“Hi, we’ve never met – my name’s Ben. I play guitar and have a gig at the Red Rattler on Wednesday the 25th with an incredible bunch of the world’s greatest musicians. I reckon you should come along, bring a few friends, have a listen, buy some CDs or vinyl and just most probably have the greatest night of your life.”
How would you describe your music?
It’s the kind of music that’s got something for pretty much everyone. I wrote a bunch of instrumental music and added vocals — either as another melodic voice (no lyrics) or with lyrics written by some very talented friends of mine.
How did you put the band together?
I’ve always preferred playing with my brother James on drums — the musical connection we have runs very deep. Arne Hanna on guitar and Harry Sutherland on piano have been longtime bandmates, and I love playing with them whenever I get the chance. I’m also super excited to play my music with Lauren White — she’s an incredibly talented young bass player, and a fantastic singer too. We have done a few things together, but nothing where we really get to ‘play’ so this will be a great opportunity for that.
Which was the first tune you put down on the set list?
Usually, when I get the chance to play my own music in a concert setting, I play ‘Bapa’ by Dr G. With NAIDOC Week coming up, It’s important to recognise Indigenous voices if you’re able to. I was Dr G’s guitarist for many years before he passed away, and he had a huge impact on me — on how I approach both music and life in general.
What type of guitar are you using?
A 1978 Ibanez Artist.
How many guitars have you got?
I probably have too many. My favourite is one that was built by Greg Stott as a 21st birthday present from my friends. It’s a unique resonator that Greg and I designed together. It’s made from Tasmanian Blackwood, and at one point it was accidentally smashed to bits — but Jeff Mallia rebuilt it, and now it’s better than ever.
How did you develop your sound?
By paying attention to what I liked about my own playing and focusing on developing that, I naturally created a mash-up of everything I love about music. All the greatest players, recordings, and gigs I’ve experienced filter through me — and what I love about all of that became my voice, my sound.
What’s it like being part of a musical family?
It’s great. It normalises the idea of a life in music, which — to a non-musician — isn’t a normal thing at all.
How did you get into jazz?
I grew up listening to jazz. My dad was obsessed with jazz — and music in general — and my first guitar teacher, Sam Rollings, was a jazz musician. So I didn’t really have a choice. Jazz is the music I’ll always be a student of — the more you know, the more you realise how much you don’t know.
Which tune best describes your current state of mind?
(It’s A) Humpty Dumpty World — Ry Cooder
Ben Hauptmann is an absolute jazz-and-beyond guitar legend, a staple of the Sydney music scene, whose sound has been making all sorts of music sound better for years now. Tonight he plays at the Red Rattle, as part of ‘CHORUS’ — the 4th concert in SIMA’s superb ‘Jazz:Now’ series. The event also features the spectacular genre-bending trio Heaps Grass. Don’t miss out.
