Interview with the renowned jazz trumpet player Erik Truffaz

Interview with the renowned jazz trumpet player Erik Truffaz shortly before his concert on November 24, 2008 at Kasárne Kulturpark in Košice

How did you put this company of musicians together?

I was on a tour with my quartet in India in 2007. In every town, we would invite in another musician to play. In Calcutta, I met with these musicians, because they were really good. I learned a little bit of Indian music and we started collaborating. For this concept, for every tune, we have some rules, we have some theme – it is really prepared, because the approach of the Indian musicians is classic – they are classic musicians. So, we play a piece from them, while the rules are really strict. I include my own composition, of course. For example, in the Indian piece, the improvisation is no more than 25 percent. In my piece, it is 75 percent, because I work with the theme, the rhythm of the theme, which makes about 25 percent, and the rest is improvised.

What brought you to playing the trumpet?

I play the trumpet, because my father played the saxophone, and he thought it was a good idea to have a trumpet player at home, to complete his small band.
Later on, I have found my own way with the trumpet, because it is close to the voice and close to my heart.

Have you heard Košice has become European Capital of Culture 2013?

I found out Košice was running for the ECofC title about one year ago. And the organizers of the concert told me. So, it is good news for me.

Košice will carry this title together with Marseille in 2013.

I love Marseille and Lyon. Currently I live with my wife and two daughters near Lyon.

What was the story behind this concert?

I came because I was invited (laughter). I am not the agency, I am not really sure. They told me I had a concert here and in Budapest, so we came. However, I do not know all the details. Personally, we have come because we love to play music.

You have had a chance to see just a little bit of the venue. What are your impressions?

I love this place. It reminds me of a venue in East Berlin. It had a lot of character.

Do you think it is a good place for your concert?

I hope so. I think so. I will tell you after the sound check. It depends on the sound.

Do you know any Slovak jazz musicians?

No, I am sorry. I do not.

What are the plans in the context of this project?

We are playing in Budapest tomorrow; then in Switzerland, and France. Soon after, Indian musicians will be going home, and they will be coming back in spring. In the spring and the summer, we will perform at different festivals. That is the plan.

Zuzana Lehotská
Photo: Jana Vargová