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What drives the Saxman
Sekpol Aoonsamran talks about his career and the influences that have brought him to this point in life as a legendary artist
- Published: 28/11/2009 at 12:00 AM
- Newspaper section: Muse
His crucial role as the pioneer of popular jazz music for modern jazz fans in Thailand aside, Sekpol "Koh" Aoonsamran (aka Koh Mr. Saxman) is also responsible for creating a new music "home" base - Chillin' Groove Record - for musicians, especially modern jazz artists. And undeniably, his name is the first to come to mind when talking about jazz with Thai artists.
Koh Mr. Saxman sits down with 'Muse' and shares some of the things he holds most dear to in his life, which play a big part in his everyday life and reflects the spirit that has made him who he is today.
Royal Composition of HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej - No musician, especially saxophonists, in Thailand doesn’t know the Royal Composition ofHMthe King; every student at Saxsociety.com has to pass and play Falling Rain correctly before they can move on and learn the next song.
Honesty in Career - One of the most important responsibilities a musician has to the audience is to give them their best effort at every performance. There are many bands out there who release just one album and then give up simply because it wasn’t as well received by audiences as they had hoped for. But I think that we can never really know which album will be a success. It might be the second album or the third album ... but the important thing is that we continue to produce more works.
Sunday Bangkok - I really love Bangkok on Sundays because there’s far less traffic. Which means a lot less stress when going to some ofmy favourite spots to chill out and get something yummy to eat. I enjoy hanging out at Sanam Luang, Sao Chingcha and around Rattanakosin Island all day.
Dave Koz - He is my biggest inspiration. I’ve been impressed with his songs since I was about 22 or 23 years old; I even transcribed and featured my own saxophone on one of his tracks. One day I received a surprising phone call from Dave Koz—he called to invite me to jam with him at his live concert in Bangkok. And after having met him my shows thereon changed ever since. Performing with him was a great experience. It taught me to also give others a chance, and that with any performance—whether it be an hour long or a few hours long—we should play it to our best.
Cappuccino - Coffee isn’t as tasty as pure cocoa, but I like to drink at least one cappuccino a day. I think Imight be addicted to it!
Saxophone - A saxophone is like a magnet that finds me. Every time I see one, I can’t help but draw closer to it to find out what brand, what edition it is, and how good or well it’s made. I think the saxophone is the only instrument that can motivate and drive me.
About the author
- Writer: Tanaporn Tangwijittraporn
- Position: Writer
