Vadim Eilenkrig - From orchestra to solo career. Vadim Eilenkrig: “If I have a son, I will definitely give him a trumpet. And what is your music like?”

The correspondent of "Main News of Ulyanovsk" talked with the jazzman shortly before his performance in Ulyanovsk.

– Vadim, please tell us about your childhood – what was it like: musical or ordinary, like most children?

– Like most musical children, I didn’t have a childhood. From the age of four he studied music. For years I spent four hours a day at the piano.

– Did you study music thanks to the influence of your dad?

– Yes, that’s right, because a child cannot make a choice at such an early age. My dad often told me that by playing music I would be a happy person. I didn't believe him then. And now I understand that he was absolutely right. I think true parental love does not lie in indulging children’s weaknesses and pampering them. It’s about understanding the child, educating him, even in a harsh form, and guiding him.

– At what age did you realize your dad was right and thank you for your musical choice?

– I realized it probably when I was 25-30 years old. But as for the words of gratitude, I now understand that I haven’t said them yet. Immediately after the interview I will call him and tell him that he was right.

– You have already chosen the trumpet yourself – why this particular musical instrument?

– At that time I didn’t have any moral strength to study the piano, I was just “pounding” at the sight of him. And I thought that the trumpet is simple, and it will be easy for me to learn to play it. Even just due to fingering. Then I had absolutely no idea that in terms of playing it was physically the heaviest instrument.

– What is this difficulty – the peculiarity of working with breathing?

– On the exhalation pipe there is 0.2 atmospheres – the highest exhalation resistance among wind instruments. It's like the camera of a football. And I inflate this chamber throughout the entire concert. If an ordinary person, even a sporty one, imagines that he has to do something like this within two hours, I think he will lose consciousness within the third minute. In addition, on the trumpet the range of notes changes due to the fact that you need to control your lips, but on the saxophone you just need to learn the fingering. Therefore, for a trumpeter to play a scale of three octaves, he needs five years, and a saxophonist – two weeks. But the trumpet has a huge advantage - there are many saxophonists, but only a few trumpet players.

– After realizing all the “charms” of playing the trumpet, did you have a desire to change the instrument?

– There is a choice that is not random. And there is such a thing as fate, which, however, I don’t believe in. The trumpet is absolutely my instrument, both in appearance, in sound, and in its role in music in general. Historically, troops were raised to attack precisely to the sound of a trumpet... The trumpet is a deeply lyrical musical instrument, whose sound is closest to the voice. But the saxophone is just good to dance to (laughs).

– There is an interesting fact in your creative biography - you were the first in Moscow to play with DJs.

– This is a purely commercial idea. It was implemented at a time when it was difficult for musicians in Moscow to make money. And club music was gaining popularity. And this idea of ​​ours has received a great continuation - now there are already quite a lot of musicians who play like this. People are always interested in live performance of good music in any form.

– Do you continue to do this now or have you moved away from it?

– Only within the framework of commercial projects or “just for fun” (literally: “just for fun, entertainment” - author). And today this is only a small part of what I do.

– In 2009, with Timur Rodriguez you created the jazz project “TheJazzHooligans”. Does it still exist?

– We have developed real friendly relations. Timur is an open, kind, sociable person. But this project, unfortunately, did not continue. Maybe it was due to incorrect positioning. Although, it is quite possible that the project may resume. The experience was really very interesting.

– You became the host of the “Big Jazz” television project on the “Culture” channel. What do you remember about participating in it?

– When they called me from the Kultura TV channel with an offer, I immediately agreed. To be honest, I’ve been ready to host some kind of television project for a long time. There was a very large casting, which I didn’t even know about - media personalities, jazz and rock musicians, theater artists. I felt organically in the role of presenter, but at the same time I felt that this was a very difficult type of activity, especially on a TV channel like “Culture”. If new offers come from them, I will accept them without hesitation. But if I am ever offered to change my profession to TV presenter, I will refuse.

– Were there those among the contestants whom you remembered most and began to collaborate with?

– I already knew most of the participants before the TV project. A creative union surprisingly developed with the contestant, who, unfortunately, left the project at the very beginning, Aset Samrailova. We created several programs and held concerts. Although she was the least jazzy person on the Big Jazz, she won over with her sincerity, voice, charm and professionalism.

– How is your relationship with Igor Butman, in whose jazz ensemble you played before?

– Despite the fact that I haven’t worked in his orchestra for five years, we continue to communicate, he is my close friend and in many ways an idol. Igor invites me to perform as a special guest. I record my albums on the “Butman Music” label.

– Have you ever performed with your dad?

- Unfortunately no. I started playing after he stopped performing. Although we worked on the same stage - me as a musician or presenter, and dad as a presenter.

– Can jazz lovers hope for the continuation of the family dynasty?

- Good question... If I have a son, I will definitely give him a trumpet. I don't know if he wants to play. But I would like him to at least try. And if there is a daughter, then I am against her playing the trumpet. Although I have several students who are quite promising...

