“I came to better understand Coltrane; he often sounds like a preacher. I aspire to have this effect on people, than just show off my chops”.
Tag: melbourne international jazz festival
AJN: Some think that a tribute to Vince Jones is long overdue and that the jazz community should gather and honour your contribution. What are your thoughts on that?
VJ: Give me a few more years to write some more songs before any tributes.
” I always have to have an emotional connection to the song, otherwise I don’t feel I’ll be able to do a good job. I’ve never been good at pretending, so it has to be honest and real”.
“When you’re playing with someone you admire, you might be worried if they’re enjoying what you’re playing – or if you might not live up to their expectations”.
“Adding a guitar to the Vampires distinct chord-less sound world is of course new, however we feel that Lionel’s contribution will help inspire and spur us onto new musical territory. Nick and I have also composed music with Lionel in mind, and so the music will accommodate and make way for his unique style of playing.”
The roster does real justice to the ‘international’ part of its title, as it features musicians from four continents: Europe, Africa, Asia and, of course, our own little corner of the world.
Yet, despite the expanded palette of harmonies and timbres afforded by the larger band, Willis keeps a firm hand on the tiller throughout – his characteristic minimalistic and repetitive touches are all here, as well as the timbral and melodic surprises which playfully dent and scratch the sheen of his music.
Last time Dee Dee Bridgewater was in Melbourne, she had everybody in the audience forming what is now remembered as the most legendary conga line […] Read More
The reports were true. Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock are among us, walking in the streets of Melbourne, even checking out Bopstretch’s electifying-as-usual performance at […] Read More
“My goal is to go onstage not having decided anything. This way I can go out and play a chord that I wasn’t expecting. And if I don’t like it, I drop it. It’s all about being open and being in the moment.”