Bulldog Will Minson jokes about his reputation as a musician, language expert and all around educated scholar but admits he's left his musical ability behind at high school.

 

“Yeh, I do laugh when people say I play the chello, speak 8 languages and all those things. I used to play the saxophone at school but once you start full-time football other things go out the window that’s for sure,” he said.

 

“I do like to do other things and use my brain but football is my priority and my job. I do find it amusing when people talk about my university, music and other interests though when it gets exaggerated.”

 

Will yesterday launched the Melbourne Jazz Festival with musician Freya McIntosh after being invited to participate in the opening night due to his love of Jazz.

 

“I became involved in the festival when a visiting musician heard that I was a fan of a particular jazz artist and invited me to attend the night. I was like a little kid attending my first day of school and I said I would be happy to be involved in future,” he said.

 

Despite his lack of saxophone prowess Will was happy to pose for a photo for Melbourne media if it promoted jazz to the wider community.

 

“If one footy fan looks up jazz because they see me holding a saxophone then that’s great. I might not be able to play the instrument very well but I can talk about it!” he said. “I know I will get grief from the other players though for being a poser.”

 

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Melbourne Jazz 2008 presents a full six day program from until 4 May 2008, featuring legendary jazz performers playing in some of Melbourne’s finest venues including Hamer Hall, The Regent Theatre and The Palms at Crown.

 

Jazz lovers are set to experience a breathtaking line up of acclaimed international and Australian artists from countries across the globe including France, Norway, Poland, Brazil, USA, South Africa and Australia at Melbourne Jazz 2008.

 

For more information visit: www.melbournejazz.com.