– What place does sport occupy in your life?

– I have been involved in sports for a long time and seriously. For me it is as important a part of life as music. I am an absolute fan and promoter of a healthy lifestyle. As for the sport I do, it’s iron. More precisely, this is not even a sport, but aesthetics and philosophy. And I consider professional sports more entertainment for the public than benefit to those who engage in it.

– How do you spend your free time?

– I have so much dynamics in my life that I like to spend my free time in a calm environment: either with friends or on the couch, watching a good TV series in the company of good tea or coffee.

– Your wishes to the listeners on the eve of the concert in our city.

– My wish is very simple – listen to more good jazz music. Music, in my opinion, is the most abstract art, while painting, ballet, and poetry are more concrete. And jazz is the only style of music where there is improvisation, and you can understand how a person thinks and feels.

Sergey GOROKHOV

Photo from the Philharmonic archive

You have played in many countries, including the birthplace of jazz - the United States of America. Where was it more difficult to perform? Where is the public more demanding?
Of course, it's more difficult to play jazz in America! When you realize that audiences who have had the opportunity to listen to the greatest musicians come to concerts, this is a very big responsibility. I had a tour with Igor Butman’s big band and Yuri Bashmet’s orchestra, in which we played the symphonic suite “Scheherazade” by N.A. Rimsky-Korsakov. We have made an arrangement for trumpet of one of the most difficult violin solos, which is played without the accompaniment of an orchestra. The program took place in the best halls in America, such as the Chicago Symphony, Boston Symphony, and NY Rose Hall. It was not easy psychologically, imagine - you are surrounded by two orchestras, the best musicians and a very sophisticated audience. When Wynton Marsalis, the world's best jazz trumpeter today, was supposed to come to one of the concerts, I was very worried! During my studies at music school, he was a god to me. And for a long time I could not understand how to prepare for such a performance. But then I realized one thing: even Marsalis, being a god, sometimes makes small mistakes in his acting. The trumpet is a difficult instrument, and even a top-class professional is, first of all, a person, not a celestial being, and he, like any of us, tends to make mistakes. And I gave myself the right to make a mistake, because if I only think about how to play the piece perfectly, it still won’t turn out very well, the message will change - instead of the pleasure of playing there will be a fear of making mistakes.

After that, I decided to play in such a way that I liked the performance myself. Even if there is some defect, roughness or sound is a little off, and Marsalis, as a professional, hears it, he will definitely understand why this happened. And, as soon as I gave myself this right, I began to play solo perfectly. Now this is my magic formula that helps to tune in psychologically in all cases of life!

By the way, Wynton couldn’t come that evening, but another of my idols, Randy Brecker, was at the performance and two weeks later I received a letter from him, which included the following lines: “Hello, Vadim! I was at a concert at Lincoln Center. Impressed. Congratulations!".

This is undoubtedly a very inspiring assessment of your work. Do you always worry before going on stage? What helps you cope with this?
As I already said, I have an absolutely universal life formula - “the right to make mistakes”, which helps fight severe psychological pressure, because sometimes going out to play in the hall can be very exciting.

There are different categories of artists, I, for example, always very much doubt what I do, and at times I envy those who are sure that their work is done perfectly, they are the lucky ones. I'm not saying that someone is better or worse, but, as a rule, among musicians there are those who firmly know that they do everything flawlessly, and there are people who are always looking for an opportunity to improve and redo something. In art, I am closer to those who are always a little unsure, because, in my opinion, as soon as a person stops questioning what he is doing, he stops at the very first option that he came up with. I, on the other hand, am never completely satisfied with the result, and even when I was working on the record, I often re-wrote some solos. I doubt everything!

How long did you work on the record?
During two years. I'm not saying it's perfect, I'm quite critical in that regard. According to my personal feelings, neither one nor the second record achieved the ideal I desired. Although, they say that they turned out very good and of very high quality! In my opinion, when you stop doubting yourself, the next stage is “star fever”.

Have you ever had “star fever”?
No! I constantly doubt myself.

How is jazz perceived in Russia? Is it always understandable to the Russian audience?
There was jazz in Russia even in those years when official Soviet propaganda prohibited it. Now it is developing in the same way as other popular musical trends. People regularly go to numerous jazz concerts and festivals. It has become a kind of fashion trend. If you are a thinking, intelligent, well-mannered person, then you should love jazz. Another question is that many people listen to it, but do not understand at all what it is. In general, for the listener, the main thing in jazz is to begin to love and feel it, and understanding should come as information is received. Then a person can identify for himself what is better and what is worse. Although, personally, I don’t really like it when music is compared for “better and worse,” unless, of course, you don’t take into account some, well, frankly dubious examples of art.

It seems to me that there is a certain level, above which everything is already good, just in different ways. And people have the right to choose and the right to say “this is closer to me, but this is alien to me.” Today there are a lot of musicians who are simply ridiculous to compare. It's like comparing artists or writers of completely different styles.

