Describe the best day of your life.
My wife and I must have walked past each other at the Elder Conservatorium for about five years without actually meeting – I was a jazz violin student, she was the opera singer. She was cool, I was … anyway, a few years later I spotted her in the crowded Cargo Club in Hindley Street and had that lightning bolt moment! I was on stage playing electric fiddle with a DJ, feeling pretty with-it, new shirt. Anyway, I didn’t manage to speak to her that night…
What was your best purchase?
My fiddle! A few years ago, I wandered into the workshop of Melbourne luthier Paul Davies. His wall was covered with these new semi-acoustic Spur violins. Instruments specifically designed to be amplified. They were so beautifully designed that I fell in love with them even before picking them up. A perfect balance of the traditional and the modern. I changed my setup on the spot and Paul and I have been on the phone every other week since having nerdy talks about everything from violins, electronics, pedal effects, philosophy, industry and amplifiers.
What is the best photograph you have?
A clipping from the Hobart paper. My Nonno, newly emigrated, proudly standing next to a lemon tree holding the biggest prize lemon you’ve ever seen! As a new arrival, he was an improviser in the broadest sense – carpenter, builder, electrician, gardener and played the mouth harp. And he loved life with a ferocity – music, food, family, soccer … and Tony Barber. I think often of his sense of adventure and joy in life. It was an inspiration when, in 2002, Liz and I chose to sell our car, pack our lives into two suitcases and buy two one-way tickets to London – I thought “Well, it can be done – it’s in the family!”
What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
Back in 2005 I was invited to play mandolin with an incredible UK talent, Eska. It was one week before her show at the Southbank Centre for the London Jazz Festival. Now I own a mandolin but felt way, way out of my depth. My great friend, mentor and incredible bassist, Andy Hamill, said “With these big things, just think – it’s gotta be someone, it might as well be me”. This has been a fantastic mantra throughout my life. It puts the big performances, commissions and recording sessions in perspective. The gig was the start of an amazing journey and working with Eska in the following years was a huge honour and the most incredible education. Although, she mostly got me to play violin after that first gig.
Describe the best meal you’ve ever eaten.
I used to tour with a wonderful Italian guitarist and foodie, Andrea Quintarelli. When he invited Liz and I to make music for his wedding in Rome, we were treated to an incredible rooftop feast at the Hilton (his brother was the maître d). Looking out over the Roman skyline, sipping Champagne while nibbling on buffalo mozzarella and parma ham followed by lemon pasta. We thought that we could probably get used to this pretty quickly.
What are the best qualities of your favourite person?
Well, my favourite person hands down is my wife Liz McCall. Best qualities. Pull up a chair… Let’s start with a brilliant, razor sharp and, at times, hilariously random intellect. After 25 years together, she still manages to crack me up. Add to that – kindness, empathy, open-heartedness and a visionary sense of adventure all of which manifest in her artistic life as a singer, composer, collaborator and arts curator as well as a mum, wife and best friend.
Best five songs on your playlist?
Only five??
The Devil Went Down to Georgia – Charlie Daniels Band. The tune was a beacon; the first time I remember hearing a violin shredding with a rock band like it was Eddie Van Halen.
Angelina/Zooma Zooma – Louis Prima has it all! Infectious swinging jazz meets cheeky Italian folk music in a Vegas lounge explosion! Pure Joy! I loved it so much that it led to the creation of the band Zooma Zooma with superb front man Anthony Leppa. Anthony embodies Louis right down to the last detail – it’s like he’s in the room with us.
The Mission – Ennio Morricone. Anything Ennio Morricone, starting with his Spaghetti Westerns through to “The Mission” and “Cinema Paradiso.” His music has a way of reaching straight into your soul – a huge influence on me as an orchestrator and composer.
Skip It – Stuff Smith. One of the most incredible and underrated jazz violinists, Stuff has the greatest feel I’ve ever heard, and he plays with incredible intensity, humour and did I mention his feel?
When I Get Too Old to Dream – Nat King Cole. This whole record “After Midnight” is a treasure. Nat’s incredible phrasing whether on piano or at the microphone caresses each and every phrase – oh and a cameo violin solo from Stuff Smith makes this a perfect tune!
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Julian Ferraretto performs as part of Zooma Zooma from 14-16 February 14 to 16 and February 24 to March 2 at the Garden of Unearthly Delights.