Jazz Notes—Malik Mezzadri - French musician - Brief Article - Interview

PARIS IS STILL DRAWING THE GREATS

Malik Mezzadri, a flute virtuoso born on the Ivory Coast and raised in Guadeloupe, is among a group of European musicians who've merged traditional acoustic jazz with contemporary influences, from electronic beats to world music. "Magic Malik," also a vocalist and composer, set out for Paris at the age of 19, quickly immersing himself in the city's thriving jazz scene. His latest album, 69 96 (Label Bleu), was released in France to great acclaim this spring. He is currently working on his third album.

CHRISSY PERSICO: You're shaking up the traditional jazz scene, which has a long history in Paris. How does it differ from American jazz?

MALIK MEZZADRI: In France we do not have as strong an attachment to the jazz of the past. When jazz arrived in Europe from America it had already evolved. Also, we didn't have the same tools or knowledge, so as a result, maybe we take it less seriously.

CP: What brought you to Paris?

MM: I first went to the academy of music in Marseilles to study classical music, but I wanted to explore improvisation. I felt that improvisation was closer to my own personal culture. And then I went to Paris for one year of jazz school, but it wasn't interesting. They give you materials, but they don't teach you how to think about improvisation. With it, you can search for things. Every day I discover something.

CP: Does living in Paris influence your music?

MM: Paris is a place in which the cultures are not separated. In the jazz club you can meet Cuban musicians, Indian musicians, African musicians, Serbo-Croat musicians--it's great. My biggest influences are the musicians with whom I play.

CP: How is your new album coming?

MM: It's an adventure I want to live. I always love my albums--when I listen to them, they remind me of the good times I had with the musicians while creating them.

Chrissy Persico is an editorial assistant at Interview. Left: Malik Mezzadri wears clothes by TOM FORD FOR YVES SAINT LAURENT RIVE GAUCHE.

COPYRIGHT 2001 Brant Publications, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2001 Gale Group