A Brisbane-based performer, composer and educator who has been active in the Queensland and Australian music industry during the last 25 years, Andrew Butt will perform at the Brisbane International Jazz Festival next month.
Here he lists his favourite, backyard buddies.
1. Basie Butt (Border Collie)
Not only is Basie my best backyard friend, he is my best friend period. He helps out with the gardening and also has advanced skills in air traffic control making sure to warn any overhead planes, birds or butterflies that our backyard is a no-go zone. To date we have not had one plane land in our backyard and I am happy to credit Basie for most of this.
2. Susan aka Susie (carpet snake)
Susie is a pretty cool snake, although at times she can be bit aloof. She has impeccable dress sense but her menu preferences are questionable, especially when she strangles and eats some of my other backyard friends. When you are feeling down she is always good for a hug.
3. Stewart (garden ant)
To be honest Stewart looks very similar to a lot of the other ant friends I have and I sometimes get them all mixed up. Always my go-to ant for sage advice including repertoire choice for my upcoming gigs. Stewy always knows how to put together a quality setlist and is worth tracking down in a crisis.4. Jimbo (goldfish)
Jimbo is a survivor having endured The Gap storm back in 2008 when our backyard turned into one, giant pond and he took a wander. I was fearful we may have lost him, however, once things settled down he reappeared back in his usual pond place. He is a quality goldfish and is virtually indestructible. The last time I fed him was in late 2005!
5. Beyonce (chicken)
Beyonce is another great friend, but can be high maintenance at times especially when she goes into 'diva chicken' mode and refuses to lay eggs. She can be hard to understand in a conversation, but when it comes down to it is pretty good company as being around her just makes me feel relaxed. I have considered taking her to some of my gigs to settle the band's nerves prior to some of our big profile shows, however this has not been possible due to work health and safety issues... pity.
Andrew Butt performs as part of the Brisbane International Jazz Festival (3-8 June) at the Queensland Multicultural Centre with Wilma Reading 6 June and The Enthusiastic Musician's Orchestra 7 June. The Andrew Butt Trio play JMI Live (Brisbane) 25 June and the Brisbane Jazz Club 18 September.
