Saxophonist, composer, and bandleader Matthew Ottignon hails from New Zealand but is now firmly entrenched in Sydney’s vibrant music scene. His schedule brims with tours, soloist work, composing, and educational pursuits, consolidating his status as one of Australia’s most sought-after musicians. He embodies mastery across all musical realms, boasting an undeniable musical lineage.
Barry O’Sullivan poses five questions to Matthew about his musical career.
When did playing jazz music first enter your life, and who
were some of the artists that influenced your style?
I was lucky enough to be born into a very musical family.
My dad is a big jazz fan, and I often got into trouble for
playing his John Coltrane and Miles Davis records without
asking. I was too young to understand how delicate the
needle on a stylus is. One of the first records I fell in love
with as a kid was Ornette Coleman’s The Shape of Jazz
to Come, which I still consider a defining album for me.
I also learnt how to play transcribed solos for my high
school concerts. One that had a huge impact on me was
Cannonball Adderley’s solo on Work Song.
What are your current musical projects?
My current projects are my new quartet with Lauren Tsamouras, Hannah James, and Holly Connor, and my more established sextet, Mister Ott. The quartet has just released our debut album Volant. It has been the fulfilment of a long-standing dream of mine to release a jazz quartet album of my originals. Sextet Mister Ott continues to perform regularly in Sydney and has more of an afrobeat and Ethiojazz sound to it and can bridge the two worlds of serious jazz and dance party bands.
Life as a musician is full of challenges. Name some of the challenges that may have confronted you so far, and how have you overcome them?
Life as a musician is not for the faint-hearted. It is a very physically and emotionally demanding career, and staying on top of my fitness and mental health is the key. Keeping my body fit and healthy is just as important as keeping my musical instruments in good working order. Managing the Hi Five: Matthew Ottignon working calendar with care is also important because if you say yes too much, you run the risk of burning out. It’s easy to get excited about gigs when they come in, and before you know it, you forget to leave time to take a much needed breath before you jet off to the next one.
What are some of your other interests outside of your musical career?
I love exploring this huge country of ours and try to go camping or bushwalking as much as I can, and when possible, I try to find out about the indigenous culture of the area I’m visiting. Learning about Indigenous Australian culture is a constant source of inspiration to me. I also have a weekly community radio show in Sydney that is a way to share some of the music that I listen to. I have a ravenous musical appetite.
You have performed in trios, quartets, and large jazz ensembles. How does each experience differ for you?
This is one of the aspects of being a musician that I love. I play in such a large variety of ensembles that it would be impossible to list, but it means that I am constantly learning new music, being exposed to new genres, and developing new skills on my instrument, whether it be the saxophone, flute or clarinet. The real difference is whether I am performing a lead role or a supporting role in the ensemble. I take equal enjoyment from blending in with a large horn section as I do from blowing a screaming solo out the
front of the band. Performing music is a very rewarding experience on so many levels.
Click here for more information about Matthew Ottignon.
-By Barry O’Sullivan