Jérôme Sabbagh
Jazz composer and saxophonist
Started saxophone at age 15. Plays piano to compose and also does some drumming.
Discovered New York and its jazz clubs in 1990.
Moved there in 1995.
- Paris
- Tips
Jérôme Sabbagh’s
THE MANY PLEASURES OF PARIS
What makes you a real paryorker? Having been born in Paris and living in New York.
How did you become one? By forming groups in New York and having them tour in Paris. New York is the city of choice for a jazz musician, and Paris is a required stop on a European tour.
Do you know any other paryorkers? François Moutin, bass player; Laurent Coq, pianist; Jean-Michel Pilc, pianist.
How do these two cities contribute to balancing your personal and/or your professional life? New York is a must for music, Paris for family and friends.
What’s the difference between the New-Yorker you and the Parisian you? The New Yorker thinks quickly, effectively, and precisely in English. The Parisian is calmer and, as a general rule, lives life at a less frantic pace.
I somewhat heed the divide between the two cities, although the boundary is not impermeable.
What images do these two cities bring to mind? In the work of Miles Davis, Paris would be “Ascenseur pour l’échafaud” (Elevator to the Gallows). New York would be “Live at the Plugged Nickel.”
What’s your fondest memory of Paris? I was back in Paris. It was 5 PM and I was strolling all alone along the river bank. Suddenly I saw Notre Dame in the horizontal rays of the late-afternoon sun and I realized just how magnificent the city was. I had to leave and come back to appreciate it.
What’s the first thing you do when you set foot in Paris? For a long time, I used to drink an espresso in a café. Now, I don’t do anything special.
And the last one, when you leave? I take a bottle of French wine.
Do you have a ritual that’s intimately related to the city? I drink coffee with friends at sidewalk cafés in the middle of the afternoon. I go to artistic and experimental movie theaters.
What excites you about Paris? The highly feminine charm of Parisian women.
What annoys you? Parisians’ grumbling and people’s lack of consideration when in group situations.
Visitez le site Français