Bursting onto the UK jazz scene in 2020, the Simon Spillett Big Band is that rarest of rare beasts – a genuine all-star jazz orchestra, in this instance uniting some of the most accomplished soloists and bandleaders of today, who’ve come together to celebrate to a colossal musical genius of yesteryear, the late, great saxophonist Tubby Hayes, arguably the nation’s best-loved jazz legend.

Featuring a starry line-up of UK jazz greats under the direction of award-winning tenorist Simon Spillett, the band’s mission statement is simple; to bring back the heady excitement of the Tubby Hayes Big Band of the 1960s, an outfit which raised the roof whenever and wherever it performed. This band follows in the same spirit, creating an intoxicating atmosphere in which its music communicates on every level, the entire package tied together with the leader’s signature insightful wit.

Utilising a repertoire of Hayes’ arrangements, many of which were never issued on record, as well as pieces by his contemporaries like trumpeter Jimmy Deuchar and pianist Harry South, the Simon Spillett Big Band has already proved hugely popular with those who’ve come to hear it, its London debut in October 2021, at the landmark venue the 100 Club, drew an overflowing crowd, eager to catch what one writer has already dubbed “the most hard-swinging big band in existence right now.”

Since then the band has appeared at many leading UK jazz festivals including the EFG London Jazz Festival and at legendary venues including the Pizza Express Jazz Club in London’s Soho.

The band’s debut album “Dear Tubby H.” was released in 2023 and received unanimous praise in the jazz press, Jazzwise magazine awarding it a coveted 5-star review.

Simon Spillett (tenor sax) leads Nathan Bray, Mark Armstrong, Bruce Adams, Steve Fishwick (trumpets),
Mark Nightingale, Andy Flaxman, Ian Bateman, Pete North (trombones), Sammy Mayne, Pete Long, Alex Garnett, Robert Fowler, Alan Barnes (saxophones), Rob Barron (piano), Alec Dankworth (bass), Pete Cater (drums)

Friday 20 December, The Box at Fargo Village

Doors open at 7:00pm Band starts at 7:30

£20.00 per person