Since its origins, jazz has been marked by women. Bewitching crooners or inspired instrumentalists, they affirmed the natural diversity of this music in all its expressions, from the blues to the avant-garde. Always very present in Marciac, they are not less than 17 this year to bring their notes of charm!
VSIndeed, many jazzmen have written their names at the top of the posters. But jazz, the expression of an entire community, is not just the voice of men. The women have always played in unison by adding their range of sounds and personalities. Such as Ethel Waters, Ida Cox, Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday, Bonnie Raitt, Susan Tedeschi or even Ella Fitzgerald… Women were even the first to record the blues, like Mamie Smith’s Crazy Blues in 1920!
Among those who have worked hard to affirm the place of women in jazz, the American organist Rhoda Scott is a pioneer. At 83, she never lets up and returns to Marciac with her Lady All Stars, a 100% feminine octet with a fiery groove supported by two drums! There are many of the women who make French jazz today.
Another phenomenon of jazz across the Atlantic, the Canadian Diana Krall returns to the Gers marquee for the opening night. His inimitable style transcends musical genres. With her deep and deep voice and her improvised flights on the piano, she will bring her standards brought together in her latest album, “This Dream Of You”, to life.
During this purely feminine evening, Diana Krall will be preceded on the same stage by a compatriot, a newcomer to Marciac, Dominique Fils-Aimé. Marked by Billie Holiday and Nina Simone, this Montrealer of Haitian origins is in line with the great African-American performers who have become spokespersons for the oppressed. She will present “Three Little Words”, the last, very soulful chapter of her trilogy dedicated to black music.
JAZZ JOURNEYS
Heiress of Eric Clapton and Janis Joplin, and lover of Billie Holiday and Aretha Franklin, Beth Hart, the Las Vegas crooner with deep emotions will sublimate Led Zeppelin covers with her exceptional voice. Her compatriot, Melody Gardot, will share her melancholy universe where gentle soul, accents of bossa nova and a touch of spirituality with Buddhist accents mingle. Under her air of indomitable diva with a certain elegance, she deploys an absolute sensitivity.
A short detour to Ireland with singer Imelda May, who has put away her Rockabilly Queen crown to return to her first love for soul and jazz. Not trivial reunions, full of sensitivity and emotion. Celtic and French cultures are found in the roots and the abundant universe of Fiona Monbet, violinist, composer and conductor. Attracted as much by tango as by Irish gospel or opera, this brilliant pupil of Didier Lockwood will be accompanied by a jazz trio, but also by a chamber orchestra which she will conduct while playing!
The classical repertoire has also given impetus to the talent of Lucienne Renaudin Vary, crowned Fairy Trumpet after her Victory for Classical Music in 2016. But if she returns to the big top, it is to express all her passion for jazz!
The German singer, author and composer Ayo will present her new album “Royal”, at the crossroads of blues, soul, folk, jazz and minimalist music.
A piano is enough for the immense Japanese virtuoso Hiromi to transport the marquee to his musical archipelago. Jazz, bebop, post-bop, stride, rock, funk, reggae and a pronounced taste for improvisation come together masterfully.
The Astrada also gives pride of place to women, with great artists such as Samara Joy, Lakecia Benjamin, Nubya Garcia, Anne Paceo, Marion Rampal, Louise Jallu, Laura Perrudin and Salami Rose Joe Louis.