Where did you grow up? Did you come from a musical family? Who were your early influences?
I was born in Pelorus, New Zealand. We left when I was ten and - after traveling around the world with my family for several years - eventually settled in Washington State when I was 15.
My family is Polynesian, so singing together is a big part of our culture; any space in conversation means someone will probably break into song (during a birthday party or Christmas, a car ride, whenever we are doing the dishes together). The rest of the family will join in with harmonies.
One of the first bands I heard that made me fall in love with jazz was Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band. His music felt so honest and emotional.
What were your experiences like at Frost School of Music?
Frost was full of outstanding musicians. It gave me my first taste of being a very small fish in a much bigger pond. It was a good stepping stone towards living in a city like New York. Being at Frost encouraged me to start looking for and developing something unique about what I do.
When did you choose NYC? How would you describe the NY scene compared to other places that you have performed?
I moved to NYC in 2021 and chose Harlem because I had musician friends in the area. I love that you can book a gig, and even if your first, second and third calls are already booked, your fourth call is still going to sound just as good. Or maybe you call someone you've never met (who was recommended by your first call) and you find that they sound just as amazing. The NY scene is never short of incredible musicians on every instrument.
Tell us about Monday evenings at Dear Mama, sponsored by KEYED UP! What can we expect? It seems like a beautiful space.
Skyler Floe (trumpet) and I have been doing Mondays at Dear Mama - (now sponsored in part by KEYED UP!) for over a year now. We always have a great band. The second set opens up and we have horn players and rhythm section folks come through to play and hang. Dear Mama's food is great. The coffee's wonderful. The cocktails are fantastic. The space is bright and open, with big glass windows and it's just a really nice place to play.
Any touring/album/projects you would like to promote?
Nothing to announce just yet but I always have projects brewing. My main focus is Monday evenings at Dear Mama and we hope to see you there.
What are your experiences of KEYED UP! and the importance of supporting live jazz in NYC?
KEYED UP! has made music possible where music should exist but venues haven't been able to support it. I believe strongly in supporting live music in NYC - both financially and by showing up for it - and KEYED UP! makes that possible.