An interview with Aleksey Kozlov: «From saxophone to knife – one step»: Video

Jazz Interview with jazz saxophonist Aleksey Kozlov. interview by email in writing.

JazzBluesNews.Space: – First let’s start with where you grew up, and what got you interested in music?

AK: – I was born and  grew up in Moscow. In 1943 I started as a pupil of Children Musical School on piano.

JBN.S: – What interested you in picking up the saxophone?

AK: – I decided to be saxophonist because the main person of soviet Ideological тов. Zhdanov said (1947-53): «From saxophone to knife – one step».

JBN.S: – What teacher or teachers helped you progress to the saxophone you are today? What made you choose the saxophone?

AK: – I am the typical self-taught learner.

JBN.S: – What about the Your sound did that influence at all? What did you do to find and develop your sound?

AK: – I began to play saxophone in 1957. My first idol in the sense of sound was Cannonball Adderley, after – Jackie McLean, Ornette Coleman, John Handy, Steve Lacy. After all, I hope, I reached my own sound.

JBN.S: – What practice routine or exercise have you developed to maintain and improve your current musical ability especially pertaining to rhythm?

AK: – Last 20 years I only blow every day 15-20 min. for supporting  my embouchure.

JBN.S: – Many aspiring musicians are always looking for advice when navigating thru the music business. Is there any piece of advice you can offer to aspiring students or even your peers that you believe will help them succeed and stay positive in this business?

AK: – I haven’t any connections with system of education. And I don’t want and refuse to give private lessons.

JBN.S: – Аnd finally jazz can be a business today and someday?

AK: – Jazz a long time ago stopped to be business.

JBN.S: – John Coltrane said that music was his spirit. How do you understand the spirit and the meaning of life?

AK: – In this sense I am a true follower of John Coltrane.

JBN.S: – What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

AK: – I believe that music will never stop in its development. And the main form will be «World Music».

JBN.S: – What’s the next musical frontier for you?

AK: – For me no longer more exist frontiers in music.

JBN.S: – Who do you find yourself listening to these days?

AK: – I’m interested in the young russian musicians trying to play something new.

Interview by Simon Sargsyan