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In collaboration with Highworth Jazz Festival2026 marks a milestone anniversary for tenor saxophonist and bandleader Simon Spillett; 30 years on the UK jazz scene.
To celebrate this incredible achievement, Simon joins forces with saxophonist, vocalist and composer Kim Cypher to present a collaborative project – ‘Unification’ – the merging of creative minds as a united force to create music combining different styles and demonstrate that compatibility can be found in the most unlikely of places. Ultimately, creating a greater musical experience for all.
SIMON SPILLETT
"Straight-ahead, high-energy jazz is his line and he does it with aplomb" - The Guardian
Since his debut in the 1990s he has risen to become one of Britain’s most prominent jazz figures. An instrumentalist with a powerful, straight-ahead style, drawing on the best of the jazz tradition and in particular the inspiration of an illustrious forebear, the late great Tubby Hayes, he is highly popular attraction playing sold out gigs at the best jazz clubs (Ronnie Scott’s) and at virtually every festival of consequence (including the EFG London Jazz Festival) with both his regular quartet and his star-studded big band.
As a recording artists he had released five well-regarded albums, with his big band debut CD ‘Dear Tubby H.’ (2023) garnering a much deserved five-star award in ‘Jazzwise’ magazine.
He’s also picked up a clutch of awards; BBC Rising Star (2007), Album of the Year (‘Jazz Journal’ 2008), Top Tenor Saxophone (British Jazz Awards 2011) and ‘Services to British Jazz’ (2016).
A charismatic performer, gifted with a dry observational wit, he’s never lost sight of the fact that jazz is entertainment as much as art and whether playing, writing or articulately holding forth on his favourite subject – UK jazz history – he’s an infectiously passionate communicator.
Indeed, between playing, he has found time to pen a widely praised biography of Tubby Hayes (‘The Long Shadow of The Little Giant’), write sleeve notes to over 150 albums, contribute articles to magazines including ‘Jazzwise’ and ‘Record Collector’ and act as an anchor interviewee on documentaries for the BBC and Jazz FM.
KIM CYPHER
“Kim Cypher is a force of nature, a glamorous and entertaining performer who is agreeably down to earth. But behind the glitz is a highly talented and focussed saxophonist, vocalist and songwriter whose hard work and commitment to the jazz cause have won her a loyal nationwide following” - The Jazz Mann
Kim Cypher is one of the UK’s most exciting and exuberant saxophonists, vocalists and composers renowned for her vivacious style, passionate energy, charismatic stage presence and warm connection with all audiences.
A regular performer on the London and UK jazz circuit, with success of four highly acclaimed albums, award-winning music videos, performance in New York and sellout shows at world-renowned Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, Kim has firmly secured her reputation as a leading figure in contemporary jazz and a much-loved artist on the UK jazz circuit.
Inspired by the funkier side of jazz and having studied alongside US saxophonist Pee Wee Ellis and internationally acclaimed jazz saxophonist Andy Sheppard, Kim will captivate you in a spellbinding performance, sharing positive energy through her music and audience repartee.
Kim has performed and recorded with some of the country’s finest jazz musicians including Pee Wee Ellis, Ray Gelato, Liane Carroll, Antonio Forcione, Ashley Slater, Peter Lemer, Clem Clempson, David Newton…
“Kim Cypher is a rare musical treasure” – David Freeman Jazz FM
“Hat’s off to a true heart and soul performer” – Pee Wee Ellis
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
St Michaels Highworth, Sinclair Accountancy, Vicarage Lane, Swindon, SN6 7AU, United Kingdom
Tickets
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.
