Andy Simpkins

Biography

A trusted bassist for many years, Andy Simpkins was on the many live periods and record schedules over time. He originally performed clarinet and piano, switching to bass in 1953 within the Military. Simpkins found popularity through his association with Gene Harris, as an original person in the 4 Noises in 1956; the group became the 3 Noises the following season. Simpkins used the favorite soul-jazz music group throughout its leading years, until 1968. Next for the bassist was an extended association with George Shearing (1968-1974). He also proved helpful within the studios, toured with Sarah Vaughan (on / off beginning in 1979), and was a longtime fixture within the Los Angeles region. A regular person in the Gerald Wiggins Trio for a long time, Simpkins documented with (among numerous others) Stéphane Grappelli, Monty Alexander, Don Menza, Pal DeFranco, Wiggins, Vaughan, Shearing, and undoubtedly the 3 Noises. As a head, he produced two schedules (1983 and 1989) for Breakthrough and something for MAMA (1990). Andy Simpkins passed away of stomach cancers in LA on June 2, 1999.

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