Brian Simpson

Keyboardist and composer Brian Simpson built a reputation as a versatile studio player and musical director whose work frequently bridged jazz with pop and R&B. Early notice arrived in the 1990s through his association with saxophonist Dave Koz. As a solo artist he has issued multiple Top 20 jazz albums, among them South Beach in 2010, Out of a Dream in 2015, and Something About You in 2018. A 2020 project with guitarist Steve Oliver yielded Unified, and Simpson followed with All That Matters the next year.

Born in Gurnee, Illinois, in 1961, Simpson was raised in a household steeped in music and later completed a music degree at Northern Illinois University. Upon graduation he moved to Los Angeles and began performing alongside Boney James, Norman Brown, and Everette Harp. Those engagements opened doors to tours with pop acts such as Janet Jackson and Teena Marie. In 1991 he earned wider recognition by co-writing Surface’s R&B chart-topper “The First Time.” Subsequent studio sessions placed him with Stanley Clarke, Kirk Whalum, and George Duke. From the late ’90s onward he has served as musical director for Dave Koz. His own catalog includes the 1995 release Closer Still and the 2005 album It’s All Good, which reached number 37 on Billboard’s Top Jazz Albums chart. Two years after that he issued his fourth album, Above the Clouds, peaking at number 21 on the jazz chart.

South Beach marked his 2010 debut on the Shanachie label and featured guest contributions from George Duke, Euge Groove, and Peter White, landing inside the jazz chart’s Top 20. Three years later he returned with Just What You Need, which included appearances by Gerald Albright, Marc Antoine, Elan Trotman, and Jonathan Butler; its title track climbed to number three on the smooth jazz songs tally and carried the album to number six on Billboard’s Top Jazz Albums chart. Out of a Dream arrived two years afterward, spotlighting Jonathan Fritzén, Norman Brown, Maysa, and Najee. Powered by the tracks “When I Say Your Name” and “Skywatcher,” the set reached number eight on the jazz chart.

Persuasion, Simpson’s seventh solo album and fourth for Shanachie, surfaced in 2016 and showcased collaborations with saxophonist Boney James, guitarist Peter White, bassist Axel Al, and additional smooth-jazz figures. Something About You followed in 2018 and contained the single “Morning Samba.” In 2020 he teamed with guitarist Steve Oliver for Unified, which entered the Billboard Jazz Albums chart at number 21. The ensuing year brought All That Matters, featuring Najee, Nicholas Cole, Steve Oliver, and further guests.