Masterclass with Rick Margitza February 19th
Rick Margitza, an accomplished saxophonist known for his innovative jazz compositions and dynamic live performances, offers a fascinating glimpse into his musical career, focusing on his long-standing residency at La Gare in Paris. In this live discussion, we explore Rick’s approach to performing regularly, his band formation process, adapting to new musical environments, and invaluable advice for aspiring musicians. Whether you’re a jazz enthusiast or a musician looking to deepen your craft, this comprehensive overview provides essential insights into sustaining a vibrant music career.
The Unique Jazz Residency at La Gare, Paris
Origins and Development of the Residency
Rick Margitza began his residency at La Gare, a distinctive jazz club housed in an old train station in Paris, back in 2021. Initially, his band played a few weekends before being offered a Monday night residency. Since 2021, the group has performed weekly, marking over 300 concerts by December 2025. This residency, born out of the post-lockdown revival, became a staple for both Rick and his audience.
What Makes La Gare Special?
Unlike traditional jazz clubs, La Gare does not charge an entrance fee, making it more accessible to younger audiences. The club’s raw, industrial atmosphere—reminiscent of venues in East Berlin—creates a vibrant space where young people can experience jazz in an energetic and communal way. This accessibility and atmosphere have contributed to a diverse audience, from seasoned jazz aficionados to first-time jazz listeners.
Impact of the Audience on Musical Choices
The youthful, engaged crowd at La Gare has influenced Rick’s repertoire and performance style. While Rick does not stray from jazz’s core, he avoids bebop standards in favor of groove-oriented, compositionally rich pieces that encourage dancing and active participation. This approach helps new listeners connect with jazz, often leading to a lifelong appreciation. The band’s performances balance melodic accessibility with improvisational complexity, creating an inviting yet challenging musical experience.
Building and Sustaining a Band
Formation of the Quartet
Rick’s quartet, featuring longtime collaborators Peter Giron (bass), Jeff Boudreaux (drums), and Manuel Rocheman (piano), was formed through a mix of long-standing friendships and musical chemistry. Jeff and Rick’s connection dates back to New Orleans in the 1980s, while Peter and Manuel were integrated through the Paris jazz scene. Rick emphasizes the importance of human connection alongside musical talent when assembling a band, highlighting how personal rapport fosters better collaboration and cohesion on stage.
The Importance of Long-Term Collaboration
Playing weekly for years has allowed Rick and his bandmates to deepen their musical interaction. Regular performances serve as a feedback loop: lessons learned from one gig inform practice and improvisation for the next. This consistency strengthens individual skills and collective synergy, enabling the band to communicate effectively even in a large venue like La Gare, which seats about 150 people.
Repertoire Management
Maintaining a repertoire of around 40 songs, Rick carefully curates setlists to balance crowd favorites with fresh material. This rotation keeps performances engaging for returning audiences while preserving the emotional impact of key pieces.
Transitioning to a New Band Format
The Shift to an Electric Trio
In late 2025, the club management encouraged Rick to downsize to a trio to reduce costs and refresh the musical offering. This new project, tentatively called Electric Margitza, expands Rick’s sonic palette using electronic pedals and loops alongside acoustic instruments. The trio includes multi-percussionist Xavier Don and bassist Philip Busane, bringing fresh energy and textures to the music.
Exploring Electronics and New Sounds
While Rick has experimented with electronic wind instruments (such as the EWI and AMO), he finds them challenging to master for live performance. Instead, he uses pedals and loops to enhance the saxophone’s sound without losing the acoustic essence. This hybrid approach broadens creative possibilities while respecting the jazz tradition.
Challenges and Opportunities
Adapting to a new band format requires time and patience. Rick acknowledges the initial discomfort of starting from scratch but views change as a healthy stimulus for growth. The trio’s setup demands precise coordination, especially when relying on loops and electronic elements, highlighting the importance of flexibility in live performance.
The Practice Philosophy Behind Success
365 Days of Practice
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Rick began a project documenting daily practice sessions, which evolved into his book 365 Days of Practice. Rather than a strict method book, it offers a diary of exercises and reflections designed to inspire fresh material creation. This approach emphasizes consistent, mindful practice as a pathway to continual improvement and creativity.
Practice Beyond Perfection
Rick advises musicians not to wait for perfection before performing. Playing frequently, even with mistakes, builds confidence and artistic growth much faster than cautious waiting. His philosophy embraces risk-taking and learning through live experience, reinforcing jazz’s improvisational spirit.
Advice for Aspiring Musicians
The Importance of Playing Regularly
Rick stresses the value of frequent live playing to develop vocabulary and stage presence. With fewer clubs and gigs available today, musicians should proactively organize jam sessions and small group rehearsals to maintain momentum. Consistent playing sharpens skills and deepens musical intuition.
Building Long-Term Musical Projects
Creating a sustainable band involves both musical compatibility and personal connection. Rick recommends forming regular rehearsal schedules with like-minded musicians and gradually introducing original compositions to build a unique sound. Commitment and patience are key to evolving from casual sessions to established projects.
Embracing Feedback and Self-Critique
Honest self-assessment is crucial. Musicians should celebrate successes but also identify areas for improvement. Recording performances and reviewing them with some distance helps improve objectivity and growth without discouragement.
Reflections on Touring and Playing with Legends
Experience with Miles Davis
Rick shared insights about his challenging but formative experience touring with Miles Davis. Despite feeling unprepared initially, the tour taught him resilience and adaptability. Playing in such high-profile settings, even under pressure, helped him realize the importance of persistence and finding one’s own voice amid expectations.
The Reality of Touring
Touring demands physical and mental stamina. Rick notes that consecutive performances sharpen musicians’ connection to their instrument and repertoire. However, the modern music scene offers fewer extended touring opportunities, making residencies and local gigs even more valuable for artistic development.
Evolution of Sound and Equipment
Changes Over Time
Rick’s sound has matured and deepened over the years, influenced by changes in equipment and personal growth. He transitioned from using a Selmer Mark VI saxophone to an SBA model and adopted a larger mouthpiece with a softer reed to achieve a richer tone. Such adjustments reflect an artist’s ongoing search for the ideal sonic identity.
Experimentation with Mouthpieces and Reeds
Experimentation with different mouthpieces and reeds is part of Rick’s journey. While he briefly considered switching to a hard rubber mouthpiece, he ultimately returned to his preferred metal model, underscoring the personal nature of sound preferences for jazz musicians.
Conclusion
Rick Margitza’s career exemplifies dedication, adaptability, and passion for jazz music. His residency at La Gare represents a rare opportunity to develop a band over years, experiment with new sounds, and engage diverse audiences. Aspiring musicians can learn from his emphasis on regular playing, human connection within bands, and embracing imperfection as part of the artistic process. Whether through his recordings, live performances, or educational efforts, Rick continues to inspire a new generation of jazz artists.
