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Mairie de Bize-Minervois
Responsable de la Publication :
Alain Fabre
Maire de Bize-Minervois

Téléphone Mairie : 04 68 46 10 29
Hôtel de Ville
11120 Bize Minervois
 
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The jazz caravan of the Gabachs

The jazz caravan of the Gabachs

The first festival in Bize in May 2008

 

After organising a "Festival of Artists" day in Ginestas in January 2008, the inter-community association for local development, Cap Réussite, wanted to deliver a cultural programme of music as well as other artistic forms, at regular intervals and in the different communities in the Ginestas canton.

So, initiated by Cap Réussite, a jazz festival was held in Bize-Minervois on Friday, 23rd and Saturday, 24th May. The two-day programme included six concerts, six stage groups, which made up the "jazz caravan of the Gabachs." The festival was planned as usual for the open air, on the municipal camping site. Adverse weather conditions during the weekend drove the musicians into the village hall.

An example of the scene:
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  • Ed’mi, comprising a guitarist and a singer, whose repertoire ranges from gypsy swing to blues, played music that the audience would perhaps have not heard before, but which was a nice surprise. With a personal interpretation of the words, which is not usually heard, the singer won over her audience with her formidable voice.

 

  • Poum Si Jim, musicians inspired by the wind of the Upper melodic plateaux, thrilled with guitar, clarinet, tuba, accordion, saxophone and drums. A vibrancy with their instruments, a sort of strength, and an intensity in the fun. A veritable composition inspired by gypsies.

 

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  • Oz, a marvellous duo of a singer and a double bass player, rethought and rearranged some jazz and rock standards.

 

  • L’Affaire à Swing, a quartet (tuba, banjo, soprano and tenor sax) surprised with its "New Orleans" swing, influenced by Dixieland, as well as big standards of French songs revisited.

 

  • Swing 39, (solo guitar, rhythm guitar, and double bass), performed some original pieces, as well as big gypsy standards.

 

  • Smoky Joe Combo (a vintage swing quartet) performed pieces from their album "Diga Diga Doo" and from their repertoire of big masters of the 30s.

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In spite of the quality of the concerts, there was some evidence of the public staying away from the festival. It is why it is important to ask some questions, good questions.

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With more than 12,000 residents in the 14 villages of the canton and the surrounding area, you could estimate that between 400 and 500 of the population would come to this type of event, a number mostly achieved by the popular balls in old times. So why is there such disaffection today (around 50 people at most on Saturday night)?

 

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Inspired musicians, music to discover

Must everything be free? On the face of it - no. Something positive needs to be done to assist concerts of this kind. There has to be motivation, such as a knowledgeable passionate spectator explained, "We have to positively encourage jazz and contemporary artists. Here, it is a pity, that we do not run the risk. We retreat to the culture, which dominates us, that which the media gives us. Here, there is an obstacle. Individuals do not take the step to move to attend these public events. Yet, they would love to do it, but it is the step, which is not taken. A bit of courage is needed, which they do not manage to overcome."
Special thanks to our translator, Sue Ackloo.

Last Updated (Saturday, 14 March 2009 20:05)