As a similar comparison, can you name a couple of writers who work in different directions, but are your favorite?
For example, how can you compare Charles Bukowski and the classic of German literature, Erich Maria Remarque.

Remarque is an amazing writer. When I was seventeen years old and I read Arc de Triomphe, I drew some very superficial conclusions for myself. At the time it was just an interestingly written book, but later, re-reading it at a fairly mature age, I realized something that I could not understand in my younger years. I realized that everything written in “Arc de Triomphe”: about the attitude to life, the attitude towards women, about friendship, about philosophy, is perceived completely differently. Firstly, he writes about a 35-40 year old man who came to something through love and suffering. Secondly, it is so deep that the whole philosophy contained in this book is very close to me. I then re-read it several times and realized that this is my work.

I love Charles Bukowski madly, and if you compare him with an artist, he is a master who, with laconic, short and rough strokes, creates an absolutely stunning picture of reality. But, despite all this rudeness, he is a very romantic person. He writes about women not from the illusory world, but about real ones, battered by life, and not always happy. Or, when he writes about his daughter, this is a manifestation of unprecedented romanticism. Bukowski is a bully, and this is a plus, since I don’t really like “sleek, correct” art.

In America there is a state program for the development of jazz. Is there something similar in Russia? Is such a program needed in Russia? Perhaps it could help cultural development and instill a good taste for music among young people?
Maybe such a program is not needed in Russia. The fact is that in America jazz is recognized as a national treasure. For our country, jazz is one of the genres of music, and music is one of the areas of art. Of course, the potential of this genre is a little underestimated. In my opinion, jazz is amazingly developing. It is melodic, dynamic, free in terms of thinking, and I love jazz very much, but I admit that you can be an educated and intelligent person without deep knowledge of jazz as a direction of music.

It is generally accepted that jazz is music for the older generation. The combination of jazz and electronic music is becoming interesting for young people. In your opinion, will this musical formation increase youth interest in jazz? What is the interest of modern youth in jazz?
Now quite often a new generation appears at concerts. Very intelligent, beautiful, open people.

Do they attend classical jazz concerts or jazz combined with electronic music?
I see jazz mixed with electronic music as a joke. But this is a joke that requires a certain professionalism. If you don’t master the instrument and style, then nothing will work out. And the younger generation attends jazz concerts, regardless of style, and I definitely like it.

Is jazz mixed with electronic music a commercial move?
For me - yes. At the time when a certain mix of these trends was being created, there was a crisis period in society, and in culture in particular. The public preferred nightclubs to concerts, and the new trend gained great popularity. It all started with the “A-club” and “Gallery”, and later became in demand in many clubs.

The “Big Jazz” project on the “Culture” TV channel, in which you made your debut as a presenter, is designed to increase the media exposure of musicians? Are you interested in continuing your television career?
I was very pleased that my work as a presenter was highly appreciated by the management of the Kultura TV channel. If I am offered a project that will not take me more than a few days a month, and if this project is interesting to me, then I will gladly accept such an offer. But if I were now offered to say goodbye to my career as a musician in exchange for a career as a TV presenter, I probably wouldn’t go, because when you have an audience in front of you, then at the same time you have the opportunity to exchange energy and this is happiness. When there is a television camera in front of you, no one gives you energy, you only give it away. This is enough for some, but not for me. In my life, communication, energetic and emotional exchange of feelings and experiences play a big role. Interaction with my family, loved ones, friends, new interesting people, including my students, is very important to me.

The project was also designed to attract attention to the channel from a new social audience. Before the project, the TV channel "Culture" was watched mostly by adults, mostly women. One of the rating objectives was to attract men between the ages of thirty and fifty. The very layer that forms the basis of a creative society, the most advanced in the field of business. And we did it. As for the project participants, media presence in Russia needs to be constantly supported.

Do you support your media presence?
No. It seems to me that if I am not invited to host the next season of this show, then everyone will forget about this episode in my life.

One of your students was a participant in the “Big Jazz” project...
Yes, he simply studied with me for a long time, free of charge, now he has enrolled, and in parallel with his studies, he plays in Oleg Lundstrem’s orchestra. It’s possible that he didn’t win, and that’s a good thing, because a real fighter must go through a loss. I am very skeptical of people who only win, at some point they may not be able to handle failure. Failure is first and foremost an overcoming, and you will always know what you need to do to prevent similar situations from happening again.

You are a self-critical and demanding person. Do you treat your students the same way?
Yes! When I was learning to play the trumpet, I was obsessed with music. For this reason, I stopped going to clubs, quit a certain business that brought me income, and this was an absolutely conscious decision. For me, it was more important to make music than to make money, although this happened in the nineties and life was very difficult for musicians. But I decided to change my life because I realized that I couldn’t live without it. Therefore, when people come to me, I demand their full commitment. If my students are not studying to the best of their ability, then they are wasting my time, which is the most valuable asset I have. Music must be loved selflessly. In this regard, I don’t really understand those musicians for whom performing is a means of earning money or a means of gaining popularity. A professional should not have an emphasis on “I”, he should have an emphasis on music.

