As every summer, the hills of Cimiez resonate with the sounds of saxophones and the smooth voices of jazz singers. 60 years later, the artists have certainly changed, but the magic has not vanished. There are renditions of standards like Frank Sinatra, Cole Porter, or Ella Fitzgerald on the program, but also some new titles. Thus, from July 19 to 26, 2008, crooners such as George Benson will blend their voices with the wild violins of Nigel Kennedy.
A festival that rhymes with renewal and authenticity, since this year, jazz is more than ever the focus of this event. Gone are the pop/rock artists. Shunned by the artists, they have opted for “Jazz ร Vienne” and the “Montreux Jazz Festival” in Switzerland. They are returning today for the delight of aficionados.
A new programming director, none other than the famous producer Gรฉrard Drouot, has taken the reins of this festival. An organizer of shows, he has been setting up tours for prestigious musicians like Indochine, Murray Head, and U2 for about thirty years.
The Festival Regulars
“I like the festival concept. Different stages, groups more or less known,” explains Stรฉphanie Marshall, a production manager for a communication company. “And then, the Cimiez hills provide a rather pleasant setting.”
Didier, an engineer in Nice, attends the festival to see both jazz and rock.
“I was at the 2006 edition of the festival. It had a rich rock program. What struck me was the presence of the group Toto. It’s quite rare to see them on stage. But I can understand how it might disappoint some.”
According to him, the festival needed artists at a lower cost. “I think today it’s more expensive to bring a jazz star over. A concert ticket for a jazz singer is exorbitantly priced! On the other hand, that of a rock band is much more affordable.”
