Simon Bates' Funk Explosion!

Festival goers last year will remember one of the highlight performances was Simon Bates and his Jazz Funk Explosion, who blew the roof off with a huge, funky energy and a world-class sound. West Sussex based saxophonist Simon is known for his incredible stylistic versatility and instrumental prowess, and surrounds himself with truly exceptional musicians – he plays with the best, and for the best. He has worked with Van Morrison, Kylie Minogue, Elvis Costello, Jamie Cullum, Dizzee Rascal, Lulu, Chaka Khan, Seal, and Steve Gadd. He has been musical director for Alexander Armstrong, Rick Astley, Bette Midler and many others.

Joining Simon is guitarist Dave Ital who has played and recorded with Anastacia, Level 42, Craig David, Sugababes, Liberty X, Tom Jones, Bryan Ferry, Rick Astley, LL.Cool J, Jocelyn Brown, Mica Paris, Beverly Knight, Gary Barlow, Dina Carroll, Candi Staton, and Lulu to name but a few. On keyboards, the group is enriched by the presence of Rob Taggart, a member of Rick Astley’s current band and a frequent collaborator with Katie Melua, Beverly Knight, Sister Sledge, Rumer, and Tony Hadley’s Big Band. Bringing bass mastery to the group is esteemed session player Phil Mulford. Phil's illustrious career includes collaborations with Lionel Ritchie, Steve Hackett, Beyonce, Kylie Minogue, Mick Hucknall, Tom Jones, Chaka Khan, Annie Lennox, and The BeeGees. Completing this exceptional lineup is Geoff Dunn on Drums. Geoff started his career with funk band Incognito and went on to play with many of the Brit Funk bands of the time: Junior, Central Line and Morrissey/Mullen. He has also worked with Shalamar, Spyro Gyra, Georgie Fame, Jimmy Page, Eric Burdon, Feargal Sharkey, Dave Stewart, Kim Wilde, Terence Trent D’Arby, Randy Crawford, 10cc, Van Morrison, Manfred Mann’s Earthband and Procul Harum.

Listen HERE for a taste of what Simon can do.