bappleby3000's profile

Ben Appleby - www.benappleby.co.uk


I am a saxophonist with around 16 years of playing experience in both live and studio work. I started to play the sax at the tender age of 6 when my dad bought me my first sax and proceeded to teach me almost everything I know today.

Since then I have been involved in many different bands playing many different types of music including rock & pop, blues, jazz, Latin and contemporary and classical music.



I often get asked who my biggest influences are as a player. Well, here you go. One of the first live gigs that I went to see was saxophonist for the stars, Snake Davis. Since then I have learnt a lot from his soulful, lyrical sound, not to mention his superb technique and vibrant style of playing. Other players that I have learnt an immense amount from include Jr. Walker, Kirk Whalum, the rock 'n' roll king of sax, King Curtis and the beautiful ballads of Kenny G, all of which have contributed in some way to the sound and style that I call 'my own'.

At the moment I am working with various touring bands. The first of these is an Elvis tribute band called 'The Elvis Collection'. This band tours extensively throughout the UK all year round. Details of tour dates can be found in my 'links' section.

The second and most frequent is the UK's number 1 Pink Floyd tribute band called 'Off The Wall'. We are currently touring across the UK and venturing into Europe this summer with gigs booked in Portugal, Denmark, Sweden and Norway as well as a large tour planned in Australia and New Zealand early next year. Dates can be found on my 'Gig Dates' page at www.benappleby.co.uk

I am also busy with my own band, 'The Ben Appleby Band'. The Ben Appleby Band is a five piece ensemble made up of vocals, drums, bass, keyboard and an array of saxes ranging from soprano to baritone. It brings together various soulful influences as well as a modern musical background to produce a captivating, original collection of soul, funk and R’n’B classics in an evening of sophisticated, sensuous entertainment.

Quotes

".......Hot sax action from Ben Appleby......." (BBC Yorkshire)


"Sterling work was on show also by Ben Appleby who very nearly stole the show with his sax" (BBC)

"Ben is a talented young player. He works hard and I think he'll go all the way" (Snake Davis)

Tags:   leeds  north  uk  england  midlands  sax  saxophonist  saxophone  rock  pop  soul  jazz 

Professional

Tutor

Has Transport

Available: Yes

Skill: