1. How old were you when you first started making music?
My first instrument I started on was guitar. One of my brothers ( I have 3) had a guitar and he would let me watch him play and occasionally teach me a couple of chords, mostly I watched him then would try it on my own. Drums came a few years later when I was 13.
2. Who was/is your biggest musical inspiration?
My first and probably most important influence musically were my older brothers and their love of music. I was exposed to all kinds of music in my early teens and then I started studying and playing flute in Grade 9 which got me hooked
3. Where do you make your home?
I live in Toronto.
4. Do you have any pets?
My dog’s name is Toby and he’s a Aussie Shepherd. He’s 10 now.
5. What is the best concert/gig you have ever done?
That’s a tough one because I’ve been blessed with so many wonderful opportunities to play with some of the greats. I must say that one that comes to mind is playing with Larry Carlton at the 2010 Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards. What a treat!
6. What is the best concert you have ever attended?
I’ve seen so many fantastic shows over the years in the Smooth Jazz circuit but the first concert I saw , and that’s why it’s so memorable, was the group Yes in 1978 in Toronto
7. Do you have an all-time favourite song or album?
Well I guess my favourite album (Top 5 desert island pick) would be Aja by Steely Dan.
8. What musician would you still most like to work with?
I'd really like to collaborate with Leon Bridges. In fact, I'd love for him to sing on "Come On Home", off the new record. It's an instrumental on the "Gonna Be Alright" album but I'd love for him to write lyrics for it. He's got so much soul.
9. If you weren't a musician what would you be?
Architecture- design and build it.
10. What is your favourite part of Vancouver?
False Creek. Love the marina and parks.
Vickie van Dyke
~midday host