Simon Kaylor

Born in Leicester in 1979, Simon has played saxophone professionally since 1999 and is based in Leeds, UK.

Simon moved to Leeds in 1999 to study Jazz at Leeds College of Music. On completion of the BA (Hons) Degree, he went on to gain a Masters Degree (also from Leeds College of Music) and received the College Awards for Outstanding Performance, Postgraduate Studies and the 'Spud Murphy' Saxophone Prize.

In December 2005, Simon went to Boston, USA to study intensively for two months with leading saxophonist and jazz educator, Jerry Bergonzi. Simon has been active in booking UK tours for Bergonzi.

Simon is currently involved in numerous jazz, pop, funk and experimental projects and performs all over the UK as well as internationally. Simon is a member of the music collective, LIMA, performing with the groups The LIMA Orchestra and The Sharkestra.

Simon is currently writing new material for a recording with his own group, The Simon Kaylor Quartet, and he is a member of the band 'IDST' made up of Leeds College of Music alumni. 'IDST' recently won the Jazz Services 'Promoters' Choice Award', which will see the band perform at London, Cheltenham and Manchester Jazz Festivals as well as getting a fully funded national tour in 2009.

Simon has appeared with artists such as Bob Mintzer, Iain Ballamy, Thomas Stronen, Ken Vandermark, Tony Kofi, Byron Wallen, Joanna McGreggor, Roy Wood (ELO, The Move, Wizard), Marissa Turner (Prince, Chaka Khan), Peter Grant, Lisa Scott Lee, Andy Scott Lee, Alistair Griffin (Fame Academy) and many more.

Simon has recently recorded albums with the Norwegian group, Egg3 and the Leeds-based band 'IDST' which are due to be released in the near future.

www.simonkaylor.com
www.myspace.com/simonkaylor