Latvian Jazz Thrives: A Deep Dive into the Scene and Its Stars

Latvian jazz is currently experiencing a golden age, with many experts and enthusiasts hailing it as the best it has ever been. The vibrant jazz scene in Latvia is marked by a rich cultural environment, a strong educational foundation, and a growing number of talented musicians. This resurgence is not just a fleeting moment but a testament to the country’s deep-rooted musical heritage and innovative spirit.

Mikus Solovey, a spokesperson for the Great Music Awards, highlighted the unique characteristics of the current jazz landscape in Latvia. “There are many bright, talented musicians, but three have to be selected for a year,” Solovey said at a recent news conference. This selection process underscores the depth and breadth of talent in the country, making it a challenging yet exciting time for jazz enthusiasts.

Ivars Arutjunjan: A Jazz Percussionist’s Journey

Ivars Arutjunjan, a percussionist and jazz drummer, is one of the standout figures in this thriving scene. Nominated for the “Great Music Prize 2024” in the “For Outstanding Jazz” category, Arutjunjan’s journey began in the small town of Balvi, where he started his musical education. His early influences included his grandfather, who played the saxophone, and his godparents, who were music teachers. This familial connection to music laid the groundwork for his future career.

Arutjunjan’s past year in Latvia was particularly productive, despite his frequent performances abroad. “Last year I spent my whole January in Latvia and it was one of the most bothered January in my life. There was a lot of things: work on music with my close friend and fantastic musician Matisse Chudar; album with an album with indie singer ‘Shipsea’; project with Latvian Radio Choir and Matisse Chudar Cesis Concert Hall; I was also able to play with a radio big band and a symphony orchestra. Many things happened in Latvia. Also ‘Great Kristaps’ because I created music for Aika Karapetian’s film. It has been a very active year in Latvia,” Arutjunjan said.

He emphasized the joy of collaborating with so many talented musicians and artists in Latvia, noting that the inter-genre and inter-art projects in the country are particularly exciting. “There has been a lot of inter-genre and inter-art projects in Latvia in some ways, say, cooperation with films or theater or radio choir, and it is interesting in reality. It is integral, and it is very cool as an artist,” Arutjunjan said.

Arutjunjan reflected on his recent award as the best composer for Aika Karapetian’s film “Shameless,” noting that while he doesn’t consider himself a composer, jazz is a constant creative process. “I have so many close friends who are fantastic composers like Christ Auznieks or Matisse Chudar, or others abroad, and often purely on my part that I would write, I don’t feel like a composer. On the other hand, The creative process is every day.”

“I feel more like a fish in the water where things may not be so written down, but are more of a moment,” Arutjunjan said, highlighting his preference for capturing the essence of the moment rather than relying on written notes.

Arutjunjan’s love for jazz history is evident in his appreciation for the rhythmic innovations that have defined the genre. He believes that rhythm is a crucial component in jazz and his personal life. “I would say my rhythm of life is very dynamic. The rhythm is that a lot of traveling has been going on for the past many years, and there is always always a search after the rhythm that would have the perfect balance between I can spend every day, developing and Playing the drums, but also doing something – playing, doing something else. In some ways, it is very strong, of course, with a drum game and a sense of rhythm at all,” Arutjunjan said.

Karlis Auziņš: The Saxophonist’s Path

Saxophonist Karlis Auziņš, another nominee for the “Great Music Award 2024” in the “For Outstanding Jazz” category, began his musical journey in Madona. His first teacher, Andrejs Cepīte, played a pivotal role in his development, introducing him to various ensembles and encouraging improvisation. “He played the piano and said – just improvise on this. I mean what it is at all? Okay, I knew what improvisation was more or less, but I never did it. Somehow we tried it together at that time, And it was very much the first impulse. I still keep that in my mind,” Auziņš said.

Auziņš’ journey continued with studies at the Riga Dome Choir School Jazz program, where he honed his skills and met many future collaborators. He later moved to the Amsterdam Conservatoire, known for its rigorous jazz program, but found that the focus on American jazz did not fully align with his artistic vision. “While the Amsterdam Conservatory is more focused on American jazz and they try more or less to imitate the American approach I like of course, but that’s not all I am interested in in music, while in Copenhagen they are more interested in you. So that you make your voice, let you compose, that you are developing some of your visions that came to me just in time and right,” Auziņš said.

Auziņš believes that while technical proficiency is essential, it should not be the end goal. “It is not always so important to me. Not always virtuosity means good music, just to speak,” Auziņš said, emphasizing the importance of emotional depth and freedom in music.

Tom Rudzinski: The Saxophonist’s Unique Voice

Saxophonist Tom Rudzinski, another nominee for the “Great Music Award 2024” in the “For Outstanding Jazz” category, recently won the Music Award “Golden Microphone” in the “Jazz Music Album of the Year” category with his album “Interception.” His approach to music is deeply influenced by his diverse experiences and education.

“While working on this album, my main idea was that I wanted to go back to what I had started 10 years ago. It was my first debut album ‘Abra’ I wrote using a very classic structure we see in jazz music, which is a quartet with piano, double bass, sax and drum. Quartet, and in addition, I also wanted to combine it with one more of my love, which is academic music,” Rudzinski said.

Rudzinski’s approach to music is deeply influenced by his diverse experiences and education. “We each have our own message and each has our own way we have come to our sound,” Rudzinski said, highlighting the importance of individuality in music. He believes that every musician has a unique voice shaped by their experiences and influences.

Rudzinski’s journey from academic music to jazz reflects the diverse influences that shape his sound. “I, like everyone else, have my own handwriting, taking into account my life. I started with academic music, then played in my teens in fanbas groups and then went into more jazz music, playing such classic jazz music. Only then did the road lead me to such a more modern jazz sound, perhaps with the influences of academic music,” Rudzinski said.

As a lecturer, Rudzinski is committed to helping students find their unique voice in music. “I usually try to meet every student where he is, at the time and in the place. In the sense that everyone may have a slightly different path, and it is very beautiful if we can respect the desires and impressions of a person, and that What is what he is looking for and hoping to find that we can each find our own language and our place in the world. looking, and Maybe help them on their way, I’m very happy,” Rudzinski said.

In conclusion, the Latvian jazz scene is thriving, with talented musicians like Ivars Arutjunjan, Karlis Auziņš, and Tom Rudzinski leading the way. Their unique approaches and diverse influences are shaping a vibrant and dynamic musical landscape that resonates with audiences both in Latvia and beyond. As the jazz scene continues to evolve, these artists are setting new standards and inspiring future generations of musicians.