Simon Meredith - Solo Alto Sax

I’m originally from Redditch, near Birmingham, and started off playing sax in the Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra and various other bands in the Midlands. Instead of studying hard for my A levels, I spent my time wisely, playing in pubs and jazz clubs, including Ronnie Scott’s in Birmingham. I was twice a regional finalist in the Young Jazz Musician of the Year competition before I left school. I also played lead alto in the National Youth Jazz Orchestra for a number of years.

I’ve been moving south ever since, studying for a masters in engineering at Oxford University before finally moving to London where I obtained another masters degree - this time from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

I have toured Europe and the UAE extensively with bands such as the Pasadena Roof Orchestra, the National Youth Jazz Orchestra and various small jazz groups and touring shows. I was also lucky enough to play in China with Sticky Wicket and his Swing Orchestra for whom I write many of the arrangements – we were treated like rock-stars despite playing 1940s swing! Closer to home, I have played in the Millennium Dome, the Royal Albert Hall, Royal Festival Hall, Birmingham Symphony Hall and many other great venues across the UK including two week-long residencies at Ronnie Scott’s in London with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra. I have also worked with and recorded sessions for bands and artists such as the Nelson Riddle Orchestra, Buddy Grecco, Michael Ball, Jools Holland, Tony Hadley and Cee Lo Green.

I'm not sure if all of this is true, especially because of his unusual fingers in his right hand- ED (Just kidding)