Claude Garden wanted to define himself by this phrase: " A gentleman but not a snob." For this talented artist, aided by his modesty, avoids encounters with the media, too often unproductive, in order to consecrate his time only to his travels, in his way preaching the good word. That is to say, to make known to the entire world the magic possibilities of the harmonica through different styles of music.

He is the only harmonica player in the world, not only to stir his audience by his sonorities, in which the harmonica can be likened to a human voice, but to interpret, with the desired rigor, all classical, past, and contemporary music and to be able to thrill us in jazz, to which he brings a new and striking style.

He divides his time between Japan and Canada. He has double French and Canadian citizenship. Claude Garden is a star known and recognized in these two great countries where his records are regularly played on the airwaves and sold.

This doesn't prevent him from visiting his mom, who lives in Paris and who is a charming lady with a lot of finesse. It was during one of his rapid visits to the capital that Claude was kind enough to grant me this interview. I thank him for it.

* * * * * *


J.B: In France they don't know you anymore and yet I know that you are, for me, the best French harmonica player in the world. Why this indifference in our fine country?

C.G: In effect, I'm seen only very rarely in France, only on the occasion of Festivals, when I am invited. As far as concerns the other, more mass media shows, to tell you the truth, I refuse them because their offers are not interesting. For me they don't seriously promote the chromatic harmonica in our country. On the other hand, I regularly stay in Paris for my family and also to keep up certain professional recording contacts.


J.B: I noticed numerous compositions by Claude Garden on your latest recordings. Is this a new orientation?

C.G: It's true, composing interests me more and more. Lately I composed a suite for harmonica and orchestra, that I'm going to record soon and which is entitled "Children's Suite". It's a concerto in four movements which lasts twenty minutes.
I find most of my themes on the piano which I then adapt to the harmonica; it's a real joy.



J.B: I also noted that you had become the producer of your new record
collection.

C.G: As a matter of fact  I am now producer of most of my recordings. And to illustrate this, and it's a scoop, I'm preparing the release of a set of 3 CD's.
The ensemble of the recordings will be finished at the end of June '96 to go on the market at the beginning of '97 at the latest. I can already give you the composition of the set.



J.B: When we met in Yokohama. I attended your jazz concert. I was surprised by the new style of interpretation, by the richness of your improvisations, by the originality of your compositions. I was also very happy at the success you had with the public. May I ask you if you plan in the near future to create a jazz CD?

C.G: I've been asked that several times. Yes, I am also preparing a jazz record. I love this music just as much as classical. Half of this recording will be made up of so called "standards" and the other half, of original interpretations of personal compositions.
The release of this CD is planned for the end of '96. For me it's a way of proving that I am eclectic.



J.B: In Japan I had the distinct impression that the harmonica was taken seriously and that it is perfectly integrated into the cultural life. What do you think?

C.G: You're right, the future of the harmonica right now, is Asia and not only Japan but all the countries of the Far East. To prove it, all my records are sold regularly in Korea, in China, and of course in Japan. As a matter of fact the harmonica in all its forms is developing there with surprising rapidity. It's true that it is perfectly integrated into the oriental culture. Let's not forget that the Japanese know how to descern what is good because they have a highly developed sense of values.
My last CD of Franco-Japanese music (RCA Victor) which has just been marketed, has already received a great success there. 
You can procure it in France by writing to "France Harmonica".
In addition I teach the harmonica in Tokyo. My classes are "Master Class" level. This is even easier for me because I am know as an expert of the chromatic harmonica. Because I can play everything from classic to jazz, including variety show music if necessary.

J.B: What are your plans?

C.G: Apart from the recordings in progress, they are of two kinds. To begin with, a new tour of Japan in October '96. And then the presentation in '97 in Japan of a super visual show with numerous artists. It will be the "Magic Garden Show". The harmonica will obviously be the connecting link of this modern musical comedy. But I will have the occasion to return to this event which will be, for the harmonica, a world premiere. Other countries besides Japan are also interested in this project.



(Interview by Jean BUECHER Feb. '96)

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