Matthew Newby – Tenor Saxophone

When did you start playing your instrument/singing and why?
I started playing saxophone because of a character from The Nightmare Before Christmas, actually (picture below).
Why my ten year-old self aspired to be like him is anybody’s guess. It wasn’t until I heard ‘Fujiyama’ by the Dave Brubeck Quartet (with Paul Desmond on sax) that I started taking it seriously though. That song remains one of my favourite pieces of music to this day. 

What’s your musical background, broadly speaking (bands you’ve been part of in the past, formative listening)?

I played in a number of small Jazz groups and Big Bands during High School and University. From the age of eleven, I committed myself to having an encyclopaedic knowledge of Jazz music, listening to anything and everything I could get my hands on. In my teens, I started listening to a lot of Folk music as well and I would say that has had the greater impact on my approach to music.

Which artists most influence the way you approach the TGB and how?

In terms of saxophonists, Wayne Shorter has had the biggest impact on me, particularly his more recent work on Joni Mitchell’s orchestral albums Travelogue and Both Sides Now. For me, his playing on those albums is like a masterclass in playing only when you’re needed, which is the greatest lesson any Jazz player can learn in my opinion. With his example in mind, I’ve always tried to make sure that our horn lines don’t make things over-crowded and that they complement the mood of the song.

What’s your favourite memory of being in the band so far, musical or otherwise?

Probably recording the solo for ‘On My Way’ on my 25^th birthday. I think we spent a good two or three hours building that solo from the ground up. At one point things got a bit weird and I took my trousers off and started shouting a lot, but we got there in the end. Driving home in the early hours of the morning having finished recording it was a great feeling.

Out of the gigs you’ve done with the band, which was your favourite and why?

This is a difficult one as we’ve had some really great gigs since the album came out, due in no small part – for me, anyway – to the fact that a lot of my friends and family members have been supporting us at our gigs recently. Something about having people I know in the audience always makes me more energised and motivated for a gig. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank those people for their support. In terms of an overall favourite, probably Cheltenham Jazz Fringe this year. The audience down there is always very receptive and supportive.

Favourite TGB song to play and why?

‘On My Way’. For very selfish and obvious reasons.

Favourite part of the process? (Writing, rehearsing, gigging, recording, etc.) and why?

Definitely writing/rehearsals for me. The process of writing the songs is the best part for me as everyone in the band continually surprises me. Particularly Joe. That boy knows how to harmonise. I can’t count the number of times he’s made me grimace over the past few years. I can’t wait to start writing again!