Indigo Horizon is a new release, from the UK band, showcases two new songs written (music & lyrics) by pianist and composer Simon Deeley: “Free Spirit" & “Blue Blues Horizon."
Up until recently Simon Deeley's output has been created for instrumental combinations (primarily his trios and quartets), however, this changed in 2019, when the initial idea for a first song first saw the light of day. Simon had thought, for sometime that, several of his compositions would very likely work well if, reworked into songs.
He finally got down to making this happen in the spring of 2019, when he started work on crafting “Blue Blues Horizon." This was created from a blues/gospel number, originally written for his 2016 album Crossing Borders. The inspiration for the title and lyrics was sparked by his great love and appreciation of the rolling vistas and special atmosphere of his Welsh Borders home and its, often, hazy-blue hills with their effect of engendering reflection. The new song was dually completed by that summer. He then considered other options for a follow-up song, resulting in the choice of “Free Spirit," a strong-swinging bluesy tune he'd written several years earlier. He then got on and created lyrics to this tune. Keeping the same title (as for the instrumental) this song was completed in the autumn of 2019. Both songs were then ready to record in early 2020. A March recording date was set but, of course, had to be cancelled, due to 'lockdown' coming into force. After nine months of trying to find a window to record, the two songs were, finally, recorded in early December, after restrictions were lifted, briefly, in Wales.
He started his musical studies with piano lessons at aged seven. Up until his mid twenties, his studies were focused on classical music, however, alongside his classical work, he always had an interest in jazz, blues and rock music. This became an ever increasing interest, which, in his late twenties,culminated in him starting to work with local jazz musicians, and then going on to play at well known jazz clubs and music venues in the B'ham and West Midlands area. During his time on the Midland's jazz scene he played alongside some of the best known and acclaimed players on the scene, including- Bryan Corbett, Casey Greene, Percy Pursglove, Steve Ajao, Chris Gumbley and Andy Derrick.
In 2000, Simon started the well known Jazz at the Bonded Warehouse club, which he ran continuously for sixteen years, and which regularly saw top Midlands players plus nationally acclaimed artists performing there.
Alongside his performing career, Simon has continuously worked as a piano teacher. In this field, he has for many years now, specialised in jazz and improvisation tuition, having some twenty years ago, devised his own course of development in this genre.
Simon's other important focus is on composition. Right from his earliest beginnings as a jazz performer, he has always composed and presented his own music. And composing is now the most important part of his career. Since his move to the Welsh Borders in 2014, his focus has been on creating his own music, which has resulted in the production of three recent albums of his music- Crossing Borders (2016),From The Blue Hills (2017), and Afan's Dance (2019), the latter two albums having been recorded by his current band- BLUE HAZE.
Now based in the Welsh Border town of Presteigne, Simon continues to perform, compose and teach.
Up until recently Simon Deeley's output has been created for instrumental combinations (primarily his trios and quartets), however, this changed in 2019, when the initial idea for a first song first saw the light of day. Simon had thought, for sometime that, several of his compositions would very likely work well if, reworked into songs.
He finally got down to making this happen in the spring of 2019, when he started work on crafting “Blue Blues Horizon." This was created from a blues/gospel number, originally written for his 2016 album Crossing Borders. The inspiration for the title and lyrics was sparked by his great love and appreciation of the rolling vistas and special atmosphere of his Welsh Borders home and its, often, hazy-blue hills with their effect of engendering reflection. The new song was dually completed by that summer. He then considered other options for a follow-up song, resulting in the choice of “Free Spirit," a strong-swinging bluesy tune he'd written several years earlier. He then got on and created lyrics to this tune. Keeping the same title (as for the instrumental) this song was completed in the autumn of 2019. Both songs were then ready to record in early 2020. A March recording date was set but, of course, had to be cancelled, due to 'lockdown' coming into force. After nine months of trying to find a window to record, the two songs were, finally, recorded in early December, after restrictions were lifted, briefly, in Wales.
Blue Blues Horizon
An expressive, emotive ballad, which tells a story of loss, reflection and hope. (music & lyrics- Simon Deeley)Free Spirit
A strong-grooving, blues-infused song, that paints a picture of that perfect day- the one we all look for- that, 'great day' as the song says. (music & lyrics- Simon Deeley)About Simon Deeley
Simon Deeley grew up in the North Worcestershire village of Clent Nr. Kidderminster.He started his musical studies with piano lessons at aged seven. Up until his mid twenties, his studies were focused on classical music, however, alongside his classical work, he always had an interest in jazz, blues and rock music. This became an ever increasing interest, which, in his late twenties,culminated in him starting to work with local jazz musicians, and then going on to play at well known jazz clubs and music venues in the B'ham and West Midlands area. During his time on the Midland's jazz scene he played alongside some of the best known and acclaimed players on the scene, including- Bryan Corbett, Casey Greene, Percy Pursglove, Steve Ajao, Chris Gumbley and Andy Derrick.
In 2000, Simon started the well known Jazz at the Bonded Warehouse club, which he ran continuously for sixteen years, and which regularly saw top Midlands players plus nationally acclaimed artists performing there.
Alongside his performing career, Simon has continuously worked as a piano teacher. In this field, he has for many years now, specialised in jazz and improvisation tuition, having some twenty years ago, devised his own course of development in this genre.
Simon's other important focus is on composition. Right from his earliest beginnings as a jazz performer, he has always composed and presented his own music. And composing is now the most important part of his career. Since his move to the Welsh Borders in 2014, his focus has been on creating his own music, which has resulted in the production of three recent albums of his music- Crossing Borders (2016),From The Blue Hills (2017), and Afan's Dance (2019), the latter two albums having been recorded by his current band- BLUE HAZE.
Now based in the Welsh Border town of Presteigne, Simon continues to perform, compose and teach.
