Interview with Jazz tenor saxophonist Virginie Daide. An interview by email in writing.
JazzBluesNews.com: – First, let’s start out with where you grew up, and what got you interested in music. How exactly did your adventure take off?
Virginie Daide: – Hello Simon, nice to meet you. So, i first heard a live sax at the age of 11, and that same day i wanted to play this instrument, the sound fascinated me. The second revelation. The second discovery and revelation for jazz was when i’ve listen the version of – don’t blame me – by Sonny Criss, at the age of 14. I lived in the south of France, and the real passion and pratice happened when i arrived in Paris, around my 23 years.
JBN: – How has your sound evolved over time? What have you been doing to find and develop your own sound?
VD: – The sound is always the part i prefered to work on, also because if i don’t like my sound i can’t play, which is still a problem. i worked mostly playing ballads and listening to the great american saxophones, looking for tension, expressivity and vibration in their sound.
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JBN: – What routine practices or exercises have you developed to maintain and improve your current musical proficiency, in terms of both rhythm and harmony?
VD: – I play on records, i don’t really have a specific exercice.
JBN: – Have you changed through the years? Any charges or overall evolution? And if so why?
VD: – I try to progress in listening and ryhtmic precision.
JBN: – How do you prepare for your recordings and performances to help you maintain both spiritual and musical stamina?
VD: – It’s a very interesting question. ! The spiritual part is very difficult because there are many different emotions and phases when you lead a project. I try to open my mind to the other musicians of the band and i don’t hesitate to modify or change the songs to adapt the music at the situation.
JBN: – What do you love most about your new album 2023: Virginie Daide – Moods, how it was formed and what you are working on today.
VD: – In the album Moods, i like the dialogues of the musicians, and how the section rythmic play : it breathes, it’s alive. Now, i’m working on the solos dor the concerts, to send more energy into the live solos! i’m also starting to think of new songs.
JBN: – How did you select the musicians who play on the album?
VD: – I had met Tony on stage, i was replacing a saxophonsit, and of course totally loved his playing! Nicolas, i know him since ten years, we played a lot together. I really like his feeling, and humanly. Thomas Posner, i didn’t know him before… we did a session to play the songs and: yes! he’s a great musician.
JBN: – Can you share any memories from gigs, jams, open acts and studio sessions over the years?
VD: – it’s hard to answer, there have been so many occasions! that’s what i like, it changes all the time.
JBN: – In your opinion, what’s the balance in music between intellect and soul?
VD: – Ther are such good musicians today, that you obviously have to work on you intellect to be in the game, but in jazz, i think hearing the soul is still the objective. It’s the magic of this music isn’t it?
JBN: – There’s a two-way relationship between audience and artist; are you okay with delivering people the emotion they long for?
VD: – Of course! but it’s hard to feel how the emotions comes to them. Thank you for this question, i will think more about it.
JBN: – How can we get young people interested in jazz when most of standard tunes are half a century old?
VD: – Maybe write new standards?
JBN: – John Coltrane once said that music was his spirit. How do you perceive the spirit and the meaning of life?
VD: – The meaning of living is perhaps to feel in harmony with this own spirit. And it’s not easy. Everyone chooses how do it. Music help me a lot to through it with passion. More generally art is essentiel to fell life and to sharing.
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JBN: – If you could change one single thing in the musical world and that would become reality, what would that be?
VD: – More concerts and clubs!
JBN: – Whom do you find yourself listening to these days?
VD: – Art Blakey, Brad Mehldau..
JBN: – Let’s take a trip with a time machine: where and why would you really want to go?
VD: – In 2023 in clubs in New York!
JBN: – What is the message you choose to bring through your music?
VD: – I try to bring sincerity.
JBN: – Do You like our questions? So far, it’s been me asking you questions, now may I have a question from yourself…
VD: – Yes ! it’s very spiritual your questions: i like it!
Yes, … i would like to know what are you looking for when you listen to a record. And are you a musician?
JBN: – No I am Jazz critic, produce, promoter, meneger in US/EU Jazz & Blues association, organizator more Jazz/Blues festivals and concerts in Europe and USA! Jazz is my life!!!
JBN: – Have you ever given a free concert during your entire concert career? At the bottom line, what are your expectations from our interview?
VD: – A free concert? i don’t think so, but sometimes i’ve paid to organize a concert. I thank you for this interview and i’m happy ti have met you. For the rest, life will tell us! Sincerley, Virginie.
Interview by Simon Sarg
Note: https://jazzblues.eu/2023/03/19/useu-jazz-blues-association-festivals/ You can express your consent and join our association, which will give you the opportunity to perform at our Jazz and Blues festivals, naturally receiving an appropriate royalty. We cover all expenses. The objectives of the interview are: How to introduce yourself, your activities, thoughts and intellect, and make new discoveries for our US/EU Jazz & Blues Association, which organizes festivals, concerts and meetings in Boston and various European countries, why not for you too!! You can read more about the association here. https://jazzblues.eu/2022/11/19/useujba/
