Please Note... Revelations from Rob

Rob Buckland has crafted a career around his primary work as a saxophonist that defies categorisation. Moving effortlessly between genres, performing as classical soloist, chamber musician, contemporary specialist and improviser, with an international reputation as an insightful and forward-thinking educator.

J: I’ve heard you mention before that you have a portfolio career. Could you explain to my readers what that means?

R: For so many freelance musicians, but especially Saxophonists, our diary is filled with a wide variety of work from many different sources. In a ‘normal’ week, I would be teaching for a few days, playing with one of the regions orchestras for a few days, maybe rehearsing with my quartet, maybe a quartet concert, perhaps a jazz or big band gig one evening, and then some writing, arranging, producing and recording at home in my studio. I love the variety, and each aspect challenges and supports the other. You become a better player by teaching, a better composer and arranger by sitting in a symphony orchestra listening to the wonderful orchestration around you, and a better performer by producing a recording and understanding the degree of consistency required when you are playing. Think of it as a 360-degree perspective.

J: Obviously your career includes a lot of different genres! Which setting would you say is usually the most in demand professionally?

R: Impossible to say - I can go for weeks not playing any classical rep at all, just playing big band music, jazz inspired music, improvisation etc. Then I could be with an orchestra for a week solid, then be in the studio recording commercial tracks, or spending a month writing and arrangement music for a project or recording. I guess if I looked back over my career so far, on balance, I would say working as a contemporary musician, in chamber settings - solo, chamber, crossover classical/jazz projects. Things where I’m booked for being myself, rather than just being another saxophone player. Those have been the core.

J: As Deputy Head of Chamber Music at RNCM, you work with a lot of ensembles. What key things make for a successful chamber ensemble?

R: I’ve played with the Apollo Saxophone Quartet since our first week of college at RNCM in 1985 - 35 years and counting! Over that time, the most important things have been the mix of personalities, the respect we have for each other, and the discipline to be 100% prepared at every rehearsal. Having lots of creative discussions about new projects, commission ideas etc., and everyone having an equal input into that creative drive is vital too. And to make it fun – make sure you laugh a lot! Work hard and play hard - not an original idea of course, but to travel around the globe with three close friends in a quartet has been a real highlight of my performing career. We’ve all been through a lot together, support each other and have played some great music into the bargain! The skills you learn from playing chamber music make you a better musician in EVERY other musical setting you find yourself. That’s why I am so passionate about it with the students at RNCM. You get to create your own musical sound world as well as being able to programme and commission music from whoever you really connect with, creating your own identity. The further into my career I get, the more I appreciate just how important a part my quartet has played in every aspect of my musical life.

J: I’ve really enjoyed being part of the ArkEnsemble during my time at RNCM. Can you explain what the aim of this group is and where the concept stemmed from?

R: I was hugely inspired by the Netherlands Wind Ensemble and their New Year Concerts in Amsterdam. When I was asked to lead a partnership project with them, I soon felt that I wanted to take the ethos of that group and create an ensemble at RNCM that would bring something like that to the best wind students at the college. I wanted it to be highly competitive, only the top students getting a chance, and my real dream was to have one tutor and one student in each section - side by side playing is the best way to learn and inspire and be inspired. It’s such a shame that all of that had to stop this year in lockdown - I’ve missed it! Coming up with the concept, creating the group, rehearsing and directing it, as well as writing all of the arrangements myself, being able to bring my vision to life at RNCM is something that I am hugely proud of. I hope the Ark will float again!

J: Thank you Rob for taking the time to chat to me about your amazingly diverse career!