“Crazy Week!!!”, 2nd night. Packed like an egg, even more than the night before, to welcome Tété and Asaf Avidan.
Master Bouchon (under his Yoda T-Shirt) has once again delivered. The choice of program seems to be even more enticing than in previous years, as the Théâtre de Verdure fills completely for two consecutive nights. Yet Tété is a regular on the French Riviera, performing almost every year, and Asaf Avidan had already filled the Théâtre Lino Ventura not long ago. But once again, the audience answers the call with a resounding “present”.
A success!
We had Tété with us in 2007 at the Nuits Guitares in Beaulieu-sur-mer. At the time, he was in casual outfit: jogging pants, sneakers, and a cap, accompanied by two backup singers. Then he returned (after well-received indoor performances in the area) to the first edition of Crazy Week!!!, also in a cap, with a less “sporty” look but still very “comfortable,” accompanied by a remarkable double bassist, in a colorful boubou. So it was a big surprise to see him last night in suit and tie, black hat, followed by three musicians dressed similarly, more confident and serene, fully into his music, as that hasn’t changed. His best hits were, of course, shared on the Nice stage, revisited for this new setup (guitar/bass/drums) allowing the artist to strum his trusty Gibson at will and focus on his vocal performance.
Festival rules. Everyone takes their turn. Now it’s Asaf Avidan’s turn. The die-hard fans who came only for him, waited patiently outside sipping their drinks, while Tété fans stayed for each part of this evening which opened its doors with Hyphen Hyphen, a local band now touring with their own bus, booked throughout the year.
In the media, there is often talk of resemblance between Asaf’s voice and that of Janis Joplin, Jeff Buckley, and sometimes even Robert Plant. I must admit (yes, I know, it’s not usual to use “I” in an article, but just this once) that he didn’t remind me of any of these three artists who, beyond hitting high notes that give you goosebumps, often choose broken, rough, masculine voices the rest of the time! Even Janis had her low register moments. Here it’s quite the opposite. Without seeing Mr. Avidan, one might genuinely believe they are listening to a female singer. He does indeed reach very high notes—an accomplishment as few can do so—and sometimes dips low, but the constant is: he has a distinctly feminine voice, regardless of the notes. Maybe the comparison should be made with one of the two CocoRosie sisters, in terms of tone. What do you think?
An ambiguous character with an angelic smile and demons anchored within him, with a certain sensitivity, original style, and eccentric flair, without a doubt. The least we can say is that his universe is… special. In any case, it draws a crowd. Last night was proof of that.
And we’re off again later for an evening that might attract fewer since it features French discoveries, far less publicized. Although… Jil is Lucky is beginning to gain significant media attention and therefore the spectators’. For listening to new sounds (Rover, Concrete Knives, Dallas Frasca), this is the night not to be missed! Still at the TdV, 7:30 PM.
Standard rate: €28 on site
Duo: €40 (save by purchasing 2 tickets)
Children (5-12 years): €10 on site
