Let's talk about Jazz... and Music & Structures
Over the past few months, we’ve been doling out small bits of information here and there—but now we’re going all out. Or to put it another way: After long days, weeks, and months of patient waiting, a bubbling rumor mill, and occasional updates and highlights, we are now pleased to announce: The 49th Leipziger Jazztage is just around the corner.
And so, of course, this edition of the jazz calendar also revolves around the major festival in eastern Germany. This year's motto is "Mapping Music", which is to be understood in its two-dimensional complexity: on the one hand, the title addresses the question of how music is made tangible by means of structures - for example through various forms of notation and visualization. On the other hand, structures within the world can sometimes be experienced through music in the first place - be it in the form of the thematization of cultural affiliation, social and political spaces, personal experiences or memories.
And of course—how could it be otherwise?—the breadth of themes finds a fitting counterpart once again this year in the musical diversity of the “ Leipziger Jazztage .” Whether it’s the feedback-driven guitar loops of Norwegian string wizard Stian Westerhus at the Monument to the Battle of the Nations or Jelena Kuljić’s electronic avant-prog-jazz ensemble —whether it’s the retrofuturistic, folkloric electro-pop tunes of GANNA or the elegant, timelessly classical jazz tunes of scene giants like Dave Holland and Bobo Stenson: Once again, the Jazz Days offer a glimpse not only of what jazz was, is, and will be, but also of what it could and should be. And you, dear audience, as always, play a significant role in this complex discourse.
We are also particularly pleased to once again be able to look beyond the classical concert stage with alternative formats: For example, the film documentary "Being Hipp", which focuses on the eventful life of Leipzig jazz pianist Jutta Hipp - and celebrates its premiere at our festival. In addition, Leipzig-based illustrator Stefan Ibrahim - whose work, incidentally, plays a not insignificant role in the success of the monthly jazz calendar - will give a lecture on the cultural history of cartography. DJ ALLYNX, who is virulent in Berlin's club culture, will close the festival with a brilliant set on the turntables.
You can read about what will happen before, during, and after the festival on the following pages. But all of that will remain theory—and thus an intellectual exercise—because, in the end, the musical experience is a practical one, shaped by presence and connection. And so we at “ Jazzclub ” Leipzig are already looking forward to seeing you all again at the small and large, niche and well-known venues of the “ Leipziger Jazztage .” But for now, we hope you enjoy reading!
See you soon,
Luca
Jazzkalender Editorial office
