Every summer, since the year 2000, the city of Beaulieu-sur-mer has organized the festival “Les Nuits Guitares” aimed at an eclectic audience since all musical styles have been represented over the years, with a slight inclination towards rock, which always ensures at least one evening. The common point of each group that has performed on the festival stage, regardless of its universe: an excellent “guitarist.”
Indeed, as its name suggests, the festival honors the six-string instrument (or even 12 for enthusiasts who have brought their double-neck, like Jimmy Page), worthily presented by outstanding musicians.
Performing on the stage of the olive grove garden were Thomas Dutronc (who at the time was “just” a gypsy jazz guitarist, too shy to try singing), Georges Moustaki (and the many guitars he always brought with him – a thought for this great man who just left us) Joe Satriani (there was no parking to be found in Beaulieu that evening), Pascal Mono (who came to present his first album, alternating between electric guitar, acoustic guitar, and even double-neck, precisely), Lucky Peterson (who mingled with the crowd as usual), Calvin Russell (whose palpable sensitivity was listened to by the audience as if listening to a prayer), Alain Souchon (near his home port, where his boat is moored), the TriggerFinger (for a metal evening that resonated throughout the city) and so many others…
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And for this 14th anniversary, the festival signs again with an essential French rock guitarist, co-founder of the group Téléphone, Mr. Louis Bertignac! He was one of the first guests on this open-air stage (2005) and he returns this summer (mark July 6, 2013, in your calendars) for his Grizzly Tour.
It seems our beautiful Côte d’Azur does not displease him since he is regularly found at local festivals and venues.
But that’s not all. As usual, the festival offers an evening that will delight specialists, as they undoubtedly know these two names, and will allow novices to discover two talented artists: Eric Bibb and Bill Deraime.
Eric Bibb is an American singer and guitarist who unashamedly mixes blues with folk, country music, gospel, and soul. His latest work “Deeper in the Well” lives up to its name, for the depth of its lyrics, its crafted melodies, and his investment in this art he serves so well.
The festival also gives prominence to our French artists, this time again, by inviting Bill Deraime: a lifelong raw nerve, committed, willing, modest, and humble, with so much hope and revolt at the same time, at his fingertips, at the end of his voice. You probably haven’t heard him on the radio or seen him on TV, but by reading his bio, for instance, you learn that even though he is far from all this meaningless media hype, the defender of the poor, with a beard now whitened by time, is none other than the arranger of “No Woman No Cry” (B. Marley) and the keyboardist on most of Cat Stevens‘ records as well as on some tracks by Serge Gainsbourg, Police, Ron Wood or Julien Clerc. Just that! His life is a meeting, he likes to say. And his journey, he wouldn’t trade for anything in the world, far from the fake, far from the disposable, approaching the only possible truth in this world: to say what one thinks. That’s already something.
And finally, or rather to start, the opening night of Les Nuits Guitares will offer, as it occasionally does, a cover band. This year, it’s a Tribute to Santana that will be welcomed. Taking on the virtuoso of the guitar, the renowned Carlos, can only command respect! So, discover the group “Jugando” on July 4, under the stars, sipping a drink among the centuries-old olive trees.
Join us on July 4, 5, and 6 in Beaulieu-sur-mer to open our ears and listen to good music in an enchanting setting.
- More info at www.lesnuitsguitares.com
- Follow the festival on Facebook: www.facebook.com/lesnuitsguitares
