Following two years of solo touring, French-Israeli pianist, composer, and author Yaron Herman is set to release a new album on Naïve Records called Radio Paradise. It is a collaboration with some of Europe’s finest improvising performers: Ziv Ravitz, his longtime collaborator, on drums; Haggai Cohen Milo on bass; acclaimed saxophonist Alexandra Grimal; and María Grand, a rising international star, also on sax. The album is a search for depth and sincerity, featuring all original music by Herman with a focus on elegant melodies, lyricism and powerful rhythms.
In addition to the album release, Herman recently published a book called The Creative Spark (Le Déclic Créatif) with the renowned French publisher Fayard. In it, he explores the nature of creativity, challenging the myth that it is an innate gift. Instead, he argues that creativity is a skill that anyone can develop. He discusses both of these projects in this exclusive interview…
UKJN: Your new album is called Radio Paradise – what is the meaning behind that title?
Yaron Herman: It came up during a conversation in the studio and can have different layers of interpretation. I’m more curious to see how people will find their own interpretation of it. I have mine, but the fun is really in the quest for meaning, asking the questions is far more interesting than my possible answer. The question could be: While listening to the music on the album, what quality can relate to the idea of paradise and a radio?
UKJN: Tell us a little about the music…
YH: I really think the music speaks for itself. The main thing we tried to do was put as much intention and intensity into each melody and sound as possible. Music is about connection – connection to the songs, to each other, and to the listener/spectator. I truly believe there would be no way to describe or reduce each piece to a few sentences or even many without betraying its true meaning.
UKJN: You talk in the liner notes about melody being at the core of this project. Who are some composers that you draw inspiration from, specifically with regard to melody?
YH: It’s a wide spectrum ranging from Keith Jarrett to Ornate Coleman to Sufjan Stevens and Gabriel Faure. And in terms of structure also the way cathedrals are built, or some poetry. Trying to build an edifice, solid enough a structure so that inspiration flows through it. A musical scenario that is a catalyst for the improvisation to come.
UKJN: The frontline of your band on the album is María Grand and Alexandra Grimal on tenor saxophones. Were you hearing tenor sax(es) while composing the tunes, or did the lineup become this way because you wanted to feature those two artists in particular?
YH: Yeah, it was tenor all the way. I really love the sound of the tenor, especially when it doubles the melody. That’s why there’s so much of it on the album. Maria (on most tracks of the album) and Alexandra (on 3 tracks) both have a very spiritual approach to sound and music. Whenever they play something I « believe « them. And they are both very honest and will play only what they hear. They are not afraid to take risks and are deep listeners, all of the above, are qualities that help the band create a unique sound and flow.
UKJN: You are joined in the rhythm section by Haggai Cohen Milo on bass and Ziv Ravitz on drums. What do you value most about the playing they bring to Radio Paradise and some of your other previous projects?
YH: I’ve been playing with Ziv for over fifteen years now and he’s truly one of the closest people to me and knows exactly what I’m going for. He is one of the most empathic musicians I know and has amazing ears and musicality. He always puts the music first and foremost. Haggai brings a really grounded and solid element to the band, strong time, beautiful sound and rhythmical ideas that propel the pulse forward. The hook-up with Ziv works very well. They can both be extremely subtle and extremely explosive and unpredictable so we can go anywhere at any time, and that is a rare and wonderful feeling.
UKJN: You are coming to Ronnie Scott’s on 30 May as part of the album tour. Will the band be the same at that concert and what else can audience members expect from the evening?
YH: The band will be quasi the same, only with the great French drummer Gautier Garrigue on drums for the occasion. The audience members can expect the repertoire from the album as a launching pad but explorations and improvisations unique to that night. And us playing with our hearts, as always.
UKJN: It will be a return to Ronnie’s stage for you – what have you enjoyed about playing there in the past?
YH: Absolutely, it’s a wonderful place to play and I’m very much looking forward to it.
UKJN: In addition to the upcoming album, you recently released a book called The Creative Spark, in which you argue that creativity is a skill anyone can develop. Without giving too much away, what are some methods aspiring artists can use to develop their creativity?
YH: I think one major thing to keep in mind is that you must » love the process more than the result ». If you manage to find meaning, beauty and passion in the endless grind of practising, through activating your imagination and applying creative strategies to your daily routine there’s no limit to your progress. In the book, I go into it in greater detail but the main takeaway is that creativity is a mindset and that there are many ways to develop and cultivate it.
UKJN: What is next for you?
YH: Touring with the Radio Paradise album, we have concerts coming up in many cities in Europe and more to be announced soon.
