JAZZNU.COM · May 22, 2020
Iman Spaargaren: "Coincidentally I was cleaning up some old stuff today - I have plenty of time now - and came across an article about myself and my new CD High Tide Low Tide with the Undercurrent Trio. The headline of the article is "Doing nothing is not an option." Exactly, that's me in one sentence. Indeed, I always have plenty of things to do, study (endless possibilities!), play in various, often self-initiated projects or organize all kinds of things.
So, partly, my current life hasn't changed that much compared to the pre-corona era. But on the other hand, as for so many people, my concerts have completely dried up and that hurts. At first I was a bit cranky about it and was also in the denial phase for a while: no man, it will be fine, soon we can play again ... By now I know better and I am concerned about the future of the cultural sector in the Netherlands and beyond.
Iman Spaargaren: “I take into account a completely different future and a completely changed cultural landscape.” Foto Gemma Kessels
For the coming fall, some really fun things are about to happen: a tour with StarkLinnemann Quartet to China (?!) and a reprise of the music theater production My Father Held a Gun in Brussels. I hope that all will continue, but also take into account a completely different future and a completely changed cultural landscape. Because of corona, a summer course of mine at Stichting Buitenkunst might not take place. And concerts in Argentina with the Undercurrent Trio and with the StarkLinnemann Quartet at the famous Liszt Competition in TivoliVredenburg have already been cancelled. I will postpone my planned CD release of Sly Fly with a new formation under my guidance called Eyeman All Stars until further notice.
Of course I miss out on income and great concerts. But what also bothers me is that all preparations have been in vain. Some concerts I have been able to postpone to later in the year or to 2021. We're going to see what will happen. I now follow the news about the corona measures less fanatically. Important news sources for me are the Kunstenbond and the Facebook group Platform for Freelance Musicians.
My grumpyness has disappeared and suddenly it appears that there is also room for activities for which I previously had less time or which I organised differently. Fortunately, the government has come up with the Tozo (temporary financial support for independent entrepreneurs, TB) and that offers some financial space.
Iman Spaargaren: “My grumpyness has disappeared and suddenly it appears that there is also room for activities for which I previously had less time or which I organised differently” Foto Gemma Kessels
In the past period I have been able to develop a surprising number of new ideas into new compositions. Suddenly there was a "stream of creativity"! It will have to do with the paradoxical situation that, despite concerns about the future of the performing musician, peace has also arisen in my head.
It is of course also quieter in the city, I go out a lot walking my dog. I am enjoying studying bass clarinet and flute and that also gives me new ideas for compositions. There is time to look at applications for subsidy, such as Sena subsidies(Foundation for the Exploitation of Neighboring Rights, TB).
With my project Pelican Three with guitarist Mark Tuinstra and trumpet player Dirk Beets we recently did an online concert and drummer Franc auf dem Brinke asked me to play in a video to celebrate International Jazz Day 2020. Together with Deborah Carter, Charli Green and Joe Rivera, we played the song Route 66. Each one was performing at his own home and by means of a split screen it all was turned into a flashy clip.
My teaching practice has also changed enormously. I now teach each student as well as my two workshop groups via Zoom and Skype. That brings a whole new way of teaching. Because playing together is practically impossible, I work a lot with homework and creative assignments, such as recording your own part of a duet or arrangement and bringing it together with recordings from other students. I now record much more with Logic and the like than before. Material such as accompaniment tracks for students as well as own compositions and try outs.”
