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| JazzAscona, "The Cannes of classic jazz" - June 24 to July 3, 2005 ”The Cannes of classic jazz”, “The most important swing & mainstream event in Europe”. Vastly updated last year by its new 33-year-old Artistic Director Nicolas Gilliet, Jazz Ascona New Orleans and Classics 2005 (Ascona, Lago Maggiore, Switzerland) will start right off with a bang. Gilliet's 2004 innovations made a hit: more 'black music'; opening up the program to big name USA 'mainstream' players, and a wider billboard reflecting a wise balance between respect-for and reform-of the great jazz tradition. As a result, interest in Jazz Ascona -- scheduled for June 24 to July 3 2005 -- is greater than ever. With its 10 days of music, 200 concerts, 250 participating musicians, renowned jam sessions, special events and affiliate programs, JazzAscona appears at the starting line replete with promise. The practice of choosing a theme or significant anniversary for the festival began in 2000, with Louis Armstrong's 100th birthday. This year, the program offers a wider and well-defined theme. The title of the 2005 edition is “That's Jazz!”, a motto that is, in itself, a programmatic statement. The 2005 edition stands out for its large number of participating American artists. Among them are many of the finest from the New Orleans scene, in some cases still little-known in Europe, such as drummer Shannon Powell (outstanding for his energy, inventiveness and precision). Then there’s Jason Marsalis, youngest [and some say the most gifted] of the renowned Marsalis Brothers, appearing here in his European debut on vibes! Other big names: singer Linda Hopkins, a true focal point for many jazz/blues singers, celebrating her 80th birthday at Ascona. Freddy Cole, brother of Nat, already recognized as a singer and vocal interpreter of outstanding gifts, with his own repertoire and his own unique artistic personality. Among the high caliber performers we also find the band of Duffy Jackson, U.S. drummer with an extraordinary career (he played with Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald and others); and guest artists like shining star Houston Person, long-time musical partner of the late Etta Jones. There are “Mainstream” groups such as Dado Moroni's trio with Lewis Nash and Peter Washington, both formerly with the late Tommy Flanagan's trio; organist Rhoda Scott's duo; and the quartet of the great trumpeter Warren Vache', to mention just a few. Of great interest is singer Roy Bennett's JAB (Just Another Band). This group, in their European debut, will present, in a jazz idiom, black music from R&B to Soul to Funk. Then, there's the surprising Yalloppin' Hounds, Joey Cavaseno's eclectic ensemble, unique in the world for their way of combining pure swing with the urban rhythms and phrasing of Hip Hop. Too, the band of singer/guitarist Walter Wolfman Washington, star of New Orleans Blues. On the traditional jazz front, there are the Original Liberty Jazz Band of New Orleans directed by Dr. Michael White; the Marty Grosz group; great New Orleans trumpeter Wendell Brunious, Britisher Keith Smith's All Stars. And last but not least, the young musicians of the Hot Club of New Orleans who, with their violin, 2 guitars, freshness and sound reminiscent of Django, stand to be one of the loveliest discoveries of the 2005 Edition of JazzAscona! write your comments about the article :: © 2005 Jazz News :: home page |