What emotions do bright students like the participant in the “Big Jazz” project evoke in you?
Of course I'm proud of them.

What about teaching in general?
For me, students are divided into two categories: the first category is very difficult, as if a roller skating rink rolled over you back and forth, and the second is inspiring, giving the feeling of flight, wings behind your back. In the first case, I, as a doubting person, always begin to think that the reason for the student’s failures is me. I explained something wrong, I didn’t see it, I didn’t understand it, and from time to time I go far enough in such thoughts, after which I understand that it’s destroying me. And, on the contrary, when I see that students are succeeding, they are developing their skills, I understand that I was able to help... This, in principle, is happiness for a teacher.

Can you call yourself a happy person?
Certainly. I built my life myself, so I am happy. I have something in my life that makes me happy and, it seems to me, I have protected myself in this life from everything that could bring me discomfort.

You have your own team. By what criteria, besides talent, did you form your team?
In general, creating an excellent professional team in Russia was my main task and I believe that despite all its complexity, I succeeded in this. In order to realize my idea, I needed to find the right people. The whole problem was that there are few good musicians in Russia, it seems that there are many of them, but in fact, this is not so. Secondly, there are few artists among musicians. An artist and a musician are completely different professions. In addition, I am an esthete, and for me an important criterion is a person’s appearance, he must look attractive to the public. There are even fewer of them. And from this number you need to choose those with whom you would be comfortable, from the point of view of human qualities. As a result, my musicians undoubtedly have professionalism, artistry, in its broadest sense, look aesthetically pleasing and have personal and spiritual merits.

What can you say about the label you were given on the Internet? Do you know about this?
If you are talking about the “sex symbol of Russian jazz,” then this was the creative work of one PR person who decided that it was very witty. I was initially against this, because when such statements are made about a jazz musician, it implies that he does not play as well as he should, or that it is much more important for him to become famous, even in such a dubious way, than to remain a professional. On the other hand, many beautiful girls and women of different ages come to my concerts, and to say that I am not interested would not be true. Of course, such attention from the fair sex is very flattering to my male vanity, and, of course, I am incredibly pleased to play for beautiful, inspiring women.

How do you feel about such labels and rumors about you?
I don’t like it when they can write something like this, for example, in a press release. Most people, instead of getting information about me on my official website, prefer search engines and reprint everything they find there. Including such gossip and speculation, but this is the inevitable downside of fame. Fighting such phenomena is a waste of time.

The presence of a large number of charming fans in your life is a good indicator. Can we talk about romance?
I am a very romantic person, and probably even old-fashioned in some ways. It seems to me that the only reason for people to live together is love. A man and a woman need each other for love and happiness, not for any other reasons. And certainly not by calculation.

Romance is an attitude towards a person, choosing him as your partner, thinking about him, this is when you live and breathe him. It doesn't have to be melodramatic, tearful and sugary. It can be different. This is partly a character trait and, to some extent, part of upbringing. My understanding of romance began with the magically beautiful, poignant fairy tales of Hans Christian Anderson, which my mother read to me. It seems to me that this natural loving mood was always present in me, both at the age of five and at fifteen...

In my youth, I really wanted to please girls, and then I went to the gym to be more masculine and attractive. On my part, this was also a manifestation of romanticism.

Sport is an integral part of your life. It is generally accepted that such loads are harmful for professional musicians. What is your opinion on this matter?
The gym is everyone's personal choice. Professional sports do not bring health benefits even for a professional athlete, but amateur sports only help a professional musician. I absolutely love this masculine feeling of strength. A man must be sporty and athletic, have a healthy competitive spirit and willpower. This is a lifestyle and my choice. I believe that a physically strong man can afford to be kind and generous in any situation. After all, when you are strong and give in, you don’t feel inferior, it’s your own decision, but the weak give in in a different way - out of despair, and not of their own free will.

My character was formed through sports. He taught me tremendous discipline, because to achieve even the most minimal result, you need to work monotonously day after day. I really respect people with “iron” willpower.

How do you manage to combine a touring schedule and a training schedule?
Very difficult. Especially when you go on tour and upon returning you realize that the form is not the same. Of course, not as bad as if you had never played sports, but not as good as you would like.

Is there any limit to self-improvement?
I'm more interested in the process itself rather than the end result. It is very important for me that I am on the move... Whether it concerns sports or music, the most important thing is that I am on the move. In my opinion, the goal is secondary. Sport, like music, is a way for me to be happy.

The secret of Vadim Eilenkrig's success...
I don’t have gigantic success and the same media exposure. But the secret of what I have achieved in this life is colossal work in the right direction, when you clearly understand what you need to achieve.

