Chilean Canadian saxophonist and composer Melissa Aldana is the artist in residence at this year's Sligo Jazz Project annual Summer School and Festival. We asked her the BIG questions . . .
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The event runs from 22 to 27 July and brings 33 world-class musicians from all over the world to teach and perform in Sligo over six days of workshops, masterclasses and jam sessions.
Melissa plays Thursday, 24 July at 8pm at Hawks Well Theatre, Sligo.
This year’s Sligo Jazz Festival acts also include America artists Rufus Reid, Sasha Berliner, and Freddie Hendrix.
The Irish contingent includes Michael Buckley, Paul Dunlea, Joseph Leighton, Mike Nielsen, Nils Kavanagh, Conor Murray, Michael Murray. Cathal Roche, Kieran Quinn, Scott Flanigan, Linley Hamilton, and Stephen Davis.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I’m a saxophonist from Santiago, Chile. I love exploring identity through music and connecting with people emotionally through improvisation. I’m also really into visual art; it often inspires my compositions.
How would you describe your music?
It’s deeply personal and rooted in jazz, but I also bring in elements of South American heritage and storytelling. It’s about vulnerability and discovery.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Sonny Rollins, of course - he’s the reason I play tenor. Also, Wayne Shorter, Mark Turner, and my father, Marcos Aldana, who taught me everything early on.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
One of my dad’s gigs in Santiago. I remember sitting in the front row, totally mesmerised by the sound of the saxophone.
What was the first record you ever bought?
I think it was a Sonny Rollins album - Saxophone Colossus. I listened to it over and over, trying to transcribe every solo.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Right now, I’m really into Emanon by Wayne Shorter, it’s timeless and full of mystery.
Favourite lyric of all time?
I don’t usually focus on lyrics, but A Love Supreme by Coltrane feels like a prayer, even without words.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Probably Freedom Suite by Sonny Rollins, it’s powerful, political, and musically limitless.
Where can people find your music/more information?
You can find my music on all streaming platforms, and more info on my website and Instagram @melissaaldanasax.
Alan Corr
