| Artist Interviews |
Click onto the links to hear interviews with some smooth jazz artists.
Keiko Matsui
Graham has been a long-time fan of composer/pianist Keiko Matsui. In 2002 Graham interviewed Keiko just after she released her "Deep Blue" CD and used this material in a special called “From Keiko With Love” which has aired on 2CCRFM on a number of occasions. Some of the material is still current but of course some is not up-to-date but it is included as a snapshot of this great artist in 2002.
Introduction 1:41
Growing up in Japan 2:32
Writing a movie score 0:56
Charitable works and the environment 2:35
Musical Influences and first US album 3:37
Composing and naming tracks 3:51
Doing the arrangements 1:10
Other artists Keiko has worked with 4:11
The Deep Blue CD 2:45
Future album and touring 3:33
Vocalist Basia - her early musical influences 0:55
STING
Sting talks about his friend Chris Botti and his trumpet playing 0:39
Chris Botti
Trumpeter Chris Botti travelled the world with Sting on their World Tour. Chris took time out while in Sydney to visit the studios of 2CCRFM. Here Chris talks of touring with Sting, writing whilst in Sydney, jetting around with Sting, his love of chess, and Sydney after the 2000 Olympics.
Touring with Sting
More on touring with Sting
The impact of the tour on Chris
Writing whilst in Sydney
Writing quickly, Jeff Golub and Warren Hill
Recording jazz whilst unprepared
Christmas
After Sting, getting back to smooth jazz
Jetting around with Sting
Chess lessons in Sydney and playing with Sting
Playing chess with grand master Gary Kasparov
Sydney after the Olympics
SHAKATAK
Shakatak burst onto the English jazz fusion scene in 1980 and have been performing and recording since that time with about 50 albums and numerous singles to their credit. Graham caught up wth Jill Saward, the voice of Shakatak, when she spoke of her early days performing, the formation of the group and some memorable concerts.
Early days in the music business
The all girl groups
The birth of Shakatak
Early success and touring
German Reunification concert and tour of South Africa
Singing with Al Jarreau and motherhood
Japan, the United States and a whoops moment
"Must Have" CDs and musical instruments
House in Sardinia, new CD and farewell
JONATHAN BUTLER
Jonathan Butler is an international vocalist/guitarist. He spoke to Graham Johnson about his early life, his family, his music and his upcoming Australian tour.
Listen to the interview here.