Bebop and Banter

Festival Director, Nathan Britton sits down with award-winning Welsh trumpeter and comedian Andy Davies for an exclusive interview delving into his unconventional approach to jazz… and life.

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I’ve known you for many years now, but for those who don’t, describe yourself in 3 words.

Andrew John Davies, because thats the name on my passport.

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How did you become so brilliant at the trumpet?

Ten years ago I was bitten by a false widow spider in my bed at home in Greenwich, South London. My body reacted very badly to the bite and I almost died, but the good people at University College Hospital London saved me after a week under their care. Some say I inherited special superpowers from the spiders venom, the ability to play fast bebop lines in the trumpets upper register whilst maintaining perfect posture.

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You often compare yourself to a top level athlete - could you tell us a bit more about that? 

I do push ups sit ups and burpees before gigs to get into the zone. No, not really. Although my biceps do get a workout in the pub before gigs.

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How do you get the crowds going on a gig? 

Its true that I get crowds going very early at my gigs. They go before the interval usually.

Could you tell us a bit more about your comedy work?

Absolutely, some of Britains leading jazz critics have described my trumpet playing as a joke.

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What’s the proudest moment in your musical career?

Playing at the Soho Jazz Festival.

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What’s your proudest moment outside of music?

I scored the winning goal for Swansea City Football Club to win the 2023 Champions League Final with an incredible volley outside the area. It was a dream, but its still the proudest i’ve ever felt. 

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You can catch Andy’s feature show on Wednesday 10th (in Alfie’s), Friday 12th at Foyle’s with the Koko Collective) or Saturday 13th (at the Soho Jazz Jam).