Brian Simpson proved his mettle as a keyboard player in L.A.'s competitive contemporary jazz scene. He then went on to become a sideman for pop stars Teena Marie and Janet Jackson before launching a successful solo career with his debut Closer Still. During that spell Simpson also worked simultaneously as the musical director for Dave Koz's band. Always ready to wear many hats and never content to rest on any one style, in his later years Simpson collaborated with legends like George Duke, Kirk Whalum and Larry Carlton while continuing to write his own new material.