If you live in Melbourne and are in the mood for some high-quality, top-class, old-style crooning, you’re in luck: Gregg Arthur is in town for a night of jazz standards, torch songs and perennial gems from the Great American Songbook. An old soul with genuine love and respect for the classic tunes of Gershwin, Kern, Porter, Rogers and Hart, and all the great composers and songsmiths of the early-to-mid 20th century, he has the vocal and emotional range needed to deliver the tunes — and looks the part too!
What are you going to present at the Melbourne Recital Centre?
My most requested songs from The Great American Songbook. I’ve been performing this repertoire all my adult life, touring around the world. I truly love these songs, and love performing them live with five of the best musicians in Australia.
What would you say to a total stranger to invite them to the concert?
Come and listen to the stories. The lyrics to all these songs are beautiful and very contemporary. A piece of someone’s life went into the writing and everyone that hears them finds their own truth in the stories. The music is also something that happens in the moment as everyone on stage works as an ensemble to express the passion and fun in these tunes.
What has your journey in music been like?
A privilege. I’m not a rich man by any means, but the privilege of performing this music all around the world since my early 20s in something special and unique. I don’t take it lightly, I’m very grateful.
How did you find your voice as an artist?
As a kid I hammered out tunes on our piano from old music books. Original sheet music of Jerome Kern, Irving Berlin, Cole Porter and Gershwin. I loved listening to my father’s albums of Nat King Cole, Sarah Vaughan, Mel Torme, Stan Getz, and Miles Davis, to name a few. I was fascinated with the way they could all record the same song but present and express it in a completely different way to each other. I started to sing along, and then started singing the tunes at the piano or play them on trombone. When people listened and enjoyed it, I was encouraged to keep going. It isn’t an easy life, but when I’m on stage and people are still listening it’s very rewarding.
Since coming back to Australia you have built a strong working relationship with musicians like Craig Scott and Peter Locke; how would you describe your rapport?
Intuitive. We know where we are going in a song without having to discuss it or any over analysis. We are letting our life time of knowledge take us on a musical journey. It’s a great privilege working with Craig and Peter, they are world class and exceptional.
What is the secret of the Great American Songbook’s endurance?
Real stories in the lyrics and unforgettable melodies. These songs are incredibly special in that if you hear the words you immediately hear the melody and vice versa. A tune like ‘It Had To Be You’ can be a ballad or up and fun, that’s the other thing about the song book, the flexibility that allows a singer like me to do my own thing.
Is there a tune that you don’t feel ready to sing yet?
‘My Way.’ I’ll wait till I reckon I have a few months to live and then I’ll record it: “…and now, the end is near…”
Musical and singing qualities aside, your stage presence is also very distinct; you’re always impeccably dressed, in the vein of the classic entertainers of the ’50s and ’60s. Is this your ‘work uniform’ or something more? Can you sing the Great American Songbook in jeans and a t-shirt?
I could, but I like to be on brand. If people identify you with a certain look, I think it’s nice, and helps you find a place in a very busy market. A beautifully tailored suite is my armour. I know I’m ready to go on stage we the suit is on and I forget all my problems and concentrate on entertaining the audience who have been kind enough to come and see my show. I get my suits made for me by J.H.Cutler in Sydney and we discuss the look of the suit on stage and how it will be under the hot lights.
Which tune best describes your current state of mind?
‘Look For The Silver Lining‘ by Jerome Kern. A beautiful philosophical melody and lyric that keeps you focused on what’s possible and good in this world.
