Brian Simpson proved his mettle as a keyboardist 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. All the while, Simpson 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, Simpson in his later years collaborated with legends like George Duke, Kirk Whalum, and Larry Carlton, and has continued to write new material of his own.