Gwilym Simcock

b. 1981, England. Simcock demonstrated remarkable musical gifts at an early age, studying piano and French horn. Concentrating on piano, he turned to jazz while studying in Manchester with Steve Berry and then moved to London to study at the Royal Academy of Music where his tutors included John Taylor and Nikki Iles. In 2001 Simcock was a member of the band that won the Perrier Young Jazz Ensemble award and later performed with the BBC Big Band and the National Youth Jazz Orchestra. In 2003, he toured with Kenny Wheeler, playing French horn. In the same year, he took over from John Horler the piano role in the group Acoustic Triangle, recording 2003’s Catalyst and 2005’s Resonance, both released on Audio-B Records. Simcock was again with Wheeler in 2005, this time playing piano. That same year, he played a solo concert at the London Jazz Festival, which brought him critical acclaim and audience approval. He also premiered a piano concerto composed by Tim Garland, performing this with the Northern Sinfonia. Early in 2006, Simcock toured with a new quintet that featured Stan Sulzmann (saxophone) sometimes substituted by Garland, John Parricelli (guitar), Phil Donkin (bass), and Martin France (drums). This band was occasionally augmented by Norma Winstone (vocals). It is clear from his performances of his own music, whether as band leader or soloist, that Simcock’s ability as a composer is of significant importance in his development as a jazz musician of note. He also occasionally expands the small band, presenting big band music that displays similar flair and skill.