The Gold Coast City Jazz Club features many great talents. It’s easy to forget that these wonderful artists each have a story beyond the few hours they spend entertaining us. This month,

Kaitlyn Chester is in the spotlight.

From musical beginnings learning double bass and singing in primary school, Kaitlyn Chester’s love and passion for music really evolved in high school. The now 20-year-old is not only studying at the Queensland Conservatorium but a Vocalist and Bassist in the Project Swing Big Band and bandleader, vocalist and bassist in her own jazz band ‘The Kaite Chester Jazz Quartet’.

Can you tell us a little about your history in music?

I started playing music when I was in primary school – I sang in choirs, learned the double bass to play in the string orchestra, and then started electric bass shortly after. In high school, I continued singing, playing upright and electric bass and started to learn the Tuba. After developing my skills across instruments, I started to discover myself more as a musician – the styles I enjoyed playing, the genres which I most liked to listen to and the musicians which I looked up to.

Through this, I realised my passion for jazz. I successfully auditioned on Jazz Bass and Voice for the Queensland Conservatorium in Brisbane where I am now in my third and final year. Throughout my degree I have had many performance opportunities that have allowed me to meet and play with many amazing musicians including Project Swing Big Band, Con-Alma, The In-Voices and my own group ‘The Kaite Chester Jazz Quartet’.

What has been the highlight of your career as a musician? 

Being a Vocal Scholarship Finalist at the 2022 Generations in Jazz Festival where I played alongside some of Australia’s most accomplished jazz musicians such as James Morrison, Nikki Parrot and Darren Percival was absolutely a highlight for me. In addition to this, I recently got accepted to study jazz at the Tribeca Jazz Institute in New York, starting in April next year – which I am really looking forward to!

What is your favourite style of music to play?

I love all types of jazz, but particularly enjoy playing tunes from the Great American Songbook. More recently, I have been loving playing and arranging some more modern jazz – pieces by artist such as Samara Joy and Esperanza Spalding have been on my recent set lists at gigs. 

What is your favourite song to perform?

I usually love to call ‘There will never be another you’ on gigs, but recently have been loving singing ‘Nostalgia (the day I knew)’ by Samara Joy. 

What advice do you have for a rookie player?

My advice would be to see as much music as you can! The best way to feel inspired and learn about the music you love, is by seeing it live. You can learn so much from sitting in a room full of musicians who are playing a whole bunch of tunes you haven’t heard before – Plus, they are always so friendly and happy to have a chat after the gig if you have any questions. The more musicians you meet, the more access to knowledge and advice you will have.

What do you like about performing at the GCCJC?

I love the strong sense of community at the GCCJC, and the overall atmosphere. The audiences are lovely and always up for a chat!