Yossi Sassi [Interview]
If rock-oriented instrumental guitar is your thing, Yossi Sassi is a name you need to know. In this interview, TMMP talks with the man himself about his upcoming EU tour, the bouzoukitara (Sassi’s unique signature instrument), creativity, spirituality, and more…
You’re set to tour Europe this December. How’re you feeling about it?
We can’t wait to share the Desert Butterflies show with our European followers! The set list is promised to be diverse and rich, spanning both solo albums, as well as some past materials and surprise songs, past and future.
What’s your earliest musical memory?
Age 1.5 or so. I recall my father singing in his underwear in the living room!
Seriously, I was surrounded by music all my life. My grandfather was born in Thessaloniki, Greece, and played the oud, and was teaching music to his 10 children. I absorbed it from childhood.
I first played the flute around age seven, then sang in school choir. Then came the guitar, and it was right on the spot. The right instrument. It changed my life ever since.
You have a signature instrument – the bouzoukitara. How did that instrument come to be?
For years I’ve been playing over 17 different instruments, yet composing mainly on bouzouki, acoustic guitar, and electric guitar.
In 2011 I composed a couple of songs for ‘Melting Clocks’ that demanded me to move between those instruments when playing live. I decided to plan an instrument, seeking an efficient way to switch between the acoustic Greek bouzouki to the electric guitar.
The “bouzoukitara” is a unique instrument that combines a traditional acoustic bouzouki with an electric solid-body guitar, and acoustic guitar. Together with luthier Benjamin Millar, I was able to transform my design into reality.
East & west, acoustic & electric, rock & folk, fused together.
How did you get your live band together?
Ben Azar (guitar) was just back from Berkley, USA. We met and jammed with a couple of other friends (Shay Ifrah (drums) and Uri Shamir (first bass player)).
It started out simply from jamming and improvising stuff. Then when I saw how talented they are, I thought – this could be the band I would play my solo materials with. I had songs laying in the drawer for many years, while focusing on Orphaned Land as my only band, back then.
The new boys proved to be highly musical, and since then we’ve recorded and toured for almost five years now, with Marty Friedman, Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal, Mariangela Demurtas, Dave Lombardo and more.
When it comes to writing one of your songs, what’s your creative process like?
It changes from song to song, yet mostly I’d go for a great melody.
I’m a freak of killer rhythmic patterns and killer melodies. If I have one of those components in mind, the road is open and clear from there to a full song.
I lay down the layers in my head, harmonies, bass lines, drums, etc, then record a sketch, then get some feedback and improve it so the band gets something solid to learn and rehearse upon.
Is there a spiritual aspect to what you do?
Always. Of course. Music is like praying to me.
If I wasn’t a musician, I’d probably be practicing some meditation or other spiritual form on a daily basis. Playing guitar is the closest I ever got to feeling divine.
Music is a universal power that we all share. It belongs to no one and everyone at the same time. I feel privileged to be doing what I’m doing – making people’s living meaningful through sounds.
What’s the craziest thing that’s ever happened at one of your gigs?
Ah ah! Lots of things. From a strap broken during a solo (had to keep my knee up and play!) to some jokes pulled off by my crew, such as taking off the drums from stage while playing a song live.
What’s your favourite thing about playing live?
I get to meet THE people that listen to my music. I talk to people, I see their smiles, get to hug them and thank them for being there to absorb my sounds, and see their gratitude shining back at me, as I realize how important my role is for them, shaping moments for their lives and being meaningful for them through my songs, when they need them.
It’s a big responsibility.
Do you ever get stage fright or nerves? If so, how do you get around them?
Not really. I do get excited. Always. I channel it to healthy energies and jumps!
What inspires you?
Everything really. Nature. People. A car humping on the street during traffic. A butterfly flying over. Just love to observe stuff.
The Middle East is the most inspiring area for me. Every smell, shout and tear sweat reminds me of many layers to discuss and reflect upon.
Beyond the upcoming tour, what does the future hold?
I’ve begun working on my 3rd solo release. Soon we’ll be working on it together with my band, right after the European tour in December.
I produce [a] few artists worldwide at the moment, both locally and abroad. This is also on my plate for the next year. I also do masterclasses around the globe, teach music and college, etc.
And lately I’ve been contacted to do music for a Hollywood film. I’m totally excited about it.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Just a big THANK YOU and see you SOON on the road!
Links / Video
Check out TMMP’s review of Yossi Sassi’s Desert Butterflies album here.
For more info about Yossi Sassi’s EU tour, visit his official website here.
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Image © Ami Bornstein.