Simon Pilbrow

Melbourne based, freelance jazz pianist Learned classical piano and violin as a child, spent year in US 1979, studied briefly at Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, Milwaukee 1979; leader of Monash Jazz Quintet (1980-82), Monash University Big Band 1982-3, solo jazz piano gigs 1980-now, Simon Pilbrow Quartet 1983-4, Julian Driscoll Quartet 1985-87; performed with Allan Browne, Gary Costello, Geoff Kluke, Ben Robertson; Nick Haywood; Edward York; opened for guitarist George Golla in June 1988; frequent lunchtime concerts at Monash University (1988-1991); house pianist Royal Derby Jazz Jam (1990); Graham Finch Quartet (1999-2002); "Dizzy's" Big Band (2004) and Peninsula Jazz Trio (w. Duncan Allen & Mike Ursell, 2002->2009), residency Hickinbotham’s Winery (2000-2006), and featured guests including Savannah Blount, Gianni Marinucci; Pete Mitchell, Mal Sedergreen, Christophe Genoux, Andy Sugg & many others, and Australian jazz legends George Golla, Alan Lee and Don Burrows;

Led Simon Pilbrow Trio and ran a series of fundraiser jazz concerts for relief of world natural disasters (2010-2011). Solo piano fundraisers (2015-16) for projects in East Timor. Gigs with singer Lizzy Gascoigne; and with saxophonist Ron Gillett in the Ron Gillett/Simon Pilbrow Duo. Performed with singer Robin Jolley.

Also active in church music since 1974, currently at St James the Less Anglican Church, Mt Eliza  (2022 --> present).

Many jazz compositions (including “Ballad for Thad”, “Tribute” (to Bill Evans) and “Studio City”). Selection of early compositions (pre-1988) are now permanently held in the US Library of Congress, in the Gerry Mulligan Collection. Check the collection at http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.music/eadmus.mu011017.3

2 string quartets (2021, 2022)

CD entitled Colours Of Sound - Simon Pilbrow with the Brent Fischer Orchestra (Clavo Records) - featuring 12 Simon Pilbrow compositions, with arrangements by Brent Fischer, recorded in Los Angeles, wasreleased on September 27 2017. Check it out and purchase via simonpilbrowmusic.com Can also purchase on CD Baby

Medical Biography: MBBS (1985) Monash University, Australia ; medical research in colon cancer (1988-1991); Alfred Hospital Surgical Research Prize (1990); PhD 1993. FRACGP 1996. Full time General Practitioner since 1992. Guest medical doctor on radio 3RPP (2006-2011)

married, 2 sons

Gear

Roland RD 700 digital/electronic piano

Yamaha M1 acoustic piano

Schweighofer grand piano

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