"Questions, Questions..."

A series of interviews with the members of The Latin Jazz Discussion List. All the questions were submitted by other members of the group, their peers. Each artist was given a number of questions with the option of answering as many as they wished. Further discussion with the artist in this forum is invited...

Today's Subject:

Bobby Ramirez
Saxophone, Flute, Composer
www.bobbyramirez.com
also see:
Bobby Ramirez "Live" at Satchmo

Q: "Tell us a little about your childhood - where were you born and raised?"

I was born in Santa Clara, Cuba and lived in a town near Santa Clara called Las Antillas. This country town was near a military base I remember. I have to really think hard to try to remember things in Cuba.

Q: "Who was the most influential person in your life that affected you, and your decision to become an artist?

It was no one in particular, for me it was my calling in life, I feel.

Q: "When did you first fall in love with Latin music - or - when did you first choose latin music as a career path? Can you remember which band or artist turned you on?"

Being born in Cuba, I don't feel like I fell in love with Latin music. Latin music was always a part of my soul. It's part of my cultural and heritage.

Q: "What piece or pieces of music made the most impact on you and why?"

In essense, the first pieces of music I've first heard go as far back as when I was able to hear people speak in Spanish. If you listen carefully, the sound ( el canto) of music is always felt through the spoken words of all Latin people, in my case, Cuba.

Q: "Who's an artist you think more people should be aware of..."

Who's to say? There are so many immensely talented and gifted individuals walking the Earth. But if I must point out an individual or group of people, I'll say women in music. I think that there are so many talented women in music, particularly in Jazz and Latin music that it's about time that we start recognize their important contributions, as well as recognizing new up-and-coming artists.

Q: "At what hour of the day are you most productive and why?"

I think that I'm productive at most hours of the day except when I'm sleeping. Pa'lante.

Q: "Are you a song writer?"

Yes.

Q: "What kinds of things do you do to inspire your writing?"

From Rap to Classical and everything in between, I listen to a lot of different types of music. The key is to be open-minded and the natural progression of composition will naturally unfold in your mind.

Q: "What are your priorities when you go to the stage?"

At that point, I have no priorities except to create music.

Q: "How do you see yourself in relation to the 'tradition'?"

Striving to find my own musical voice.

Q: "What music do you listen to when you are relaxing?"

My favorite music to relax with is solo piano music.

Q: "Give us a mental image of your favorite view in the world".

Like the song says, "It's a small world after all".....(smile)

Q: "If you have children what kind of musical education have you given them or do you intend to give them?"

When my son Christopher was born I nick-named him "ritmito." Then we bought him a whole bunch of percussion instruments. He's three now and he'll be four next month. Recently we bought a baby grand piano for the house. Perhaps he'll take an interest in learning how to play piano....I hope. Also, I always leave my instruments (flute and saxes) near the piano where I practice and he's always seeing them. However, I tought him not to touch them....yet. But, perhaps soon he'll take an interest in playing them too. What do you think: will the kid become a musician? We'll have to keep an eye on that situation. I promise I'll keep everyone posted..(smile).

Q: "What does the music you play do for you, emotionally, spiritually, socially, whichever-other-ly?

Like the song says, "I am music." It's hard to explain what it does for me. I rather concentrate on what it does for my audience.

Q: "When the music is at it's best in your opinion, what is it that's happening (to make it the best) and what do you feel?

To me, music is the creation of sound. Every note is important for the ear of the beholder.

Q: "Are critics important? Or do you rather see your music reviewed in the vanity press? Are you susceptible to bad reviews?".

Yes.....there's no doubt that music "critics" are VERY important. I wish there were more music critics particularly in Latin Jazz. And I don't mean a music writers. They are also important. But, to write a critical review of an artist's musical work is vital. It's the fuel that lights the fire that propels artistic greatness. Writing true critism is also an art form.

Hell yes, I'm susceptible to any review of my work. What I dislike is when a writer does not take the time to research the artist that they're writing about and this view is reflected in their writing. As for me, I welcome (as you call it) a "bad" review as long as it is criticle and insightful because I'm a serious musician. This is food for the soul. I will take it as inspiration and try to reach greater hights the next time around.

Q: "Do you believe in music as art, as opposed to a product for merchandising?"

Man....this can be a lengthy answer. I'll give you the short answer and try to elaborate later if anyone is interested. I believe that music is both an art form as well as a product for merchandizing. It just depends which side of the fence you're on.

Q: "Would you still be a musician even if that means you´ll die of hunger?"

That's one thing....I would find this hard to believe that a musician can ever die of hunger.

Q: "What food would you most liken your music to?"

Pastel de guayava con sal (guava pastry with a bit of salt)

Q: "One piece of advice for musicians"

Never stop believing in yourself.

Q: "One piece of advice for listeners (or dancers)"

Music is for the ear of the beholder

Q: "One piece of advice for life"

Peace, Bro

Credits:
Allan Johnston - format questions
Eliseo Cardona - translations

Lea esta entrevista en Español visite www.anapapaya.com