Simon was born 29th November 1961. Guitarist, composer and songwriter.
L.A. INSTRUMENTALS - OFFICIAL PRESSRELEASE: Danish guitarist Simon Hoirup has released his first instrumental album. It is one of the rare instrumental guitar-records released in Denmark by a danish guitarist and Simon continues the tradition of English and a lot of American guitarists. The album consists of 10 songs composed and arranged by Simon Hoirup and is recorded in Los Angeles in June 07, with a very groovy group: Kim S. Hansen, keyboards, Roberto Vally on Bass and the world renown drummer Ricky Lawson. Samuel Hejslet from Aarhus in Denmark plays sax on the album. The album was released on Gateway music in December 2007.
The press wrote. "The silky vibe combined with Hoirup's trademark bluesy edge bears testimony to the fact that, of todays's crop of contemporary jazz guitarists, Simon Hoirup is really doing something different. His brand is outside of the ordinary, ultra accessible, music comes highly recommended". Denis Poole, Smoothjazztherapy.com.
"Pure Matter, a bluesy number with fine keyboards by Kim Hansen, shows Simon's true mastership; beautifully measured guitar play, never excessive, never too simple, always the right note in the right place". Ronny Bervoets, rootstime.be.
"Hoirup's solo in Pure Matter is a study in how the best solos make a statement. He doesn't do too much, he just inflects the right feel and lets space have just as important role in the solo's construction as the notes themselves". Thomas R. Erdman, jazzreview.com.
"Free, this simple, beautiful song shows just how stunning the classic guitar-bass-organ-drums arrangement can be in the right hands. Hoirup doesn't sully the mood with histrionics, instead giving each phrase enough air to command attention. There's an unfortunate clam at 1:30, but, otherwise, this is a dreamy track". Michael Molenda, Guitar Player Magazine.
(Buy the album here). or on Amazon.com, iTunes or online stores around the world.
BIOGRAPHY: Simon started playing at the age of 7. His dad, who is a professional piano man playing New Orleans jazz, taught him the first blues chords. Had his own band from age 10 to 18 – The Wild Horses. He recorded the first rock album in 1977. In fact it was the first rock album ever released by minors in Denmark.
Then he concentrated on playing the guitar and he was jamming with a lot of the established rock musicians in Denmark.
He played with the pop-rock band Sidewalk in the beginning of the 80’s and they got a contract with the world famous Abba manager Stickan Andersson on Polar Records in Sweden. Sidewalk was produced by Kasper Winding and Billy Cross. Among the jobs Sidewalk had was as a backing-band for Dr. John.
In the late 80’s and early 90’s he was working as a session musician.
In the 90’s Simon participated, as a guitarist, in theatre- and musical productions, while he, along with that, toured with a blues band.
SIMON HOIRUP BAND: He started working on his own material in 1999 and together with bass player Ole Sveigaard he established Simon Hoirup Band.
Released debut album ”Strongly Related” in may 2002.
Released “Open Up” in may 2005.
Especially Strongly Related was very well reviewed in the press. Open Up got airplay on the main radio station in Denmark (Danmarks Radio). The band has been on tour after the releases.
THE NASHVILLE CONNECTION: Simon featured in The Elvis Christmas Show in Odense and Randers in 2006, along with the American well-known legendary artists; bass player Bob Moore and piano player David Briggs, who have both worked with Elvis.
Mid August 2007 Ole Sveigaard, the singer Anita Lykkegaard and Simon went to record a new album in Nashville with 10 new songs, together with David Briggs on piano and organ and Steve Turner on drums (Dolly Parton, Glen Campbell and many more). The album will be released April 6. 2009.
