A month before the release of Will Vinson's latest studio album, 'Perfectly Out Of Place', the saxophonist/composer teams up with fellow jazz maestro Steve Newcomb for a rare performance at Jazz Musician's Institute (Brisbane).
Born in London, Will moved to New York City in 1999 where he earned a reputation as a talented and versatile performer and composer, both on-stage and in the studio. After finalising his studies at the coveted Manhattan School Of Music by the age of 24, Will has carved a successful career as an international touring musician.
In March, Will and Steve perform at Jazz Musician's Institute in Brisbane to mark the release of 'Perfectly Out Of Place', with a setlist including new material from the forthcoming album, as well as much-loved favourites. Will sits down with Scenestr to discuss life as a globetrotting jazz man.
What brings you to Australia this time around?
I’ve always loved coming to Australia to perform, and these days, now that I’m married to an Aussie, it’s that much easier to make it work, and tie it in to visits to family.
What has been the most memorable thing about performing in Australia in the past?
Hard to say, but I’d probably have to mention the pleasure it gives me to know that I’m going to be playing with musicians who I know will play the hell out of my music. It’s increasingly impressive to me how Australia punches above its weight in terms of its record of producing excellent jazz musicians.
What can the audience expect from your JMI Live show on 3rd March?
Not even sure what I can expect - that’s the beauty! But it will be great to reunite with one of my earliest musical collaborators, Steve Newcomb. On that night, the performance will be like two old pals catching up after a few years, each one filling the other in on what they’ve been up to (in this case, musically) in the intervening time.
Will you be performing material from the new album at your gig at JMI Live?
There will be some music from the upcoming CD, some from previous ones, and probably some standard repertoire.
What inspired you to write the songs on the new album?
The recording project was setup about two months in advance (usually it would be longer, but the guys on the record are so busy, you have to take whatever time you have when everyone’s available). Then all I needed was the fear of knowing it was rapidly approaching. That’s a great motivator!
What were the challenges you faced in writing and recording the new album?
Each project carries its own challenge. I’d say on this occasion that it was the unknown. This group had never performed together (some of them had never met). Lots could go wrong, but you need that possibility in order to produce the best spontaneous results. Some stuff did go wrong, but a lot went right. The goal is to keep the balance in your favour!
What advice would you give to an aspiring instrumentalist looking to have a career in music?
Be a sober critic of yourself. Don’t beat yourself up, but don’t wait for others to tell you what you should be doing differently. I think if we’re all honest with ourselves, we know deep down what our flaws are. Don’t assume that because other people don’t mention them that you’re getting away with it!
Will Vinson and Steve Newcomb perform at Jazz Musician's Institute in Brisbane on 3 March.
