UK based saxophone and clarinet player Simon Bates is known and respected for his stylistic versatility and instrumental prowess. His playing is in great demand on the London session scene, appearing on countless adverts, film scores, theme tunes, TV shows and pop recordings.
« BG make the best saxophone and clarinet ligatures, neck straps and general accessories »
He has appeared live and recorded with a wide variety of bands and musicians including Elvis Costello, Jamie Cullum, Lulu, Rick Wakeman, Chaka Khan, Seal, Beverley Knight, Heather Small, Kylie Minogue, Dizzee Rascal, Cilla Black, The Zappatistas, John Dankworth, Cleo Laine, Ronnie Scott’s All Stars, Eddie Daniels and Steve Gadd and has been the Musical Director for many artists including Rick Astley, Alexander Armstrong and Bette Midler.
« There is nobody else who manufactures the incredible range and quality of BG and they really care about the products they produce and the musicians who use them »
Simon appears frequently on British television. He was the Musical Director for 'The Best Christmas Ever' ITV show, featuring Alexander Armstrong and Alfie Boe and you may have also seen him in programmes such as The One Show, Lorraine, Strictly Come Dancing, the Paul O’Grady Show, GMTV, This Morning, The Big Breakfast, The Parkinson Show or running the 9-piece band on the Johnny Vaughan Tonight Show. And also on Radio, where he has featured on many programmes including BBC Radio 2’s Wogan Show and on BBC Radio 3 where he conducted the BBC Singers and The Orchestra of Academy of St Martin in the Fields for their In Tune Christmas Special.
« Best of all, BG keep innovating and developing their products to be the best they can be - Details really do make the difference! »
Simon is the Professor of Saxophone for the Royal Marines and British Army Bands and has featured as a guest soloist with many major ensembles including the Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band, the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, the Royal Armoured Corps Big Band and the bands of Royal Marines and the Grenadier and Coldstream Guards.
Simon is proud to be a Yamaha Custom Saxophone, BG and Marca Reeds artist.
