What instrument/s do you play and/or sing?

Piano

Used to play Accordion.

How old were you when you first started performing?

6

What was your first public performance?

Music competition at 8 – which I won.

How would you describe the type of musical feel and sound that you have?

That’s not really for me to say. Although, my goal is to make people feel something – hopefully something good!-  from listening to my music.

Have you recorded any albums?

Yes . About 25 under my own name:

Have you toured overseas and where?

Yes, most of Europe, America, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong.

Who are your musical influences?

Jazz, classical , blues , bluegrass , Great singers- most good music regardless of genre actually.

Have you had any mentors?

Not really. Of course, several individuals encouraged me but I never had anyone on whom I modelled myself . I’ve also never had a jazz piano  lesson in my life. During the past five years I’ve been concentrating on classical composition. There again, no one taught me composition or  orchestration. It’s something  I’m doing on my own.

What has been the most challenging thing you have had to overcome in your music career so far?

Making a living. Keeping positive and making sure to reinvent myself as often as possible.

What is the craziest or funniest thing that has ever happened at a gig?

I walked out on a singer in the middle of a playing a concert with him.

What is one surprising thing about you that not many people know?

i never play jazz at home .

What is your favourite album?

Impossible to answer . Too many!

What is special about jazz for you?

Being in the moment. Thinking without thinking. Doing without doing. No time for fear. Composing and performing merge into one at any given moment:

Jazz is experiencing revival and a surge in popularity at the moment – why do you think this is?

I’m not sure its experiencing  in any such resurgence. A lot of kids are studying it at Uni, so it seems that way.

If you could open for any act / performer / group, who would it be?

I don’t like opening for anybody because you are lost before you even play the first note in such circumstances.

What do you get up to outside of music?

I’m completely obsessed with music , particularly at the moment with so many writing projects on the boil.  I have very little time for anything else,  but I  do try to do yoga a few times a week. As to what else I get up to- i have a private life,  of course.

What is your biggest goal for the next five years?

To be alive in five years .

And healthy, vibrant and still in demand , working on interesting projects.

Optional: Have you ever performed before at Doo-Bop? How would you describe the experience?

No. Looking forward to it .

Dont forget to book your tickets for Joe’s exclusive Brisbane shows available:
Sunday October 15th
Monday October 16th