4 The other element that unites bothcultures? The ability to laugh regardless of the situation. Vogel uses an example from his own heritage. “Look at the first line of the chicken paprikash recipe - Steal a chicken. It’s about survival, but it’s also about giving that reality a humorous twist. You just have to laugh.” Vic Vogel looks to me as if he’s had a lot of laughter in his lifetime. With his flowing white hair, matching goatee and mischievous grin, he reminds me of a very jolly grown-up version Saint-Nicholas.
What is the secret to the ever-present twinkle in his eye? “Don’t expect more from life, but always be amazed when you get more I never wanted to be more than a good piano player in a club. I’m happy with my life because I’m doing what I’m supposed to do.” These days time seems to have turned back upon itself. Vogel has settled in Little Italy, in a little house that backs out onto the Jean-Talon market. The entire neighbourhood knows to come through the back because the front door bell doesn’t work. Once again the Hungarian culture has overlapped with the Italian. His father’s old still is in constant use. “My neighbours and
I make wine together, we make pear and prune grappa. Everyone knows where to go if they’re looking for grappa.” He adores the market, not only because of its produce but because it serves as a cultural touchstone.
“The older generation is dying, the younger is forgetting - you need a practical reminder of where you come from, the taste of another kitchen makes people aware they are not alone, it unites them and makes them aware of culture, real culture.” Whether he’s entertaining people with his music or with his anecdotes, Vic Vogel is truly a force to be reckoned with. He does not simply tell stories, he expertly re-lives them, filling a room with his intense charisma. A listener might know the beginning and an ending of a tale, but they can never be certain where they will be lead in between the two points. Vogel skilfully shoots off in all directions, interweaving story-lines, juggling characters, adding dramatic pauses and comic flourishes with artistic flair. Jazz music isn’t just what Vic Vogel plays, it is what he embodies. g
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