The Gathering of People Through Jazz Music: Montreux Jazz Festival
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Drawing in an attendance of over 230 000 people, the 51st edition of Montreux Jazz Festival was an experience worth remembering. With soothing performances from both old and new affluential musicians of jazz. With the likes of , Grace Jones, Royal Blood and Tom Jones to neo-soul Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu, seeping into eclectic R&B sounds with Solange and Sampha along with the adjacent element of Hip Hop with Gucci Mane, Flatbush Zombies and more.
Highlights of the festival consisted of Lauryn Hill improvising a moving version of a French classic Ne me Quitte Pas, inspired by Nina Simone and our faves Sampha joining Solange on stage for their Cranes in the Sky.
After performances in the main stage Auditorium Stravinski existed afterparties in the Montreux Jazz Club where audiences were exposed to jam sessions till sunrise, literally!
Quincy Jones who has acclaimed it as the Rolls Royce of Jazz events was in attendance, rightfully so, as one of The Godfather's of Jazz from the beginning of his career in the 1950s to a multi-mogul today.
The beauty of the festival is that it offers no-fee activities on the side such as music in the park with open-air concerts, a European advantage to be celebrated as music is cultivated in parks, to silent discos at Parc Vernex where those in attendance vibe, groove and celebrate with headphones - a true millennium element of the evolution of technology influencing nightlife and who can forget the weekly pool parties!
The beauty of music is that it is universal and has the healing powers to bring people together! Till next year at the 52nd edition of Montreal Jazz Festival.
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Photography Credits:
Lionel Flusin
Marc Ducrest
Daniel Balmat
EmilienItim
Anne Laure Lechat