Interview with Quico Pugès
- Written by Cathy Morris
It came to me one day when doing some musical contemplating what might others think?
So I thought why not ask?
And I reached out.
And they answered.
So starts the beginning of
THE INTERVIEW
– a series of questions –
next up – Quico Pugès
Another new friend affiliated with the Barcelona Fiddle Congress
who also shares his thoughts with us.
How Do You Describe Your Music?
My music is diverse. I’m not confortable putting me and my music in one style. I love folk music, pop music, latin, jazz, classical and I really like trying to improvise in those styles and learning from all of these.
What’s Your Latest Project?
My latest Project is about learning process. I’m working on a CD-book with my own pieces for 2, 3 and 4 cellos. This book will containt scores, explains about how to play, how to arrange scores, how to improvise using some parts of these pieces, etc. I believe in changing the tradicional ways on musical schools opening more posibilities for the students and also for the teachers!!
Do You Play More Then One Instrument?
Yes! I play a double bass and guitar. And I placed a little bit accordion and trombon.
When I see a new instrument for me I fall in love for a little time! I like so much.
Do You Recommend That?
I recomend to know a little bit the playing of some harmonichal instrument. I think that can help to thinking the music with a context.
Who Are Some Other Players You’ve Enjoyed Collaborating With?
I play with “Brossa quartet de corda”. Its my quartet and we collaborate with some singers and musics of my little nation.
Who would you like to play with that you haven’t?
I don’t know. I really like to think that I can play with so many people without an important name. I play with functional diversity people and the things that we construct when we play together haven’t any price.
Where Has Been One of Your Favorite Places to Perform?
I remember with special love a concert in cala Jòncols, a little beach in l’Empordà. We play electronic music with quartet and drums during the evening. It was magic.
Also, in the MACBA museum on Barcelona. I play techno music with four contemporany dancers.
Favorite Gear?
For me, I love loopstation. It’s a basic gear that let me be a composer at the same time that I play. All the musicians can be composers and experiment on this way!
Fav Summer Camps or Educational Opportunities?
I would to know more Camps. For me, Eugene Friesen was a good opportunity to see the cello from other contexts, without the need to belong on unique style.
I think that Natalie Haas and Alasdair Fraser make a great task with their summer Camps.
Who do you like to listen to?
It depend of the moment. Sometimes I like Beatles, sometimes Janacek…
Oscar Pettiford, Franz Schubert, Charles Mingus, Michael Jackson, Chet Baker,Clement Petit, Ludwig van Beethoven, Dexter Gordon, Édith Piaf, Janis Joplin, Miles Davis, Natalie Haas, Jorge Pardo, Jaroussky, Arvo Part, Grapelli, Stephan Braun, Janacek, Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley, Paco de Lucia, Amy Whinehouse, Otis Reding, Jamiroquai…
What Do You Recommend to an aspiring Improviser?
Listen and play from the begining. Left the paper and writting for tomorrow.
How Do You Overcome Self Conscience Playing?
Any Other Tips On Performance Practices?
When you are practicing, go to wrong or difficult parts. Work on it. Is in these part where you can improve!
Final thought: philosophy, quote…anything at all…
I think that we have the responsability to change the tradition. Music education is more than learn to play an instrument in a language (like classical music). I love this language but I feel injustice if I don’t teach others. That’s my intention. Change this tradition.
Listen to Quico here: