The committed group Sarab, the surprising trio Nout, the brilliant saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin, or even the unbeatable members of Mare Nostrum… The 33rd edition of Millau Jazz Festival, which will take place from July 15 to 20, has set the bar high. Discover the program.
“The world of culture is going through a worrying moment. Jazz is a style that draws inspiration from world music.”begins the event director, Philippe Fayet, before presenting the program. For its 33rd edition, which will take place from July 15 to 20, the Millau Jazz festival sets the tone with a poster that resonates with current events.
“A program even more focused on sharing. With artists who campaign, often flouted.” Strong words from the director to describe singers and musicians from all over the world who make the hearts of the people of Millau beat in unison.
Starting with the first two evenings relocated to Belmont-sur-Rance et Creissels. “It is part of the festival’s DNA to reach out to the public in the com’com territories”validates Claire Devic, head of production. So, theJuly 15 and 16, Rodolphe Laurettaa Martinican saxophonist, will unveil a “explosive cocktail of Caribbean music”.
Committed groups
Sounds from all over the world that will detonate every evening in the city of gloves. Particularly in the gardens of the Château de Sambucy where, on Wednesday July 17, LGMX will revisit electronic music.
The opening night will continue with the Sarab group (“mirage”, in Arabic) which will propose “a mix of rock fury, contemporary jazz and traditional Arabic music”. A favorite of the organization for whom “The singer, Franco-Syrian, has a very powerful and festive voice, just the way we like them.” A militant and committed label stuck to this group which “addresses topics such as feminism and the fractures of societies”, explains Claire Devic.
Lakecia Benjamin, headliner of the festival
The day after, Thursday July 18it is first the quartet ProspectusJazz Matignon 2024 winner who, “with free and contemporary compositions”, will animate the gardens of the castle. It is a completely different style that will then invade the festival stage. The trio of three musicians, Nut – “the festival’s risk-taking”- will make a surprising but festive proposal “with moments of fury”halfway between American rock and jazz.
The evening will continue with the festival’s headliner, saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin who has notably played with Alicia Keys. A feminist musician and defender of Cuban culture, she offers in her latest opus Phoenix a mix of “funk, pop and Cuban culture”. Alto saxophonists considered one of the most brilliant of her generation, she will be the first major event of this 33rd edition.
Mare Nostrum, you star festival
A festival that set the bar high, notably with the arrival of the group Mare Nostrum, the Friday July 19, “the star group of the festival”according to Gérard Tanguy, president who will succeed East Aces on the stage of Millau Jazz Festival for a melodious and poetic set. A trio eagerly awaited by jazz lovers.
Finally Saturday, the festival will end in style with the group headlining Black Lives, “a collective created a few years ago, composed of musicians from the African musical diaspora, presents Gérard Tanguy. A movement boosted by the death of George Floyd.
Twelve on the Millau stage, their notes will fight for equality and social justice. A music of demands that is part of the country’s current events. An edition that wants to be more committed than ever to diversity and sharing.
The festival moves to the People’s House Theater
This year, Millau Jazz Festival will also invest the terrace of the theater of the Maison du Peuple “which has been abandoned for several years”. For the occasion a before, Friday July 19, will be offered with the quintet of Lucile Revel, Montpellier artist with an enchanting voice (free entry). Another event on the terrace, a after this time, with Hyper Jacuzzi. Three improv musicians who “explore the world of 90s acid.”
