Home » Jazz News » Interview

213

Jazz en Dominicana Interviews Vardan Ovsepian

Source:

Sign in to view read count
Vardan Ovsepian is an Armenia-born pianist/composer who most recently appeared as part of the Peter Erskine New Trio in the World Jazz Circuit Latina America 2010-2011 season. His education includes the Yerevan State Conservatory, the Estonian Music Academy, the Helsinki Jazz Conservatory, and Berklee College of Music. A recording artist who has released 4 CDs with the Barcelona-based “Fresh Sound New Talent" label, plus an independent release of Vardan Ovsepian Chamber Ensemble (VOCE), he performs with musicians like Peter Erskine, Mick Goodrick, and Jerry Bergonzi.

Jazz en Dominicana: In your own words, who is Vardan Ovsepian?

Vardan Ovsepian: That demands a philosophical answer. I'd like to quote Emerson: “In art, the hand can never execute anything higher than the heart can imagine."

JenD: From Classical to Jazz—how was your journey?

VO: It was a gradual process: from classical composition to more contemporary composition with improvisational elements generating interest in improvised music. Then of course looking back and connecting all from Bach to Jarrett. I love the organic mix of classical music and jazz, as I was influenced by Bach, Chopin, Scriabin, Komitas, Khachaturian, Arvo Part, Keith Jarrett, Peter Erskine Trio with John Taylor and Brad Mehldau.

JenD: You are known for your solid playing, like many European Jazzists, and you bring outside influences to it. Have you found your own voice? And what is it like to create your own elegant style of music?

VO: I am working on it—building a solid compositional and improvisational language. I have been admiring Scandinavian players for that; they seem to have reached that perfect balance of classical music, jazz improvisation plus the folk element—all organically mixed into one style!

JenD: Your style has been compared to a young Jarrett in precision and expansiveness. Can you share your thoughts on such a comparison?

VO: I am very flattered for that comparison, since Jarrett is one my biggest heroes. His solo piano recordings have opened many doors in my thinking, and still do.

JenD: How did you get invited to play with the Peter Erskine New Trio?

VO: I have been collaborating with Peter for the past couple of years, mostly around Los Angeles. But, as always, the time comes when Peter has a new idea for something terrific. Many months ago he invited Damian [Erskine] and me to his studio for a rehearsal, after which it was clear that the trio is formed! This is a very new trio; my collaboration with Peter Erskine so far has been with other bassists around LA, which has been wonderful. But from a very short time with Damian I already see a huge potential for the trio!

JenD: What is it like to have players such as Peter and Damian alongside?

VO: Playing with Peter Erskine is a dream come true. His music inspired me for years and shaped my compositional and improvisational language. Also, playing with Peter I could compare it to a “young poet sitting alongside with Pablo Neruda." And Damian is a new force, who will bring a wonderful new energy to the trio.

JenD: What are your present projects?

VO: Besides Peter Erskine New Trio, I am writing for a chamber ensemble as a continuation of my chamber ensemble CD released in 2006. I do not have a steady group of musicians at the moment for this writing; have been collaborating with local classical string players, wherever I take this project. The most recent performances were in Tallinn, Estonia.

JenD: Of your four recordings, which is your favorite and why?

VO: VOCE—Vardan Ovsepian Chamber Ensemble is my favorite so far, since it is the closest to the sound I strive for (as mentioned before—the interweaving of jazz and classical to one form)

JenD: What are your thoughts on Latin America and Jazz?

VO: Latin American influence on jazz is tremendous of course, as we all know. I am most fascinated by masters who use the South American influences in very subtle and delicate way in their writing and playing.

JenD: For your Santo Domingo concert, will this be your first time in this Caribbean island?

VO: Yes, I am very excited about the trip and the concert: the sonic experience of our trio; the new land, new light; and the interaction with new listeners and local artists.

JenD: Thank you for your time, Vardan.

VO: It was my pleasure.

For more information contact .

Comments

Tags

News

Popular

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.