Bursting onto the UK jazz scene in 2020, the Simon Spillett Big Band is that rarest of rare beasts – a genuine all-star jazz orchestra, uniting some of the most accomplished soloists and bandleaders of today, who’ve come together to celebrate a colossal musical genius of yesteryear, the late, great saxophonist Tubby Hayes, arguably the nation’s best-loved jazz legend.
Featuring a starry line-up under the direction of award-winning tenorist Simon Spillett, the band’s mission statement is simple: to bring back the heady excitement of the Tubby Hayes Big Band in the 1960s, an outfit that raised the roof whenever and wherever it performed. This band follows in the same spirit, creating an intoxicating atmosphere in which its music communicates on every level, the entire package tied together with the leader’s signature insightful wit.
Utilising a repertoire of Hayes’ own arrangements, many of which were never issued on record, as well as pieces by his contemporaries, trumpeter Jimmy Deuchar and pianist Harry South, the Simon Spillett Big Band has already proved hugely popular with those who have come to hear it. Its London debut in October 2021, at the landmark venue the 100 Club, drew an overflowing crowd, eager to catch what one writer has already dubbed “the most hard-swinging big band in existence right now.”
“All the ingredients for an excellent jazz evening; great charts, superb players and a show informed by deftly imparted expert knowledge. This is repertoire jazz, very well chosen and very well delivered.”
London Jazz News
Book for all six ticketed shows* for the one-off price of £90.00 with our VIP multibuy discount and get priority seating in the first two rows.
Get your VIP Pass today, phone the Box Office on 01792 475715.
*Ticketed shows are:
Alan Barnes & Bruce Adams
Thursday 23 June, 8pm – Swansea Jazz Club at Garage Music Venue
Simon Spillett Big Band: The Music of Tubby Hayes
Friday 24 June, 8pm – Dylan Thomas Theatre
Karen Sharp Quartet
Saturday 25 June, 2.30pm – Dylan Thomas Theatre
James Taylor Quartet
Saturday 25 June, 8pm – Dylan Thomas Theatre
The Louis and Ella Music Show
Sunday 26 June, 2.30pm – Dylan Thomas Theatre
Some Kinda Wonderful: The Music of Stevie Wonder
Sunday 26 June, 8pm – Dylan Thomas Theatre
