He states that while he initially preferred the sound of jazz guitar, the main individual who influenced his piano tastes was Oscar Peterson.

Simpson then graduated from Northern Illinois University, earning a Bachelor's of Arts degree in music (piano).

[4] Soon after graduating, Simpson moved to Los Angeles in order to take part in the music scene there.

[3] He played with several jazz artists, including Boney James, Norman Brown and Everette Harp.

[2] Simpson has worked with smooth jazz musicians including Dave Koz, Jonathan Butler, Gerald Albright and Marc Antoine throughout his career.

His debut album Closer Still, released in 1995, features smooth jazz tracks played on the piano, saxophone and guitar.

Headlining artists on his fourth album are George Duke on synth, Euge Groove on tenor sax and Peter White on guitar.

Brian Simpson's fifth album, Just What You Need (released in 2013), presents a collection of smooth jazz pieces with lite rhythm & blues.

Albright, Antoine, Butler, Koz and Elan Trotman are the spotlighted musicians, while Simpson composes, produces and performs the piano.

[13] Out of a Dream came almost 2 years later and stars Jonathan Fritzén, Norman Brown, Maysa and Najee, among others.