INTERVIEW
Michelle Ward spoke to Thomas of BiiJ (But Is It Jazz) pronounced Bee Double Eye Jay, about his music, the forthcoming album and more.
The latest release is “I want To Travel With You”. The track is a witty and lyrical, swinging journey of romantic sights
around the world inspired by places Thomas has been, or would love to visit.
The next release will be “Bow Down To Love” featuring the incredible vocalist Maria Shafer.
WHO ARE BIIJ (BUT IS IT JAZZ)
BiiJ (But is it Jazz?) is a British originals jazz project created by songwriter and saxophonist Thomas Hinks. Compositions are rooted in the tradition of jazz songs from the 1930’s, 40’s and 50’s – real story-telling songs with sophisticated lyrics, melodies, and harmonies. A return to the golden era of jazz.
The band perform as a 5 piece of Drums, Double Bass, Piano, Saxophone (various), and vocals. Their debut album entitled “Oh Silly Me” boasts 18 original songs featuring 7 up and coming British female vocalists. The album is also littered with instrumental improvisation solos from sax and piano, but with drum and bass also getting in on the action on track “Spellbound”.
Another intriguing addition to the improvisation solos comes from the Roland AE10 digital aerophone which Thomas uses to simulate flute and/or trumpet on some tracks.
Biij (But is it Jazz?) are about to launch their children’s charity single “A Frog In The Bell”, with all advertising, songwriting AND production royalties going to BBC’s Children In Need to benefit sick, infirm, and impoverished children in the UK and around the world.
