SIMON ATKINSON & The Ben Marcato Trio - OFFICIAL WEBSITE

As a lifelong fan of the superb Singer/ Songwriter & Composer Simon was thrilled late last year to meet with Gilbert O'Sullivan to discuss plans for an Atkinson/Baillie version of his 1980's song YOU ARE YOU. Contact had been made earlier in the year following Gilbert's show at the 2008 Glastonbury Festival at which Simon & The Trio had also performed.

Hearing the bands music and arrangements Gilbert suggested one of his own songs which might be perfect for the 'Marcato' treatment and Simon and Musical Arranger Allan Baillie leaped at the chance to 'Swing' the pop song.

YOU ARE YOU has now been performed to mulitple audiences, and as with all new arrangements, the details perfected resulting in a very smooth version of a Gilbert O'Sullivan's delightful song.

Simon plans on recording the song at The Washoose Studio in the next few months allong with several other new Atkinson/Baillie compositions after which time it will appear on itunes as an EP accompanied by a new song.  As they say, watch this space!

Confirmation this week that Simon & the Trio will be appearing at this years Jazz & Blues festival in Hamilton, Scotland. The venue is the Bay Horse Hotel in Hamilton, with the band performing between 9 and 12pm. More details at the Festival website. http://hamiltonjazz.co.uk/index.htm

In the delightful setting of Ayr's Festival (Wellington Square) Club Simon & The Trio performed for the second year at a special daytime Jazz session on Sunday 24th May which will also featured the superb Mike Daley Band.  tahnks to everyone who attended and gave the band such a warm welcome.

An important element in the great reception for Simon & The Trio at the 2008 Glastonbury Festival was the appearance of guest artist Al Shotter who's virtuoso Blues 'Harp' playing had the audience cheering for more.

This April saw Al heading to Scotland to perform on two gigs with the band, the first time since Glastonbury. The first is on Friday 24th April at The Caprice Bar in Prestwick, the second on Sunday 26th at The New 'Bothy' Restaurant in the Balgarth Bar & Restaurant in Doonfoot, nr Ayr.

For more information and to hear Al in action listen to the OUTSKIRTS OF TOWN track on Simon Atkinson & The Ben Marcato Trio's FLY ME TO THE MOON Album. 

Simon & The Trio performed at this gala event on Saturday 3oth May at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Glasgow.

This charity event  featured a "Strictly" Dance Competition featuring stars from STV, BBC, Smooth Radio, Galaxy Radio and Channel 4 competing with local Dance Teachers to raise funds for the Marie Curie Big Build Appeal.

For more information click here 

Smooth Radio's Sharon Oakley was one of several celebrities performing dance routines at the Event. Photo courtesy of SMOOTH RADIO

Now confirmed for the rest of 2009 Simon Atkinson & The Ben Marcato Trio have been booked to appear at a new venue as resident Jazz, swing & Blues band. It is in the delightful Ayrshire town of Doonfoot, South of Ayr in the recently refurbished Balgarth Bar and Restaurant.

 'The Bothy' Restaurant, as it's known is now a superbly intimate area for fine dining and once a month will feature Simon & The Trio performing for a two hour set on the last Thursday of each Month.