112 INTERVIEW love and then gradually move into the new stuff, once they’ re“ in the groove”. The wonderful thing about this album is that so far, the live audiences are loving the new songs and bluesier direction. It feels very effortless and natural, as if it’ s what they’ ve what they came to hear and that’ s a gift and a relief!
8. You’ ll be performing across very different venues and audiences, from clubs to festivals like JazzFest.
How does the environment shape the way you deliver these songs night to night?
I play the same level whether to 30, 300, or 3000. Often, the smaller shows are the most exciting, with everyone crammed on stage, connected in a way a large stage doesn’ t always guarantee. So much is about who you’ re playing with and the joy you’ re having on stage
6. With the Gentlemen Callers and the JO Big Band involved, this feels like a very collaborative project. How do you shape the overall sound while working with such a large group of musicians?
It is the MOST collaborative musical experience I’ ve ever had, and I know it comes from working with jazz musicians who are adept in many styles, but who all improvise at the highest level. There are times when we play live that I feel like we have one brain, it’ s that intuitive! They play the parts I’ ve arranged and improvise around my songs, feeding off the energy that I’ m bringing.
Quite extraordinary really!. When the arrangements are all written out, with the Big Band, it’ s about the swing and having fun with this incredible classic sound. My mum was a huge BB fan, so having my own band is quite amazing. Both my parents would have loved what I’ m doing these days
7. As you prepare for the upcoming tour, how are you approaching setlist construction— especially with so much new material alongside established favourites?
I like to start the shows with material they already know and
THE ART OF LUXURY ISSUE 77 2026