I got the chance to interview Graham Wood. His club, The Ellington Jazz Club is one of the hottest Jazz clubs in the world and a huge trendsetter in Perth. Graham is also Associate Head of School and Director of Music at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. He took time out of his busy schedule to quickly chat to me about Jazz and The Ellington Jazz Club.
Perth isn’t always looked at as a sophisticated town. What made you want to start a Jazz Club here?
There is a great Jazz scene in Perth and heaps of fantastic players thanks to WAAPA, PJS and WAYJO. The natural extension of that talent was to put it on a stage in a space where it would be respected.
How has the Jazz scene changed in Australia since The Ellington got started?
There are more touring opportunities now with clubs willing to present in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. This makes a big difference for visitors. No place to play = no tour.
Who are some of your favourite Classic Jazz Artists? What do you like most about them?
Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Keith Jarrett, Brad Mehldau Thelonious Monk and Duke Ellington would be my personal favourites. I like them because they all have a really strong personal identity that can be difficult for pianists to achieve.
The Ellington caters to a wide range of different audiences in the Jazz spectrum. What are the most popular events you have?
The most popular acts are the big name American touring acts, especially from New York. The best players in the world live and play in New York but they always pack the house when they’re touring through.
Do you smoke cigars? Do you have a favourite if you do?
I used to smoke cigars but I can’t anymore because I’m a cancer survivor. I used to smoke a Montecristo #2. I smoked quite a few great cigars when I was in Havana – $1 each (and I probably got ripped off).
What are your thoughts on how Jazz changed from “pop music” per se, to a more “serious” experimental art form with the birth of Bebop?
It was a revolution by the African American artists who felt their identity was stolen by white band leaders in the 30’s who cleaned up and made all the serious money. The music changed to reflect the African American culture. Rock & Roll was then a revolution against the complex harmonies, rhythms and melodies of post 1945 Jazz and used much simpler musical materials to get the desired affect. Dancing to music fundamentally restricts the artists creativity as the need to keep a constant danceable beat means that your musical options are restricted.
What’s your favourite Cocktail/Drink? Do you have a favourite drink that goes with a particular peice of music?
Once again, I can’t drink anymore due to a previous cancer episode. When I used to drink I would enjoy a Grey Goose Martini.
Thanks again for your time, Graham.
To learn more about The Ellington Jazz Club, please hit the link. You can also follow them on Twitter here.
Images courtesy of VJzoo from the Flickr Album The Ellington.
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