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Host:
Tonight, we are welcoming the talented guitarist, composer, interpreter, Oli Cima. Olivier, good evening; you are presenting your first solo album “Mary y Sol.” Am I pronouncing it right?
Oli :
Good evening. Yes, you are.
Host:
A flamenco/jazz album. We already knew you as a member of the group Amistad. You are at the very least an eclectic musician. You played in the group Raphy Rafael for children, electronic music, jazz, metal funk and now, the flamenco. Is this it? Have you found your niche?
Oli :
Well, let’s just say that it is the musical path I took and that it is what inspired me most. It is what has revealed me the most and thus the reason this album is strongly stamped with this sound.
Host:
And why, indeed are you so attracted to this form of music? You are not even of Hispanic origin?
Oli :
No, altough it may be my Mediterranean origin since I carry Italian origin. I don’t know.
Host:
The Gypsy King, but you may not dare say it. Is that it?
Oli :
Yes, I have admitted it. It is true that I have come to it through them. I have bought Gypsy King tapes when I was twelve years old and it influenced me.
Host:
Do you still listen to them?
Oli :
No.
Host:
Why do you say that flamenco has an inspiring and revealing effect on you? What does it mean? Does it bring profound emotions in you? It is very much what we feel when we listen to your music.
Oli :
This music has taught me the most. It is true that I have rubbed against many styles like jazz, rock, etc… but it’s really the flamenco that has forced me in the deepest part of my being.
Host:
The skillfulness is perhaps more complicated, right? Did it permit you to advance further in your art?
Oli :
There is no doubt that it is a very technical art, especially with the right hand. I have had to work many hours which I had not done as much in the past.
Host:
So, you’re looking for difficulties…
Oli :
No, not particularly, I just listen to my heart.
Host:
Well, let’s propose to our TV audience to discover a bit of your album, Mary y Sol. Watch!
[Extract]
Host:
These are fairly sensitive, soft musical creations. Is it like throughout the entire album or are there other levels?
Oli :
I will say that it is quite varied because it really isn’t a traditional flamenco album.
Host:
It is also a bit jazz.
Oli :
That’s right. It’s a fusion of many influences with a strong flamenco feel. Some people think that it has a lot of rhythm and others think it is very soft.
Host:
sensitive, there is a nuance.
Oli : Sensitive! I think it is subjective. I think it is a diverse album in terms of rhythms and ambiance.
Host:
And, how about the group? How many musicians are there?
Oli :
We currently form a septet on stage and that is the way it is going to remain throughout the upcoming concerts.
Host:
Speaking of concert, there are two coming up soon in this region: may 22 (2008) at the Maison de la Culture of Namur at 8:00 pm and june 7, at the Jazz 8 at 8:00 pm. Your website is www.olicime.com. Tell me more about your concert. Do people receive well this type of music?
Oli :
Until now, it has gone very well. Every time we have played, the public has been very receptive, warm and welcoming.
Host: So, there are no difficulties in imposing oneself when one is not a formatted, commercial artist? So these types of more singular music do well in Belgium and elsewhere?
Oli :
Personally, I think it may be easier to impose oneself when one is not so… commercial or where most other musicians seems to go. What I do is more personal and therefore more atypical.
Host:
Do you regularly travel to Spain to improve your technique and also write your albums?
Oli :
It’s been a while since I have gone there. My obligations have prevented me to do so but it undeniably inspires me to be there, meet people, play with musicians, watch the landscape, and feel the ambiance.
Host:
Is the flamenco definitely your last word or can we expect to discover another Oli Cima album more electronic or jazz?
Oli : I have already done an electronic album with Olivier Gregoire, native of Namur to two years ago. The project was called Duo Varial. I have had a lot of fun and we will rework others in the future. There is a second album that may come out but otherwise, in solo, I have certainly not said my last word. This being said, I do not know what the second album will be all about.
Host:
Are you not afraid to disperse yourself in playing all these styles?
Oli : Yes, I was afraid at the beginning. There are so many possibilities with the guitar (electronic, folk, classic, etc..) that it is important to position oneself. It is not until the flamenco that I have really felt that I had found a niche. So, while it scared me at the beginning, it no longer does. Now, I easily embrace a little bit of everything.
Host:
It is an asset! And how about your album in Spain? How is it received?
Oli :
The album came out about a month and half ago. I haven’t been there yet. However, via Myspace, my album is present. I have already received feedback from Spanish artist and it is very gratifying. It really pleases me.
Host :
How lovely! Is your album for sale everywhere?
Oli :
It can be found in stores like the FNAC, and most certainly the Namur region.
Host:
We certainly wish it to you. Thank you for coming and good continuation with your guitar !