12.07.18
Each week we will be posting exclusive 60 second interviews with our 2018 Festival bands and artists. This week we are in conversation with Sara Colman, to find out when Sara Colman is playing mjf 2018 click here.
Name: Sara Colman
Name of the Band (if you’re in a band): The Sara Colman Band
Where are you/the band from? Birmingham and Bristol!
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How did you get into music?
I was really lucky to have had piano lessons from about 6 years old and I also got to try out some other instrumental lessons at school: Violin, Double Bass, Clarinet, Flute and I was always singing! My parents loved music – my dad is a big classical and jazz fan and my mum loves classic songwriters, any kind of uplifting groovy music and pop!
*Why did you form the band?
This band was formed specifically to play the music from my new album What We’re Made Of. I’ve been playing with many of the musicians for years and others are newer friends. Ben Markland and I go back to my first solo album Spellbound and have worked together ever since – Ben the MD is from Bolton! Steve Banks, Rebecca Nash and Jonathon Silk are newer musical partners of the last few years and I co-wrote songs with each of them for this album. Delighted to be working with Natalie Mason, Beth Bellis, Ning-ning Li and Katy Nagle, our singing string quartet and we also have the most fabulous Percy Pursglove with us. Finally (it’s a big band!) Anthony Marsden will bring his incredibly gorgeous and individual voice to the songs too
What are the most enjoyable aspects of being a musician?
The music! The freedom. The opportunity to be creative. Each day being different to the one before. Travel. Meeting new people. The shared experience with your band…..
What is the least enjoyable part of being a musician?
Nothing much…. Just thinking about the things I procrastinate about……maybe Self promo!!
Who is your favourite band or artist?
It changes daily – today it’s a band called I’m With Her – tomorrow it will probably be Foy Vance!
What’s the best piece of musical advice you’ve ever been given?
Be yourself, it is your only and best chance to be original.
What does it mean to you to play at manchester jazz festival?
I am very chuffed to be part of the festival this year, the whole band are. I love the way MJF supports original music and always gives new music a prominent place on the jazz stage. It’s such an open minded festival and has such a respect for the musicians. It’s a great opportunity for us to perform this new music to a new audience of interested listeners – And another great reason to visit Manchester!
What advice would you give to the new generation of musicians that would like to follow in your steps?
The best I was given myself I guess – see above!
What has been the most notable highlight of your career so far?
Over the past couple of years I have really enjoyed being part of a couple of live Proms, one with NYJOS and the other with Laura Mvula and I feel unusually proud to have sung on Woman’s Hour!
Other than yourself, who are you looking forward to seeing at mjf 2018?
The band on before us – John Helliwell’s Creme Anglaise – what a band!
The very cool We are Leif – gorgeous singing and beautiful new music.
Chris Mapp’s band Stillefelt with Thomas Seminar Ford and Percy Pursgove – sublime!
For the full Festival Programme click here.