Mark Jaimes is a London based contemporary jazz and R&B guitarist, composer, and producer. His playing style weds the funky, multi-string chromatic lyricism of Grant Green and George Benson to the vamping funky rhythmic prowess of Ronny Jordan and Chuck Loeb. Mark started playing guitar at age five and did his first gig age nine. After several record contracts playing in soul bands, he decided to pursue a career as a session and touring musician in 1992. He toured with various artists ‘til 1998 when after a recording session with Simply Red, was asked to join the band. Mark toured and recorded with Simply Red for five years, then embarked on a career as a producer. He produced hits for various artists including Simply Red and Luciano Pavarotti. Mark is also a regular on the smooth jazz scene, having played with Dave Koz, Peter White, Rick Braun, Richard Elliott, Chuck Loeb, Euge Groove, Mindi Abair and many more. Apart from that he has been a longtime member of our Smooth Jazz Festival bands. In 2021, Jaimes finally released his debut solo outing “Hear at Last”. He wrote or co-wrote all but one tune on the 11-song set.