Jazz with trans-Atlantic appeal

Based in Umbria, (Italy) Simone frequents the US regularly where he performs with musicians including Peter Erskine, Joe La Barbera, Sid Jacobs, Arthur Blythe, Joe Diorio, Darek Oles, Adam Nussbaum and Jay Anderson.

Initially a professional football player, Simone sustained a serious knee injury at the age of 24 and took the decision to refocus and pursue a career in music.

He initially studied jazz guitar in his native Italy, and later at the Berklee college of Music and the Guitar Institute of Technology in Los Angeles. Since his signing with New York based label Dot Time records, he has started to gain the attention he deserves.

Simone’s first releases as a leader – “Tracce di Eoni” (featuring Joe La Barbera and Darek Oles) and “The Hammon Trio” (with Joe La Barbera and Joe Bagg) – were well received both by the public and press. Simone’s latest release “Promise to a Friend” (2012) on Dot Time records is a set of 10 original compositions and features Peter Erskine on drums and Darek Oles on double bass.

Simone plays at the Hippodrome, Eyemouth, on Thursday May 14 at 8pm. Doors open at 7pm. Tickets, costing £12, are available on 01890 750099 or at www.eyemouthhippodrome.org

Prosecco, Bellinis and selection of Italian style snacks will be available from the bar.