Holger Marjamaa chooses risk over regret

Estonian pianist Holger Marjamaa would rather risk failure than spend his life wondering what might have happened, he told ERR’s cultural programme “OP”.

Marjamaa, who has spent years performing on stages in Europe and the United States, has been back in Estonia for an extended creative period and recently recorded two albums. He called Estonia the best place for creative work, praising the autumn’s colours, smells and freshness.

Black music has held a special place in his life since he was five. While studying classical music at Tallinn Music High School, he felt other genres were not respected and were even ridiculed. “There is good music and bad music in every genre,” he said, adding that he felt he had to stand up for jazz.

Moving to the United States meant starting from scratch, Marjamaa said. He described difficult periods when he questioned whether to give up, but said it was important not to lose faith in himself. His musical expression now embraces jazz, gospel and classical music.

In early November, Marjamaa will perform in Tallinn with Take 6, an American gospel vocal group that has been active for more than 40 years and has won 10 Grammy Awards. He first remembers hearing the group’s album “He Is Christmas” in his mother’s car as a young child, and said its music helped him fall in love with harmony.

Three years ago, Take 6 singer Khristian Dentley invited Marjamaa to play on the group’s new album. When Marjamaa was offered a concert at Alexela Concert Hall, he suggested that Take 6 join him. The concert will begin with Marjamaa performing with his trio and guest musicians, followed by a set with the group.