Russian composer, artistic director, and saxophonist Yaacov Mayman conquers New York

We are truly happy to spend time with Grammy-nominated composer, artistic director, and saxophonist Yaacov Mayman, whom we had the opportunity to interview by email about the most significant aspects of his career and the legendary figures with whom he collaborated with on stage and in the studio.

Next, we will talk about some of the pivotal moments of his brilliant career to date.

How Yaacov first became interested in music

Yaacov, who is originally from Russia and lived in Israel for many years, decided he wanted to play the saxophone by hearing Charlie Parker for the first time. His sound, freedom, and imagination opened a whole world in front of him he just had to explore fully.

However, his musical foundation did not begin there, but in his native Moscow, where he used to attend classical music concerts from a very young age. He originally wanted to be a singer, but was not admitted to the Central Music School. Instead, he was accepted into the cello class at his local music school. That was the beginning of his formal musical education, and later jazz led him to the saxophone.

In addition, his mother is an artist and his father is an engineer. Most of his family worked in technical fields. He grew up with both creativity and discipline around him, and music became his own way of expressing those qualities.

First professional experience

His first professional concert experience as a saxophonist was playing with a big band. Before that, he had performed on cello with his music school orchestra, so he already knew the feeling of being onstage with other musicians. But playing jazz in a big band was a new experience: the energy, the rhythm, and the chance to express his own voice through improvisation.

It taught him that he has to listen to the whole band, understand his role, and be ready when his moment comes. Those early experiences gave him a foundation that he still carries with him today.

Collaborations with other great artists

Throughout his 30-year career in the industry, Yaacov has collaborated with renowned figures such as Benny Golson, Joe Lovano, Bill Evans, Randy Brecker, and the Bobby Sanabria Multiverse Afro Latin Big Band. He notes that working with musicians of that caliber is an education in itself.

Their phrasing, discipline, and command of the stage taught him to listen more closely and respond naturally. Each has a personal musical voice, and being around them encouraged him to keep developing his own.

He also learned that a powerful sound requires not only warmth and sensitivity, but also strength. It is all about how a phrase is shaped, how space is used, and how honest communication is. Trust between musicians grows from preparation of those sharing the stage at that moment.

Iconic venues

Yaacov has performed at iconic venues like Carnegie Hall, Birdland Jazz Club, and Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, though he sees his career as a series of important moments rather than one single turning point. Playing at Carnegie Hall carries a special sense of history and responsibility. At Birdland and Dizzy’s, he feels close to the living tradition of jazz, while a festival such as the Red Sea Jazz Festival brings that music to an international audience.

For Yaacov, building a musical life in New York has been the larger turning point. It brought him into contact with extraordinary musicians and audiences who know and love this music. Those experiences helped him grow in confidence and made him want to keep reaching higher.

Yaacov as artistic director of the Made in NY Jazz Competition and and the Made in New York Jazz Festival

Yaacov explains that what attracted him to the digital format was the possibility of hearing talented musicians wherever they lived. There are wonderful artists around the world who cannot easily travel to New York or reach the people who could help their careers. An online competition gives them a way to be Heard and creates connections that can lead to live musical collaborations.

As Artistic Director, he is interested in more than technical skill. I listen for an individual voice, musicality, creativity, and feeling. Technique matters, but I want to hear the person behind the notes.

In the case of the festival, artists share the stage, exchange ideas, and learn from one another.

Community Concert Network Inc.

Another important role for which Yaacov stands out is serving as president of the non-profit organization Community Concert Network Inc., which is dedicated to bringing jazz cultural programs and events to underserved communities in New York. This has become a profoundly meaningful initiative for him, as he believes live music should be available to people regardless of their income.

Often, the price of a ticket or the difficulty of traveling to certain venues hinder access to great live music, which directly inspired the creation of this project. On this matter, he states the following:

“New York has an extraordinary musical culture, and I want more of its communities to share in it. Bringing concerts into local centers lets us meet people where they are and make the experience welcoming and personal.”

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