ONE thing you can be assured of when chatting with Jeremy Monteiro, you’ll never be short of accompanying music and opinions on a variety of issues.
In this video interview (videos below) with STORM-ASIA.COM, Jeremy talks about his journey through a variety of music forms, and the influence he wields in setting up institutions that help to develop talent.
To celebrate his upcoming birthday, Jeremy does what he does best. He organises a concert.
Jeremy Monteiro at 65: The State Of My Art takes place on 14 Mar 2025, 7:30pm at the Esplanade Concert Hall. Tickets available at SISTIC.
Singapore’s internationally celebrated jazz pianist is an avid gadget person, constantly on the lookout for new keyboards and software to experiment with and widen the scope of his musical offerings.
So, almost every time we meet — other than finding good food spots — this time at his studio tucked away in an unassuming industrial building at the end of a quiet road, he’ll have something new to mess around with.
Sometimes, it’s not new, like the old Fender Rhodes 54 keyboard he sold to Atwell Jansen of the band, Heritage, for a song, to help raise funds to settle a big payment. Jeremy tried to buy it back, but Atwell was finding it too useful. But he made a deal, that should anything untoward happen to him, it would be returned to Jeremy. When Atwell passed away in a cycling accident, true to his word, the keyboard found its way back to Jeremy.
Media Friendly
Not one to shy away from the media, Jeremy’s story has been laid out over the decades as little highlights in the media and social media. Performing 260 times a year, he’s always got something going on, or preparing for it, and each article tends to focus on what he’s up to at that point in time.
It was during his 45RPM Jeremy’s Jazz Journal concert, in 2022, that the scope of his oeuvre was on show. His symphonic jazz concert with the re:SOUND Collective earlier that year, pushed the envelope for himself and jazz in the region, by incorporating classical works.
By leveraging the matching support provided by government, Jeremy has been able to keep the jazz kettle on the boil in Singapore. And he’s happy to share the pot.
Always willing to lend a story to a listening ear, Jeremy has been generous in building up jazz in Singapore. He lobbied high-profile members of community and business to get the Jazz Association (Singapore) off the ground. And it has already resulted in 10 students receiving scholarships.
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The State Of Jazz
Jeremy reckons jazz in Singapore is in a healthier state than when he entered the scene, five decades ago. Opportunities were limited then — both in terms of orchestras and bands, and concerts — and technology had yet to make a significant impact on the democratisation of music.
It was a hard road, with Jeremy creating jingles while performing in clubs, arranging music for artists, all the while building his reputation.
For all the focus on building big businesses and chasing the trends to score the lucre in Singapore, Jeremy stuck to a path that has taken him through a journey rich in music.
Singapore has never been the place to become rich as a musician, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make a living from creativity and talent.
But in order to get somewhere, you have to be alert to what’s shaping the industry, where the needs are, and who would make for good allies to ride along with.
In the comfort of his warmly lit and cosy studio, with the shades drawn, Jeremy shares insights into lessons he’s learnt as he approaches his 65th birthday.
The occasion will be marked by a celebration of music at the Esplanade Concert Hall on 14 March. The State Of My Art features a number of Jeremy’s mentees who have become influential musicians, as well as his own mentor, and fellow Cultural Medallion winner, the diminutive drummer with a big presence, Louis Soliano.
Jeremy Monteiro By Numbers
It’s easy to get lost in the larger picture when you’ve been playing music for five decades. Jeremy talks about the concerts, records, musicians and awards he has been involved with over the years.
Interview Continues After The Video
Learning New Things
Working hard was never an option. It was always a given. And it seems like Jeremy’s outrunning the hamster on the treadmill. If you follow his activities on Facebook, it would seem relentless, between concerts, causes and musings. But, that’s not necessarily the case. It’s a fine balancing act that he hopes the next generation of musicians in Singapore will also develop, to find a healthy equilibrium in life.
Interview Continues After The Video
Feeding The Nation’s Soul
Sport and culture play important roles as the glue of a nation. While the chase for materialism will be the rallying call of a population, without cultural nourishment, we will become imbalanced.
Jeremy hopes for continued support of the arts, not just as professionals, but amateurs and hobbyists who can find solace in time spent with their instrument of choice.
Interview Continues After The Video
The Benefits Of Fame
Given the high profile he’s built for himself, Jeremy is aware of his own contributions to society and the music scene. The gregarious performer “loves people” and his views and opinions have resulted in informal coffee sessions with senior members of society and business. For all the awards he’s picked up, what sort of legacy would he like to leave behind? And what else does he want to achieve?
