"Robert Johnson is a human who become good ghost for all artists in the world."

Bozidar Milinovic: Colour Νotes

Visual artist and musician Bozidar "Mr. Jazz" Milinovic was born in Rijeka, Croatia. In his childhood years he interested for music, first at all...jazz Blues & Twist (Chubby Checker) and Rock n’ Roll Elvis and guys...yes indeed. All credits to his father. Bozidar’s father (1930-1989) was a sailor (maritime) and big jazz, blues connoisseur! He educated him on this lovely music. He was a professional musician for years in his country, like drummer.

Actively engaged in music as a drummer until 1985, when his left hand was disabled in one accident. Music however remained his passion and in 1991 started to paint portraits of jazz & blues musicians. Since 2009, Bozidar is a member of Croatian Blues Forces (Hrvatske Blues Snage) and of association of multimedia ART-ORCHESTRA/ Umjetnicki orkestar. In 2005, his prestigious art-center on line paintingcenter.info put him on a list of the world’s most known jazz portraits. Till now he held 29 solo exhibitions. In 2010, he makes the poster of the 2ndCroatian Blues Challenge competition in which musicians compete for the INTERNATIONAL BLUES CHALLENGE in Memphis, USA 2013/2014, INTERNATIONAL BLUES MUSIC DAY; and promote his solo exhibitions in Kastav, "KASTAV BLUES FEST".

Interview by Michael Limnios      Artworks © by Bozidar Milinovic 

What do you learn about yourself from the blues & jazz culture? What does the blues mean to you?

In my school days (I finish elementary school of music) I learn many positive things from history of jazz or the blues. This was my wishes. No wishes of school lately when I grow up I developed my way to this wonderful kind of music. I become musician very young. First at all I play guitar, and then later with 13 years I started a play drums. I learn too much...with my friends...and later teachers of jazz music. It was wonderful for me. I learn quickly what they asking I must learn. Today I am looking in another way all Blues music around me. Bluesmen have a different style of performing, blues guitar player use slide in "wild" ways I like this very much, and my paintings today are...just a little wild...

How do you describe and what characterize Bozidar Milinovic artwork and philosophy?

Just because my love goes to the right way I remain the Blues connoisseur. This is very important for me, everything go with the feelings. My art I dedicated to Great legend, in particular like Duke Ellington if we talking about Jazz, Count Basie, Ray Charles, Ella, Satchmo, Sarah Vaughan and others. Lately to great of the Blues...electric Blues...Muddy Waters, Mike Bloomfield, Paul Butterfield, Eric Clapton, John Lee Hooker, B.B. King. We talking about Blues...Since 2007 I open my new caption, named "Don't Touch My Blues", in June of this year I meet Great American traditional blues guitar player (he was rambler) Mr. Jerry Ricks. He was my guest with his wife Nancy at my home. It was GREAT day for me! A few months later Mr. Ricks died in hospital in Rijeka.

"My dream is visit countries where blues or jazz live. Many of my friends, in particular State of Kentucky, USA, want see me with my art-work...and same is for UK." (Photo: Bozidar & Les Paul / Artwork © by Bozidar Milinovic)

Why did you think that the Blues & Jazz music continues to generate such a devoted following in Croatia?

This theme is different between each of us. My city it was a Rock city in early '80. Then jazz city today is variegated cause of different kind of music, Jazz, Rock/Blues, new age, I remember my band who played only the Blues music, "Moby Dick", we plays John Mayall’s Blues or Allman Brothers Band.

Which is the most vivid memory from your inspiration to make a painting? Which memory makes you smile?

I make many portraits in this years since 1991-till today...in live at my studio, like a jazz musician Bosko Petrovic (1935-2011), Mr. Darko Jurkovic-Charlie, jazz musician, Mr. Ricks, Mr. Tony Lee King, famous Croatian blues guitar player, but in majority I used cover of LP's or black/white photos, and make in my way in my style, never copy any photos this is Mr. jazz style! Sometimes I use finger in place of brushes. I like experiment with color on canvases, I like play with my art-work, and inspiration is always blues or jazz music. I created a unique and easily recognizable style of art! Each of my exhibition establishes a relationship between the Blues and paintings in a very original way, but truly special and unusual.

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

In "ex State"-Yugoslavia, I listen many Blues concert, but for many of us were difficult be present in all hall! Now is different, we turn to West in the best way....We have a Blues concert, nights, blues festivals around the country also jazz...etc...

If you could change one thing in the musical world and it would become a reality, what would that be?

Yes...change my life... hahaha... maybe one day...I hope and pray everyday this happened!

"Today I am looking in another way all Blues music around me. Bluesmen have a different style of performing, blues guitar player use slide in 'wild' ways I like this very much, and my paintings today are...just a little wild..."

(Janis & Derek Trucks by Bozidar Milinovic)

Make an account of the case of the blues in Croatia. Which is the most interesting period in local blues scene?

November is reserved for the Blues...Croatian Blues Challenge, summer of jazz & Blues festivals around the country!

What are the lines that connect the legacy of Blues & Jazz from United States and UK to Croatia?

Many of the local bluesmen perform with foreign musicians. I think love to be a part of them, anyway Blues & jazz connect people over the world.

Let’s take a trip with a time machine, so where and why would you really wanna go for a whole day..?

My dream is visit countries where blues or jazz live. Many of my friends, in particular State of Kentucky, USA, want see me with my art-work...and same is for UK.

What would you say to Mingus?

MINGUS?...I like your music...in '97. I make one amazing portraits of you!

What would you like to ask John Lee Hooker?

John Lee Hooker...How many blues songs you make?

"In 'ex State'-Yugoslavia, I listen many Blues concert, but for many of us were difficult be present in all hall! Now is different, we turn to West in the best way....We have a Blues concert, nights, blues festivals around the country also jazz...etc..."

(Photo: Robert Johnson/Artwork © by Bozidar Milinovic)

Robert Johnson was ghost or human?

Robert Johnson....A human who become good ghost for all artists in the world.

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