Visits Olney Jazz Club
Helen Billingham
styles , from wind bands , flute choirs , orchestras , big bands to trad jazz bands and I was lucky to have had some wonderful opportunities to stretch my musical ears and interests . Being able to perform classically at the same standard as purely classical musicians as well as play the jazz helps make me more versatile and more employable as a working musician. Some jazz players find reading music a challenge , but having the classical background means I feel confident in both worlds. These days not many opportunities arise for me to perform classical music but I still play at home to keep my hand in. It's only in the past few years that I've started playing a bit of jazz flute, and found that it was fun!
Q. What is your favourite venue that you have played in?
A. Playing at the Cologne Philharmonie, Dusseldorf Tonhalle and Bremen Gloke
have been massive highlights .
Q. What music are you currently listening too on your iPod?
A. At the moment I'm really into Tower of Power, Lionel Richie, Port Isaac's Fishermans Friends, Hermeto Pascoal, Sun Ra and Herbie Man - so quite a mixture!! I also tend to listen to pop music that 's in the charts, as it's important to have an idea of what's current and popular.
Q. If I pressed shuffle - which song would you be hoping didn't pop up? A. I probably shouldn 't admit this .... but I do have a One Direction album , as
it's good for listening to at the gym !
Q. When you are on tour or have very busy performing schedule, what is
your must have food?
A. Anything Gluten free - it can be difficult to find suitable foods (especially touring abroad!), so I take supplies of tinned mackerel and crisp breads with me, picking up fresh veg and fruit every few days.
Dark chocolate is also a must have! It helps perk me up before a gig. Whilst on tour on the continent with the Big Chris Barber Band we love going to Greek Restaurants , so search them out wherever we go!
Q. You take an active role mentoring younger jazz players as part of the Best of Young Jazz Project over the last five years. What advice can you give anyone thinking of taking it up as a career?
A. Making a career out of music is very difficult, and not recommended if earning lots of money is important. The lifestyle is antisocial with late nights and weekend gigs, so socialising can be a challenge . Being away for weeks at a time isn't good for a home life, relationships and children. Musicians tend to be very interesting , strong characters so it can be a fascinating journey both personally and musically.
For young players wanting to pursue a career in jazz I'd say the best thing is to listen to as many different styles as possible (it's often actually more beneficial to hear something you don't like as it makes you analyse why!) and keep an open mind. It's important to seek advice from players that you respect, work very very hard and to be nice!
Q. Finally, Amy, what is it that you love most about music?
A. To me music has always been a way of expressing feelings and emotion. It's
also a fantastic way to meet like-minded people.
Forthcoming Events at The Olney Jazz Club
The Olney Jazz Club is on the first Tuesday of every month at the Carlton
House Club.
Tuesday 1st April : Frog Island Jazz Band - Great jazz from the 20's
and 30's...£10 or £8 in advance.
Tuesday 6th May: Five Star Swing - Chris Smiths great swing
quintet...£10 or £8 in advance
Get your hands on Amy's new album
Amy's new album - 'The Good, The Bad and The Ugly' - can be purchased from her website www.amyrobertsjazz.co.uk .
Phonebox Magazine 33