Saxophonist Norbert Fimpel has toured with greats like James Brown, Joe Cocker, and Cyndi Lauper — a career full of high notes. But his personal journey has had its minor keys too. After leaving Argentina, he rebuilt his life in Mallorca, finding his footing one jam session at a time. He spoke to Humans of Mallorca about starting over, trusting the rhythm of life, and the unexpected concert performance that changed everything.
You grew up in Buenos Aires. What shaped you in those early years?
I was born in Buenos Aires and grew up in a neighbourhood called Villa Ballester. My parents, Richard and Maxi, raised us with love and taught us simply to be good people. That’s something I’m very grateful for. As a child, I didn’t have a clear idea of what I wanted to be — it changed constantly: footballer, firefighter, pilot, carpenter.
Music came gradually: I studied guitar from eight to thirteen, though at that age I cared more about sports. At seventeen I moved to clarinet, studying for five years with Oscar Carvallo, and later took private saxophone lessons with Oscar Kreimer. I also did theory, ear training and ensemble work with Juan Carlos Figueiras.
When did you sense that music was your path?
Back in 1990, I was studying for a degree while learning saxophone. One night my teacher couldn’t make a concert where he was due to play and I was asked to step in for him — and play the sax with Alejandro Lerner, a huge Argentine artist, playing to a full theatre. I walked onstage in his place, played, and afterwards said to myself: “This is what I want to do for the rest of my life.”
A few months after that first concert, my sax teacher left the band and I took his place permanently. I started touring Argentina and Latin America with Alejandro Lerner. It was an amazing experience; I learned so much about being a professional touring musician, and the group was fantastic — lots of fun on and off stage.
But it wasn’t to last…
That’s right. At the end of 2001 Argentina went through a huge crisis. Overnight I was jobless, and our daughter was six months old. Things became very difficult, so we made the tough decision to move to Europe. We left in tears.
Starting from scratch in a new place, with no contacts and no one who knows you, is never easy. That’s what happened when we arrived in Mallorca with a baby. It was mid-April, all the hotels had their summer programmes closed, and I didn’t know any musicians. I started by busking and going to jazz clubs and jam sessions.
What helped you through that period?
Time and people. As weeks and months went by, I met musicians, made connections, and began playing with different bands. By the end of that summer I had worked with lots of colleagues, learned how the island worked and started building a new life.
What did you learn from all this?
That life has ups and downs — you never know what’s waiting for you around the corner. And that love and hard work will most likely take you far.
And then you got a call to join Joe Cocker’s band?
Yes, I remember that very clearly. It was February 2005. I had just returned from visiting family in Argentina with my wife and daughter when Joe Cocker’s management called to ask if I was available to join his band in April for the European leg of his world tour. I hung up, hugged my wife and felt like I was floating.
What’s the most interesting part of your job?
Bringing joy to people. And the fact that I make a living from my passion — not everyone can say that. I feel privileged.
What are you most proud of?
Professionally, of all the artists I’ve been able to play with.
What is your goal in life?
To be a good person and to keep growing as a musician.
