M.S. I’m currently playing in the Keith Tippet band and enjoying the opportunity to explore free improvisation, and have recently started playing in a funk jazz band with trumpeter Jonny Bruce - The Jonny Bruce sextet.
BMJ. I've been told that you are playing more tenor lately - will it feature mainly on your gig?
M.S. I’ve been playing tenor much more since I joined ‘Gents of Jive’, which is a fun jump jive band based in Hereford. I love playing B flat so I play mainly tenor and soprano.
BMJ. What tunes will you be performing?
M.S. We play mainly jazz standards at the moment, but I’m planning to start writing some originals with Jason Ball who plays guitar in the band, so hopefully we’ll have some of them ready soon.
BMJ. Has your time at the RWCMD changed your direction at all?
M.S. It’s taught me a lot and inspired me to want to do better, but I wouldn’t say it’s changed my direction as such.
BMJ. Are you playing at Brecon or Pontypool Festivals this year?
M.S. I've played at both in past years and would like to again in 2007. But nothing is arranged yet and may or may not happen. I guess it’s a case of ‘watch this space’.
BMJ. What projects do you have in the pipeline?
M.S. At the moment I’m focusing mainly on the new band set up by Jonny Bruce. Our first gigs are in May – including the one at Black Mountain Jazz (on Sunday 20 May - BMJ), which we’re looking forward to.
BMJ. Martha, many thanks for talking to us, and we’re looking forward to seeing you and the band at Black Mountain Jazz on Sunday 18 February.