1. What inspired you to create the show Swingle Bells and bring it to the Teatro at Monte Casino?
When we recorded SWINGLE BELLS! During lockdown there was an energy in the studio that I hadn’t experienced before. The musicians played with a very specific joy and I just had images of them playing this live in the Teatro. This music lends itself to live performance – especially during the Festive Season. The rest literally fell into place and is now history!
2. Can you tell us a bit about the concept and theme of Swingle Bells and what audiences can expect from the show?
SWINGLE BELLS! Is more than a love letter to Christmas. It is a throwback to the golden age of Christmas Swing Music when Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby and Bobby Darin were the custodians of “yule cool”. The concept is straightforward: to have the most joy and fun with the music of everyone’s childhood. The other theme is that of family. To have your entire family with you as you experience this music in the largest theatre in South Africa is the best kind of Christmas Gift I reckon.
3. As an expert piano player, what drew you to this instrument and how has it shaped your career and musical style?
I was drawn to the piano when I was around 2 or 3. There was just something about it., Having just completed two sold out runs of KEY CHANGE across the road from the Teatro at the Pieter Toerien Theatre I will be leaving the bulk of the playing to jazz pianist extraordinaire (and musical hero) David Cousins. That’s not to say that I won’t bump him off the piano bench for the odd instrumental in SWINGLE BELLS…
4. What is your approach to arranging and performing classic holiday songs in a new and unique way for Swingle Bells?
My approach is to keep the old school sound of big Band but to keep it fresh and in line with the Post Modern Jukebox style that one hears all over social media. To have 19 musical instruments at your disposal is very rare these days what with electronic backing tracks.The arrangements have the sound of proper big band but I have added in little references and quirky little moments here and there that keep you in 2023.
5. What are some of the challenges and rewards of performing live on stage?
The theatre is an extreme sport. You have one chance to get it right per show so you have to be focussed and clear. ANYTHING can happen and I thrive off that risk. The challenges are always navigating the number of smartphones in the audience but the rewards are always wonderful when an off-the-cuff moment works and the audience goes wild.
6. How do you prepare for a performance like Swingle Bells, both technically and emotionally?
This music gets me right in the feels so I have to keep a grip on my emotions and memories as I perform. Technically, this show is enormous with more elements than I’m used to so there’s a lot to keep juggling. The best preparation is to surround yourself with people who know more than you do and our team is no exception. This is going to be a Concert Spectacular in every sense of the word.
7. Can you share any memorable moments or experiences from past performances you’ve been a part of?
The best memories are made when things go wrong. When I was on tour with Phantom, the boat stopped working and I had to drag this 300kg thing across the stage and then perform Music of the Night pretending that I wasn’t about to collapse and wheeze. My Christine at the time, Kaley Ann Voorhees, had a ball that performance…
8. What do you hope audiences will take away from experiencing Swingle Bells at the Teatro at Monte Casino?
I hope audiences are reminded of what it felt like to be a kid during December. I also hope that they go home excited about attending live theatre and perhaps start making plans to see another show together.
9. Are there any future projects or collaborations you are excited about that you can share with us?
Oh my goodness yes! I’m waiting for a few things to settle and then I won’t shut up about them…
10. Finally, what advice do you have for aspiring musicians or performers who are looking to follow in your footsteps and pursue their passion for music?
Ignore the opinions of those who say but don’t do. It’s unnecessary noise and will dilute your purpose. Find your team/circle/tribe and never let them go.
Images Credit : Anthony Horak
