Where did your band name come from? It’s a clever play on words y’see? It came down to that or ‘Zilberchair’.
Group Members: Jonno Zilber (singer/guitar), Cam Smith (trumpet), Tom Fell (sax), Max Williams (sax), Rod Harding (trombone), Leo Joseph (keys), Peter Barta (bass) and Mitch Preston (drums).
Describe your sound: Big band swing meets little band blues
Who are your influences, musical or otherwise? The Holy Trinity - Louis Armstrong, Louis Prima & Louis Jordan.
What’s the weirdest experience you’ve had whilst performing? Not too many weird experiences with the band but while playing solo I’ve had them all: from playing in a prison yard to things that have been thrown at me on stage, including one prosthetic leg.
What’s your biggest achievement/proudest moment so far? Personally, putting together and playing with this little big band was been one of my biggest achievements. Too much fun to be legal!
What are your plans for the future? I’m currently sitting on some great recordings of the band live in a studio which I’m hoping to release in the not too distant future.
What makes you laugh? When one of the guys in the band plays something amazing, the first reaction is always to laugh.
What pisses you off? People who move in next to music venues (and airports) then complain about the noise.
What’s your opinion of the local scene? Great! I always look forward to coming home to Canberra so I can see our local talent. Of course venues wax and wane with the seasons but as a band we constantly receive so much love from everyone who comes to our shows and we’re ever grateful for that!
What are your upcoming gigs? The National Press Club, Thursday November 11.
Contact Info: JonnoZilber.com and myspace.com/JonnoAndTheZilberfish.
