MOSCOW, April 30, Roman Kharrasov. Today the whole world celebrates Jazz Day. The once purely American genre has become truly international, and Russian performers are now the envy of foreigners. Singer Mariam Merabova spoke about the path of jazz art in the country and its place in the music industry in an interview. 
Russian jazz in the top: world stars shocked by Russian musicians
— For the 100th anniversary of jazz in 2022, a large program was being prepared in Russia, but for obvious reasons, not everything was successful. How do you rate both jazz in the country in general and festive events?
— On the one hand, a complete delight, on the other — a complete lack of presentation of our artists in the West. Moreover, foreign stars themselves talk about this — they leave us, shocked by the fact that they got acquainted with the mega-world level of musicians. Almost everyone asked: «Why do you know us, but we don't know you?»
It's unpleasant, of course. But — I'll cover it with a good one. For all these years, we have a unique galaxy of musicians who perform not only evergreen hits. These are wonderful composers, combining different styles. Whatever the name, it's galactic space.
Last year, festivals, including regional ones, received a great response. The halls were full.
— Why are our people not known abroad?
— There is no production, there are only a few international agents as such. The system of international representation itself does not work yet. Igor Butman is doing a lot in this direction: one St. Petersburg forum is worth something.
USA is the birthplace of jazz. Do they offer help in world promotion?
— And they themselves feed here. There is no jazz in the USA. Richie Cole is the great jazz saxophonist who saw our genre blossom and cried and said, «There is no jazz in America.» Everything was swallowed up by show business, black genres — r'n'b, soul, hip-hop for example. The most interesting concerts are held in Europe, including in Russia.
Although, of course, there are festivals in the USA too, there is no jazz life itself — only, as they say, in some clubs. It's a tragedy.
Cancellation of Russian in the world? But our musicians are welcome guests
— In the Western world — the trend is to cancel everything Russian. How does communication between jazz musicians take place?
“All cancellations will end, I'm sure. You know, some refused to communicate and cooperate with me here in Russia, because I support the NWO. And I love my country and I know what it is. I serve and will serve the Fatherland. And I don't want to argue. Unfortunately, among such people there are my close friends. But I didn't quarrel with them.
Some foreign musicians are afraid to visit Russia. And as for those who came, we rejoiced at each other, hugged each other. And everything is fine.
— Are there any joint projects with Western countries?
— Not now. But there are proposals for tours. For example, we have to go to France. For cultured people, there is no concept of a Russian singer — there is a musician.
But at the same time, problems arose with tours in Israel — because of my position, the promoters refused to cooperate.
Jazz is everywhere: how our composers break away in the genre
— Do Russian jazz singers sound in Russian?— Nevertheless, jazz cannot be mass, stadium — so its popularity will not increase?
— It should not be so. Although, by the way, remember: once upon a time, poets collected entire stadiums. It seems to me that a new wave of popularity will come to jazz, just through poetry. It is being revived now.
But, you know, in the regions, even in the philharmonics, they are afraid to stage jazz compositions, fearing that the audience will not understand. Therefore, I appeal to the local organizers: do not think badly about people!
This is a great tragedy for instrumentalists who have their own wonderful programs.
— How far is jazz from the listener? strong>
Jazz is everywhere! He even was in the USSR, especially since the late 60s. No prohibition, it's just all called «stage» without specifying the styles. Zatsepin, Reznikov, Rybnikov, Krylatov, and our other Soviet composers worked very well in jazz.
They especially came off in cartoons. Remember the intro to «Well, wait a minute!» — so this is it, jazz! =»mozallowfullscreen» allowfullscreen=»allowFullScreen» frameborder=»0″>
— Can Russian jazz become part of the national heritage and cultural code?
— It’s already so, you just need to say it loudly, with high stands.
Singer career and family: Mariam Merabova's priorities
— You have built an amazing career. But for a very long time, the general public knew almost nothing about you.
— God spared from vanity — I am satisfied with life. I know my level, but I continue to study, I have someone to take an example from, and they are far away.
But in any case, the family comes first.
are invited to concerts, what are they most often asked to sing?
— I always try to contribute something of my own, and, thank God, they don’t ask me lately — I can offer it myself. I make Soviet songs in jazz transcription, I love it very much. Therefore, the program always includes evergreen hits, and processing of Soviet compositions, and author's things.
— When will your album be released?
— I have been writing it for so long. We are just such people: we want to do everything amazingly. It will be author's music, and all evergreen compositions — only in their processing.
Besides, television projects and, of course, tours continue. All this is in the poster on the site.
«Roman about showbiz»: full version of the interview
Listen to the full version of the interview with Mariam Merabova in the podcast «Roman about showbiz» on link.
April 30, 08:24