Simon Thorpe is one of the UK's best-known jazz bassists, nominated in 2016 and again in 2017 for a British Jazz Award.
He studied violin, guitar and drums before settling on the bass in 1991. He attended Guildhall School of Music & Drama where in 1993 he gained the postgraduate certificate in Jazz & Studio Music, and an LGSM.
Simon has worked with many of the great UK and US names in jazz, recording and touring with Bobby Wellins, Stacey Kent (with whom he recorded five albums), Bheki Mseleku, Alan Barnes, Elaine Delmar, Scott Hamilton, Benn Clatworthy and Ray Gelato. Outside the jazz sphere he has played with artists as diverse as Amy Winehouse, Imelda Staunton, Imogen Heap, Alexander Armstrong, Maria Ewing, Mica Paris, Rick Astley (yes!), Sean McGowan of the Pogues and Scottish folk fiddle wizard John McCusker. He also runs several of his own projects: the swing band Jivin’ Miss Daisy, GershwINNOVATION (music inspired by George Gershwin’s work) and the Simon Thorpe Octet. He writes the music arrangements for Mitch Winehouse's 7-piece band.
Simon is also a composer, having written music for theatre, jazz ensembles, BBC TV and BAFTA award winning short film, Wedding Espresso.