Simon creates a unique of blend music that's heavily steeped in virtuoso musicianship and a century of tradition in soul, gospel, finger style, blues and roots, without letting anything too serious get in the way of a really good fun time.
Simon has supported Larry Carlton (Session Guitarist for Quincy Jones and Michael Jackson), Robben Ford (played with Miles Davis), Kate Miller-Heidke, Lee Ritnour (Session Guitarist for Pink Floyd for a time), and Australia’s own Vince Jones.
He joined the Sydney Latin guitar duo – Urban Gypsies. The duo busked in streets and market places for two years and recorded the album ‘Sauvage’ in 2003, which was released by MGM and promoted through SBS and the ABC. The album also received a 3/4 star review in The Sydney Morning Herald.
In 2004 he toured solo around Australia and travelled to Aceh to help out with tsunami relief. Returning to Melbourne in 2005, and having written songs inspired by his travels, he recorded 'Tuesday Night At The Espy' - a live album capturing a performance at the iconic 'Esplanade Hotel', which was released through MGM Distribution in September 2006 to rave reviews.
The acoustic guitar, singer songwriter, original, finger style, songs are complimented by funk and soul inspired rhythms giving Simon a unique sound. It is the combination of virtuoso musicianship and contemporary song writing that will set him apart in the present generation of Australian Musicians.
"Quite literally amazing...should be listened to obsessively'' - THE FREMANTLE HERALD, Fremantle "Phenomenal! I can't recommend this enough. But I can try. Five Stars!" - TWENTY600 MAGAZINE, Canberra “Phillips’ technical ability both as a singer and a guitarist, is perfectly matched by a remarkable breadth of intelligence as a songwriter and lyricist." - DRUM MEDIA, Sydney "Exhibiting the vocal acrobatics of Jeff Buckley and a song-writing style comparable to John Mayer." - SOULSHINE.COM.AU
MIMESIS is a three-piece band, comprising violin, cello, guitar and voice that combines the best elements of traditionally classical instruments with the iconic hit songs of the last fifty years.
MIMESIS performs an upbeat, energetic and eclectic set-up that bridges the gap between classical music and pop culture by offering unique cover arrangements of popular classics from Led Zeppelin, Wolfmother, Crowded House, Coldplay and The Killers, to Grease, Queen, America and The Beatles.
MIMESIS was formed in 2007, arranging all its music in house and adapting a vast range of styles for our unique string set-up. Though all the members of MIMESIS were classically trained originally, our style has emerged from a range of influences, from jazz and pop to electro and rock genres.
MIMESIS is available for gigs across Sydney and Interstate and has an extensive repertoire, available for Weddings, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Corporate functions and other events.
Members of Mimesis include: Ben Marshall (Guitar and Vocals), Jane Cormack (Violin/Vocals) and currently, the fabulous Lucy Cormack (cello/vocals) whilst Angust Ryan is travelling the world!
This is a trio comprising Aaron Houston (vocals and electric guitar), Steve Dewilde (drums) and kiwi Jay (harmonica).
We have heard these guys play on numerous occasions and even had them play at The Fig away from fig (The Manly World Food Markets) but they don't seem to exist in cyberspace yet.
We love their music and the energy they pass to the audience.
manly village church, 4 west promenade, manly || 9905 7215 || info@TheManlyFig.org || www.myspace.com/TheManlyFig