Education
He studied the contrabass at the University of the Philippines College of Music from 1988 until 1992, then embarked on a professional musical career.
He studied the contrabass at the University of the Philippines College of Music from 1988 until 1992, then embarked on a professional musical career.
Beginning classical guitar lessons at age 13 at the Yamaha School of Music stimulated his later exposure to electric guitar and, inevitably, his interest in the electric bass. His ability as a multi-genre bass player readily caught attention, notably in the pioneering Manila-based blues band, Lampano Alley, led by the Filipino blues singer and recording artist, Binky Lampano. This was followed by his tenure as bassist and composer with the award-winning Philippine jazz group, WDOUJI.
Simon Tan"s influences range from rock to classical, blues and jazz.
His influences as a bass instrumentalist include Roscoe Beck, Ray Brown, Paul Chambers, Charlie Haden, James Jamerson, Marcus Miller, Jaco Pastorius, and John Pattitucci.
Notable (Filipino) musical (non-bass) influences include vocalist Binky Lampano and saxophonist Tots Tolentino. The Company: Foreign The Long Run - (undated)
Parokya Ni Edgar: Christmas Album - (undated)
Ka Roger: This Planet"s Blue - (undated)
Legit Misfitz: Ekis Pinoy - (undated)
Novia (self-titled) - (undated)
Bluesviminda
Nota Republic
Bob Aves Group
Cynthia Alexander
Happy People
Isha
Johnny Alegre Affinity
Kulay
Lampano Alley
Maria (later, Mariya"s Mistress)
Mishka Adams
Mon David
Noel Cabangon
Peryodiko
Skarlet
Uttar Pradesh Jazz Ensemble
WDOUJI (aka Witch Doctors of Underground Jazz Improvisation)
P.E.T.A. "Ang Palasyo Ni Valentin"
Repertory Philippines Blood Brothers - The Musical
Penang Jazz Festival (2007) with the Bob Aves Group
Mosaic Music Festival (2005 and 2008) with Lampano Alley.