronnie Scott’s and the Albert Hall. Currently he is Musical Director for Rick Astley and bands The 'A Team' and Slam!.
Simon appears frequently on television in programmes such as ‘The Parkinson Show’, ‘Johnny Vaughan Tonight’ (for which he was Musical Director) and Channel 4’s Big Breakfast. Well known as a performer in many different musical genres, Simon has featured as a guest soloist with many large ensembles including the Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band, the National Youth Jazz Orchestra and The Royal Marines Big Band.
His album 'And All Because…' released in 2004 features John Etheridge on guitar and showcases Simon on Tenor and Soprano saxophones and Clarinet. He has also released 'Still Waiting' alongside his frequent musical partner, pianist Paul 'Harry' Harris, which is currently unavailable for purchase.
Simon is a Yamaha Saxophone endorsee and clinician and gives workshops and masterclasses all over Europe.
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