Allan Simpson

Allan started playing guitar at the age of four, and took to it quickly. His initial musical training was in gospel music at a pentecostal church in Hitchin where he grew up. At the age of nine, Allan began to learn about music theory and how to read music. Allan was a self-taught guitarist until he began having guitar lessons with Anthony Spicer aged ten, initially in classical guitar, but having heard Herb Ellis on the radio, he wanted to learn jazz guitar. He got involved in various ensembles and orchestras at school, and did lots of jamming with two notable peers; bass guitarist Jon Noyce (Jethro Tull/Gary Moore) and James Pearson (resident pianist at Ronnie Scotts).

Allan went on to study for a music degree at Kingston University, where he got the chance to do lots of recording sessions (including a whole musical) for students studying the music technology syllabus. Unbeknown to his professors, Allan did two tours at university with Kenny Thomas in the UK and Misty Oldland in Germany. This prepared him well for the music profession which he entered full –time in 1994. Allan has since toured and done sessions for a variety of artists, including, Emma Bunton, Rod Stewart, Beverley Knight, Tyler James, The Crusaders, Zero 7, Omar, Lemar, Jamelia, Howard Donald (Take That), BBC Concert Orchestra. Allan has also been working in West End shows since 2002 on shows such as We Will Rock You, Hamilton and Dreamgirls. Allan has also had his own shows in the West End; Clueless, Olivier award -winning Get Up Stand Up (Bob Marley musical) and Ain’t Too Proud. Allan has also been involved in education since graduating, and teaches guitar, supports children with special educational needs, and works as a supply teacher for a teaching agency.