Simon Leonardo P. Tan, born August 13, 1970: prolific bassist from the Philippines. Beginning classical guitar lessons at age 13 at the Yamaha School of Music stimulated his later exposure to electric guitar and, inevitably, his interest in the electric bass. In 1988, he studied the contrabass at the University of the Philippines College of Music until 1992, and thereafter embarked on a professional musical career. His ability as a multi-genre bass player readily caught attention, notably in the pioneering Manila-based blues band, Lampano Alley, led by the Filipino blues singer and recording artist, Binky Lampano; followed by his tenure as bassist and composer with the award-winning Philippine jazz group, WDOUJI.

Influences

Simon Tan's influences are varied and span different genres ranging from rock, classical, blues and jazz. His influences as a bass instrumentalist include Roscoe Beck, Ray Brown, Paul Chambers, Charlie Haden, James Jamerson, Marcus Miller, Jaco Pastorius and John Pattitucci. Notable (Filipino) musical (non-bass) influences include vocalist Binky Lampano and saxophonist Tots Tolentino.

Recordings

• Kulay: Flavor of the Moment - 1993
• WDOUJI: Ground Zero - 2001
• Lampano Alley: Back to the Blues Alley - 2003
• WDOUJI: Zen & The Art of Dressmaking - 2003
• Armida Siguion-Reyna: Babae - 2005
• Eraserheads Tribute: Ultraelectromagnetic Jam (with Isha) - 2005
• Noel Cabangon: Himig Nating Pag-Ibig - 2005
• Angel Pena: Ugnayan - 2006
• Mon David: My One And Only Love - 2006
• Skarlet: The Powder Room Stories - 2007

Other recordings

• The Company: For The Long Run - (undated)
• Parokya Ni Edgar: Christmas Album - (undated)
• Ka Roger: This Planet's Blue - (undated)
• Legit Misfitz: Ekis Pinoy - (undated)
• Novia (self-titled) - (undated)

Live band performances

• Bluesviminda
• Nota Republic
• Bob Aves Group
• Cynthia Alexander
• Happy People
• Isha
• Johnny Alegre Affinity
• Kulay
• Lampano Alley
• Maria (later, Mariya's Mistress}
• Mishka Adams
• Mon David
• Noel Cabangon
• Peryodiko
• Skarlet
• UP Jazz Ensemble
• WDOUJI (a.k.a. Witch Doctors of Underground Jazz Improvisation)

Legitimate Theatre

• P.E.T.A. "Ang Palasyo Ni Valentin"
• Repertory Philippines Blood Brothers - The Musicale

International festivals

• Penang Jazz Festival (2007) with the Bob Aves Group
• Mosaic Music Festival (2005 and 2008) with Lampano Alley