One of the secrets of the remarkable longevity of jazz is its exchange with traditional music. Its other secret is indisputably its improvisation nature. Both secrets were unveiled to the audience of Studio No. 2 of the Bulgarian National Radio by two celebrities of the mentioned genres, Erik Truffaz and Yanka Rupkina.
The French trumpeter captured the imagination of the audience and of reviewers at the end of 20 c., and a little after great Miles Davis passed away was named the new Miles. In Sofia Erik came with film composer and director Siegfried - an improviser unconfined by genre. It was his idea in fact to invite the young Bulgarian singers of traditional music from the Avigeya Trio. One major surprise though was Yanka Ruplina, one of the big names from the Mystery of Bulgarian Voices and from Bulgarka Trio.
Shortly before the concert Erik talked to viewers and listeners:
„I was 15 when I was listening to Yanka. I listened to her and to Pink Floyd. Anything that breaks restrictions is good provided it is made with taste. Taste is something subjective. Creativity is spiritual and does not go through a computer. God has no direct internet connection. I am just a modest apostle - after Rachmaninov, Stravinsky, and of course, after Yanka.”
So far Erik has worked with voices from West Europe and Africa, but after his work with Yanka he mulls a more extensive project with her. In turn, Yanka's voice has been associated with names from the alternative music stage including Transglobal Underground and Kate Bush, as well as with George Harrison himself. The difference between the more or less commercial projects of the two musicians from what they showed to a Sofia audience open for experimenting, reinforced the feeling of stage magic that fails both written words and audio transmission.
To Erik improvisation in spite of the risk is in the direct connection with the spirit, with the perception of the moment's singularity.
It suffices for Yanka to sing well, and for Erik to play the trumpet well. As a deeply religious person, she feels as if enlightened by God - no matter singing live or in a recording. Let us recall that Yanka lives a second life - she is among few survivors in a 1971 airplane crash.
As to Siegfried - in the company of the best he feels at ease, just like in a family.
The rest is music coming out of time and flowing into eternity.
English Daniela Konstantinova
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