Vocalist Norma Winstone and jazz guitarist Tommy Halferty play The Bank at The Digital Hub, Dublin on 23 April. We asked Tommy the BIG questions . . .
Born in Derry, Tommy began his musical career in the late 70s taking jazz guitar lessons with Louis Stewart.
In Dublin Jazz Festival '89, Tommy performed duos with the American guitarist, John Abercrombie. Followed by duos by the English guitarist, John Etheridge, who worked with Soft Machine.
He has also played with Lee Konitz, Benny Golson, Ronnie Cuber, George Mraz, Dave Liebman, Martial Solal and has been guest lecturer at the Berklee College of music Boston.
At present he is teaching the Degree in Jazz Performance (BAJP) at Newpark Music Centre.
Norma was born in London and first attracted attention in the late sixties when she shared the bill at Ronnie Scott's club with Roland Kirk.
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She joined Mike Westbrook, Michael Garrick and sang with John Surman, Kenny Wheeler, Mike Gibbs and John Taylor, and worked extensively with many of the major European names and visiting Americans.
In recent years she has become known as a very fine lyricist, writing words to compositions by Ralph Towner, and Brazilian composers Egberto Gismonti and Ivan Lins.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I am an Irish Jazz guitarist.
I have performed with famous Jazz stars - Lee Konitz, Martial Solal, John Abercrombie, and Norma Winstone.
I teach Jazz Improvisation in DCU.
How would you describe your music?
My style of Jazz is 'a melange of modern and contemporary".
Who are your musical inspirations?
Wes Montgomery, Jim Hall, John Abercrombie.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Louis Armstrong in Belfast, 1965.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Always by Your Side by Ralph Towner.
What’s your favourite song right now?
A French song by Michel Legrand called La Waltz de Lilas.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
She’s Leaving Home by The Beatles.
Where can people find your music/more information?
My website.
Alan Corr
