Madajazzcar – The festival honors American jazz

lexpressmada.com | Oct 13, 2016

An ode to the roots of jazz in all its splendor. The public and the music-loving festival-goers of the capital have been entitled to it during the last two days.

From the Carlton Anosy to the University of Antananarivo, the banner of American jazz proudly floated in the framework of the international festival Madajazzcar. From a musical evening on the Anosy side Tuesday to the friendly and warm stage of Ankatso University campus yesterday, sweet jazzy melodies in Uncle Sam’s country, intoxicated the public.

With a 27th edition that continues on the track of its previous ones, Madajazzcar keeps accumulating eminent guests on its stage. After the famous Frenchmen Francis Lockwood and Guillaume Peret who enchanted the ears of the public through their performances and their collaboration with the Malagasy artists during the first half of the festival, it is the turn of the American musicians to display their know-how , To the delight of the ears of good jazz lovers who joined Madajazzcar.

The American evening at the Carlton Anosy was just as friendly as it was unheard of through the performers who excelled on stage. With “American Jazz Night”, Madajazzcar wanted to make a strong impression, in particular, with the trainings to the poster. If he marked the audience of Antsahamanitra on October 8, the duo Bunny Brunel on bass and Kaylene Peoples on vocals, accompanied by Malagasy musicians, again delighted the audience.Similarly, The Jazz Diplomats was discovered with grace and vivacity.
Couples

“Year after year it is consistently a pleasure for us to promote jazz and its history to a wider audience. What these Western artists propose, enriches the festival as much as our understanding of this musical genre, “says Désiré Razafindrazaka, chairman of the organizing committee of the Madajazzcar festival. Interpreting mainly the great standards of jazz, but also their own compositions, Bunny Brunel and Kaylene Peoples charm the public.

As with their brothers-in-arms of the US Navy Band of last year, The Jazz Diplomats which also consist of US Marines, remains the big attraction this week. It is a formation in quartet issue itself of the US Navy Band which in its totality, consists of nearly five hundred, marines musicians. The Jazz Diplomats amazed the Jazz scene at the University which was at its 24th edition yesterday afternoon. The group consists of Everett Cencich on tenor saxophone, Colin Greggs on guitar, John Parris on bass and Dave Ward on drums, all in second class rank. The university campus was the theater of a unique musical discovery yesterday, and the student audience did not ask for more.

“This is our first visit to this country and we are delighted to be here, to interact and to share with all these resplendent artists of youth. It feels a great passion for jazz, “says Colin Greggs.Yesterday, The Jazz Diplomats shared the stage with Band’n Tanana and Deba ft Jazz Quart.Today these jazzmen of the American Navy will hold a jazz workshop in the American Cultural Center Tanjombato.
Andry Patrick Rakotondrazaka

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Madajazzcar: 27 Years of Discovery and Success

(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.

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Madajazzcar: 27 Years of Passion for this Flagship Cultural Event

(Translated from French) Midi Madagasikara | Sept 24, 2016

The 27 th edition of Madajazzcar festival will take place from 1st to October 14, in any city Tana. Some 60 groups will move the city to the rhythm of the jazz endiablé. 

Madajazzcar, an annual and inevitable rendez-vous for jazz lovers, takes ages but does not age. 27 years of history now, passion and a lot of motivation for each year to organize a festival of international scope, the committee does everything to make this event indelible in the annual cultural calendar Malagasy. Every month in October, and for many jazz fans both in Madagascar and abroad, like the jacarandas that bloom, the Madajazzcar offers its musical bouquet.The story then begins when three jazz-loving doctors, Dr. Allain Razakatiana, Dr. Bruno Razafindrakoto and Dr. Henri Rakotondrabe, decided in 1988 to create a jazz club at the Alliance Française de Andavamamba. Other illustrious musicians and aficionados will join them, such as Dr Hervé Razakaboana, Arnaud Razafy, Serge Rahoerson, the brothers Raymond, Dédé and Jeannot Rabeson, the brothers Gilles de Commarmand and later Désiré Razafindrazaka, who chairs the committee Organization to date.

Carrefour . Jazz is increasingly vulgarized and no longer remains within the walls of “music lovers” who have to be jazz fans to be part of a certain social class. Today, jazz goes down the street, and thanks largely to this festival which organizes free concerts practically throughout the city, the general public can appreciate this music at its true value. A true crossroads of international jazz, the Madajazzcar is, like all the other festivals of this world, a great international scene to be included in its artistic journey. This year again, several international artists will be invited to participate. 11 in total, including Bunny Brunel, Kaylene Peoples, and The Jazz Diplomates of the United States, Baptiste Herbin, Francis Lockwood, Guillaume Perret and Jean Pierre Como. Jah Pinpin from France, Hakon Storm-Mathisen from Norway, Jin Jim from Germany, and Christoph Hegi from Switzerland. And a multitude of national groups and artists, 43 in total. They will play in 17 sites, which leaves the choice to all jazz lovers to appreciate without moderation this music.

AnjaraRasoanaivo

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Akademia Music Awards Chooses Kaylene Peoples “Giant Steps” as Best Jazz Song

Congratulations are in order to Kaylene Peoples for winning Best Jazz Song for the December 2015 Akademia Music Awards.

‘Giant Steps’ has always been known as a rite of passage amongst jazz musicians.  Coltrane pretty much set it up like that with his complexities in his soloing and the rapid, consistent chord changes. When I decided to do the song, my first attempt at the recording was more subdued, but I always had intended to have my mentor Hubert Laws play on this track. Imagine how excited I was to learn that Bobby Lyle and Bunny Brunel would also be guest performing,” says Peoples.

Kaylene Peoples and Hubert Laws During MY MAN Recording Session at the Mouse House Studio, Altadena, CA

Kaylene Peoples is a flutist/vocalist and performs both crafts with veteran skill and expertise; and with great pride, she highlights her favorite flutist and mentor Hubert Laws – and it’s no surprise this piece is such an award-worthy recording. Kaylene Peoples sings it with mixed styles reminiscent of Manhattan Transfer and Ella Fitzgerald. Peoples’s own flavor of scatting makes this version of “Giant Steps” commercial and the most unique yet!

Personnel on “Giant Steps” (from My Man CD) are as follows: Kaylene Peoples (Vocals, Producer/Arranger); Mark Hammond (Guitar); Hubert Laws (Flute); Bobby Lyle (Acoustic Piano); Bunny Brunel (Upright Bass); Cory Mason (Drums).  Rich Mouser engineered/mixed/mastered the song at The Mouse House Studio in Altadena, CA.

This music award belongs to everyone who participated in making “Giant Steps,” especially John Coltrane for such ingenuity.  We jazzers always want to put our own spin on such an incredibly historical piece of music!” – Kaylene Peoples

More from Akademia Music Awards on “Giant Steps.”

(All photos by Arun Nevader/Getty Images)

Captions in Order: Hubert Laws, Bunny Brunel, Bobby Lyle, Mark Hammond, Cory Mason, Rich Mouser