Written interview with guitarist and composer Christy Doran and his new album with Imran Khan – Disambiguation.
Jazz Blues European Union: – Thank you for taking the time to have this interview with Jazz Blues EU. Tell us about your music. When did you start performing?
Christy Doran: – I started performing when I was 15 years old, a long long time ago…
What do you consider to be your hometown and how does that affect your music?
CD: I am Irish born, but I have been living in Lucerne/Switzerland for most of my life.
Although I am a member of the Swiss Jazz and improvised music scene, I still have influences coming from Irish music and the atmosphere which I experienced as a kid over there.
What performers have been your inspiration?
CD: Jimi Hendrix, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, John McLaughlin, Joe Zawinul, Georg Ligeti, a.m.o.
What do you find most challenging about being an independent artist in today’s music industry?
CD: Years ago, one could “survive” working just playing in one band, nowadays one needs to be involved in several projects.
What do you base your success on?
CD: I guess being active for the last 60 years, with many different musical projects. I also have a personal style which appeals to many.
Can you talk about your experiences collaborating with other artists or musicians? How does it influence your creative process?
CD: Well, to be able to listen is the key in order to communicate with other artists. The duo is the perfect vehicle for direct communication. Influence comes automatically during listening, reacting and proposing.
What was your latest musical release?
CD: OM “SÜDPOL” (with Urs Leimgruber, Bobby Burri, Gerry Hemingway and Tony Buck, released 2026 by INTAKT Records)
Do you have any news to share? Could you share the story behind your latest new CD Christy Doran – Imran Khan – Disambiguation and what inspired its crea7on?
CD: I met Imran Khan in the project “Optickle” by the Swiss multi-instrumentalist Jan Galega Brönnimann. Imran and I played so easily together that we decided to create a duo. Being interested in Indian music for a long time (I played with Trilok Gurtu in the 80ies, and with the late Muthuswamy Balasubramoniam 2000 in my band at the tim called NEW BAG) I was up for it to compose tunes and to play together.
How does your latest album fit into your creative path? Is this a goal you wanted to achieve?
CD: My Irish roots show up in pieces like “Ode to Johnny Doran” (Johnny Doran was the name of one of the most outstanding pipers, but also the name of my father who was an Irish tenor and an Irish ballad singer) and “Dark Slender Boy”. Since some time I indeed have been thinking of including some of my musical heritage.
How do you approach the process of songwriting, and are there any specific themes or emotions you tend to explore in your music?
CD: I compose what comes into my head and fingers (I am always listening to what is there at the moment) – later on I think about in which project the music might fit.
As an indie musician, how do you navigate the balance between creative freedom and commercial appeal?
CD: I have difficulties thinking commercially – I concentrate on the music, that is what I like to do. Of course it is not easy to find the balance. I am glad that some of my band mates also do a good job in this regard.
What role does technology and social media play in promoting your music and connecting with your audience?
CD: Well, 2026 three cd’s are being released (on different labels, depending on the project) where I am involved. 2027 same again. Record labels like INTAKT, Challenge Records, Creative Works Records, promote the music quite well. I also send out some cd’s to some journalist friends.
Could you describe a memorable live performance experience or tour that has had a lasting impact on you and your music?
CD: I remember a concert with theAustrian guitarist Harry Pepl, who unfortunately already died some years ago.We played at a venue in centre Switzerland – the people were dancing on the tables – very seldom with this kind of music. I miss Harry – and so many more. Harry’s energy seemed to come out of his belly. It was a great guitar duo!
In an era of streaming platforms, how do you feel about the changing landscape of music consumption and its impact on independent musicians?
CD: “The Times TheyAreAChangin” … I believe I and my generation of musicians had a great experience when Hendrix, Miles, Coltrane, Shorter, and many many other Greats were around and there were many opportunities to play, especially in the 70ies. I am so grateful that I have been able to play with such great musicians f.e. Ray Anderson, Francois Jenny-Clark, Jamaaladeen Tacuma, Erika Stucky, Phil Minton, and hundreds more! We had tours with 28 concerts with 2 days off – so, you know what I mean – no complaint!
Musicians often have a close relationship with their fanbase. How do you engage with your fans and build a dedicated community around your music?
CD: Living in a small city like Lucerne can be difficult, with uppers and downers. It’s great that still a lot of people come out to see our concerts, even if they had seen us already some years back. So touring is for me the best way to keep in touch. Of course I am also in contact with some on social media.
How can fans find you? Lastly, please share some final words with the fans.
CD: Well, I have to say that I really appreciate you coming out to see us playing and checking out the new releases. I know myself at this age what it takes to always be interested in new stuff, to go to concerts, to festivals, to listen to all the music that is out there – a lot of great music – I just think: I’ll do my best! That’s all I can. https://christydoran.ch/cd/index.php?site=live
By Olivia Peevas
