An interview with Mr. Salman Gambarov, prepared by Nigar Salamzada exclusively for Azerbaijan Today Magazine.
Salman Gambarov is a virtuoso pianist, composer, and the founder of Bakustic Jazz, a group renowned for its unique blend of traditional motifs and improvisational freedom. His music transcends stylistic boundaries, merging national music with global jazz trends. Performing on prestigious stages across Europe, America, and Asia, he brings Azerbaijan’s rich musical heritage to the world. Gambarov not only creates original compositions but also inspires a new generation of musicians, proving that jazz is a living, evolving language capable of uniting cultures and eras.
A.T: Maestro, jazz is a musical genre characterized by improvisation, complex rhythmic structures, and a unique freedom of expression. As a prominent figure in Azerbaijani jazz, I’d love to hear your perspective—what does jazz mean to you?
S.G: Jazz is multifaceted and stylistically diverse. I have an academic background in musicology and composition, and in my work, I explore both folklore (East or West? project) and academic music (Lieder Leaders project), while also performing my own compositions (Memory, Rahab, Ostinato, etc.). To me, jazz is a way of thinking—it allows me to blend different styles, including avant-garde elements from both academic and jazz traditions. A special part of my concert practice is spontaneous jazz. (Such as my duet with pianist Florian Weber and improvisation for the silent film “My Grandmother”.)
A.T: If the world could listen to only one musical genre which would you choose? Jazz or something else?
S.G: That’s a tough question, but I’d say contemporary jazz! It has the capacity to incorporate all the achievements we find in baroque, classicism, romanticism, and beyond—even the radical experiments of 20th-century music.
A.T: What life lessons have you learned from your musical journeys and collaborations with other artists?
S.G: It’s always a thrill! Playing different music with diverse musicians is a reward from the Almighty for the hard work of my parents and teachers, which I believe was not in vain.
A.T: Has there been an unexpected source of inspiration that has influenced your work the one that few people know about?
S.G: The birth of my son, Teymur Gambarov, in 1986.
A.T: You are a descendant of the renowned opera singer Huseynaga Hajibababekov and followed in his footsteps by becoming a musician. Would you like your children or grandchildren to continue your path?
S.G: Thank you for mentioning my grandfather on my mother’s side! My son studied music for seven years, specializing in violin, and I introduced him to jazz from an early age. He developed an excellent taste in music, which helps him in life. Now, he is a screenwriter and director in the field of auteur cinema, and I can say without false modesty that he has achieved notable success. However, music remains in our family—my nephew, Nijat Salmanov, is the principal flutist of the Azerbaijan State Symphony Orchestra named after Uzeyir Hajibeyli, and my grandnephews and grandnieces are also involved in music, with considerable success! I sincerely wish all young musicians to reach creative heights in life.
For Salman Gambarov, jazz is a way of thinking, where tradition and innovation go hand in hand, creating space for improvisation and self-expression. In conclusion, it is worth noting that music is a legacy passed down not only through recordings and concerts but also through people. Salman Gambarov is a part of this legacy — his music preserves and renews the traditions of Azerbaijani jazz. He continues to inspire listeners and young musicians, proving that jazz is not just a genre, but a whole world. May future generations of musicians continue this tradition, finding their voice and truth through improvisation.
JAZZ | Salman Gambarov & Bakustic Jazz – In memory of Emil Hasanov
MUSZON – Salman Qəmbərov & Bakustic Jazz (Opus 3)
