This year, more than ever, the Gent Jazz line-up, which will take place from 5 to 20 July on the Bijloke site, will offer a perilous split between internationally known jazz artists such as Brad Mehldau, Bill Frisell and Joshua Redman and artists who are much less jazzy but more mainstream, such as Air, André 3000 and… Patrick Bruel.
American guitarist Bill Frisell, Canadian singer-pianist Diana Krall and Belgian-Tunisian pianist Wajdi Riahi will open hostilities on July 5 for one of the most jazzy days of the festival.
The following day, Anohni and The Johnsons will headline their only appearance in the Benelux this summer.
Day 8 offers a more family-friendly program, with artists like Gabriel Rios, Stef Kamil Carlens and crooner Jamie Cullum.
Brad Meldau and Joshua Redman on the same night
Fans of hardcore jazz will have to wait until the 11th, when they will be spoiled by a top-flight lineup that includes Swiss trumpeter Erik Truffaz, Brad Mehldau accompanied by Chris Potter (saxophone), John Patitucci (bassist) and Jonathan Blake (drums). The concert by American saxophonist Joshua Redman and singer Gabrielle Cavassa is the highlight of the evening.
The following day, André 3000 (Outkast) will present his new project focused on wind instruments to the public and the English producer Alfa Mist will take over the main stage.
On July 14, in addition to Rodrigo y Gabriela, Cimafunk and Eliades Ochoa, the festival will welcome Lee Ritenour&Dave Grusin, Azmarie and Nicolas Mortelmans Quartet.
On Monday, July 15, funk ambassadors Nile Rodgers&CHIC will play their classics “Le Freak” and “Good Times” and Bolis Pupul will present his solo album LETTER TO YU.
On the 17th, the stage will be occupied by Patrick Bruel who will come to present his latest album to the Belgian public.
Finally, on Saturday July 20, the festival will close with concerts by Mélanie De Biasio and The Cinematic Orchestra.
To be seen from July 5 to 20 on the Bijloke website.
