My first encounter with Robert Lloyd the musician happened by chance when I stumbled upon a live performance at the Adelaide Festival Centre way back when. I was struck by the vitality and high energy music; his ensemble left a resonance with the listener hitherto unknown to me.
Back then the term ‘World Music’ didn’t exist and he definitely pre-dated the notion. At the time the concept of a life long friendship with Robert would have seemed fanciful but it’s given me the chance to see the morphing and changes in his musical styles and approaches; he is now a writer & composer, a singer and poet.
Do you have a stand out memory from your childhood?
Yes, Mum and Dad dancing to Glen Miller around the lounge room
What was your earliest childhood memory?
Lynn, my sister and I sitting on our front porch waiting for our newly born brother, Peter to come home from hospital. I was 6 years
What did your parents do? How did they influence you (in any special way in life)?
Mum was a Telephonist & I learned the value of speech and communication from her. Dad was an Aquarian and did many things from a furniture salesman to a cabby. He was a very good looking guy and a gentleman. He got on well with women!
Is there a stand out moment in your life you can recall or special moment that changed your life?
I’ve had a few but perhaps when mum let me sit and watch a 11.30pm TV program called ‘The Jazz Scene U.S.A.’ to watch The John Coltrane Quartet
Is there someone who especially influenced you in any way?
Miles Davis – in every way because he kept growing and changing musically. This is what turns me on
Have you lived outside of your present city or country? What were the circumstances?
Yes, a number of places. Bali was a big influence because of Gamelan music and Paris because of Debussy, Ravel, Satie and Darius Milhaud
What is your favourite food or cuisine?
Mediterranean cuisine such as Spanish and Greek food. I like their combination of meat with salad & less grain and also the combination of food with music
Who is your favourite celebrity (past or present) & why?
Can’t think of any off hand – Yes, Charlie Chaplin
Who is your favourite musician & why?
My favourite musician is Miles Davis. He was a Gemini like me. He constantly evolved as a musician. The documentary ‘Ballad Of a Changing Man’ reveals how I musically evolved as well
Who is the person you’d most want to have a conversation over dinner with (anyone for any reason)?
Frank Lloyd Wright because of his creative genius and ability to continue designing against public opinion. Also Leonard Cohen for many musical reasons but also for fabulous conversation. He is an interface between Judaism and his song writing
If you could only take a handful of records (music) to a desert island, what would they be?
Kind of Blue, Songs of Leonard Cohen, Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G Major – especially Martha Argerich’s performance, Pet Sounds, Arvo Pärt’s Tabula Rasa
If you could bring just one or two books to a desert island, what would they be?
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. There are so many books. The Old Testament. The Poetry of Dylan Thomas
What book are you reading at the moment?
The Blue Moment: Miles Davis’s Kind of Blue and the Remaking of Modern Music by Richard Williams
What is your secret vice (anything, drink type, chocolate etc)?
It’s a secret!
Favourite word or saying?
Timing is everything – mine
How do you relax or spend your time when not working?
Yoga and reading
Is there something you have done you are most proud of?
Performing ‘Feral’ in Cleveland. Also ‘Nullarbor’ at the Joyce Theater in NYC
Anything else you’d like to add?
Being true to yourself and follow your dream
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