An Exclusive Interview with the Acclaimed Pianist and Composer Ahead of His Buffalo Performance
Renowned smooth jazz artist, jazz keyboardist, and prominent composer Brian Simpson is set to captivate audiences at the Buffalo State Performing Arts Center on Friday, April 11th, with fellow artists Marion Meadows and Althea Rene. In anticipation of this performance, we had the opportunity to interview Brian, delve into his illustrious career, and gain insights into his musical journey.
Q: Brian, your career has taken you from performing alongside legends like Janet Jackson and George Duke to touring worldwide and contributing to chart-topping albums. Could you share with the audience the one or two pivotal moments in your journey that helped shape your signature sound in R&B and smooth jazz?
I was raised in a household that loved and appreciated both jazz music and the musicians that made it. As I was growing up, a new contemporary kind of jazz was taking root created by artists like George Benson, Bob James, and Joe Sample, and I knew this was the music I wanted to make. My time at Northern Illinois University was pivotal as it gave me the opportunity to write and arrange for a large jazz ensemble and work with some very accomplished students and instructors. My move to Los Angeles was what solidly put me in a place of musical growth at a time when the Smooth Jazz movement was just beginning. I was blessed with seemingly endless opportunities in LA, which included composing and producing many songs for myself and others.
Q: You’ve worked with an impressive range of artists—such as Gerald Albright, Norman Brown, Janet Jackson, and George Duke, as well as James Ingram, Anita Baker, Dave Koz, and Wayman Tisdale. How do you blend your unique musical style with what these artists attempt to accomplish?
I have to say that my 10-year tenure performing as part of George Duke’s band was the best school for learning how to create a concert with a variety of artists. Back in the ’90s, we did tours under the name the Jazz Explosion, which featured a diversity of artists from vocalist Rachelle Farrell to saxophonist Najee and multi-instrumentalist Jonathan Butler. I was able to observe Mr. Duke handle all this with aplomb, and believe me, I was taking notes! Lol.
Q: As you gear up for your performance at the Buffalo State Performing Arts Center on April 11, 2025—alongside Marion Meadows and Althea Rene—what can the audience expect from this collaboration, and how does performing with these incredible artists inspire your own artistry?
Both Althea and Marion play with tremendous passion, and almost abandon! We definitely inspire each other. We did a show together last year for the first time, and it was positively electric on stage. I really can’t wait to bring this energy to Buffalo!
If you are a fan of smooth jazz, don’t miss this extraordinary evening of smooth jazz, jazz fusion, and collaboration. Join Brian Simpson, Marion Meadows, and Althea Rene at the Buffalo State Performing Arts Center on Friday, April 11th.
Reserve your tickets now for an unforgettable musical experience.
Visit this link to reserve your seats!