Advice from Vadim Eilenkrig...
Whatever we do and whatever we do, we must always remember that the most important thing in life is love! I am sincerely convinced of this. This applies to everything: relationships, friendships, careers, and even politics. Therefore, do not forget that love is the basis of everything.

Katerina Goltsman

Vadim Eilenkrig is famous as a jazz trumpeter and TV presenter, while the musician himself has repeatedly repeated that he does not consider himself exclusively a jazz musician. His music has a groove and he can easily relate to any musical style.

Vadim Simonovich was born on May 4, 1971 in Moscow. His father previously worked as a concert director for top stars on the Russian stage. The mother supports her husband in his creative activities.

Vadim Eilenkrig does not consider himself exclusively a jazz musician

Childhood and youth of Vadim Eilenkrig

Growing up in an atmosphere of creativity from childhood, the boy became interested in music at the age of four. Noticing his son’s efforts, his father sent him to a music school, in piano class. The second direction of his training was the trumpet, which, frankly speaking, surprised his parents.

Vadim continued to play the same brass instrument at the music school, and then at the University of Culture and Arts in Moscow. During his studies, having reconsidered his views, he transferred to the department of jazz music.

The turning point in his career came with the onset of the nineties. After hearing a composition on the radio by saxophonist Gato Barbieri, Vadim realized that music was his calling.

1995 was a decisive year for him in his future stellar career. Vadim Eilenkrig went to a jazz festival in Torgau, Germany, where the big band in which he played received first prize. After completing his studies, Vadim performed in famous jazz orchestras, including Anatoly Kroll and.

Creative activity of Vadim Eilenkrig

The trumpeter has many musical and creative connections with both foreign colleagues and domestic performers. He regularly plays in orchestral accompaniments at concerts.

If a musician has a free minute, he always gladly accepts an invitation to a performance by famous stars of Russian show business: Dmitry Malikov, Larisa Dolina and others.

From 1999 to 2010, the trumpeter was a soloist in the Moscow Jazz Orchestra.

In 2012, the musician released under the name Eilenkrig. In honor of this event, more than five presentation concerts were held.

Personal life of Vadim Eilenkrig

The musician is an eligible bachelor, for whose heart hundreds of fans are ready to fight. In the distant past, when Vadim was 19 years old, he was married. The duration of family life was three months.

Jokingly, the musician says: “Marriage became a kind of “vaccination”, after which I developed immunity.”

Thinking about his future soul mate, the trumpet player cannot describe the ideal woman. The main traits that his chosen one will have are kindness and wisdom.

For more than 10 years, Vadim Eilenkrig played in the Igor Butman Orchestra

“A woman, like an unopened book, should intrigue and become more interesting with each new page,” says Eilenkrieg.

The artist likes to joke: “Today I have a wife in my life - a copper pipe, and several mistresses - additional pipes.”

An eligible bachelor, Vadim Eilenkrig, is engaged in creative activities, and, as he himself says, he has no time for romantic relationships. But who knows, maybe tomorrow he will become a family man.

Vadim Eilenkrig told what profession he would have chosen if he had not become a musician.

Russian musician Vadim Eilenkrig shared with the men's magazine "Reputation in Life" how many knives are in his collection, how to maintain a relationship and how old his favorite bear is.

- You once wrote on your blog that you have a large collection of knives - about 60 pieces. Are you still doing this?

- (shows a folding knife that was lying on the table) Yes, there are knives. I have them everywhere. But I stopped collecting. Firstly, there are a lot of them. A folding knife for a collection is not an essential item. Secondly, I bought everything that I could still afford. And then absolutely astronomical prices begin. Folding knives are very complex in design. Accordingly, the price is different from a regular fixed blade knife. Fortunately, collecting has not become a fanaticism for me. But I want to make a small display shelf where I will display my favorite pieces. I have knives that only increase in value among collectors over time.

- Do you like Japan with their culture of edged weapons?

Certainly! I even have an apartment in such pseudo-Japanese minimalism: the doors to the bedroom are sliding (gets up, goes to the door and pushes it open). It is clear that the apartment is very Europeanized, but when I thought about the interior, I wanted oriental notes. There are two katanas, although not Japanese: one is Cambodian - very good. These craftsmen are proud that, among non-traditional tools, they use only a vice in production. One day, I foolishly cut down a birch tree with this katana. I still regret it: there was a beautiful birch tree growing, but I foolishly cut it down. But I respected the sword, because even such an untrained person as I was able to cut down a birch tree with one blow.

- You are the head of the department of jazz music and improvisation at the Maimonides State Classical Academy. Tell us about modern students.

Either I’ve already reached that age when you start to say “but in our time,” or something else. I could be wrong, but they are technically advanced both in performance and in life. These people were brought up not on face-to-face communication, but on communication through gadgets. Moreover, your best friend is a gadget. I have a strange feeling that this generation is losing its emotional component. I explain this by simple everyday situations.

