1.Growing Up
My childhood was richly musical, with so many influences. Dad played sax and clarinet – he always said he liked everything from ABBA to Zappa. I don’t think he actually liked ABBA, but he liked the idea of A to Z. He did love Zappa though, and Coltrane. Mum taught me the use of the word ‘quintessential’ by saying that Eric Clapton was the quintessential guitarist. I then argued it was really Jimi Hendrix, but that’s a whole other story.
2. Inspirations
Vocalists who inspire me the most are Billie Holiday, Bessie Smith and Etta James. Bonnie Raitt is high up there too – she’s such an amazing guitarist and I just adore her phrasing and her tone.
3. Your Band
Ahhh, The Bonafides. My partner, Wayne Rigby, plays sax and flute for the band and we both adore being able to perform together. Jed Wesley-Smith came to see us at Gasoline Pony and was our double bass player from then on. Peregrin Chiara, Jed’s long-time friend and co-music maker, then joined us on drums. Those two barely have to speak to understand each other. I met Tanya Bethune at a music teachers’ course in Brisbane, of all places. When I found out she played trumpet and lived in Marrickville I asked her to play at our very next gig. Kaiki Suzuki has recently joined us on trombone as well. We also have guest guitarists and other horn players depending on the gig. Whatever the make-up on the day, they’re all Bonafide, with a capital B.
4.The Music You Make
This is a hard one. I say blues and roots. Other people say other things, so let’s just call those influences soul, funk, jazz, country and rockabilly. We’re recording this weekend (dance of joy) at Gary Brown’s studio in Brookvale and playing a big long string of gigs with bands we really like in the next few months. It’s really exciting!
5. Music, Right Here,Right Now
Here in the Inner West, we’ve no shortage of hip venues that provide quality bands in a non-violent milieu. My favourites are Lazybones Lounge, Gasoline Pony and Camelot – all in Marrickville. It’s terrific that these places are dedicated to a live music scene and have live bands almost every night, but it’s an uphill struggle for them and the bands now with the new midnight restriction on live music. These venues need the support of the people, as well as the support of the government.
Bonnie Kay and The Bonafides, along with Nick Luke, appear at The Merton Hotel on Saturday March 19.
