Simon Stribling

Hot & Cool 30s and 40s Swingin' Jazz

Red hot and like no other, Simon Stribling's music targets the fabulous groups of the 30's, 40s and 50s. Fats Waller, Eddie Condon, Count Basie, Teddie Wilson, Gene Krupa, and Billie Holiday to name a few. Trumpeter Simon Stribling has toured the world jazz festival circuit with many past projects and has enjoyed great success.

Simon began playing trumpet at the age of 5 and has since added the saxophone, clarinet, and trombone to the list of instruments he loves to play. Simon's music idols include Louis Armstrong, Coleman Hawkins, Benny Carter and Bix Beiderbecke.

Simon has played with such bands as the Black Adder Jazz Band as well as various groups around Melbourne at the time. Simon has since gone on to become the leader of the world renowned 'FIREWORKS JAZZ BAND' (formerly Hotter than Six) which has enjoyed great success since its formation in 1991. The band has toured interstate regularly and has played at the Vanuatu Jazz Festival, Kobe Street Jazz Party (Japan), TerrifVic Jazz Party (1998, 1999), Chilliwack Jazz Festival (1998, 1999), Las Vegas and at the Sacramento Jazz Jubilee in California in 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998 and 1999*.

Also of note, the band has toured Europe twice, once in 1996 for 8 weeks and again in 1998, playing to capacity crowds in many different countries, as well as a very successful Alaskan Cruise (1999) with Jazzdagen Tours.

Simon has also toured the world on numerous occasions by himself and has played with such greats as Dan Barrett, Bent Persson, Jim Goodwin, Ray Sherman, Becky Kilgore, Jeff Hamilton, Jon-Erik Kellso, Tommy Saunders, Keith Nichols, Bobby Gordon, and the Jim Cullum Jazz Band.

In the last couple of years, Simon has taken to the Saxophone (Including the Mighty BASS SAX), Clarinet and Trombone. He is equally as comfortable on any of the above mentioned instruments and gets great joy in any jazz situation, whether it be leading the ensemble, or just simply 'sitting in' with bands. Simon has a vast knowledge of the music and has a very sound musical repertoire of many different Jazz genres. In 2000, Simon moved to Vancouver. Since arriving, he formed a very unique and successful band called the 'SOCIETY FOUR'. The band's nucleus is made up of Trumpet, Reeds, Guitar (both Acoustic and Amplified) and String Bass. The SOCIETY FOUR'S musical approach highlights the great swing bands of the 1930's, 40's and 50's - playing the songs which put America's greatest art form on the map.

Simon has recently been selected to appear as a Special Guest All-Star at one of Europe's biggest Jazz festivals, Breda, during May 2002.

Simon's latest group is Society Seven. To quote Simon on Society Seven "...drummer, Karl Watt, creates a rhythm and feel rarely heard before. Guitarist, Don Ogilvie, sounds like he is straight out of Belgium, 1936. To hear him play is like hearing Django Reinhardt in person. Bassist Paul Bergman is unsurpassed in his lines and just wait till he "slaps that bass". Rounding off the rhythm section is versatile, and extremely talented, Rice Honeywell. On the cornet is Bob Erwig. A joy to listen to, his searing hot solos are like no other. A sparing and clever musician. Bob plays pure jazz. Last, but certainly not least, is nightingaleJena Zara. A singer who can bring tears to your eyes and create an absolute celebration of song."

All of Simon's groups perform at Festivals, Concert Series, corporate events, as well as private parties, weddings and any celebration. Simon is a renowned entertainer as well as a competent singer. Make your next party 'Simon Stribling's SOCIETY TWO, THREE, FOUR, FIVE, SIX or SEVEN' depending on the size of the function/ party. Simon also has a complete P.A System as well as various band uniforms, depending on the formality and requirements of the job. Finally, Simon finds his inspiration and motivation from Louis Armstrong's classic quote:

"Jazz is played from the heart. You can even live by it! BUT ALWAYS LOVE IT!!"

Whatever your event, Simon Stribling is sure to swing with the hot and cool jazz for all occasions!