The sounds of the best jazz songs performed by world famous saxophonist Chico Freeman, singer La Vel and Vahagn Hayrapetyan in autumn will stay in the memories of the Armenian audience for a long time. Knowing that Chico’s wife, Nelly is Armenian, “Hayern Aysor”’s correspondent tried to get details on what her husband knows about Armenians and what his impressions of Armenia were.

“Hayern Aysor”: Nelly, tell us how you met Chico and how you got married.        

Nelly: I met Chico in 2003 in Armenia where I was living and studying psychology. Chico was on tour in Armenia. We were both invited to one of our friends’ birthday party. I didn’t know anything about him, even the fact that he was a world famous musician. I only found out about that later.

There’s an interesting story about our acquaintance that I would like to share. At that birthday party, Chico and I didn’t seem to get along. He pretended that his mobile phone wasn’t working and asked to use mine. That’s how my future husband got my phone number, after which we started dating and getting to know each other better. Basically, it was love at first sight.

“Hayern Aysor”: Was it easy for you to make the decision to get married to a foreigner? (Chico is from Chicago-ed.)

Nelly: I must say that I never thought about that. What mattered to me was his attributes and the way he treated me, not his nationality. He found out that I’m Armenian and was born in Etchmiadzin and was fine with that. Currently, we live in Switzerland and have a daughter named Danaya-Ani. She’s six years old, is fluent in Russian and English and is learning Armenian. When people ask her what her nationality is, she says “I’m Armenian” in broken Armenian…

“Hayern Aysor”: Nelly, does your husband know the history of the Armenian people?

Nelly: I always tell my husband and daughter about Armenia and the Armenian people, as well as all the wars, horrors and tragedies that my nation has seen. Chico is well aware of the Armenian Genocide of 1915 and says he knows the pain and losses because the people of his historic homeland Africa were treated the same way and were deported. On every occasion, I repeat that that is a sorrow that is passed on from one generation to the next and that it will never be forgotten.

I also teach Chico words in Armenian. It’s easy for him to learn the words because people who have an ear for music understand a foreign language quickly.

“Hayern Aysor”: Chico Freeman was visiting Armenia for the first time. Could you share his impressions? How did he find Armenia and the Armenians?

Nelly: Unfortunately, due to his busy schedule, we weren’t able to tour Armenia and didn’t get to visit many sites during the week. Nevertheless, Chico loved Armenia and the Armenians, and we’ll return to Armenia as soon as we have the chance. He liked the Armenians’ warmth, sincerity and hospitality from the very first day. He saw “smiling” eyes everywhere, which he hadn’t seen in many countries. Chico believes Armenians are wise and kind people.

Interview by Gevorg Chichyan