Meet Pink Martini time! Bulgarian trumpeter Mihail Iossifov (to us he’s “Misho”) has been lending his bright copper-toned trumpeting acrobatics to Pink Martini since 2014. Following in his grandfather’s footsteps, Misho picked up the trumpet at a young age and studied jazz performance at the National Music College in Sofia. Since graduation, he has been in high demand as a stage and studio musician across Europe, and also is an accomplished arranger and composer. We feel darn lucky that he chooses to make time for us in his overflowing calendar. Our primary trumpeter in Europe (and sometimes beyond), Misho was introduced to us by his friend, Pink Martini trombonist Antonis Andreou, and these two powerhouse horn players are the dynamic duo of our band, dazzling our global audiences with their exploits for the better part of a decade. We hope we can convince them to tour with us for many decades more!
1. If you could have seen any musician in concert, dead or alive, who you never got to see live, who would it be?
I would like to see a concert of Louis Armstrong
2. What is your favorite Pink Martini song to perform?
“She Was Too Good For Me” — I am a big fan of Chet Baker!
3. What Pink Martini song gets stuck in your head?
Maybe “Brazil” — This is the last song of the concert!
4. If you could have a side gig in any current band, which?
I would like to have a concert with Winton Marsalis and Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra
5. If you had a robot that could do one household chore for you… what would it be?
To push me to start to do what I have to do
6. If you could instantly be fluent in any language, which?
Spanish or Italian
7. Who is your favorite movie director?
Coen Brothers
8. What was the first concert you ever saw?
My grandfather’s village brass band
9. If you could have one dish from any restaurant appear instantly anytime, which?
Pork loin with lemon sauce from the restaurant of the club of the architects in Sofia
10. What music would you choose as a soundtrack to your most triumphant moment?
“Volare”, “Norwegian Wood” in the version of Buddy Rich Big Band
11. What’s your favorite sweet/dessert?
Raspberry tiramisu from the same restaurant (of the club of the architects in Sofia)
12. What illustrated animal or object would star in your children’s book?
The Pink Panther
13. Who do you wish would play you in Pink Martini: The Movie?
Matthew Perry
14. Pride of Lions, Pod of Whales… what would you call a pack of squirrels?
The Parliament
15. Are you on the party bus or sleepy bus?
Always start with the party and end in the sleepy
16. If you could safely tour any ancient civilization, which?
Some extraterrestrial civilization
17. What is your favorite non-musical hobby?
Hiking
18. If you were instantly skilled enough to have any one other occupation in the world besides musician, what would you choose?
Pilot
19. If you had complete creative control, what book would you like to turn into a movie?
A Wild Sheep Chase – Haruki Murakami
20. What is your favorite city in the world?
Sofia
21. What’s the most fun thing about being in Pink Martini?
To spend time, play, travel and have fun with some of the most talented and funny people
22. How did you choose your musical instrument?
My grandfather was trumpet player, and this was my reason to choose it
23. How are you keeping sane and calm during this crisis and these weeks of quarantine?
I play on the trumpet, and try not to think about the crisis. I spend more time with my family, which is something exciting for all of us