Muvolution

One of the most creative and dynamic trumpet players on the British scene, Rory Simmons is quickly gathering a reputation as an innovative performer and composer. He tours internationally with Jamie Cullum as trumpet player/guitarist in his regular band. His other performing and recording credits include Katie Melua, Friendly Fires, Brand New Heavies, Jennifer Hudson, Phil Selway, Bat For Lashes and Will Young amongst many others. He has also worked with many of the leading names in British and European jazz including Gerard Presencer, Stephan Payen, Barak Schmool, John Etheridge, FIRE Collective, Byron Wallen, Grand Union Orchestra and Mike Garrick Jazz Britannia Orchestra.

As a composer, Rory has been commissioned by SPNM, Institute of Education and Music Orbits for various creative, cross genre projects. His own 11-piece project Fringe Magnetic released their debut album in February 2010 to widespread press recognition resulting in a feature interview and live broadcast on BBC Radio 3’s ‘Jazz on 3’. ‘Empty Spaces’ received warm press attention across broadsheets, jazz press and the larger British music press. Fringe Magnetic’s second album ‘Twistic’ was released in February 2011 and features Jamie Cullum, Norwegian vocalist Elisabeth Nygaard and British singer Andrew Plummer on songs written by Rory especially for this ensemble. As an arranger, he has worked with artists such as Jamie Cullum, Friendly Fires, Krystle Warren including providing arrangements for Jamie Cullum’s 2010 BBC Proms appearance.

Festival appearances and gigs over the past 3 years have included Carnegie Hall, Montreux Jazz Festival, Royal Albert Hall, North Sea Jazz Festival, Cheltenham Jazz Festival, Fuji Rock Japan and the Hollywood Bowl to name a few. Other commercial music credits have included 2 Mercury Music prize nominees: Bat For Lashes and Friendly Fires, and recording with Katie Melua, Nizlopi. In 2008, Rory worked extensively with trumpet player Alex Bonney on a new repertoire of contemporary trumpet duets; culminating in performances at the QEH and for Non-Classical. Also in 2009 he was commissioned to commemorate the music of Raymond Scott for an SPNM night at Kings Place, London. Rory is also endorsed by Geneva trumpets and has been appointed as the trumpet tutor and workshop leader on the jazz degree course at Truro College.

As a core member of London’s LOOP Collective, he is committed to the development and support of the very best of cutting edge music in the UK. His upcoming projects include an album of string music with electronics and live percussion, set for release next year. He is also recording a duo album with Norwegian drummer/producer Terje Evensen later in 2012. Rory is also working with a new trio “Monocled Man” performing a new set of his original music featuring Chris Montague on guitar (Troyka) and Jon Scott on drums (Kairos 4tet).