Jazzman and jazz-activist Lipa.
photo: Jana Liptáková
THE 31ST ANNUAL Bratislava Jazz Days (BJD) experienced its biggest triumph with the Hiromi trio. Other performances were not less of a joyful experience, but their understanding of jazz often discomforted the traditional jazz oriented audience.
The Slovak Spectator (TSS): TSS: Hiromi was the star...
Peter Lipa (PL): They all were the stars. All the performers brought quality music and that's most important.
TSS: This year saw lots of funk, world music and electronic jazz. Don't you fear a visitor exodus when pushing the limits of traditional jazz so much?
PL: No, I don't. If there were more [jazz] festivals in Bratislava, they could specify a certain musical style. But we have only one festival like this, so I want to show the visitors everything in today's jazz. Each day offers seven hours of music delivered by four musical bodies. If a visitor doesn't like one, he can take a rest and return later. So far I haven't received any objections and even if I had, I would argue with them because if I were a visitor I would like a festival that offers such a diversified programme.
TSS: Does it mean that you like to provoke audiences?
PL: People come to sit, rest and listen. But when a musician "kicks" into them, even asks them to join him in singing, it's natural [that they feel provoked].
TSS: The PKO building is to be torn down. When will the festival move?
PL: The building should last one more year. The future choices are Istropolis, Incheba and the National Tennis Centre, of which the latter seems the most suitable.
TSS: What can we expect from Bratislava Jazz Days 2006?
PL: I don't know yet, but certainly good and diverse music.
