Pete Moore has been a jazz-funk-soul front man in Sydney all his life. He recently relocated to Hong Kong in search of more challenging gigging opportunities. His goal is to put together a high-end function band catering to the affluent and music aficionados. His plays May 1 at Backstage Live at 10.30pm with local favourites Guy Le Claire on guitar, Peter Scherr on bass, and Nick McBride on drums, and again on May 3 with the Stray Katz at Grappa’s Cellar.

How would you describe your music?

My music ranges from old school swing to new jazz and soul. But my focus is really on corporate entertainment.

Who are some of you idols?

My influences are quite varied. You gotta love Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Donny Hathaway, Marvin Gaye, and Stevie Wonder. I also like some Australian singers such as Marc Hunter and James Reyene.

Tell us more about the Australian music scene. I don’t think Hongkongers know much about Australia artists, besides Air Supply. 

Well, Air Supply is probably the most well-known group that has reached the international limelight, but we also have AC/DC, INXS, and the Little River Band. The Australian jazz scene is also underrated but growing. You’ve got people like Blaine Whittaker and James Morrison. Currently in New York, there’s Adrian Cunningham, who will be the next big thing in Australia. I believe in five or ten years, there will be more world-recognisable artists.

What kind of gigs are you getting in Hong Kong and Asia?

I was kind of being introduced to the scene by Blaine [Whittaker] and have been working with guitarist Guy Le Claire. I got involved in a Harry Winston Diamond show via Guy, which was a corporate event at the Shangri-La Hotel, a truly high-end function. I will also play with the Stray Katz on May 3 at Grappa’s Cellar. I’ve also been doing a lot of big band gigs in Shanghai with the JZ All-star Big Band.

What do you think of the overall quality of musicians in HK?

Once you find the right guys you click with, it’s as good as anywhere. I’m going to be working with Jun Kung, Ben Pelletier, and such like. I’ve been lucky. I’ve been guilty by association to be working with these guys.

Tell us about the Backstage gig. How did you get that?

I just walked in there one day. It’s set up by musicians for musicians and from a musician’s perspective, it’s healthy. It’s a dinner show. The first set will be a genuine dinner set, playing standards, ballads, instrumentals. The second set will address more modern songs and I’ll give them a jazz flavour. Then I’ll strip it back, give the audience some straight arrangements, and create a nice atmosphere. I may even do some classic soul numbers by the Eagles, Jamiroquai, just to give the people something fresh.

What do you think of the blues?

It all started from the blues. My early listening experience was all jazz-based. But I still listened to people like B.B. King. The blues changes come very naturally to me.

Do you have any blues repertoire?

I was privileged to sing at a Ray Charles tribute in London’s Lyric Theatre back in 2005. I sang with a full horn sections. We covered all the Ray classics. I really enjoyed doing it.

See: petemoore.net