The arenas of Cimiez, its gardens, and its olive trees will once again host a fusion of diverse and varied sounds, blending age-old tradition with futuristic experimentation in music. One of the 3 largest Jazz festivals kicks off its 2006 edition. The lineup for the first day includes none other than: Roy Hargrove Quintet, Demi Evans, Brooklyn Funk Essentials presents BFE Sound System, Roy Ayers, Makoto Ozone Trio, and the high priestess of Nu Soul, none other than, Erykah Badu. Ah… Nice Première took a little stroll at the heart of the festival, where pleasure and good “vibes” are guaranteed. Music!
A subtle wander. Strolling down the arena paths, lying on the grass, grabbing a bite, having a drink, savoring an early evening breeze that carries brass and double bass sounds to the ears. That’s what truly being a festival-goer is all about. Many have come, sometimes from afar. They speak English, Italian. He, typically in his thirties, wears a tank top or T-shirt featuring Che, Bob, or Marvin Gaye; long shorts and a pair of sneakers. She, a long floral skirt or an African boubou, with a ribbon wrapped around her head. People enjoy the festival’s first chords and take their places in front of the three stages. Parents have left their children under supervision in a free area, designed to make the moment even more enjoyable for everyone. Others start to sway with a toddler in arms. Some keep to the side, appreciating the music at a table while sipping coffee. Everything is available, albeit at a price. From kebab sandwiches to Corsican or South-West French specialties, through to candy apples and sweet crepes. Young people exchange bits of musical culture in front of a stand selling posters and T-shirts. Another offers tribal tattoos. The first concerts are enchanting, but the conversations are more about the expectations: many are here to hear Erykah’s voice. Her slot was scheduled for 10 PM. The central stage remains empty. They play “Alien” by Sting and some enchanting saxophone pieces to keep everyone waiting. For now, they enjoy it differently. People pull on scented cigarettes on the lawn. A man surprises his wife by handing her cotton candy. She thanks him with a wide smile and a passionate kiss. The place belongs to lovers, the music transports and makes the embraces more genuine. A crowd forms and chants “Erykah, Erykah.”
Like any star, she knows how to make them wait. 10:40 PM. Still no sign of her distinctive high feline hairdo. The atmosphere remains relaxed.
11 PM. The crowd grows impatient. “This is the second time,” someone remarks. Second announcement of the imminent stage entrance by the great African-American woman. Two hopes have vanished with yet another round of recorded music through the loudspeakers, pleasurable though insufficient to keep the crowd captivated.
People are still passing through the entrance gate. “I worked until now, I couldn’t come earlier. Well, I’m here to see Erykah Badu, I bought my ticket for her.” They talk about the big names coming to the arenas this year. “Kanye West, Sunday, I can’t miss that. I’m going to ask for a day off,” says a tall blonde to his friends. “Marcus Miller, awesome, but I can’t afford two more tickets… Otherwise, I won’t eat until the end of the month!” The price of admission brings everyone back to decisions that override personal desires.
Whistles now rise. Reactions increasingly show impatience. Smiles are still there, but more seriously now, in the “pit” near the stage.
Police patrol nonchalantly. Firefighters carry out a second person on a stretcher who’s suffered a bout of faintness. At a refreshment stand, the staff laments: “No more music, we’re really working for nothing!”
Response. An announcer takes the microphone: “She will be here in five minutes.” He repeats his announcement in English. Festival-goers gather in front of the stage.
11:30 PM. A snare drum resonates across the site. Boom boom tchak. A powerful hip-hop sound, deep bass, and kicks pierce the site. Erykah Badu suddenly appears on stage. A long black dress covers her long legs. She picks up the microphone and hums with her suave voice. The audience has barely reacted to an entrance they no longer awaited. Nonetheless, no one will be disappointed for having waited.
Erykah sings, dances, captivates with her uniquely timbred voice. She gives her all, swaying to the beat. Warm applause. The lioness pushes her vocals to vertiginous heights in the high registers, vibrates the ancient tree that towers over the stage, bursts with energy. A subtle mix of African-American music, jazz, and hip-hop. She transitions from “soul” (“Green Eyes”) to Dr. Dre sounds (“Lady Bag”). “It was magical. We waited, but not for nothing!” She is perfectly backed by two chorus singers handling her “backs,” and a sextet. Dwayne Kerr will contribute on the flute for some pieces. “Awesome, she gave a solid two hours of concert!” She invites the audience to clap, to chant her name. A positive energy fills the hearts of aficionados and novices alike, beating to the rhythm of the bass. Bodies move less. “I love you Nice, I love you so much,” she declares to the crowd. Different tones of whistles resound now, filled with warmth and delight. “I wanted to see her live on stage. Hats off.” They cheer at her request. “Exceptional!” Everyone has caught at least a bit of the groove. At this level, the music has the disinhibiting virtue that pierces through the eardrums to the conscious will. Even the most introverted nod their heads. She finishes with a languorous song accompanied by piano. The audience asks for no encore. The magic has passed. Princess Badu is forgiven.
An “after” is planned each night until dawn, at the Radisson Hotel, on the Promenade des Anglais. Special buses accompany festival-goers who wish to continue the evening in the company of a festival band.
