Kassia Men's Chorus member

K: How are you involved with Katterwall?
J: I joined the Mens Chorus for their second concert and have never looked back. At the start it seemed the Bass Twos performed a percussion role in most songs with the tenors taking all the glory. Bass Twos were also asked to repeat lines in practice more than any other voice! But now the tables have turned with the Bass Twos taking the melodies and holding it all together - our rightful place! Peter, Harry, Jon and Matthew - I salute you. I am also a former student of Matthew (who on occasion needed to put on his grumpy face to get me to focus) but improved my voice immeasurably. I also help out Katterwall with some pro bono legal work.

K: What is your singing background?
J: It all started around the age of 5 entering singing competitions in Gosport, England at the wishes of a spinster headmistress called Miss Wilson, whose passions were playing the ankalung and horse riding. I have often wondered what she was doing with the ankalung - a Javanese instrument made from bamboo tubes- in the early 1970s before world music, cappuccinos and chilled beer became a part of English culture. School choirs and church choirs followed, (and even some bell ringing) but from 18, and a break with organised religion in favour of student fun and frolics, my musical career was put on hold before coming to Hong Kong and answering Katterwall's call to arms.

K: What has been your favourite performance thus far?
J: Soul Man at the Bohemian Lounge - the venue was packed and kicking, we had some great tunes and I sang Ain't Misbehavin' in a poor approximation of Fats Waller- but a special song for me and despite being horribly nervous I loved my first solo.

K: What would be your ultimate show to be in?
J: A bit of a cheat as it's a movie but Baz Luhrmann's 'Moulin Rouge' as the penniless heartbroken writer - who else?

K: What performers and singers inspire you or that you aspire to be like?
J: Fats Waller - for his humour; Jessye Norman - for her passion and her recordings of Lieder; my dad Roger- for his "by ear" rendition of Blue Moon, a family heirloom; and Matthew Hale - for his "concert face".

K: What music do you listen to for pleasure?
J: Curry house music (as my wife Emma describes it who's not a fan): but for me Indian classical music is so moving, vibrant, intense and passionate. And goes well with popadums and a Kingfisher.

Featuring eleven of our all time favourite tunes from the last 5 years of music making with Kassia Women's Choir – 'The First Five Years' promises to be a timeless classic which will appeal to our many supporters throughout HK and the rest of the world!

Adiemus – from Soul Sister
Ain't No Mountain High Enough – from Ain't No Motown High Enough
And All That Jazz – from our first ever show 5 years ago
Bless The Broken Road – from Honky Tonk Women
Chattanooga Choo Choo – from Raising The Roof 2007
Cowboy Take Me Away – from Honky Tonk Women
Feel Good – from Soul Sister
I Say A Little Prayer – from All That Jazz
Reflection – from All That Jazz
Niska Banja – from All Over The World, Tonight

Plus 'Survive The Night' – live recording from 'Raising The Roof 2005'

5^th June: From Korea To Coldplay with Kassia Youth Choir @ Union Church, Kennedy Road, 8pm
Tickets from Katterwall: 2575 3931

8^th June: Ain't No Motown High Enough Reprise with Kassia Women's Choir @ HKAPA, 8pm
Guest performers as part of 'Passione' a concert of opera highlights.
Tickets from HK Ticketing Tel: 31 288 288 / www.hkticketing.com

20^th & 21^st June: Ticket to Ride – A Tribute to The Beatles with Soho Collective @ Fringe Club, 8:15pm.
Tickets from HK Ticketing Tel: 31 288 288 / www.hkticketing.com

22^nd June: 5.12 Sichuan Earthquake Appeal Concert featuring Kassia Women's Choir @ St. John's Cathedral, 4pm.
Tickets $150 from raymondcheng@doj.gov.hk / Tel: 9365 1636

24^th June: The First Five Years with Kassia Women's Choir @ Sheung Wan Civic Centre, 8pm
All That Jazz, Ain't No Mountain High Enough, Cowboy Take Me Away...
Tickets from URBTIX Tel: 2734 9009 / www.urbtix.hk

ALSO

July

14^th - 18^th : Operation Opera at Ladies Recreation Club
28^th - 1^st : Hullaballoo at Bonham Road YWCA, Aberdeen Boat Club, or Ladies Recreation Club

August

6^th - 30^th : Summer Fling 2008 with Kassia Women & Men
11^th - 15^th : Operation Opera at HK Football Club