Simon Kinny-Lewis takes the audience with him on a seismic journey of compelling, blues guitar – along with a voice that Steve Lukather (Toto, Michael Jackson), describes as being similar to American blues star Joe Bonamassa. Simon’s own original brand of contemporary blues and rock, combined with an uncanny ability to reach the hearts of onlookers, has given this artist from Sydney a loyal and ever-growing army of followers. Live, Simon delivers a performance that’s all class – with tone and technique to die for. He inevitably lives up to his reputation for giving his all.
SKL has performed and recorded with world-renowned artists such as Christian Howes, Ric Fierabracci, Anton Davidyants, Simeon Cain and more. He has acknowledged the influence of many great guitarists including Scott Henderson, Robben Ford, Chris Cain, Richie Kotzen and others however, Simon has now well and truly found his own guitar ‘voice’ through many years of hard work and dedication to his craft. Quite simply, he is an amazing guitarist, songwriter, performer and producer having recorded five albums to date, ranging in genres from contemporary blues, acoustic blues, rock, and finger-pickin’ country.
Over recent months Simon has been touring his fourth CD “Street Blues”, an album that has been captivating audiences around Australia and around the world. In a breakthrough year (2016) he was invited by Blues giant Chris Cain (USA) to perform with him at ‘The Basement’ in Sydney. 2017 saw Simon again link up with Chris for support and guest spots during his Australian tour. Some of the major music festivals in Australia at which Simon has performed include The Australian Blues Music Festival, Woodford Folk Festival, Thredbo Blues, Tamworth Country Music Festival, Manly Jazz Festival, Kiama Jazz and Blues and Gympie Muster. July 2017 saw the release of “Catfish”, Simon’s first solo acoustic CD featuring Chris Wilson on harmonica. A brand new band album is ‘in the can’ and due for release shortly.
“Great man. Your voice has a little Bonamassa in it.. which is cool. Love the tune too. KILLER solo!
– Steve Lukather (Toto, Michael Jackson, Ringo Starr, G3) on the title track to “Street Blues”.
“Simon’s releases never cease to amaze me! This one is my favourite I think… love the writing, and the players. Simon’s guitar talents truly shine on this, as he effortlessly navigates through tricky progressions with fire, grace and taste!”
– T.J. Helmerich – producer/engineer (Steve Vai, Victor Wooten, and Tribal Tech)
“One of the most soulful guitar players on the planet!”
– Christian Howes – leading jazz violinist and professor at the Berklee College of Music. His artistic collaborators have included Les Paul, Greg Osby, Robben Ford.
Simon Cotsworth – Producer/Engineer (Seal, Santana, Benson, Ritenour and Simon Kinny-Lewis)
“What I look for is timing and performance..and Simon is top on both of those.”
