Joe Chindamo plays the Bird’s
Thursday the 11th of December sees multi award winning Jazz musician Joe Chindamo take to the stage at Bird’s Basement in Melbourne to deliver a showcase of his career’s work in his work as a jazz musician with 23 albums to his name as well as a first call pianist for the soundtracks for over 60 films. We caught up with Joe to talk about his upcoming performance, his first ever performance and his thoughts on steaming services.
Joe, for those that haven’t heard your music before, where does your music sit in the genre spectrum?
To me, I’ve always regarded genre as a kind of barrier. I think that the qualities that make any music great, are common to all genres. It’s about energy, creating a vibe, and moving people- finding a common ground with their emotions, which is what Good books and films do. On this particular occasion, I suppose you would describe it as modern Jazz, but that’s only a template, a launching pad to go anywhere. What might start off as a Gershwin tune will suddenly morph into a Kate Bush song !
On the 11th of December you are set to showcase the music for your illustrious career at the Bird’s Basement, alongside Danny Fischer and Ben Robertson? How is the preparation for this special show coming along?
Well, firstly Danny is away, and I was lucky to be able to invite David Beck, the original drummer of my Trio, with whom I’ve recorded several album albums many years ago, to join us. It’s really exciting because I’ll have my old trio back. One doesn’t really prepare for Jazz Concert in the traditional way of gathering material and practicing collectively. It’s about improvisation, so one comes with a certain mind-set, and as such, we all do our own preparation. I’m really psyched about this one and excited. Also, as I spend a lot of time in the classical sector, writing for symphony Orchestras, venturing out to play jazz with a great trio is a real treat and novelty for me these days.
What is the one song from your back catalogue that you always try to include in each performance and why?
My favourite Things, from The Sound Of Music. I saw that film 5 times as a kid, so that music really stayed with me!
“We never play anything the same way twice- it’s all about being in the moment.”
What else can ticket holders look forward to?
We never play anything the same way twice- it’s all about being in the moment. To me, the audience is part of it. I can almost feel them breathing, and in a magical way, the music is influenced by the feeling in the room. The audience can look forward to being excited, and moved - and of course, (hopefully)entertained!
How did you get your start in music?
On the accordion at age 6.
“At one point during the evening, my parents heard my name being announced on stage, and panicked.”
Where was your first gig? Was it a success or flop?
Being the son of Italian migrants, we used to go to these huge weddings when I was a kid. This one was at the Broadmeadows town hall, believe it or not. There must have been 500 people !! At one point during the evening, my parents heard my name being announced on stage, and panicked. In those days kids had a lot more freedom so it wasn’t unusual for them disappear from a while. Anyway, they were relieved to hear that my name was being announced because I was about to perform on stage !! With only a few lessons behind me, I had approached the band leader and asked if I could borrow his accordionist’s instrument and play a tune. They acquiesced, and with that, I gave my first public performance at age 6 . The piece was ‘Over The Waves’, But I had only learnt half of it, and when I was asked for an encore, I played that half again. I’m not sure whether it was a success or failure, but it certainly revealed my love for playing in public, and perhaps a little precociousness, which I still have!!
As a seasoned musician, what are your thoughts on streaming services? Are they helping or hurting the industry?
I’m a total hypocrite because I use them yet, I hate what they do to musicians. Has it helped the industry? I really don’t know. At one level, no, but also yes, because there are less gatekeepers around.
“the OAM is particularly special because it’s an acknowledgment of my life’s work.”
Joe, you have been nominated for countless awards, been inducted into the Bell Hall of Fame and even included on the Queen’s Birthday Honours List. What’s been the highlight in your career so far personally?
Difficult to answer that one because they’ve all been special to me for different reasons. I guess, the OAM is particularly special because it’s an acknowledgment of my life’s work. It’s also an award that my family and everyone else - outside of music- understands.
Who in your crew or team deserves a shout out but never gets one? And what is it they do that keeps your world turning?
Everyone involved who works towards making this happen deserves a shout out, from the venue who booked me, the audience, the musicians who give their all, the sound engineer, the staff on the night and the publicity team, and people like yourself who get the word out. So here’s a big thank you from me!
What's next for Joe Chindamo? What can we expect with 2026 rapidly approaching?
2026 is a huge year for me as I have been appointed composer in residence for the Melbourne symphony orchestra. This entails several commissions, one of which is for full orchestra and a 120 piece choir. I will also perform a Bird’s a couple of times throughout the year, which I’m very much looking forward to!
Joe Chindamo at Birds Basement on the 11th of December
Tickets via birdsbasement.com
Interview by Michelle Symes
December 2025
