Fiddle player, guitarist, composer, wit, Simon Mayor is best known as one of the world's leading mandolinists, and has almost single-handedly put the instrument back on the UK map. His live performances are a riot of humourous anecdotes and off-the-cuff wit alongside dazzling musicianship.
He has produced a wealth of teaching books and DVDs, including 'The Mandolin Tutor', which is now widely regarded as the standard work for the instrument.
In May 2000 he entered the UK's Classical Artist Top Ten with a major 'best of' release of his own compositions and classical works for Universal Records. His touring schedule has taken in a diverse range of festivals and theatres all over the world including music, humour and literary festivals.
He now leads Britain's first modern mandolin quartet, the Mandolinquents. The quartet emerged from a 1997 line up, The Mandolin All-stars with multi-instrumentalists Maartin Allcock and Chris Leslie of Fairport Convention, and long time musical partner, Hilary James. Originally intended as an occasional all-star get-together, fast growing demand meant that a permanent line-up had to be found. The Mandolinquents now includes the renowned classical guitar virtuoso Gerald Garcia, UK banjo champion, Richard Collins and 'one of Britain's finest voices' Hilary James doubling on mandobass.
He now tours regularly with long-time partner Hilary James. The duo share a keen interest in children's music and have worked extensively with young people in theatres and schools. They have also presented Play School and for six years were regular hosts of BBC Music Education programmes. They have written over fifty children's songs, many for their own 'Musical Mystery Tour' children's CDs and the 'Musical Mystery Tour' songbook published by Faber Music. The songs have also featured on classic British children's series such as Play School, Listening Corner and Green Claws and are used extensively in education, including English language teaching courses for Danish schoolchildren. Alongside www.mandolin.co.uk they set up www.childrensmusic.co.uk in 1999.
Simon Mayor and Hilary James have also written satirical and topical songs for BBC news programmes including Newsnight.
A huge fan of fellow Yorkshireman, the late, great Jake Thackray, Simon occasionally performs a special programme of Jake's songs.
He lists among his hobbies hill walking and watching green chilli eating competitions.
Hi, Simon, thanks a lot for the add. I learnt a lot from your books, now I'm working on your instructional DVD, everything is great material, and as a mandolinist, I should thank you sincereley. You're a great teacher, and also one of the great musiciacns alive.
Ciao e grazie mille Simon... la tua musica e meravigliosa... dolce mandolino...complimenti veri... un abbraccio e buona vita... Emanuele De Vittorio IL MIO CALACE
glitter-graphics. com Thank You so much for adding me Simon and for you message that was a lovely suprise this morning :0) Wishing you a very happy and succesful year. JoX
Hi Simon, Just stopping by to say hello & to have a listen ..... If I could play tunes like 'Strid & Buttermere' I would be so made up. Genius ! Regards (yet another) Simon