Previously, I called a girl and waited for her at the monument to them. Pushkin. She only has a home phone, no cell phone or pager. You stand and get nervous if she is late: whether she will come or not. And now they just write: “I’m late.” There are no these deep experiences, some kind of correct, good fear. There is no concern in people. I don't know if this is good or bad. I don’t belong to people who say: “Let’s take away the iPads from the child.” But we will enter a society of less emotional people. At the same time, it will be easier for them to communicate and negotiate using gadgets.

- Then let me continue the topic of emotional poverty. You had a program with Daniil Kramer, “Two Jews: Rich and Poor.” Can we call modern society spiritually poor?

In fact, the title of the concert was a joke on my part. When you perform in any academic hall with traditions, you cannot simply write Daniil Kramer and Vadim Eilenkrig. You should always write: “With the program...”, then come up with whatever you want. I then came up with this joke that you can’t play like that with Igor Butman - it’s immediately clear who is rich and who is poor (laughs).

I would not say that the people are spiritually poorer. The percentage of thinking people is always approximately the same. The audience with whom we communicate at concerts, the children we see at master classes - they have completely different faces. They think, feel differently, they are educated, they read, they watch the TV channel “Culture”.

Recently I was invited to appear in the program “Good night, kids.” I’m incredibly happy because I think it’s the kindest program there can be. We grew up watching this show, waiting for it right from the morning. I found out that it is no longer on the central channels - it is on “Culture”. It's a little sad, that's probably how it should be.

- Let's get back to teaching. Do modern students like to work?

Again this depends on the specific case. Most of the trumpeters who study with me plow from morning to night. I immediately warn them all that it will not be any different. Of course, there are also those who do everything to the minimum.

- Did your parents force you to study music?

Of course they did. Who will voluntarily study at a music school after secondary school? But it seems to me that the upbringing and love of parents lies in doing quite firmly what they consider right for their child.

- Even if the parents are wrong?

Here you need to understand that education is a responsible matter. But giving a child the right to choose is ridiculous. Questioning something comes with age. How can a person with unformed views, with a lack of a philosophical mindset, be asked to make a choice? I think this is the most disgusting thing in pedagogy.

- You often give interviews. What is the difference between questions for women's and men's publications?

I somehow didn’t distinguish publications based on gender. Women are more interested in an abstract male view of gender relations. Men's publications have never asked me this question, although it seems to me that I could give good advice. There they are interested in the volume of my biceps and how much I bench press.

- Then I propose to move away from stereotypes - could you give recommendations to men on how to maintain relationships?

You could write a book about this. There is no one way. The only thing I would recommend men not to forget when meeting a woman is that she considers us an ideal. It’s not for nothing that the relationship at the very beginning is very good and vibrant. Now I will say one thing that superficial women will not agree with, I hope those who think will understand me.

First of all, a man must be something. Moreover, it does not depend on the amount of money or on appearance. Personality is wisdom, it is strength of character. Women don't leave such people. As soon as a man begins to behave in a way that is not “manly”, this is the end of the relationship. Only once in the eyes of a woman can you become “not a man.” No matter how much women tell men to give in to them in everything, it all ends in tears. We can give in to them in something, like a child: buy green or red boots. But the pair must have a leader and a follower. If at least once a man yields to a woman the role of leader, he is already a follower for her forever. No matter how much she says that he is great, that he is modern and prone to compromise, most likely she will not respect him. This is a delicate moment in a relationship; it requires wisdom. If you are just a tyrant, putting pressure on a woman, nothing will come of this either.

The worst thing a man can do is get into an argument with a woman when screaming and insults begin. A woman always wins in this field. If you also start shouting and insulting, you are not a man. If, God forbid, you hit him, you are not a man. Unfortunately, a woman should be afraid of only one thing - the departure of a man from her life. But even here you can’t go too far. Regular threats “I will leave you if you...” also lead you into the “not a man” category. Relationships are complicated things.

- You said that your favorite authors Charles Bukowski, Erich Maria Remarque, Ernest Hemingway. Why do you read books about the lost generation?

I didn't think about it, but now I understand them. A person who came of age in the 90s in Russia cannot be indifferent to Remarque’s work. When I read Arc de Triomphe, I understand that it is about me. I absolutely agree with what the main character Ravik feels as he says. And how he builds an amazing relationship with Joan Madu, realizing that this will not lead to anything.

As you get older, you begin to pay more and more attention to politics. It became interesting to read Orwell. But preferences do not stop only at fiction. Now I am enjoying reading the works of Richard von Krafft-Ebing, a psychiatrist of the late 19th century.

- In one of your interviews, you said that if you weren’t a musician, you would have become a psychiatrist. Do these interests come from your failed profession?

Yes, I think I would become a very good psychiatrist. My close friend is a psychiatrist. But I understand that he lives in hell, because it’s rare that someone goes crazy and sees the sun with flowers. These are happy people, but there are very few of them. Basically, his patients are being persecuted by someone, walls are moving, they have anxiety, some kind of phobias. He is constantly in this. A very difficult profession. I don't know how long a positive person like me could stand there. But I would be interested.

