Another of the many jazzmen from New Orleans gave the first concert of the 100% Jazz evening. Christian Scott, the trumpeter with the warm timbre, was accompanied by his musicians for a demonstration of free jazz. The guitarist seemed driven, grimacing, working to extract each note from his instrument exactly as he wanted. The pianist, on the other hand, was absorbed, as if entranced by his piano.
Then you could find three talented artists sharing the Arรจnes stage: Bela Fleck, the famous banjo player, Edgar Meyer on double bass, and the Indian Zakir Hussain on percussion. It was a true fusion of cultures and talents. A very pleasant time.
Stanley Clarke Band
The Stanley Clarke Band then took the stage to applause. As soon as the music started, the melodious sounds began to charm every spectator.
On the side of the stage, a piano, and clinging to it was the beautiful Hiromi. Hiromi, the Japanese with breathtaking talent, who gestured, almost danced while playing. She put all her energy and evident joy of living into it. Undoubtedly a piano virtuoso. The drummer also displayed power, a quality for this instrument and the energy of the pieces. However, a few soft phases, mainly led by the piano, tempered the rhythm of the show. But this was only to better launch back into the vigorous exchanges of notes between instruments and thus musicians.
Strange Ambiance
A very strange atmosphere during Bojan Z’s performance, each member of the group seemed in their own game, stoic and focused. Strange too was the drummer of the group, Sebastian Rochford, who sported a great voluminous hairstyle. He seemed to come from another world, perhaps that of Tim Burton. His gaze, though, remained sad, the young man seemed very concentrated or simply lost in thought… Still, a very lovely music, highlighted by an expert drummer and trombone, Josh Roseman.
Herbie Hancock until the End of the Night
On Wednesday night, the man awaited by everyone, whose arrival the media kept announcing, was Herbie Hancock. From the first minutes, the audience was plunged into a blue, magical universe. It was impossible for the great Herbie Hancock to leave the stage after just an hour, the pleasure of playing was too great. So he continued with song after song, each more beautiful than the last. The audience didn’t want to miss a single note. As some started to leave the venue, thinking the concert was over, the American launched into another piece, prompting them to quickly turn back and run to admire the stage.
At 11:30 pm, the Belgian musician Eric Legnini finally took the stage. Far from being thrown off balance, the group displayed great professionalism and played their jazz with good humor. Thus, they concluded the evening.
Photographer: Alain Biguet.
