26.06.18
Each week we will be posting exclusive 60 second interviews with our 2018 Festival bands and artists. This week we are in conversation with John Helliwell, to find out when John Helliwell is playing mjf 2018 click here.
Name: John Helliwell
Name of the Band (if you’re in a band): CRÈME ANGLAISE
Where are you/the band from? THE BEAUTIFUL NORTH WEST OF ENGLAND
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How did you get into music?
BY HEARING MONTY SUNSHINE OF CHRIS BARBER’S JAZZ BAND PLAY “PETITE FLEUR” (BY SIDNEY BECHET) ON HIS CLARINET IN 1958
*Why did you form the band?
TO PLAY WITH MY FAVOURITE JAZZ MUSICIANS – MIKE WALKER, GETH GRIFFITH, STEVE GILBERT AND JOHN ELLIS.
What are the most enjoyable aspects of being a musician?
GIVING PEOPLE PLEASURE.
What is the least enjoyable part of being a musician?
WAITING TO HURRY UP AND TRAVEL.
Who is your favourite band or artist?
TODAY, IT’S THE BRAD MEHLDAU TRIO.
What’s the best piece of musical advice you’ve ever been given?
DON’T PLAY TWO NOTES WHEN ONE WILL DO.
What does it mean to you to play at manchester jazz festival?
WARM AND RECEPTIVE AUDIENCES, RAIN OR SHINE.
What advice would you give to the new generation of musicians that would like to follow in your steps?
REMEMBER THAT YOU’RE THERE TO ENTERTAIN.
What has been the most notable highlight of your career so far?
RECEIVING THE “CHEVALIER DE L’ORDRE DES ARTS ET DES LETTRES” FROM THE FRENCH GOVERNMENT.
Other than yourself, who are you looking forward to seeing at mjf 2018?
DAVE HOLLAND/ ZAKIR HUSSAIN/ CHRIS POTTER – CHRIS IS ONE OF THE TITANS OF TODAY’S SAXOPHONISTS.
For the full Festival Programme click here.