In music, I love the mystique

Graduate of the Academy of Music, Aysel Mamedova, from Azerbaijan, was one of the participants in the recent competition of jazz music in Montreux (Switzerland).

In an interview with Turan she shared her impressions of the event.

- How did you get to the Jazz Festival in Montreux?

- First the teacher Salman Gambarov called me and invited me to participate in a vocal competition in Montreux. I was already familiar with the place, as I performed there in 2009, along with Emile Ibrahimov.

In the qualifying competition of vocalists there were about 300 applications. The application included a record of performance and a CV.

Of the 300 applications 11 were selected to participate in the contest. I was lucky enough to be included. Each participant had to perform two things - a compulsory song, from the list of organizers (10 jazz standards) and one at the competitors own discretion. The maximum time allowed was 10 minutes.

Listening is open: the jury sits (led by Quincy Jones) and all interested spectators are included.

I started preparing two months in advance; it is not enough for this level of competition. Therefore, beforehand, I took some lessons with the famous maestro Alexander Kapaloni.

SOCAR organized my trip two weeks before the start of the competition, which I used for these lessons. I took 10 lessons and it really helped me.

- Why did you decide to participate as a singer rather than as a pianist?

I did not decide, the offer was to go as a singer, and I thought it would be wrong to refuse to participate in this contest and decline contact with leading musicians. If we talk about the level of performance, it is difficult for me to judge, but after the first semi-final, where I was with five participants, they came up and congratulated me.

From a mandatory program, I performed a Fascinating rhythm and folk song, "Gul achdy" arranged by Sevda Alekperzade.

- Who accompanied?

- All participants were accompanied by a trio - piano, bass and drums; they are pre-sent notes and they learn the free program. Prior to the contest participant has only 10 minutes to rehearse with the ensemble. This is a very little! I tried to explain to them the tune of "Gul achdy" as much as possible, and I must admit, the musicians were excellent, though it is not easy to capture the specificity of Azerbaijani folk songs so quickly. Therefore, performing this particular song, I accompanied myself.

- How did the jury evaluate your performance?

- I did not get to the finals; there were two French and a representative of Russia.

Of course, I really wanted to get into the finals, but to be more objective, there were very strong participants; for example, the representative of Lithuania, Victoria Pelatovich. She sang perfectly, because she has the jazz school in Berkeley behind her. There was also a wonderful singer from Spain (I do not remember his name), whose performance also was great. However, he did not get to the finals, although last year took second place in Montreux! So, I think it was much more difficult than for me.

- How was the performance of piano players?

- To be honest, did not have a time to follow because I was very busy.

I know that last year's winner, our Isfar Sarabski, acted as guest in Miles Davis Hall, along with other guests - Chick Corea, Bobby and McFeran Quincy Jones.

- What did the competition give you?

- The competition has given me mass of impressions, offers an education, participation in interesting projects and easy familiarity with famous musicians. I would like to continue my education at one of the leading jazz schools, class piano and vocals. Proposal for training came from London, but to be honest, I would like to learn jazz in its homeland, the United States. In London, there is a very good school of rock and classical music, although jazz is not bad, but in America it is better; it's like if you learn mugham not in Azerbaijan, but somewhere else. I also received an offer from the organizers of the competition to participate in their activities.

- Do you have long-term plans for 5-10 years?

- Yes, of course, above all, I do not want to participate in competitions. I want to devote time and energy to work on my concert, and my own program. There are many people who have performed well in contests, and then disappeared. A competition has a certain framework. I want to show something different, I think I have that potential. For example, I want to do a concert of my original works with the choir and chamber music. In general, I adore mystical music, and the last album by Bobby McFeran the vocabulary impressed me greatly.

In Montreux, I was fortunate to hear a duet by Bobby McFeran with Chick Corea, and my impression has intensified.

- What other interesting meetings did you have?

- There was an unexpected meeting with the founder of the competition, Claude Nobs; unexpected, because about 70 people were invited to his residence for the evening. The event was sponsored by SOCAR and I was fortunate to be among the guests. (By the way all the treats at the reception were prepared by Azerbaijani chefs.)

I was able to perform a couple of things on the piano. Claude Nobs talked to all and was photographed. At one point he came up to me and listened attentively, probably about 10 minutes.

Generally, during the festival, all guests and residents of the Montreux Jazz turn into jazz lovers and devote themselves to music. It is very nice and creates an unforgettable atmosphere. In general, the musician must receive external information and experience. Mutual enrichment is absolutely necessary for all.

I think we have enough talented people, we love jazz and have good traditions, but still it is not Azerbaijani music; it is the music of the Americans and if you want to learn this, you should learn from them. In this regard, it is important to frequently go and listen, to share experiences and have rich interaction. Basically, it's important not only for music and musicians, it is important for all creative people. What do we have, only a festival; it is not enough.

- What else do you do in music?

- I try to write music and I think I get it. I would like to write for films. Therefore, composing and arranging is also in my plans. I think that some time I'll be ready for my solo concert.

- Assume that you have got an offer for a solo concert, what works would you perform?

- Well, I find it difficult to determine the style, but it will not be only Azerbaijani and folk music. I would do a solo concert with elements of chamber music.

The musicians: classical jazz trio (piano, bass and drums), plus strings, acoustic guitar. Something like that I have tried during the arrangement.

I think that combining instruments and styles gives great opportunities.

An example of such music is the Cuban, Danilo Perez. His latest album impressed me greatly.

Taking this opportunity, I would like to thank my teacher Salman Gambarov for his school and efforts. This is a man who has done very much for me. I am very grateful to our company SOCAR for the opportunity to participate in the festival, and especially members of the mission in Geneva: Zaur Gahramanov, Jamila Jafarli and Maryam Almaszade. They took care of me and helped in every way. And thanks to the Ministry of Culture for their help and support. -02B-