What’s in fashion for men? Saxophonist Robert Martini answers

It is said that men reveal their true nature in a bit of shameless simplicity. Well then, NRA Lifestyle will go on this expedition to discover what lies behind Latvia’s talented, charming and strong men. Questions that are a bit reminiscent of the old, good, but already forgotten diaries, where everyone could be himself.

Jelgava Big Band will have two concerts in honor of Rait Ashmanis’ 60th anniversary – both at the Jelgava Culture House on May 12 and at the “Daile” music house on May 16. Likewise, the “Rīga” orchestra will hold two concerts for children, “Superheroes” will be held on May 17 at the cultural palace “Ziemeļblāzma” and on May 18 at the “Imanta” cultural center. Saxophonist Robert Martini will also play music at all these events. See you again!

A fairy tale that you could listen to and listen to as a child?

I won’t say that I had a specific fairy tale, but when I was a child, my mother gave me a book with the fairy tales of Kārļis Skalbes. I remember reading it every night before going to bed.

Favorite childhood memory?

I had mixed feelings as a child. I remember I really liked playing basketball. At the same time, I also went to music school. And there were times when basketball tournaments coincided with competitions at the music school. I come from a musical family, so the music school and its events took precedence. Of course, I was angry that I could not fully train and participate in basketball competitions.

But the most pleasant part is when I participated in competitions, I had the opportunity to hear other very talented students.

I will say that my favorite childhood memory is being with talented peers.

Study subject, kme during school did not give up?

Yes, I remember that very well. Chemistry was the hardest for me. Try as I might, I couldn’t get the element names into my head. Nor which elements can be connected and vice versa. Although I really liked when the teacher demonstrated how the elements interact with each other. It’s good that I happened to have very cool and helpful classmates, with their help I was able to pass all the tests in this subject.

What music do you listen to everyday?

With age, my taste in music has expanded considerably. If I used to listen in my youth Hip Hop, rok and POP, so now I’m very interested Jazz, Blues, Indie, Free, Avantgarde and of course classical music.

Have you ever won a lottery?

I am not a big fan of lotteries, but there is a tradition in our family. On Christmas or New Year’s Day, we buy several instant lottery tickets and open them together. Then we watch and rejoice if someone has won something.

Favorite food?

It’s hard to say what one favorite day would be… I would say two – ribs and a burger.

What do you do in your free time?

I try to spend as much of my free time as possible with my family. We go on trips or simply go for a walk around the city or in the park. As I mentioned earlier that I practiced basketball during school, I can’t do without this activity. I play in an amateur basketball league. It is a very pleasant feeling when playing with friends and classmates.

What can be doneshe to do in the past month?

In April, you can change your car’s winter tires to summer tires, as well as celebrate the international jazz day on April 30.

Is the barbecue season already open?

No, grilling season has not yet opened. Looking forward to the slightly warmer weather.

What are you afraid of?

I fear doing nothing.

Your dream?

My dream has already come true – to be with my loved ones – family. To do something that is close to the heart – music. The other stuff is just a bonus.

Are you critical of yourself?

Good and reasonable criticism is a very necessary thing to get better and progress.

I have always respected people who express their criticism directly, not through “flowers“.

In this way, it is clear what needs to be worked on more. I practiced basketball as a child, so criticism was everyday. It motivated me to get better. To this day, some sharper and harsher, but justified criticism still motivates me even more.

Name the three worst character traits you have?

First, forgetfulness. I often forget basic things that I am asked to do or prepare.

Secondly, I would “suffocate” about something too quickly. Sometimes it’s good, but other times it doesn’t really help either at work or in private life.

The third characteristic could go hand in hand with the second. I’m quick by nature. I speak quickly, so I need a quick answer. I can’t stand it if someone minces in return or thinks too long and prepares an answer. I need it now and now!

As you chose to play saxophone?

It was very spontaneous. I finished the piano class at the Ventspils Music School. Primary education was required to enter secondary school. So after these 2 years I thought I should try another tool. I was sitting in my office, I heard a saxophone quartet one floor above. If I’m not mistaken, they were playing someone Benny Goodman composition. It was energetic, fun and interesting. It really “grabbed” me. Therefore, I went to the next floor myself, knocked on the door, approached the teacher and said: “I want to play the saxophone!” That’s how I came to this wonderful tool.

Be in the orchestra tooa “Riga“ musician. How did you get there?

Yes, I play in the “Rīga” orchestra, which is the only professional wind orchestra in the Baltic States. When I moved to Riga, I wanted to play in this team. As soon as a vacancy for a saxophone position appeared, I applied immediately. There was a competition. Unfortunately, I wasn’t accepted initially because it was the time I went on an Erasmus+ exchange program to Nürnberg, Germany. When my exchange program came to an end, I received a call from the orchestra – they offered me the position of tenor saxophonist. I agreed without hesitation. So I came and actively played in this orchestra until today.

The most exciting thing when you are on stage?

I will say this, any representative of a creative profession likes attention. That’s why being on stage, in front of an audience, excites me and gives me joy.

It is an exchange of energy between the artist and the audience. And that moment when you have finished your performance, and if the audience likes it, you get applause, ovations, thanks for what you have done. It would be the most exciting moment to be on stage.

What does music mean to you?

Music plays a very important role in my life. It’s my life. There is a saying: “If you take care of the music, the music will take care of you”.

Are you successful?

I think I am successful. I live with what has to be said from the previous question.

How do you pamper those dear to you on a daily basis?

My family is very dear to me. As a representative of the creative profession, our work is very dynamic and fluid. We are like chameleons who adapt to the conditions. Therefore, as much as possible, I try to spend time with my family. We love crossings. As soon as there’s an opportunity to disappear for a couple of days, we’ll take it.

Do you know the taste of surrender?

No, there is always a solution, always!

Domestic saxophonists, who do you respect?

Wow, there are so many good saxophonists in Latvia. They are all so diverse and masterful that it would be hard for me to leave anyone out and not mention them.

I would like to give credit to my first saxophone teacher who made me fall in love with the instrument. This is Ziedonis Zaikovsky. Next, the person who introduced me to the world of jazz – Deniss Paškevics. I was introduced to big band music by Renārs Lācis and Kārlis Vanags. As well as a phenomenal saxophonist, improviser and master of this instrument Gints Pabērzs is on my respect list.

I would also like to mention a great representative of classical music, who is a very good friend of mine, Oskar Petrauski.

And, of course, the person who made this great instrument, as they say, officially learnable in Latvia, is Artis Sīmanis. I want to say that I respect every representative of this instrument, colleagues. Every single one of them is great!

Your most valuable insight recently?

The “Earth” without “Art” is just “Eh”.

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