And in Paris for the next few days? If so, then you’ll love Jazz à la Villette, one of the most looked-forward to annual musical events in Paris in the fall.
Don’t let the name fool you, however, it’s not all jazz – the festival comprises a vibrant mix of blues, swing, funk, world music, and of course, jazz. Held at Parc de la Villette, the festival features a raft of unique concerts from well-respected masters to new talent, to fusion acts, and there is something for everyone and all tastes.
Jazz Marathon 1959
In addition, not to be missed is Jazz à la Villette’s marathon concert, recreating the heady days of mid-20th century jazz.
1959 is generally considered to be Jazz’s most creative year; it was the year that jazz record label, Stax, was born; the year that Billie Holiday and Lester Young died, the year Ray Charles blew everyone away with What I’d Say; the year Miles Davis released his hugely influential album, Kind of Blue. In fact, 1959 was the year a whole host of ground-breaking, landmark albums were released; from Dave Brubeck and John Coltrane to Duke Ellington, Ornette Coleman, and Charles Mingus… jazz had become re-worked and re-defined.
Jazz Marathon 1959 brings together some of the most talented jazz musicians of today in this musical extravaganza, and features eight unique concerts in one weekend.
If that isn’t enough to whet your appetite, the festival also has a program of movies which were released in 1959, including Some Like it Hot, starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon.
Jazz à la Villette runs between now and September 14. For details of concerts and schedules, please visit the official Jazz à la Villette website.