BIOGRAPHY
Nat Simpkins
Bluejay Recording Artist Nat Simpkins has devoted his entire life to music as a performer, recording artist, song writer, and teacher. He is a multi-instrumentalist, performing primarily on saxophone and piano but also able to play and teach clarinet, flute, guitar, Bass, trumpet, trombone and drums. Primarily a Jazz player, Simpkins is conversant with all styles and forms of music. He has recorded five CDs as a leader, including one called “Cape Ann Escape.” The title track, a lovely haunting melody, is probably the first Jazz tune dedicated to Cape Ann. His next CD, “Crescent City” paints a musical portrait of New Orleans, where Nat has also spent time. This CD was number one on the Jazz Radio charts coast to coast in March of 2002 and Simpkins received a performance reward from Sesac for it in New York City. His latest CDs are a 5 volume set of CDs “Live at Cecil’s” which contain newly updated versions of some of his originals. (Some have had lyrics added and one has a new updated verse. Simpkins has performed internationally for over thirty years as both a saxophonist and pianist. He has shared the stage with some of the greatest musicians of all time, including Houston Person, Grady Tate, Major Holley, Russell Malone, Eric Johnson and the Count Basie Band. He has performed all over the world at major venues including the Village Vanguard and Birdland in New York and the House of Blues and Tipitinnas in New Orleans. He continues to be an active player in the international jazz scene today adding his strong melodic sense and creative ideas to venues all over the world. He is currently accepting students at all levels and has the patience and skills to help almost anyone reach their musical goals.
EDUCATION
Berklee College of Music. Studied with Jerry Bergonzi,Buddy Tate, Arnett Cobb, Eddie "Cleanhead Vinson, and Eddie Lockjaw Davis. Nat Simpkins has over 30 years of teaching experience and is current also on the faculty of the Waring school and Glen Urquart School.
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