(Translated from French) News Mada | Oct 7, 2016
In October 1988, three young Malagasy doctors passionate about jazz decided to create a platform dedicated to this musical genre. They are Allain Razakatiana, Bruno Razafindrakoto and Henri Rakotondrabe. They first set up a jazz club at the French Alliance of Antananarivo (AFT) and then decided to multiply their activities by organizing shows. Thus was born the festival in 1989, referred to debut ” Jazz in Tana ” and ” Jazz in Mada “. In 1991, the event observed a stand-by but returned in force in 1992, inviting a pleiade of musicians of international renown. Quickly, the festival has gained momentum under its new name ” International Festival Madajazzcar ” selected under the inspiration of the composition of the pianist and clarinetist Rajaobelina Arly Arnaud Razafy. Desired Razafindrazaka took the helm in 2001. In 2010, Madajazzcar received the label called ” DjangodOr- international jazz trophies ” that allowed him to be part of the jazz festivals recognized in Africa. In 2014, it was voted Cultural Event by the Minister of Crafts, Culture and Heritage. And this year, it is at its 27th edition which will see the participation of many musicians from all over the world.
Invited foreign artists
The French saxophonist Guillaume Perret
Currently on tour internationally, Guillaume Perret specializes in the electric saxophone. It distills an original style mixing funk, rock and classical as well as various African rhythms that deliver a new vision of jazz. Armed with his saxophone, he succeeded in producing various sounds ranging from percussion to bass guitar.
The Norwegian guitarist Hakon Storm-Mathisen
This musician is not only a teacher at the Norwegian Music Academy, but also a conductor and soloist in several bands.Hakon Storm-Mathisen oscillates between the electric, acoustic and even classical styles. Winther founder of Storm Group, he won the Independent Music Award award in the category jazz albums in 2013 with the album ” Spinnaker “.
The French pianist Jean-Pierre Como
Passionate about jazz since his childhood, Jean-Pierre Como decided to deepen his passion by studying in a conservatory.He then accompanied several jazz musicians such as Bernard Maury, François Couturier …
The Swiss pianist Christoph Hegi
Self-taught, the musician created a group called Tschapsmusik in 1977, now Tin Roof Jazz Orchestra. More committed than the others, he decided to put his talent at the service of education, sharing his experiences with the students of Dattwi. In 2003, he met the singer Kristina Tajsic and formed the duo called Voice meets piano inspired by the American jazz of the years 20, 40 and 50.
The American bassist Bunny Brunel
Composer, arranger, producer and designer, Bunny Brunnel participated in one of the biggest concerts of Michel Polnareff “Ze tour”, officiating at the same time as bassist and musical director. This tour received a Victory of Music for the best live performance. The artist has also created a line of electric bass guitars and double basses, and is also the author of bass guitar learning books.
The American singer Kaylene Peoples
This artist is not only a singer, she is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger and conductor. Kaylene Peoples adopts neo-classical symphonic styles. Note that she was the coach of David Raksin and Henry Mancini who were the winners of one of the editions of the Academy award. Working with several large production boxes such as Warner Bros., EMI, Universal … she has composed several soundtracks for films such as American Pie 2, Serendipity …
French pianist Francis Lockwood
Overwhelmingly talented since his early childhood, Francis Lockwood received the Alto Violin Prize at the Conservatory of Calais at the age of 17. But interested in the piano, he has integrated a number of rock and jazz bands. In 1987 he was named one of the top five pianists in Europe by Jazz Hot. He is influenced by artists like Bob Dylan, Cream and sometimes even Johann Sebastian Bach.
The German Quartet Jin Jim
The band evolves into a more modern genre mixing jazz and rock. In 2014, he won the jazz competition of the 35th edition of the Leverkusener Jazztage. The quartet especially highlights the sound of the Peruvian flute which allows in some pieces to make a musical journey between the Balkan folklore and hip hop.
The French saxophonist Baptiste Herbin
Baptiste Herbin started playing the saxophone at the age of 4. At 15, the artist decided to take an interest in jazz by studying at the Conservatory of Paris. Great artists like Charlie Parker or Cannonball Adderley influenced him a lot.Currently, he plays with the star Charles Aznavour.
The American group The jazz diplomats
Belonging to the US Navy, the four musicians share the same passion, jazz. Members of the US Navy Band that was already in Madagascar last year, they decided to form another band called The Jazz Diplomats.
(Original Source Below)