Biography
For many years Andy Simpkins proved a dependable bassist, contributing to innumerable live engagements and studio sessions. He began on clarinet and piano before taking up the bass in 1953 during his Army service. Recognition arrived through his work with Gene Harris, with whom he formed one of the original members of the 4 Sounds in 1956; the ensemble became the 3 Sounds the next year. He remained with the popular soul-jazz group through its most active period until 1968. A lengthy partnership with George Shearing followed from 1968 to 1974. Studio activity continued alongside periodic tours with Sarah Vaughan that began in 1979, while Simpkins also established himself as a steady presence in the Los Angeles scene. He served for years as a regular member of the Gerald Wiggins Trio and recorded with, among many others, Stéphane Grappelli, Monty Alexander, Don Menza, Buddy DeFranco, Wiggins, Vaughan, Shearing, and of course the 3 Sounds. Under his own name he led two sessions for Discovery in 1983 and 1989 plus one for MAMA in 1990. Andy Simpkins died of stomach cancer in Los Angeles on June 2, 1999.
Albums
