The Big Band Radio will perform on Thursday evening alongside one of the highly regarded jazz musicians on the New York scene, the English-born saxophonist Will Vinson. As a guest, trumpeter Alex Sipiagin, also an established figure on the New York scene will be taking part. The event, which starts at 19:00, marks the opening of a new concert series by the orchestra led by Simona Strungaru: Contemporary Jazz Masters. We have more details about this first edition from featured artist Will Vinson, who gave an interview to Viorel Grecu.

Mr. Vinson, we know this isn't your first collaboration with the Radio Romania Big Band. There's a full album, Wind Dance, with Alex Sipiagin, that features several outstanding solos from you. What was that first experience with the orchestra like?

The first time we worked together, I actually wasn't here. I was at home and recorded the solos after the pieces had already been recorded here. This is actually my first time in Romania, with the orchestra. It was great last time too, since it was Alex Sipiagin's music and I found it easy to adapt, but this time will be more interesting, because we're all in the same place.

You've just wrapped up the first rehearsal. What did you think?

I saw the list of pieces Simona Strungaru wanted us to play with the orchestra and my first reaction was to say "are you insane?!", because the music is really challenging and I didn't expect her to want to tackle all of it, but they definitely do. When you'r ecomposing and orchestrating your own music it is easier, it feels natural because it comes from you. But when you present it to other people, you realize that it's not so simple to ask them to perform it. The musicians in the Big Band have done an outstanding job. There are still few pieces we need to work on, but we've got a lot of music and it sounds fantastic.

From what I've heard, Alex Sipiagin will also be joining you. What can you tell us about the repertoire? Will it be exclusively your music?

Yes, it will be all my music. Alex Sipiagin has performed some of these pieces before. A few of the arrangements date back to the COVID periodif you remember, that was when musicians would record themselves individually and then we'd mix the videos together. Two of the pieces were performed that way, with Alex's participation. Now, we'll be playing them live, and he'll be here again.

Finally, for those who aren't yet familiar with your music, could you briefly introduce a few of your projects? I know you've been part of some very interesting trios.
Yes, I love trios I don't know why, I just really enjoy playing with two other people. I have a group called The OWL Trio, without drums, featuring Orlando le Fleming on bass and Lage Lund on guitarit's more of an acoustic, chamber-style trio. I also have a trio called Trio Grande, where I play saxophone and keyboards, along with Gilad Hekselman on guitar and Nate Wood on bass and drums which he plays at the same time. It may sound like a joke, but what he does is incredible. I've also accompanied many great musicians over the years Ari Hoenig, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, and many others. Like many musicians, I enjoy having a varied schedule and playing with as many great artists as I can.