Simon Spang-Hanssen has lived and performed in Paris for several years. His first idols were Johnny Hodges and Charlie Parker. Later on free jazz became the thing. From avant-garde he went to more structuralized music, while still trying to keep the free spirit alive within a more definite framework. Today all time greats like Thelonious Monk and Dexter Gordon, as well as a number of contemporary names, are central to his musical universe. Spang-Hanssen has been a member of many well-known Danish and French groups. Together with Pierre Dørge, he co-founded The New Jungle Orchestra. He has played with John Tchicai and Strange Brothers, with Jan Kaspersen Quintet, Atilla Engin Band, various Nene groups, The Voodoo Gang, Bekummernis, etc.