Music: Sax player Simon's more than a rising star; Jazz

Huddersfield Daily Examiner (Huddersfield, England), Jan 4, 2008

WE'VE all seen people described as "rising stars". Well in Simon Spillett's case he's got the awardto prove it; not that he needs it, It is just less than six months since Simon won the Rising Star category in the BBC Jazz Awards, accepted his prize from the actor Michael Brandon and took part in a broadcast on BBC Radio 2 and 3 playing with The BBC Big Band, directed by Guy Barker.

All of which means that yet again, Huddersfield Jazz has pulled off something of a coup in getting this exciting young jazz musician to bring his quartet to the towntoopen the group's latest jazz season at the Lawrence Batley Theatre on Saturday next week. January 12.

Humphrey Lyttelton described Simon's talent as formidable, while Observer critic Dave Gelly said: "Those of us who have heard him . . . have been left blinking in disbelief. It's not just his mastery of the tenor saxophone, phenomenal though that is, but the absolute conviction of his playing that is so impressive."

Simon, still only in his mid-30s, began saxophone lessons as a teenager with BBC Big Band veteran jazzman Vic Ash.

By the time he was 21 Simon had become a professional musician and was working his way through a jazz apprenticeship which saw him play at venues such as Ronnie Scott's, The 100 Club, The Spice Of Life and The Jazz Cafe.

In addition to playing as a soloist and with his own ensemble Simon has worked with some of the biggest names in jazz.

In recent years he has become one of the most distinctive tenor saxophonists in the UK.

His present quartet features a fine line-up of pianist John Critchinson, bassist Andrew Cleyndert and drummer Martin Drew, who were the rhythm section in the last band led by one of Simon's heroes, the late Ronnie Scott.

Simon and his quartet are in demand at jazz venues across the UK and have played at many major festivals.

They released their first album, Introducing Simon Spillett early last year The album features a mix of themes associated with the late Tubby Hayes and Simon's own compositions.

And that combination is pretty much what might be expected on January 12 when the Simon Spillett Quartet plays the LBT.

It's a style that offers a high energy performance of straightahead jazz . The music begins at 8pm. Tickets on 01484 430528.

val.javin@examiner.co.uk

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FORMIDABLE TALENT: Jazz saxophonist Simon Spillett