An interview with New Zealand jazz drummer Tony Hopkins by music historian Chris Bourke. Tony reflects on his early exposure to Rock and Roll in 1957 - watching the film ‘Blackboard Jungle’ and hearing about Elvis. At the young age of 18 Tony became the drummer for the touring Johnny Devlin & the Devils Show, which travelled all over New Zealand from 1958-1959.
Earliest live gigs began in 1956 when Tony was just 16, playing dinner music in a restaurant called Moon in Auckland. Hopkins toured Australia with Johnny Devlin & the Devils and landed other work, drumming in a big band orchestra that backed the Everly Brothers.
After an early exposure to Bebop and modern jazz via Mike Nock, Hopkins caught the jazz bug. “I like the freedom to create that’s in jazz.”
Music playing during this programme:
‘Rock With the Devils’ (Johnny Devlin) (Southern)
‘Lawdy Miss Clawdy’ (New Version) C/C (performed by Johnny Devlin – actual composer/publisher of early version is Lloyd Price, publ Aberbach)
‘6-5 Hand Jive’ (C/C) (performed Johnny Devlin)
‘Rock Around the Clock’ (De Knight-Freedman) (Southern) (performed Bill Haley & his Comets)
‘Decision & Consequence’ (Kevin Field) from CD Manifesto Auckland Jazz Sampler (TAP SR001)
‘Thrombosis’ (Chris White – Blanco Music) from CD ‘Take Me With You’ – the Chris White Aaron Nevezie Quartet (Scoop de Loop SCD8032)
‘Shift Left’ (Nathan Haines – publ Lamont Music, admin Polygram Music) from CD Shift Left (Huh! 527150-2)
‘Let It Shake’ (Chris Melville) from CD Chris Melville presents the Grand Central Band: Cook Street Sessions (self-released by the band)
‘Sunshine Fever’ (Chris Melville) from CD Chris Melville presents the Grand Central Band: Cook Street Sessions (self-released by the band)