Brian Simpson featuring Grace Kelly

An artist whose work stands firmly inside the tradition, Los Angeles-based pianist and composer Brian Simpson gained fame for his decade-long tenure with the legendary George Duke and his 12 releases as a leader that have regularly topped smooth jazz charts since his 1995 debut Closer Still. For this special matinee, co-sponsored by the Smooth Jazz Cruise, Simpson and his finely wrought band will be joined by saxophonist and singer Grace Kelly.  

The Illinois-born Simpson was born into a musical family and cites the virtuosity of Oscar Peterson as one of his early guiding influences. Moving west after college, Simpson worked with guitarist Norman Brown and saxophonist Everette Harp before touring the world with Janet Jackson and getting the call from the iconic George Duke in 1990. He worked for a decade as music director with smooth jazz stalwart Dave Koz and has released an impressive series of albums including his latest, 2025’s Midnight Groove, featuring appearances by saxophonist Isaiah Collier and trumpeter Keyon Harrold.   

Called “the future of jazz” by NPR, award-winning saxophonist and vocalist Grace Kelly was recognized in nine consecutive DownBeat Critics Polls having won two “Rising Star” for alto and baritone saxophone. and has released 15 albums including 2024’s Grace Kelly with Strings: At The Movies.