How did your collaboration with Greg Osby come about?I first met Greg when he toured Australia. He came to Perth and I got hired to do the gig. He’s one of the most creative minds on the planet and I love his playing. He said some nice things to me after the gigs and I thought, ‘Man it would be great to play again.’ Not long after I found myself in the US and after I won the Fellowship I thought to myself, ‘I can actually ask him to do this.’ So I did, and he said yes. He was very kind and considerate to my budget. We did the rehearsal, he came over to me and said “I’m impressed,” and that was it.
What has been your career highlight thus far?There has been many that I note as career highlights – playing with Greg Osby has certainly been a learning experience, but I would say that playing a duo with him in Maine was a highlight. I’ve also had the chance to do some stuff with the Terence Blanchard Quintet. We played for the Blue Note 70th Anniversary at the Grammy Museum in LA – a very special venue.I had the privilege of playing at the Detroit Jazz Festival as the winner of the Barry Harris Piano Competition. An amazing opportunity to play to a huge crowd.
What’s something we may not know about you? I hate eggplants – one of the songs on the album is dedicated to it. I love zucchinis, but for some reason I hate eggplants.
What’s the concept behind your album, Gentle Giants? This album represents many things to me. It’s collaboration between American and Australian musicians of the highest calibre. There are so many amazing jazz artists in Australia and I hope that this is a small representation of what is out there. The concept behind the album is an old one – don’t judge a book by its cover. And the title is dedicated to people who might seem frightening but are true Gentle Giants. I truly think the world needs more acceptance and less judgment.
