BILLY TEST PERFORMS FRIDAY JULY 6 AT SOPHIE’S
photo: Annemarie Mountz |
NBJP: Who’s your favorite non-jazz composer?
BT: I’m a huge fan of classical music, and I have a strong background in classical piano. However, it’s extremely difficult for me to select a single composer. I love Russian composers: Rachmaninoff, Scriabin, Tchaikovsky, etc. I’m also very influenced by French Impressionistic composers like Ravel and Debussy. Currently I’ve been exploring a lot of Aaron Copland’s work: he composed a lot of really delightful piano music that often goes overlooked.
NBJP: How old were you when you first played in front of an audience (beyond your family)?
BT: I was probably nine or ten the first time I performed in front of an audience. I remember it was a talent show for my elementary school: I played an arrangement of Fur Elise!
NBJP: What’s the last movie you saw–and REALLY loved?
BT: That’s a tough one–I recently checked out Seeking a Friend for the End of the World in the theater a few days ago and was quite enamored with it…
NBJP: What’s your favorite (G-rated) guilty pleasure?
BT: Hmm… that’s a tough one, too. I’m a huge book fan. I spend hours and hours reading all sorts of stuff: biographies, philosophy, history, etc.
NBJP: If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?
BT: I don’t know if it counts as change, but I guess I have a never-ending thirst for knowledge. I always want to learn more about the world around me, and use that new information to continue to refine who I am as a person and an artist. In the end, I really want to learn better ways to use the tools I’ve been given to make a positive impact on the world around me.
NBJP: If you were about to have your last meal, what would it be?
BT: Buffalo Wings! I’m an extreme spicy food fan!
NBJP: If you could only own ONE CD, what would it be?
BT: I never know how to answer this question, as I always know my answer would change depending on when you ask me and what mood I’m in! I always find myself returning to the Bill Evans album Alone. The recording really got me hooked on jazz.
PLUS ONE: When did you know you wanted to be a professional jazz musician?
BT: I think I always knew I wanted to do something with jazz, especially performing. However, I remember seeing the Count Basie Orchestra when I was probably 15 or 16, and being really blown away with how much fun everyone in the band was having. The thought of playing music that I enjoyed and having that much fun for a living really turned into the end goal after that concert.