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Name: Kaz Simmons
Age: 25
Occupation: Jazz singer
Hey Kaz, how's tricks?
Good thanks. The time leading up to Christmas is a busy one with lots of gigs and this year it's started earlier than usual. I've also just finished my debut album, which is really exciting. We are just putting the finishing touches to it and then we'll be distributing it. Everything's really great at the moment. Plus I'm being interviewed by you guys...
Calm yourself or you'll peak too soon. You recently took a gap in Crete to play with a band of ex-pats - how did that all come about then?
Towards the very end of finishing my degree, I got a call from an ex-pat bass player living in Crete who wanted a singer for a residency in a bar in the beautiful harbour town of Chania over the summer. He got my number from my singing teacher who couldn't do it. He thought it would be a great oppurtunity for me to gain confidence and to sing somewhere other than in London bars. It was something I jumped at - a few days later I was on the plane. It was quite spontaneous!
 Well the best things usually are. So, was gigging away from the Big Smoke something you'd always wanted to do?
To be honest, I'd never really thought about it before. It was perfect timing though, as I didn't have a clue what I was going to do after finishing my studies. It was a fab opportunity I couldn't miss out. Plus, I can't say that I was sad to leave behind the smoky bars of London for a while! Since my gap, I've also played in Venice and toured around Italy and Germany. I think my time spent in Crete gave me the confidence to do this though.
I bet. How did you find the change of atmosphere going from London bars to Cretian ones?
It was great. Because I looked Greekish, I blended in well and wasn't hassled as much as some of the others were. When I'm in London, I am often mistaken for someone who isn't English and can get hassled like I'm a tourist, so it made a nice change. It's also much nicer drinking outside by the sea than in a stuffy pub in the middle of London. I think the people were a bit more chilled out too - not stressed by the fast paced city life like those I sing to at home. I also found the audiences more attentive in Crete, which did wonders for my confidence as a singer.
So what were your first impressions of Crete - as a place and a musical venue?
My first impressions of Crete was that it was breathtaking - beautiful mountains and flowers as far as the eye could see. The weather was great too. To be honest, I didn't really get into the traditional music scene there as most of time we had gigs to do and didn't really have time. From the bits I did hear, it sounded 'interesting' to say the least! It's very folk-like and they use their traditional instruments.
 I suspect that tambourines played an integral part. What do you think your time away taught you musically?
By the end of the residency, my confidence had improved enormously. I had learnt some new tunes and found it a great experience playing with a really talented band. I doubt I would have had this oppurtunity back home, as you can't walk through London without bumping into a singer. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. I really grew up musically and was able to take the confidence I gained home with me. A lot of my regular audiences made positive comments about the changes in my performances when I got home.
Did the time you spent away teach you anything else - not neccesarilly music-wise?
It taught me that I could go away from home on my own and be able to cope. I'd never been away from home for more than 2 weeks before and always with friends or family, so I grew up a lot whilst I was away. It was a positive experience in so many ways.
Have you taken any musical influences away from the island of Crete? If so, how did you get them through customs?
I didn't really listen to much Cretian music sadly, but Lyn's (the saxophonist in our band) playing was beautiful and I'll always remember that. The rest of the band influence me too in terms of performance style. We got on really well and gave each other tips and advice - which I've tried to remember now that I am home.
Anything particulary hilarious happen on the trip that you care to share?
I do remember one very funny performance. The night before, Stuart the drummer had eaten one too many olives which had unsettled his stomach. Halfway through a number, he rushed off stage to go to the loo during a piano solo and got back in time to do his own solo! Very professional!
 You've done Crete, Italy, Germany and Venice now - where else in the world would you most like to gig and what song would you perform?
I know it's not exotic, but Brighton Dome! It's quite sentimental of me but I used to do dance competitions and amateur shows there and it holds so many brilliant memories. I went to a gig there the other day for the first time in years and it felt like home. I would sing 'Take Me Home' by Tom Waits as it is the title track from my album and is beautiful.
Well thanks for talking to us Kaz, we'd better save your voice and leave it there...
My pleasure, thanks guys.
Click here >> for more on Kaz, her album and any upcoming gigs
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