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Jazz muso tweaks Aussie flavour
Engel Schmidl
30Apr08
NO GIGS is a common cry for many musicians, but not for Eltham's Geoff Hughes.
The renowned jazz guitarist will play three shows with three separate groups at the Melbourne International Jazz Festival this weekend.
"It goes on and off with gigs, but I always find it's pretty busy," Hughes, a VCA music lecturer, said.
New Zealand-born Hughes sharpened his chops as a young guitarist studying at the Royal Hague Conservatory in the Netherlands, where he played with jazz masters such as Pat Metheny, Herb Ellis and Dave Leibman. "My experience there was absolutely invaluable. I found a whole new level to my playing," he said.
Playing with Australian musicians has added to his improvisational arsenal.
"There is a distinctive Australian flavour that is different to other parts of the world," he said.
Hughes plays with the Allan Browne Quintet tomorrow, May 1, the Aaron Choulai Sextet on Friday, May 2 and with Michelle Nicole on Saturday, May 3.
Details: www.melbournejazz.com/v2008