- About six or seven years ago you wrote on your blog: “Just think about it: most of the people around us are unwanted children. That's the whole problem." Where did such thoughts come from?

Some people even cursed me for this post. But it's true. It's rare that two people meet, love each other, and deliberately have children. Now I’m not talking about those children who were born as a result of a casual acquaintance. I wanted to say how many children there are from unwanted men, women or relationships. When a woman gets married to improve her living conditions, in this case she also gets unwanted children.

The mechanism is simple: two people meet, passion flares up and nature says: “This is where the strongest children will be.” And when this passion is not there... It is clear that these children will be loved, they may be welcome, but they are unwanted. If you imagine the number of people around us who simply shouldn’t have existed, who appeared by chance, I get scared.

And then I look at my friends. Those children who were born out of love and consciously are somehow different: healthier, more beautiful, more developed. Surprisingly, this is true.

- Let's go back to the positive. You said that you love the fairy tale “The Steadfast Tin Soldier.” Where did this come from?

I am very grateful to my mother that the main fairy tales she read to me were Andersen’s fairy tales. They don't always end positively. And this is good, because in life, too, not everything is always smooth. On the other hand, what is considered a positive ending? The soldier loved the ballerina, and she loved him too. The little mermaid died, but she had strong feelings.

In my opinion, this is an absolutely eastern approach, when what is much more important is not the goal, as for a European, but the path. Probably, in my opinion, I am closer to Asia, because for me the path is of much greater value than the result. If I were offered to get everything at once “at the behest of a pike,” it would have no value. The most important thing is what you gain in the process of achievement. Character, outlook on life, volitional and moral qualities change. Without the path this would not have happened. A person who gets everything easily does not appreciate it.

Favorite things of Vadim Eilenkrig.

• Food. Meat. A lot of meat. I try not to eat pork, not for religious reasons - it's just "heavy". I was in Shargorod visiting Sergei Badyuk’s mother. There was so much food there (grabs his head) that the tables actually stood on three floors! And Badyuk kept scaring me that I would feel bad. But everything was so delicious!

• Drink. I have two of them. If in the morning, then cappuccino. And in the afternoon, but not late in the evening, then pu-erh - Chinese black tea. I try to drink it before six in the evening. Otherwise, it is very difficult to fall asleep. When I drink cappuccino, I feel like a European: breakfast, coffee, newspaper, smartphone. With a cup of pu-erh I feel like an Asian.

• Children's toy. If you don't take into account the huge number of children's weapons that I had, my closest friend was a teddy bear named Junior. Moreover, I didn’t give him a name based on his age or size - he was a Junior Lieutenant. I was such a militaristic child. I really wanted to serve in the army, I only watched films about the Great Patriotic War. The most interesting thing is that not long ago I came to my parents, climbed onto the mezzanine and found Junior there. Now he lives with me again. The bear is 45 years old.

• A subject at school. Interest depended on the personality of the teacher. History - we had an amazing history teacher. He taught me to think in terms of cause and effect. The next one is anatomy, because there was also an incredible teacher with a beard - a hipster in our opinion.

• Hobby. I can’t consider the gym as a hobby - it’s some kind of philosophy. Although my psychiatrist friend considers this a kind of variant of the disorder and the prevention of anxiety. I really like TV series - the absence of special effects often results in good acting. I also love cooking and collecting knives.

• Human. A lot of them. I can't choose just one among them. The greatest happiness is when you come to a certain point and determine your social circle. And you communicate with people you love, and it’s interesting to be with them.

• Time of day. I don’t have any favorite dates or seasons. Favorite time is life.

• Animal. I have always dreamed of a dog. But if we talk about animals that cannot be owned, I am terribly fascinated by monkeys. I can watch programs about them for hours, I can hang out at the enclosure at the zoo. Recently I was in Armenia in a private zoo, where there were mostly monkeys. There is a huge enclosure with real nature and no cages. I think monkeys are sometimes more human than some characters.

• Favorite series."Californication", "Game of Thrones".

• Sport. The only thing I watch is UFC mixed martial arts with famous fighters. I know that Fedor Emelianenko signed a contract for 3 fights. Of course I will watch him because he is a legend. In addition, my friend Sasha Volkov, a heavyweight, signed a contract and won the first fight. I watch him and root for him.

• Song. There is not one. I really love Queen, the Beatles, Michael Jackson and lyrical Soviet songs: “Why is my heart so disturbed.” A brilliant work: “One among strangers, a stranger among one’s own.” I am happy that I met Eduard Artemyev and had the honor of playing on the same stage with him. I am doubly pleased that he then wrote me a letter where I realized that I was doing everything right.

“VD” spoke with one of our most popular jazz musicians about his favorite things: trumpets, concert venues, fans and women.

