Jeremy Monteiro is a legend in the local jazz scene. He shares with us the latest
Jeremy Monteiro has had a busy month since his performance at the very first Russia-Singapore Jazz Symphonia on Nov 29.
In fact, he was in Italy at the point of this interview, before returning for the next performance.
Jeremy has played for the likes of Barack Obama, Bruce Willis and Jackie Chan, as well as performed for artistes such as Ronan Keating and Kevin Spacey.
He updates Weekender on his upcoming plans.
You’ve been in the industry for many years. Do you think the local reception of jazz music has changed?
There is a much larger audience and a much deeper understanding of jazz in Singapore these days, much better than ten years ago.
You’ve performed for many dignitaries and celebrities. Do you have a favourite performance?
I always love playing for Singapore’s Ambassador-At-Large Prof Tommy Koh because he is always so genuinely appreciative and will always come to thank all the musicians personally after the show.
What is going on for you now?
The Russian-Singapore Jazz Symphonia is a big project for me and I am very excited about it. Then it’s on to my big annual Jazzy Christmas concert at the Esplanade on Dec 21. It’s the ninth one.
I am also working on an Anthology Book of my original compositions which will be released in the second quarter of 2014.
What will you be doing this Christmas?
Besides my Jazzy Christmas show, I am concurrently recording my Chinese New Year Smooth Jazz album which is being released by UMusic and sponsored by AMC Live.
What are some of your favourite tunes?
“Smile” by Charlie Chaplin, “Alfie” by Burt Bacharach, “A Song For You” by Leon Russell.
Tell us something that people don’t know about you.
That I was the founding vice-president of the Vegetarian Society of Singapore. But I am no longer vegetarian now because of doctor’s orders.
What makes you happy and why?
I usually live my life in a state of bliss, with some times which are challenging but no one thing makes me happy.
But that moment after I complete a composition that I like, or play a great solo on a show and when the band is poppin’… those moments are priceless to me.
Catch Jeremy Monteiro at Jazzy Christmas concert, at the Esplanade, on Dec 21.
Photo credits: Harry Tan, Russel Wong
ADVERTISEMENTS