Interview with Robin Mansanti: For the Love of Jazz

As an artist, once you fall in love with your practice, it’s only a matter of time before you start living your dream.  At just 17 years old, Robin Mansanti discovered the music of Chet Baker and decided to pursue his dream of becoming a Jazz Musician. Currently, Mansanti is a vocalist and composer, playing shows and festivals in Paris. His vocals were recognized internationally after his feature on the Caravan Palace song, “Moonshine,” which has accumulated over 15 million YouTube views.

Robin Mansanti was born in Tonerre, France. Mansanti noted that early on in his childhood, he initially had an interest in dance, but jazz music was always around his home and family. “My father is a great jazz enthusiast with a beautiful LP collection, so there was always Charlie Parker or Art Pepper playing at home—all the greats,” Mansanti recalled. “But it wasn’t until I was 17, when I really discovered Chet Baker, that I knew I wanted to play the trumpet."

✦ How did you navigate breaking into the jazz scene as a young creative in Paris?

“I came to Paris when I was 20 and started playing in jam sessions, where I met wonderful musicians like the pianist Arnaud Mattei. He used to play with his trio at the poker club ‘L’Aviation Club de France’ and sometimes invited me to join in. It was fun to play in that kind of atmosphere, surrounded by people playing cards!

“Later on, I played a lot with pianist Alain Jean-Marie and double bassist Jean Bardy. Years later, I recorded my album Nuit Américaine.”

Robin Mansanti and Camille Bertault

✦ How did you end up working with Caravan Palace, and did it change your career in any way?

“One day, I received a message from Arnaud Vial, one of the founders of the group. They were looking for a singer for the track ‘Moonshine,’ and someone had told them about me. So they called, I did a trial recording, and everything went well. We recorded the track, and it was a big success!

“I wouldn’t say it completely changed my career, because the jazz scene I come from is quite specific, but I loved the experience of singing live with them on big stages, with great sound. I thrive on that kind of pressure.

“I also recorded two more tracks on their latest album, Gangbusters Melody Club — ‘Spirits’ and ‘Avalanche.’”

✦ What is your current focus as a musician, and what projects are you hoping to pursue in the future?

“I want to go deeper and deeper into phrasing, always searching for new ways to improvise. For me, jazz is about telling a story within a tune—even one you’ve played a thousand times. Each time is different. If you play honestly, you never know what you’re going to do a few seconds before it happens, because it depends on what the other musicians are playing.

“That’s why you need to create an alchemy within the band. The only way to reach that is to play and lose yourself in the music night after night. When all the planets align, it’s as if the audience is listening to a story unfolding.

“That’s why I love Chet Baker so much; his solos are more than just notes.

“I’m really happy with a new group I’ve formed, with Dexter Goldberg on piano and Solène Cairoli on double bass—both very talented, sensitive, and devoted musicians. I’m eager to begin recording again. Hopefully very soon.”

You can follow Robin Mansanti on Instagram through @robinmansanti and listen to Nuit Américaine through Spotify or CD purchase.