Simon Woolf Biography
BIO updated 19/4/2022
Simon Woolf made his debut on the London stage as a boy soprano appearing and recording alongside Joan Sutherland, Janet Baker and Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau. While studying Music at York University under Wilfred Mellors he moved down a few octaves fulfilling a childhood ambition by taking up the double bass. Known for his lyrical solos he has in recent years toured with such leading American soloists as Harry Allen, Howard Alden, Chris Cheek and Grant Stewart. These days you are just as likely to find him seated at the keyboard from where he leads a quartet featuring Andy Panayi in programmes built around the work of the big five songwriters.
BIO detailed
Simon Woolf is a lyrical double-bassist in the tradition of his great idol, Red Mitchell. He has enjoyed long associations with leading UK jazz artists Andy Panayi, Mark Nightingale, Geoff Simkins, Dave Cliff, Peter Jacobsen, Bobby Wellins and been heard accompanying such US jazz greats as Benny Golson, Harry Allen, Grant Stewart, John Colianni, Ruby Braff, George van Eps & Howard Alden. He was featured alongside leading players from all over the world at the “Bass 2012” convention in Copenhagen,.
In recent years Simon has organised UK tours for visiting artists from the USA and Europe. These include old friends Harry Allen and Howard Alden and new ones including tenor giants Grant Stewart and Chris Cheek and singing legends Judy Niemack and Deniece King.
Musical theatre has included on-stage appearences in West End runs of Cy Coleman’s ‘I Love My Wife’ & the National Theatre production of ‘High Society’.
Simon Woolf studied initially with Tristano disciple Peter Ind, latterly with orchestral maestro Tom Martin & jazz legend Michael Moore (ex Bill Evans, Bob Brookmeyer, currently Dave Brubeck). An active teacher himself, many of Simon Woolf’s students have gone on to successful careers on the London Jazz scene.
As well as double-bass, Simon Woolf performs live on piano and bass guitar, and writes and arranges for his own and other ensembles. Latterly he has completed full teacher training and works with some very jazzy youngsters in local Primary schools.
Simon Woolf made his debut on the London stage as a boy soprano appearing and recording alongside Joan Sutherland, Janet Baker and Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau. While studying Music at York University under Wilfred Mellors he moved down a few octaves fulfilling a childhood ambition by taking up the double bass. Known for his lyrical solos he has in recent years toured with such leading American soloists as Harry Allen, Howard Alden, Chris Cheek and Grant Stewart. These days you are just as likely to find him seated at the keyboard from where he leads a quartet featuring Andy Panayi in programmes built around the work of the big five songwriters.
BIO detailed
Simon Woolf is a lyrical double-bassist in the tradition of his great idol, Red Mitchell. He has enjoyed long associations with leading UK jazz artists Andy Panayi, Mark Nightingale, Geoff Simkins, Dave Cliff, Peter Jacobsen, Bobby Wellins and been heard accompanying such US jazz greats as Benny Golson, Harry Allen, Grant Stewart, John Colianni, Ruby Braff, George van Eps & Howard Alden. He was featured alongside leading players from all over the world at the “Bass 2012” convention in Copenhagen,.
In recent years Simon has organised UK tours for visiting artists from the USA and Europe. These include old friends Harry Allen and Howard Alden and new ones including tenor giants Grant Stewart and Chris Cheek and singing legends Judy Niemack and Deniece King.
Musical theatre has included on-stage appearences in West End runs of Cy Coleman’s ‘I Love My Wife’ & the National Theatre production of ‘High Society’.
Simon Woolf studied initially with Tristano disciple Peter Ind, latterly with orchestral maestro Tom Martin & jazz legend Michael Moore (ex Bill Evans, Bob Brookmeyer, currently Dave Brubeck). An active teacher himself, many of Simon Woolf’s students have gone on to successful careers on the London Jazz scene.
As well as double-bass, Simon Woolf performs live on piano and bass guitar, and writes and arranges for his own and other ensembles. Latterly he has completed full teacher training and works with some very jazzy youngsters in local Primary schools.
