Ten Questions for Allistair Elliott

1. How old were you when you first started playing trumpet?
I started playing trumpet at 12 yrs old. I started piano about the age of 8 or 9, but trumpet changed everything. Of course I kept up piano and use those skills today to write and record.

2. Who was/is your biggest musical inspiration?
It’s impossible to narrow it down to one person. As a trumpet player, my influences include Miles Davis, Freddy Hubbard, Chet Baker, Roy Hargrove and many others. I try to learn something from everyone I hear. Artists like Sting, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder also inspire me.

3. Where do you make your home?
Calgary……just love to mountains.

4. Do you have any pets?
We are a dog home. Currently have two dogs, Finn is an 8 yr old hound/rotti cross and Mattis is a 240lb English Mastiff.

5. What is the best concert/gig you have ever done?
There are so many, but playing with Gino Vanelli a few years ago was definitely a highlight.

6. What is the best concert you have ever attended?
Again, so many come to mind. Sting with Annie Lennox was great, Stevie Wonder was amazing, but the best concert was Bruno Mars. So much energy, great musicianship from start to finish, and the whole band was part of the show.

7. Do you have an all-time favourite song?
It depends on the day. Music is so emotional and depending on what I’m feeling at a particular moment, my answer would likely change. I’m writing so many lyrics at the moment and feel like I have lots to share, but one song that I love performing and have recorded is “Ain’t No Sunshine”. There are so many great versions out there.

8. What musician would you still most like to work with?
I’d love to work with Sting. His versatility, the kinds of people he brings together and his musicianship are amazing.

9. If you weren't a musician what would you be?
There was never any other option for me. Music is intrinsic to everything I do. So it was alway about music. If I couldn’t do music, I’d do something like have a coffee shop that served the best breakfast sandwiches and desserts.

10. What is your favourite thing about Vancouver?
The ocean. I grew up by the ocean, and every time I come to Vancouver, I make time to be by the water. Love it.