Q: Can you explain the format for your forthcoming concerts at the Queenstown Jazz Festival? Will you be performing with a band? If so, who? And what sort of repertoire can audiences expect?
A: I am performing with my fantastic New Zealand band. Even though I recorded my latest CD with the City of Prague Philharmonic I also used my Kiwi band on it as I love the sound of the band.
I have Ian Tilley on piano, Tyson Smith on guitar, Pete Fleming on double bass and Greg Donaldson on drums.
Having worked with musicians from all around the world I believe that some of the best are based here in the South Island . . .
We will be performing a mixture of music, ranging from some almost classical tunes through to tangos, Celtic styles, gypsy jazz and Latin music.
Q: Is it important to you not to be "branded" as playing only a certain style of music? Has it been difficult to do that, given music marketers often prefer to put people in a box?
A: I think that "not being boxed" is very important to me. What I find is that people who come to my concerts come because of the mix of music . . .
Some people love the fast flashy gypsy tunes but others love the Celtic ballads and the classical overtones in the music.
I never want to be put in a box, as I believe that everyone develops and changes musically over many years. I am a very different performer and musician now to what I was five years ago.
In another five years something will change again.
I have to be honest and say that when people ask me what style of music I play I have a bit of a hard time explaining to them.
It is never a short answer.
Q: Can you list a few recent highlights of your career? Have there been times when you've had to pinch yourself? Or are you someone who just takes things in their stride?
A: I have had some amazing pinch-me moments.
Playing at Ronnie Scott's earlier this year was amazing as I had been there to listen to Nigel Kennedy and Roby Lakatos before and could not believe that I was on the same stage. . .
Performing with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra was also a highlight as I was performing my own compositions with them.
I do think that I am so lucky to be doing what I love, so every time . . . people turn up to hear me I have a bit of a pinch-me moment.
• Fiona Pears performs at the Skyline Restaurant, Queenstown, at 11am on Sunday, October 26. That night she will perform alongside King Leo and the Growling Dogs, the Michael Story Trio, Latino, Subject2change and the Frank Gibson Trio at Queenstown Memorial Hall.
