What is the one song you're currently listening to on loop?
Jon Hendricks singing Thelonious Monk's In Walked Bud. It's just marvellous. Oooh.
Name one cause you feel passionately about.
Street dogs. I love street dogs so much I've even written a song for them.
If you could bring to life one dead musician, who would it be?
Chet Baker. He was a miracle musician who died before I could hug him.
What is an unusual place where songs/compositions come to you?
Songs come to me anywhere and everywhere. On the street, in a restaurant, in the middle of a movie, when I'm sleeping. I don't know if that's unusual, maybe that's the case for all musicians?
What is the one thing people misunderstand about jazz and blues music?
The majority of people who listen to music in India are swallowed up by Bollywood and the other ‘Woods’. Jazz and Blues don't stand much of a chance except for a miniscule following. I don't think it's a question of misunderstanding… it's just not being interested.
Who are the top five artistes on your recently played list?
Chet Baker, Kevin Mahoganey, Ella Fitzgerald, Diane Reeves and Stacey Kent. All vocalists, naturally. Except Chet Baker who could play trumpet and sing equally beautifully.
If you could collaborate with any one musician from around the world, who would it be?
Anthony Wilson who is Diana Krall's guitar player. He is wonderful.
What according to you is the one blown out of proportion news in the music industry today?
It used to be that traditional media (newspaper, TV etc.) could either make or break someone's musical career by blowing up or ignoring someone. Today when something gets 'blown up' on the internet, it's because millions of people like it. I don't know how one person can determine if it's 'out of proportion.' That would be subjective and music is supposed to touch everyone.
What is your favourite thing to do when you aren't writing/performing/producing music?
Playing with my doggie Brownie.
What is your motto or some advice you live by?
I try to accept things I can't change and change things I can, provided they need changing. I try to be smart about which to do when. It's not an original concept.
