Jazz lovers swing out at Moscow festival
Published 14 June, 2008, 11:47
More than 30,000 music fans have flocked to the Arkhangelskoe manor in Moscow region for the fifth international open-air jazz festival. The event is one of the most important outdoor festivals in Russia, featuring hundreds of jazz musicians from home and abroad.
Jazz lovers from across the nation came in their thousands to kick off their shoes, let their hair down, and enjoy the music in a relaxing atmosphere.
Five stages accommodate more than 50 jazz bands at the three-day festival.
The event’s success lies in its diversity. The organisers make sure all tastes are catered for, from Dixieland and swing to lounge, funk and acid jazz. There’s also room for ethnic and world music. In fact, the festival aims to introduce the full range of music connected with jazz.
The American Dialect Society has named ‘jazz’ the Word of the Twentieth Century. Jazz music first appeared in the southern U.S. as a mix of African and European tunes. As the years passed, jazz spread and transformed from a regional folk genre to an international, almost academic style symbolising prosperity and admired by intellectuals.
Festival organiser Maria Syomushkina says one of the goals of this year’s festival is to “break the stereotype” about jazz appealing only to a small and elite group.
“We're trying to bring a broad range of jazz styles to wider audiences, to let them understand that anyone can enjoy the music,” Syomushkina said.
The musicians seemed to enjoy the event as much as the audience.
Karl Denson, a renowned American saxophonist who plays with guitarist Lenny Kravitz, made his Russian debut with The Greyboy Allstars.
“Being in Russia for the first time is very exciting. I love this country,” he said.
The British band Z-Star also made its first appearance in Moscow. The band's frontman – or rather frontwoman – Michelle Nichol lives in London, while her band is entirely made up of Italians.
“It's a great experience. We have sunny weather, amazing music, great food and great company here,” Nichol said.
Other noteworthy musicians at the festival include Russia’s finest, the headline-grabbing Butman brothers. They were joined onstage by the American vocalist Ty Stephens to showcase their new 'Jazz Passion' project.
Charlie Hunter, best known for working with Norah Jones and Kurt Elling, introduced his ‘Charlie Hunter Trio’ to the Moscow public.
Among the more unusual acts were the Red Elvisses. They're a U.S. band made up of eccentric Russian immigrants. Its bassist plays not a guitar but a balalaika and he uses the instrument not for Russian folk music but for dub tunes.
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