Interview - Hugo Alves

Why did you choose to play a trumpet?: Well, actually I started with a very old cornet, and several other old cornets and then trumpets, as they were the only ones available at the marching band where I started to play. I don't exactly know why. I remember looking at saxs too... But I did enjoy the trumpet very much. What I can say is that after only a few weeks, and inspite few sound was coming out, I would not trade the trumpet for a sax or other instrument. Anyway I was around seven, and a kid.
What kind of "gear" do you use (trumpets, flugelhorns, etc)?: Ok, somebody should sponsor this! I'm using a Schilke trumpet, and a Yamaha flugel. I play Bach mouthipece for trumpet, and a Stork for flugel. Then I use several mutes: Jo Ral (Alessi), Denis Wick...
Who is your biggest influence?: I don't know exactly since I listen to a lot of players. I started to listen to Fats Navarro (one of the first records I had when I was about 12), then I listen all the "musts": Clifford, Miles, Hubbard, Lee Morgan. On the out most "new guys" I listen to Woddy Shaw and Tom Harrell, for instance. I listen to everybody or anything i like, and of course not only trumpet players. I like Monk a lot, Coltrane, Parker, Curtis Fuller, and many, many others.
What is your favourite place to play?: I never thought of that... usually I study at home and play at a number of different places, they're usually big stages or clubs. I do like to play where people come to listen, even if they are only a few. There I really "play", with no "strings". That's where I feel good.
Would you like your kids to become musicians when they grow up?: For now I only have one kid and he will be whatever he wants to be. It's his life and choice. If he becomes a musician, that's fine with me. If he becomes something else, that's fine, too. Life is hard, and nothing is for granted these days. I'll support him wherever.
In a parallel universe, would you change your instrument? If yes, which one and why?: Change completely? I don't think so. Roy Elridge once said to Down Beat that "the trumpet is the meanest instrument there is, a damn monster..." (something like that). I've been playing the horn for 25 years and I'm still learning...why should I change after all this work? It would not make much sense. It is a monster, but i love it.
How did you become successful? Do you think you were lucky or just talented enough?: Am I sucessful? I don't know... I just try to make a living of what I like to do, which is to play or write music. I don't know about luck or talent but I can tell you that I practice as much as I can. If people come to listen to me and like my playing or music, thats great and it makes me go on.
How does your family put up with your lifestyle as a musician?: Well they don't "put up". We just have to find ways of putting it all together and to "function" which is not easy. Of course, my wife is the center of it all being possible. I'm like anybody that has a family and kids and a house to keep and bills to pay. I just don't have a real steady job concerning schedules.
Were your parents thrilled when you said you want to be a musician?: Are there any thrilled parents? I'm not sure I ever said that to them...it did not work like that. But who cares anyway?
What is your biggest ambition?: Take care of my family, to play music, and to live! If I can do all these three things I will have reached far I think.

Do you want to know more about Hugo Alves?

Hugo's web site
Orquestra de Jazz de Lagos

photo by Francisco Castelo return to top