A jazz drummer rattles out a quick, syncopated rhythm as an upright bassist grooves along, layering a deep melody under the lively strums of an acoustic guitarist. A woman walks onstage and sits in front of a grand piano. Her sparkling gown and headband of shimmering pearls stand out against the trio of suits skillfully playing behind her.
It’s the summer of 1965 and Nina Simone is performing on the French Riviera. The diva calmly wipes the sweat from under her eyes before her fingers nimbly blaze along the keys, becoming a jaw-dropping blur of music and motion. She stops abruptly, hums into the microphone and signals for the sound person to turn up her volume. The night is warm, but her lyrics send chills through the audience:
“Southern trees. Barren strange fruit. Blood on the leaves, and blood at the roots. Black bodies swinging in the Southern breeze. Strange fruit hanging from the poplar trees.”
Jazz originated in black communities in New Orleans and Louisiana in the late 19th century. Born from blues, ragtime, African rhythm and European harmony, jazz’s complex chords and improvisational aspects make it tricky to define.
Europe becomes a Home for Jazz
In the roaring twenties, Europe was a genuine home for jazz. In France, the network of “hot-clubs” was created in the 1930s. One of the very first periodicals specializing in the genre, Jazz Hot, was born in France in 1935, as was the world’s first jazz label, Swing, in 1936.
During the Second World War, jazz was banned by Nazi Germany. The Allies, on the other hand, used jazz to boost morale amongst soldiers with V-discs, which were special recordings by popular singers. Louis Armstrong, Coleman Hawkins and Art Tatum were some of the jazz artists that recorded personalized V-disc concerts.
Famous Jazz conductor moves to Monaco in the 1950s…
The history of jazz in Monaco really began in the 1950s when Aimé Barelli, the conductor, composer, singer and jazz trumpeter, moved to the Principality. Before an international audience, he played at the Cabaret of the Casino and the Sporting every night. Aimé Barelli performed with legends like Dizzy Gillespie, Sidney Bechet, Charlie Parker and Django Reinhardt. Since the Aimé Barelli era in Monaco, the likes of Nina Simone and countless other jazz legends have graced the stages of the Principality.
Over the years, jazz instruments, rhythms and songs have evolved to create the diverse styles of today. Jazz is as popular in Monaco now as it ever has been. Norah Jones, Alicia Keys, Joss Stone and Lauryn Hill are some of the contemporary names who have played in Monaco.
Diana Ross walks onstage…Twice!
One anecdote from the jazz history of Le Sporting is when Diana Ross made her stage entrance twice in one night! The first time she came out, she didn’t have the attention of the entire room because the dinner service hadn’t finished yet. To the amazement of the quickly-captivated audience, she turned around and made her entrance again. The Supremes singer performed at the Red Cross Gala in 2007 and was presented with the Legend Award at the World Music Awards in Monaco in 1996.
The unmissable Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival!
Keeping jazz fans happy since 2006 is the unmissable Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival. Jean-René Palacio, who was the Artistic Director of the Société des Bains de Mer Group for 20 years, created the major international festival, which is celebrating its 18th edition this year. Taking place from 20 November to 1 December 2024, the festival will be set in the Opéra Garnier Monte-Carlo.
“Each year, this festival celebrates the very essence of jazz, bringing together world-renowned artists who transform the Opéra Garnier Monte-Carlo into an enchanting showcase of notes. This 2024 edition travels down the most inspiring jazz paths, from traditional to contemporary influences, where big band riffs meet vibrant vocal phrasing,” says the Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival.
Count Basie Orchestra, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Ayo, Level 42 and more…
This year’s festival kicks off with the home-grown talent of musicians from the Académie Rainier III. Day two of the festival features the legendary Count Basie Orchestra and the Dal Sasso Big Band in a tribute to Chick Corea. The program also features long-time friends Dee Dee Bridgewater and saxophonist Stefano di Battista. As a nod to the origins of jazz, Ayo as well and Cape Verdean singer, Mayra Andrade, will perform on day four of the festival.
Other highlights include pop-funk band, Level 42, with Emile Londonien opening, a trio influenced by London jazz. Cimafunk, the Afro-Cuban rock star will open for Seun Kuti, who is the son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, who will perform with his father’s former band, Egypt 80.
The festival culminates with two guitar virtuosos, Matthieu Chedid aka -M- and Thibault Cauvin. Sophye Soliveau, the RnB and soul singer, harpist and choir leader will be opening the show. Mario Biondi and Stella Cole (made famous on Tik Tok) will be the final musical event.
Jazz and Cinema
This year, two special films will be screened during the Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival. ‘Ascenseur pour l’échafaud’ (‘Lift to the Scaffold’) with music by Miles Davis will take place on 24 November. The film is a love-letter to jazz and tells the witty story of a man and his mistress who devise a plot to murder her husband. But getting stuck in an elevator may ruin their plans.
A film-concert of Whiplash, the unforgettable tale of a jazz student in New York, with music by Justin Hurwitz is also on the agenda. During the screening, the original soundtrack will be played live, in perfect synchronization with the images, by the brilliant Multiquarium Big Band of Benoît Sourisse and André Charlier. The much-anticipated event will close the 2024 Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival.
On the Program…
Concert Académie Rainier III – Jazz & Modern Music: Wednesday 20 November 2024 at 8 p.m.
The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra – Dal Sasso Big Band: Thursday 21 November 2024 at 8 p.m. Tickets €80
Dee Dee Bridgewater – Stefano di Battista: Friday 22 November 2024 at 8 p.m. Tickets €80
AYO – Mayra Andrade: Saturday 23 November 2024 at 8 p.m. Tickets €90
“Ascenseur pour l’échafaud” Film Screening: Sunday 24 November 2024 at 6 p.m. Tickets €12
Level 42 – Emile Londonien: Wednesday 27 November 2024 at 8 p.m. Tickets €90
Cimafunk – Seun Kuti and Egypt 80: Thursday 28 November 2024 at 8 p.m. Tickets €80
Thibault Cauvin & -M- l’Heure Miroir – Sophye Soliveau: Friday 29 November 2024 at 8 p.m. Tickets €90.
Mario Biondi – Stella Cole: Saturday 30 November 2024 at 8 p.m. Tickets €80
Whiplash Cinema-Concert: Sunday 1 December at 6 p.m. Tickets: €60
