For reasons I can't quite fathom, I've had a go at translating the recent Spanish interview with BF which appeared in La Opinion de Malaga (referred to below as OM for ease).
I won't be at all offended if my efforts are corrected by someone who's fluent in both Spanish & English; my excuse is that Spanish is my fourth language and I passed my exam after a one year crash course as long ago as 1978!
I still read and understand it OK, though, as a lot of the words are similar to their English & French equivalents...
OM: Two years ago you released your last album Olympia. Will we see the next Bryan Ferry album soon?
BF: Yes, very soon, honestly. At the moment we're working on two projects at once which are quite different from one another. The one which will be released in November this year is an album in which I return to my roots, a music which reminds me of another time/age; they are jazz instrumental themes. And the other album, which we hope to launch next year, is loaded with new ideas. All the songs are new works; no greatest hits or reissues.
OM: How is it possible to start in a world of music made up of jazz and blues and to quickly make pop-art music?
BF: I'm a great fan of blues and jazz, which enchanted me since I was very young, but as the years went by my tastes evolved and acquired a more eclectic character. I like many types of music, regardless of era or genre. Moreover, in my university years I studied art and I think this greatly inspired all the work which came afterwards.
OM: What goes through your mind when your songs are selected as the principal themes for various film soundtracks?
BF: Well, it's something very important. It makes me proud and I'm very grateful. It's always very pleasing when a director chooses one of my songs to use in the world of cinema.
OM: Does it change your perception of, for example, Slave To Love or More Than This?
BF: In a way yes and in a way no. When your song is used for a film soundtrack certain distinct shades emerge, the song reveals characteristics which I, as composer, didn't know that it could have and surprisingly you go back and rediscover your song... And that's fantastic.
OM: This year, 2012, is very important, as you complete forty years in your successful career. What is the major celebration for you?
BF: In truth, the most important thing for me is that my music is appreciated and liked by other people, not me; that's what it's all about. And it follows that receiving public approval is an ongoing celebration.
OM: A short while ago you received two important recognitions/awards, both in France and in the United Kingdom?
BF: Yes, I recently received the Legion d'Honneur in France and in the UK I was awarded the distinction/rank of Commander of the Excellent Order of the British Empire. It's been incredible, a complete honour and a great surprise. It's also been another way of celebrating those forty career years. I'm very grateful.
OM: I don't have the slightest doubt that many people have fallen in love dancing to your songs. Do fans sometimes admit this to you?
BF: (laughs) Yes, the truth is I've had the chance to know many people who, after all these years, have told me many interesting stories and anecdotes.
OM: Could you tell me some?
BF: The truth is I prefer to maintain discretion. (laughs)
OM: And which artist's music did you yourself fall in love with?
BF: The incredible and innovative Del Shannon. (famous in the decade from the 50s to 60s, whose greatest hit was Runaway)
OM: Has Bryan Ferry fulfilled all his dreams?
BF: I believe people should never stop dreaming, but should maintain goals to fulfil or to strive to achieve. Perhaps because of this I keep dreaming, maintaining my working mind, composing, creating and setting some sort of objectives, which I'll hopefully achieve.
OM: Would you like to perform a duet? And who would it be with?
BF: The truth is yes. Without doubt with Cee Lo Green: producer, composer, singer... He has some nice songs and I think our voices could blend together very well, regardless of the song - his, mine or anyone else's - and just singing together would be perfect.
OM: All the time artists are getting younger and easier to market. What advice would you give to these future big stars?
BF: The most important thing for a singer is not just his throat, but also the papers signed. For this reason he should try to pay the same care and attention to both his voice and his contract.
OM: Do you like Marbella?
BF: It's enchanting. I've been coming here for many years and have come to know and love your culture. The countryside is like a paradise and the climate's very enjoyable.
OM: Do you think you'll stay in the area for a few days to rest and to recharge your batteries?
BF: The truth is yes. I wanted to arrive on Friday to appear in Marbella and to spend a few days relaxing in the area. It's easy to relax there because the surroundings are so inviting and it seems ideal for switching off.
Thanks Smudge for taking the time to translate the article - We now have it 'from the horses mouth' concerning the two albums. My initial thoughts had been that maybe there had been some confusion in the spanish interview Thanks Smudge for taking the time to translate the article - We now have it 'from the horses mouth' concerning the two albums. My initial thoughts had been that maybe there had been some confusion in the spanish interview