Simon Henry is a UK-based jazz drummer, active across the national and European music scenes. Originally from Warrington, he began studying drums at an early age before moving to London to attend Tech Music School, where he developed a strong focus on jazz. He later continued his studies at Leeds Conservatoire, completing both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and receiving a full scholarship for his master’s.

During his time in Leeds, he studied primarily with Sebastian De Krom and became an active presence on the city’s jazz scene, collaborating with a range of leading northern musicians. He has since performed extensively across the UK and Europe in a variety of musical settings, with a particular focus on acoustic music.

Alongside his performance work, he remains committed to ongoing professional development and regularly travels to New York, where he has taken lessons with leading drummers including Rodney Green, Kenny Washington, John Riley, Mike Clark, and Michael Carvin. Reflecting on his approach, Rodney Green noted, “Simon takes the drums seriously.”

His playing is informed by the work of Max Roach, Roy Haynes, Philly Joe Jones, Ed Blackwell, Elvin Jones, and Louis Hayes.

Simon performs with Mu Quintet and other ensembles throughout the UK. His recordings have been streamed over 1.5 million times and released internationally on vinyl. The group has received critical acclaim, including a feature on BBC Radio 6 Music with Gilles Peterson, who described their work as “absolutely incredible.” Recent projects include recording and touring with New York pianist Mike Kanan.