By Lapacazo Sandoval and Bill Myers-special to myNewYorkeye
Influential jazz musician Alex Bugnon pays homage to his adopted community with his new CD appropriately titled, HARLEM. And on Friday, January 31 he brings his brand of funk/R&B and soul inspired playing to the historic Apollo stage, joined by Grammy-Winner Ms. Regina Belle, Grammy-Nominated Lalah Hathaway and Valerie Simpson.
Bugnon hails from the picturesque town of Montreux, Switzerland – site of the world famous Jazz Festival. No doubt, the annual convergence in his hometown (and his own home), of some of music’s most illustrious names, played a role in his decision to pursue a musical career -- as did his early friendship with Herbie Hancock. The fact that his uncle was the legendary Donald Byrd only served to further his decision.
I make a Herculean effort not to write about music because I love it and can't find the right combination of adjectives to describe my sincerity.
So, I reached out to Bill C. Myers, one of my oldest friends, who recently tendered his post as President of the African-American Jazz Caucus.
An experienced jazz musician, educator and force behind "Bill Myers Inspires" (a new series that highlights good acts-by-good people), I thought it would be enlightening to bring these two passionate professionals together for a dialogue.
Here is an excerpt from our hour long interview with jazz great Alex Bugnon.
myNewYorkeye: You grew up in Switzerland in the small town of Montreux which is home to the world renowned international jazz festival. What inspired your relocation to the US?
Alex Bugnon: When I first came to the USA I lived in Boston but after six years I moved to New York City and have lived there ever since. The music scene has always been vibrant and, as I see it, although on the west coast it's often about the image, here it's more about the music.
Bill Myers: What advice would you offer to young inspiring jazz musicians seeking a career?
Alex Bugnon: Stay away from extremes. Right now, jazz seems polarized into two camps. On one side there is smooth jazz that has become watered down beyond recognition. On the other, there is a resurgent straight ahead movement. Yet between these extremes, there is an abundance of great music, full of light and shade and very much what I play on the road.
myNewYorkeye: How do you pay homage to the art form and stay connected?
Alex Bugnon: I tour extensively. It's about taking the music to the grass roots, to the people who want to hear it.
myNewYorkeye: Do you shy away from connecting with younger audiences that are social media focused?
Alex Bugnon: No. Of course I use social media; Facebook, Twitter and all the places people now go to get their musical knowledge.
Bill Myers: What are your thoughts on how can jazz survive and thrive in the current market place?
Or is jazz simply stuck?
Alex Bugnon: Smooth jazz radio simply got ran into the ground by sticking too closely to a format it believed would work forever and by lacking innovation.
Now innovation is found elsewhere. It's found via the internet and on the live music scene.