This performance at the Made in NY Jazz Festival in Montenegro was an unforgettable milestone.
—Jeff Tain Watts
Grammy-Nominated saxophonist Yaacov Mayman talks about the debut of his composition “Tik Tok" at the Made in NY Jazz Festival, Montenegro.
Q: Yaacov, congratulations on performing at Montenegro's Made in NY Jazz Festival. How was the experience performing at the Submarine Muzeon in Tivat?
Yaacov Mayman: Thank you! Performing at the Submarine Muzeon in Tivat was an unforgettable milestone. The unique setting and the venue's rich history made it a truly magical experience. The audience was incredible, and the atmosphere was electric.
Q: You premiered your new composition, “Tik Tok," at this festival. Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind this piece?
YM: “TikTok" reflects our times, capturing modern life's fast-paced rhythm and the jazz genre's constant evolution. It blends traditional jazz and contemporary influences to bridge the past and present.
Q: Your performance featured some remarkable musicians. Can you tell us about your band members for this event?
YM: I had the honor of performing with a stellar lineup. On bass, Nathan East, we had a world-renowned player who has worked with legends like Jorge Duke, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Wonder. Jeff Tain Watts brought his immense talent on drums, having played with Branford Marsalis, Kenny Garrett, Wynton Marsalis, and George Benson. The arrangement for “Tik Tok" was written by Jeremy Fletcher, a New York-based composer nominated for eight Grammys. It was a privilege to work with such incredible artists.
Q: You've represented New York for 24 years, working with the best Latin American Jazz and Afro-Latin bands. How has this influenced your music?
YM: New York is a melting pot of cultures and sounds, and this diversity has deeply influenced my music. Working with legends like Bobby Sanabria, John Benitez, Axel Tosca, and Jesus Molina has enriched my understanding of different musical traditions and styles. It has allowed me to blend these influences into my compositions, creating a unique sound reflecting my music journey.
Q: What does it mean to you to debut “TikTok" at the most prestigious jazz festival in the world?
YM: It’s a tremendous honor. The Made in NY Jazz Festival is a pinnacle event in the jazz world, and to premiere my new composition here is a dream come true. It validates the hard work and dedication I've put into my craft, and it's gratifying to share my music with such a passionate audience.
Q: What's next for you after this performance?
YM: I look forward to continuing to create and perform. A few exciting projects are in the pipeline, including collaborations with some amazing artists and plans for a new album. I’m excited to see where this journey takes me next.
Q: Any final thoughts you’d like to share with your fans?
YM: I want to thank everyone for their support and for being part of this incredible journey. Music is a universal language that connects us all, and I’m grateful to share this experience with you. Stay tuned for more exciting music ahead!
Q: Yaacov, congratulations on performing at Montenegro's Made in NY Jazz Festival. How was the experience performing at the Submarine Muzeon in Tivat?
Yaacov Mayman: Thank you! Performing at the Submarine Muzeon in Tivat was an unforgettable milestone. The unique setting and the venue's rich history made it a truly magical experience. The audience was incredible, and the atmosphere was electric.
Q: You premiered your new composition, “Tik Tok," at this festival. Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind this piece?
YM: “TikTok" reflects our times, capturing modern life's fast-paced rhythm and the jazz genre's constant evolution. It blends traditional jazz and contemporary influences to bridge the past and present.
Q: Your performance featured some remarkable musicians. Can you tell us about your band members for this event?
YM: I had the honor of performing with a stellar lineup. On bass, Nathan East, we had a world-renowned player who has worked with legends like Jorge Duke, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Wonder. Jeff Tain Watts brought his immense talent on drums, having played with Branford Marsalis, Kenny Garrett, Wynton Marsalis, and George Benson. The arrangement for “Tik Tok" was written by Jeremy Fletcher, a New York-based composer nominated for eight Grammys. It was a privilege to work with such incredible artists.
Q: You've represented New York for 24 years, working with the best Latin American Jazz and Afro-Latin bands. How has this influenced your music?
YM: New York is a melting pot of cultures and sounds, and this diversity has deeply influenced my music. Working with legends like Bobby Sanabria, John Benitez, Axel Tosca, and Jesus Molina has enriched my understanding of different musical traditions and styles. It has allowed me to blend these influences into my compositions, creating a unique sound reflecting my music journey.
Q: What does it mean to you to debut “TikTok" at the most prestigious jazz festival in the world?
YM: It’s a tremendous honor. The Made in NY Jazz Festival is a pinnacle event in the jazz world, and to premiere my new composition here is a dream come true. It validates the hard work and dedication I've put into my craft, and it's gratifying to share my music with such a passionate audience.
Q: What's next for you after this performance?
YM: I look forward to continuing to create and perform. A few exciting projects are in the pipeline, including collaborations with some amazing artists and plans for a new album. I’m excited to see where this journey takes me next.
Q: Any final thoughts you’d like to share with your fans?
YM: I want to thank everyone for their support and for being part of this incredible journey. Music is a universal language that connects us all, and I’m grateful to share this experience with you. Stay tuned for more exciting music ahead!
