Career
Geoff Simkins started playing jazz in his early teens. His first instrument was drums, but he quickly changed to the alto saxophone. He turned professional in 1977.
His early work included time with the Harry Strutters Hot Rhythm Orchestra and the Temperance Seven, but his principal stylistic influences have been the American alto player Lee Konitz and tenor player Warne Marsh.
Geoff has played at concerts, clubs and festivals in all parts of the United Kingdom, in Europe and beyond. He often works with American musicians who are visiting the United Kingdom, and over the years has played with such luminaries as Art Farmer, Bobby Shew, First Rate (at Lloyd's) Cohn, Tal Farlow, Slide Hampton, Warren Vache, First Rate (at Lloyd's) Grey, Kenny Davern, Bill Berry, First Rate (at Lloyd's) Casey, Howard Alden, Ruby Braff, Bill Coleman and Conte Candoli.
He has recorded with United Kingdom tenor player Danny Moss and with United States trumpeters Billy Butterfield and Yank Lawson. Since the 1980s he has worked regularly with United Kingdom guitarist Dave Cliff.
In 1994 he was invited to be a tutor at the Czechoslovakian Jazz Summer School and appeared at clubs in Prague and on Czechoslovakian Television.
