On this final evening of the Nice Jazz Festival, the crowd is slow to gather early on at the Masséna venue. The audience is smaller than on previous days, but Mos Dief is expected to create a special connection. The Théâtre de Verdure has had its loyal followers from day one, and the audience is present, dense, and will continue to grow as the night progresses.
The Low Budget Men kicks off the festivities at the TDV with a rock concert that everyone enjoys. Claude Mariottini, a doctor, is no stranger to the stage at the Théâtre. It’s a rock moment in this space, with bodies moving, rhythms beaten, smiles on faces, and a joyful, festive atmosphere. The atmosphere is not only charged with threatening storms but also has a seventies vibe that everyone loves.
Meanwhile, Galactic prepares to take the stage on the Masséna side. From the first song, the musicians showcase their talent. The timid audience slowly lets go with each note. Then She enters, grabs the microphone. She is Magie Koerner, the band’s singer. A woman who leaves no one indifferent and who, by the third song, gives the crowd goosebumps. Her voice is indescribable, emotions are shared, offered. Some are surprised, delighted by this musical discovery, while others, already familiar with Galactic, are thrilled to see them again on the open-air Masséna stage.
You must pause this listening to head to the TDV so as not to miss the Joshua Redman Quartet. Here, it’s the same scenario as the previous nights; jazz lovers are growing more and more. Sitting is no longer an option. The only solution is to stand and soak it all in. This exceptional saxophonist captivates you, and what’s more, he is generous. Music is shared, offered, and Joshua Redman, a charismatic man, knows this and delivers. It’s a concert you don’t want to end, as it’s so wonderful to let go with the flow of the notes.
Time for yet another return to Masséna. De La Soul Live Band couldn’t come due to a close bereavement and is replaced last minute by the excellent Mos Dief. This guy is simply a genius, a stage monster. Alone, he makes the audience dance, injects energy into everyone, an invitation to “let go,” an invitation to joy, to dance. People explode: goodbye daily worries, goodbye sadness, hello joy. Bodies are just oscillations, and the crowd grows denser and larger. Mos Dief is simply a complete artist.
Bravo.
This final evening will be intense and thrilling for the TDV audience when Ed Motta, with small glasses perched on the tip of his nose, takes the stage. A man who commands presence, a man who has swing in his body, a warm and crazy voice, energy that emanates with each sound produced. Ed Motta takes you on a ride in a convertible, strolling at sunset, in a Hawaiian shirt, moccasins on his feet. You see? That’s the journey this great man offered to his Nice audience. Returning via the Promenade des Anglais is hard after escaping with this man who is not only a performer, but also a songwriter, showman, musician, and widely recognized. The fireworks didn’t take place on July …, but on … July in the Théâtre de Verdure with a performance and concert that cannot be forgotten.
Five exceptional evenings, that’s the gift from the Nice Jazz Festival to an audience of all ages. It’s a challenge accepted by the entire municipal team, which successfully hosted nearly eight thousand people each night. The welcome has always been cheerful; good humor is the secret. A truly beautiful edition drawing its curtain with Cassius on the Masséna stage. Young people are in a trance, eagerly awaiting their Cassius. Raised hands, screams will be the last experiences of this NJF 2014. So, it’s with an electro beat and dancing bodies that the curtain falls on a wild musical week that was none other than legends and energy.
Bérangère BERRIAUX
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