Nadine Axisa's jazz album 'Velvet' was released in 2014, and features 12 original compositions in the smooth jazz style and 38 musicians. The album received favourable reviews, including a four star review on the UK's 'Jazz Journal'. It was also featured on local and international radio stations. On 11 and 12 March, Nadine will be performing the album in its entirety at Robert Sammut Hall Floriana, accompanied by four musicians who will bring a wealth of experience to this performance. Coryse Borg has a chat with the sultry songstress to find more about this project which is very close to her heart.

 

First things first...tell us a little about yourself.

I am 34 (getting old!) and married to Kevin. The youngest kid of three - the typical fessuda!  We were always taught to work hard to achieve anything in life; always encouraged to study especially by Mum who used to spend hours helping with our homework. My Dad was - and still is - our mentor. I have wonderful memories of school - lots of activities and friendships which started and developed from those early days. In my free time nowadays, I enjoy taking a walk, watching a movie or listening to new music or an artist which I would have discovered. In summer I also enjoy the sea, swimming and occasionally reading a good book, ideally in Maltese.

 

How old were you when you started getting interested in music? 

I must have been about 6 years old. I remember watching music videos of the 80's with great interest. I used to record music from the radio onto cassette tapes and experiment with harmonies on my guitar. I also used to bother everyone in the car by singing on the back seat. My parents took great patience driving me to rehearsals when I was a kid. I formed part of choirs and loved doing backing vocals, supporting other singers, and taking part in musicals and other activities, mostly related to school.

 

What do your family and friends think of your chosen profession?

They were always very supportive. However they do remind me to leave some time for myself occasionally... and for them too. I admit it is quite challenging for me. I love what I do, so striking a balance can be a feat. 

 

Why is the Velvet project so important to you?

It was a great experience going through the whole process of compositions, production and recording of the tunes. This project is very special to me since it provided me with an opportunity to produce an end product which reflects my style; an opportunity to come up with original material, thanks to all he composers and authors who collaborated with me on this project. The album did very well. I am particularly happy with a four star review on the UK's renowned 'Jazz Journal'. Tracks from the album were also played in radios in the UK, Portugal and the Netherlands.

 

What is the 'twist' in the concert?

During Velvet in concert I will be interpreting the album tunes with four exceptional musicians - Joe Debono on piano, Oliver Degabriele on double bass, Joseph Camilleri on drums and Walter Vella on saxophone and flute. We will be presenting an interesting mix of swing, ballads, and Latin tunes, and will be delivering the tunes with slight but effective changes in the arrangements. For those who are already familiar with the Velvet album, the event will be an opportunity to listen to the tunes interpreted by different musicians, with slight but effective and engaging changes to the arrangements. For Velvet first timers, it will be a night of smooth jazz tunes, fresh and relaxing melodies; an exquisite infusion of swing, Latin and ballads.

 

What is in the pipeline for the immediate future?

Once the concert is done, I intend to take a break... while the weekly gigs and events continue of course. I enjoy performances with small, intimate crowds. I am also a member of two bands, Trania and the Dominic Galea Jazztet, so opportunities might arise with either band. I will probably also start thinking about a concept for my next album. Just like other projects, it takes a lot of thinking and planning so I look forward to spend some time about what could work next.

 

Where would you like to be in five years' time?

I am not a person who plans ahead - not at all! I live day-by-day, and try not to worry about tomorrow. What I know is that I'd like to be happy, keeping those around me happy too, and doing the things I love!

 

What, in your opinion, can Malta offer to the international music industry?

I think we can offer a lot! I've always believed that Malta has great talent, amazing artists with enthusiasm, especially the younger generation, which as we can see is determined to produce albums, gig frequently and be heard on the radio. This is all very positive and I admire such energy and their attitude to learn and come up with new ideas.

 

Tickets for the Velvet concert are available from www.ticketline.com.mt. More information on Nadine may be obtained from: www.nadineaxisa.com