Let’s talk about jazz… and its relevance today
“What—you work for a jazz festival?” I was asked in disbelief just the other day, when the conversation turned to the number-one small-talk topic—wage labor. Why? That’s a good question.
Perhaps because word hasn’t yet gotten around in certain circles of the yuppie crowd—which likes to think of itself as sophisticated—that jazz, of course, has long since entered the 21st century. Or perhaps because, for many people, I’m primarily associated with a completely different kind of music: post-punk, synth-pop, ambient, and so on.
At times like these, I usually feel like launching into a (very!) long monologue about the breadth of the concept of jazz—or, depending on my mood, making a hasty exit. But there’s also a third, presumably much more effective option: inviting the person to aJazzclub.
April offers yet another—no, actually three—great opportunities for this. Take, for example, the concert by the duo Gołos x Jasinska, whose minimalist live shows create an intimate, almost fragile atmosphere. If you can’t make it on April 13, on the one hand you’re to be pitied, but on the other hand, you can mark April 19 on your calendar instead: That’s when Berlin-based artist Lucia Cadotsch will be performing at naTo with her project LIUN. She’ll be bringing her new album “Does it make you love your life?”, which once again ventures into the realm of experimental pop music and evokes memories of acts like Talking Heads or Kate Bush.
Simon Lucaciu, on the other hand, has opted for a completely non-mainstream approach with his new project “Capacity Of Movement,” which draws musically on elements of contemporary classical music, jazz, and electronic music. On April 11, the nine-member ensemble will perform at the Kulturnhalle.
Speaking of Lucaciu: Not only has his brother Robert just been deservedly nominated for the German Jazz Prize in two categories (String Instruments/Live Act of the Year), but he also recently released a new, highly recommended album titled *Fallen Crooner*. You can read all about the project in the “Album of the Month” review.
We also don’t want to leave out the Freiberg Jazz Festival and jazzahead! in Bremen, which will be celebrating their 50th and 20th editions, respectively, this month—thus kicking off a year of jazz anniversaries. As you know, we too will be marking a milestone with the Leipzig Jazz Festival this fall.
But let's take it one step at a time. For now, enjoy the read!
See you soon,
Luca
Jazzkalender-Editorial office
