Hey there Jack, can you tell us a bit about The Jack Earle Big Band?
The Jack Earle Big Band was formed in 2008 as part of a Big Band festival held annually in Mordialloc. Since then it’s been my chance to compose and create, and experiment, musically with 18 of my favourite people. We’ve been regularly gigging around Melbourne for the past five years or so, and last August independently released our debut, self-titled album.
You’ll be playing at Brunswick’s The Spotted Mallard on Thursday April 28. What can punters expect from the show?
Punters can expect big, brassy sounds, groovy grooves, original compositions, inventive new arrangements of pop tunes, amazing burgers and an all-round good time. This gig will feature world premier performances of brand new original compositions, as well as favourites from our album.
The Jack Earle Big Band specialises in jazz, funk, fusion, swing and bebop. In your opinion, why are these genres so appealing?
They make people feel good. The grooves are infectious, the tunes make you want to click your fingers, or get up and dance.
You’ve got the super talented Rose Muller as your lead vocalist. How does her voice complement the band’s sound?
Super talent indeed. Her voice is a smoky, sultry and smooth addition to our punchy, brassy sounds. She has a great ear, great feel, great time, and makes intelligent musical decisions. She has a knack for hearing ideas for original arrangements of tunes that have previously not even been thought of being performed with a big band.
For a 20-year-old, you’re a super accomplished musician. You studied at the world-renowned Berklee College of Music in Boston, and you’re a proficient pianist, vocalist, conductor, composer and trumpet player. Where does your love of music stem from?
I’ve always had music surrounding me. I grew up with musical parents, and a musical sister. I was always lucky enough to attend concerts, see shows, and go to festivals. There were always instruments being played, or records being blasted. It’s been the love of my life from day one.
If the Jack Earle Big Band was asked to compose and perform the soundtrack of a documentary about any musician, living or dead, who’d you pick?
Harry Connick Jr.
