A multi-award-winning pianist, Gwilym Simcock, described as a ‘creative genius’ by Chick Corea, will debut a new programme and new band for EFG London Jazz Festival

Gwilym Simcock is unquestionably one of the finest musicians of his generation. Fluent and highly inventive, his powerful piano playing has been heard with the likes of Dave Holland, Kenny Wheeler, Lee Konitz, Bill Bruford’s Earthworks, Bob Mintzer, Nigel Kennedy and Bobby McFerrin and it’s a testament to his remarkable abilities that he has won the Perrier, BBC Jazz and British Jazz Rising Star Awards as well as being the first jazz musician to be a Radio 3 “New Generation Artist”. He won both "Best Band" and “Jazz Musician of the Year” at the Parliamentary Jazz Awards, was nominated for two more BBC Jazz Awards and his album “Good Days at Schloss Elmau” was the 2011 album of the year at the ‘Barclaycard Mercury Prize’ awards. 

Currently the pianist with iconic US guitarist Pat Metheny, Chick Corea described him as “a creative genius”, and he is rightly considered to be one of the most exciting musicians to emerge from the UK in recent years. Despite his busy schedule and international standing Gwilym still finds time to perform at the 606 whenever he can and tonight he will be performing with a quintet he’s put together particularly for this gig. Featuring Nick Smart on trumpet, Ant Law on guitar and the great Laurence Cottle on bass they will be performing, as he says “music I’ve specially put together for the evening! It’s been a long time and I wanted to do something special given the long wait and tough time it’s been…”. Should be an amazing night, booking recommended. 

“I feel confident that Simcock already deserves to occupy the inner circle of the great contemporary pianists” Cadence USA

“Remarkable...exceptional, as both player and composer.” The Observer

"A phenomenal talent, Simcock is a jewel in the crown of the country's jazz scene" Norwich Evening News

"A jaw-droppingly exciting pianist" The Guardian