"Jazz is, however, their music and culture, but also in Europe has been learned  this music, but in any case the music is music, there is the good and bad music, it depend who does it."

Marco Marzola: Walkin with the Jazz

Marco Marzola was born in Italy and is one of the most talanted jazz bassist in European jazz scene. Marzola’s artistic formation started in the conservatory of Ferrara, captured by Jazz, moved to New York in 1982, where he studied with Barry Harris and Buster Williams. He has played, recorded and collaborated with many great jazz musicians. He also became interested in ethnic music. From multiple experiences he gained the capacity to adapt to different musical context.

After working for many years as a Sideman, it’s the time to make his band with prestigious guests play his music and express his musical concept. He tried to learn as much as possible under the guidance of the great masters and it’ s an honor and privilege to carry on the lineage that makes this music such an artistically rich art form.

He cooperated and collaborated with musicians among the most representative of the International jazz scene: Jimmy Lovelace, Tommy Tarantine, Jimmy Owens, Paul Jeffrey, Craig Handy, Betty Carter, Peter Martin, Greg Hutchinson, Harold Land, George Cables, Tommy Campbell, Tony Scott, Bruce Forman, Jimmy Cobb, Jessy Davis, John Clark, Sherman Irby, James Zollar, Chuck McPherson, John Hicks, Steve Turre, Dion Parson, Ed Cherry, Akua Dixon, Jaimeo Brown, Darrell Green, Jesse Davis, Andromeda Turre, Stacy Dillard, Giulio Capiozzo, Flavio Boltro, Carlo Atti, Stefano Bollani, Giancarlo Bianchetti, Mauro Grossi, Pietro Tonolo, Roberto Rossi, Emanuele Cisi, Marco Tamburini, Nico Menci, Fabrizio Bosso.

Interview by Michael Limnios

What do you learn about yourself from the jazz and what does the jazz mean to you?

For me the jazz is wonderful music and at the same time a profound discipline, helped me to overcome the limits, to positively face the challenges of life, to relieve my frustrations and to have respect of myself and especially for other people, the importance of pursuing a goal and share it, jazz to me is freedom to express themselves within strict rules, there is no innovation without knowing the roots.

How do you describe Marco Marzola sound and progress, what characterize your music philosophy?

For me the most important thing is the rhythm, and logically create satisfying bass lines using loud notes. I listen to the great teachers and I try to do my best to play the right role, and especially do a lot of experiences to learn as much as possible. My philosophy it's the inner research for become deeper.

What are some of the most memorable gigs you've had? Which memory makes you smile?

Surely with Steve Turre, but also with Harold Land, Betty Carter, John Hicks and Sherman Irby, all of these are great musicians, and we've made some wonderful concerts.

"The Blues was born in Africa, and the jazz from blues." (Photo: Marco & Steve Turre)

What’s the best jam you ever played in? Are there any memories which you’d like to share with us?

Was in New York at the Studio We with Jimmy Lovelace and Lucky Thompson, I don't remember the others, there was many musicians, but went on until the morning.

Which meetings have been the most important experiences for you? What is the best advice ever given you?

One of my most important meetings it was with Herbie Hancock that has proved a very helpful and simple human despite its popularity, for me this was the best advice he could give me.

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

Because the jazz is the heartbeat of the universe, and who listen he cannot escape.

Which is the most interesting period in your life? Which was the best and worst moment of your career?

Were several interesting periods in my life when I met Buster Williams in 1982 in New York City where he gave me the way to follow and develop Throughout life, Also the various collaborations with greats longer available as Harold Land, Betty Carter, Sherman Irby, and Especially Steve Turre that I'll never stop saying thank you for everything he Has Given me. Honestly I don't remember the worst moments, I tried to use as a springboard to improve myself.

Make an account of the case of jazz in Europe. What are the differences between European and USA scene?

Jazz is, however, their music and culture, but also in Europe has been learned  this music, but in any case the music is music, there is the good and bad music, it depend who does it.

"For me the jazz is wonderful music and at the same time a profound discipline, helped me to overcome the limits, to positively face the challenges of life, to relieve my frustrations and to have respect of myself and especially for other people, the importance of pursuing a goal and share it, jazz to me is freedom to express themselves within strict rules, there is no innovation without knowing the roots."

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

In the past there were those who created the jazz, and no longer exists atmosphere that was breathed in the temples of jazz.

Today we have very great musicians who are engaged in music research, but as I said before do not forget the roots, with more ranging in depth with more it goes on.

What are the lines that connect the legacy of Jazz with the Blues?

The Blues was born in Africa, and the jazz from blues.

What has made you laugh lately and what touched (emotionally) you from the jazz circuits?

That many musicians don't play jazz, they play a different kind of music that is not call jazz.

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

I'd go ahead 100 years to see what remains of the jazz or how it evolved.

Marco Marzola - official website