A seven-string guitar is more than meets the eye. In the hands of Vadim Kolpakov, it can be used to entertain with a mix of Spanish flamenco, American jazz, Latin rhythms and Romani groove. But look a bit closer, and you'll see that it's also used to dispel stereotypes of gypsies (see: Esmeralda from Disney's The Hunchback of Notre Dame) and rebuild that foundation of knowledge through song.
"Charlotte became my second hometown. It’s my heart."– Vadim Kolpakov
Interview Highlights:
On learning to play Romani music from his father, and teaching his son and nephew:
To me, it’s a very important part of my life. Basically, what I think is I have to continue this tradition. [While] I live, I will do that because not many people in the west — especially in America — know about it. So, this is my kind of dream to make it big — to spread the word about this music.
On the emotional significance of Romani music:
One of the most important elements is improvisation. It’s like jazz. Every time you play it, you play it from your heart, from your soul. You expose something new in it, even though there’s traditional tunes and stuff. Every time you play, if you can, you can improvise and you can expose something new. There’s no end in this music.
On going on tour with Madonna:
I was very excited to come to the U.S. and we had a huge tour. We played the Kennedy Center and places like that. It was a great project called “Gypsy Caravan.” It was like different bands from different countries, and we represented Russia at that time.
On the importance of playing from the heart:
Every piece that I play on stage — even for 50 people or 500,000 people — I always do the same. I always play from my heart.
On making music in Charlotte:
I love the people that we have in Charlotte — the community, the region [and] the North Carolina people.
My son was born in Charlotte, and we decided to stay here in Charlotte because we found it [to be] our home. So, I would love to spread more of my music and share with people because — as you know in Charlotte — there’s lots of people who move to Charlotte. So, there’s a lot of work to do.
Music featured in this #WFAEAmplifier chat:
Alexander Kolpakov - "Duma"
Django Reinhardt - "Minor Swing"
VS Guitar Duo - "Indian Tune"
Madonna (feat. Kolpakov Trio) - "La Isla Bonita (Live in Concert)"
Gogol Bordello - "My Companjera"
VS Guitar Duo - "Billie Jean"
VS Guitar Duo - "Gypsy Medley"
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