Which venues do you like most - in Russia and abroad?
Of the Russian ones, of course, the “House of Music”, both the pretentious Svetlanovsky Hall and the cozy Teatralny Hall. I like the second one because it creates a feeling of incredible, almost physical closeness with the audience. And from abroad - Rose Hall and Carnegie Hall in New York, because these are the two places where I liked my solos, and I always doubt what I do.

What is the secret to a successful concert?
Every day you play for 4-5 hours. If you prepare less, then on the day of the performance you will think not about the music, but about how physically exhausted you will be by the end of the event. Preparation is 10 days of hell, but the concert itself is happiness. Jazz does not require a large number of fans, but, as a rule, these people are adults, educated, with a developed sense of beauty; communicating with them is a pleasure. Although, of course, not without exceptions. For example, one fan once wrote to me: “Being killed by your hands is a dream.” And such people do exist.

Does it matter what trumpet a musician plays?
My colleagues make a colossal mistake when they change the car, but do not change the pipe. This is incomprehensible to me, because a car is, whatever one may say, a piece of iron, and a pipe is a tool that gives you the opportunity to communicate with the world. I've had many instruments in my life, but one that stands out is the trumpet that Dave Monae made to suit my weight, height, build, and even my vision of how I should play. It's like the love of your life. All previous pipes are my story, they are with me, but I don’t return to them. Pipes have to be replaced over time, but I really hope that I will do major repairs to my beloved, but I will not change her.

Is age important for a jazz performer?
In pop music, a girl is gorgeous at 20, loses her popularity at 30, and becomes funny at 40. But in jazz it’s different: it turns out, for example, Cesaria Evora or Natalie Cole, who are already over 60, and you trust them like no one else, because they have lived their lives.

Which of the current jazz musicians do you find most interesting?
When it comes to my fellow trumpet players, there are two absolutely incredible people: Ryan Kisor and Sean Jones. They are mesmerizing in the way they express their thoughts through music. I highly recommend them.

Are there any young Russian musicians who, in your opinion, deserve close attention?
Saxophonist Dmitry Mospan is the winner of the “Big Jazz” television project. Polina Zizak is a young singer, participant in the show “The Voice”. They have already established themselves as musicians, but time will tell whether they will gain media fame.

You have worked a lot with foreign performers. How are they different from ours?
Efficiency and discipline. I remember how we recorded our first record in New York with the participation of world jazz stars. The meeting at the studio was scheduled for 10 am. Out of habit, Igor Butman and I arrived at 10.15 and were surprised to find that all the musicians were already waiting for us, played and connected to all the necessary equipment. Discipline is something that not only domestic musicians, but Russian people in general lack.

You give the impression of a very active person: you collaborate with a variety of musicians, from Lyube to Umaturman, from Dmitry Malikov to Igor Butman. How do project ideas come about?
Often proposals for cooperation come naturally. For example, this happened with the TV project “Big Jazz”: they called me and passed the casting. Despite my apparent activity, I am a very lazy person: I like to make myself tea and stick it in front of the TV. And something comes on its own - because, apparently, it’s the right tea, the right sofa, the right TV series. If you channel positive energies through yourself, the situation will be such that sooner or later you will be offered exactly what you need. If you haven't been offered this yet, it means the time hasn't come yet.

That is, if you want to succeed, you just need to wait for the weather by the sea...
You see, in order to sit like this, drink pu-erh and conduct the right energies through yourself, you had to go to music school from the age of 4, not have a childhood, study like hell all the time. At the age of 15, a gym appeared in my life, almost every day I had to lift 5-7 tons, eat right, and get enough sleep. My whole life is the result of constant work on myself.

Aren't you afraid of old age?
I'm afraid, of course. But not gray hair and wrinkles, but physical weakness. In relation to myself, I do not accept weakness. Definitely: either I will be strong or I will die. Therefore, I constantly work on myself.

Don't you feel tired?
I’ve been going to the gym for 25 years and doing 4-5 identical exercises that I love and don’t plan to change. If you have lost interest in something, it means you didn't really like it. People are generally divided into two categories: those who are able to love, and those who are not given this.

You talk so much about love...
Certainly! After all, the main message not only of jazz, but of everything that surrounds us is love. You go on stage - and what should you bring if not love? The desire to please the public, to earn money? All this is superficial.

Are you satisfied with everything in your life?
Except one. I hope that someday a miracle will happen in my life and I will meet a woman who will become the mother of my children. I am very focused on this. Recently I came to a terrible realization that there are many such truly good women. I thought that there were none, but now I see that there are many of them. So the problem is me, so I'm working on it. It’s like when you come to the Alcoholics Anonymous club: “Hello, my name is Vadim, and I’m an alcoholic.” As soon as you admitted this, realized that the problem is in you, you take the “path of correction.” I think I will solve this problem in the near future. I recognize my woman by two qualities: I should be fascinated by the way she looks and the way she expresses her thoughts. Nothing more is needed.