BIO
It was back in 1982 that Simon began his musical career with the formation of four-piece R&B band Straight Lines. Numerous personnel changes ensued, but by 1984 the definitive line up was complete and the band was fast becoming a force to be reckoned with. Set lists comprised largely of covers with some original material provided by Simon and keyboard player Kevin Morgan. The band enjoyed a busy schedule through ’84 and ’85 performing at such prestigious events as the GLC/LWT summer arts festival and receiving much critical acclaim. With a loyal fan base now established, the next step was the recording studio and in July ’85 Straight Lines cut their first demo at Riverline recording Studio. Engineered by Leigh Highwood the four track session captured the band in fine spirits, but by September of the same year the band split.
Simon then enjoyed a particularly prolific song writing period whilst all the time developing his own sound and style. In early 1989 he approached former Straight Lines drummer Paul May asking him to play drums on his latest composition. Paul obliged and in June ’89 they recorded ‘I Want You Back’ at Oakwood Studio. With it’s catchy up tempo beat, snappy bass line and witty laid back lyrics, the song proved popular receiving much radio play.
The partnership continued under the new name of Pure Malt and their next project was to become even more successful. Simon wanted to record an original song called ‘Frosty Blue’ but from it’s early days as a Straight Lines set piece he had never been entirely happy with the work. Rewritten in late ’89 with the addition of key changes and extra lyrics, Simon was now satisfied he had finally created the song he had intended. So in February 1990 the duo were back at Oakwood Studio where once again under the watchful eye of experienced sound engineer Any Bell, they went to work.
With its ingenious multi-tracking and impressive production the result was an enchanting rock ballad that undoubtedly stands the test of time. The track received favourable reviews securing Pure Malt further radio play and press coverage. Next they built their own fully equipped practice room with recording facilities. This musical haven allowed them to record and develop an abundance of new ideas, but it wasn’t long before the lure of live performance beckoned once again and in late 1991 a new band was formed.
The humorously named So What! was primarily a working blues band with Simon now concentrating on piano/organ and vocals. The band also featured former Pretty Things guitarist Brian Pendleton on lead guitar, Brian Jackson on bass and Paul on drums. A busy gig schedule followed and one live album entitled ‘Live and Kickin’, but off stage antics led to a split in July ’93.
Simon then embarked upon a variety of projects from solo piano pieces to larger scale Pure Malt recordings further contributing to an already impressive catalogue of original material. There were also brief collaborations with former Straight Lines Keyboard player Kevin Morgan. With a mutual love of blues and jazz the two remained close friends sharing ideas and jam sessions over the years.
In August 1997 Simon recorded two new songs at Courfield Studio working for the first time with sound engineer Gordon Thrussell and returning to the simple medium of vocal with piano accompaniment. Flavoured with touches of gospel and blues, both tracks conveyed a real honesty in the sensitive arrangements and heartfelt lyrics confirming Simon as a thoughtful and competent songwriter. He continued to write and record but once again by 2002 the desire to play live was back.
Using his network of contacts Simon was able to hand pick to best local musicians, putting together a formidable line-up of experienced performers that became known as Blues Company. The band was primarily a six piece with the addition of occasional guests and were all committed to providing quality live music for the discerning listener. With a variety of musical backgrounds, they were capable of interpreting classic tracks as well as performing original material and in no time at all had forged a reputation as a class act.
In 2003 the guys (and girl) recorded a five track CD at the respected Courtfield Studio where once again Simon called on the skills of his old friend and experienced sound engineer Gordon Thrussell. Gordon’s knowledge and expertise became invaluable as the band set about trying to capture their natural sound on disc. Recorded during 2002/03 the aptly named ‘Courtfield Sessions’ was a collection of blues/soul based covers that regularly featured in the bands live sets.
Released in the summer of 2003 it became an instant success boosting the bands already growing popularity. At this point Simon began introducing more original material into the mix using the live audience as an instant sounding board for his own work. This shrewd move not only allowed him hone his song writing skills yet further, but also provided him with an ever increasing catalogue of tried and tested songs. However by the end of 2004 the strain was starting to show and Simon decided it was time to wind down the band and take another break from live performing. This wasn’t a decision he took lightly as Blues Company were arguably at the top of their game, but the desire to go out on a high seemed equally alluring. Their last live performance was a Blues Extravaganza held at a local football stadium where the band delivered a sublime last performance.
Simon then enjoyed a short break from the music scene, instead devoting his creative energies to numerous other personal projects, but by the summer of 2006 he was writing again. A simple home studio allowed him to create tracks and develop ideas prior to full recording sessions and his catalogue of work continued to grow.
Simon had always maintained contact with former band mates often meeting up for jam sessions and in 2008 he approached his old friend Paul May suggesting they work together again. They would often meet sharing ideas and sometimes reworking old songs. This relationship continued for many years and the two would regularly go busking and also play exclusive, intimate gigs to rave reviews.
By 2013 Simon had made the decision to focus on being a recording artist rather than continuing with live performance. During this time he wrote prolifically and built up a catalogue of new material and in 2016 he was back in the studio, now working for the first time with sound engineer Clive Austen. The two instantly clicked and soon forged a close working relationship that continues to this day.
Following demand, in 2020 Simon released a selection of songs on various online streaming platforms, making his work more accessible to a larger audience. This proved a popular move and he soon attained over 1 million worldwide streams. At the same time he also launched his new YouTube channel where he could showcase videos for some of his most popular tracks.
From rock to jazz, piano based or guitar driven Simon’s diverse song writing and multi instrumental talents further enhanced his reputation as an all round musician. But whatever the style, it was always the blues to which he would return as inspiration for some of his most popular compositions. Always the perfectionist he would spend hours arranging and mixing tracks and such attention to detail has earned him not only respect from his peers, but also a well deserved reputation as a music critic.
Simon continues to write, record and produce his own material, maintaining control throughout the creative process and championing the cause of independent musicians and songwriters everywhere. He recently removed some of his most popular tracks from the streaming service Spotify in protest of poor royalty payments for artists and continues to campaign for fairer protection of artist’s material.
