Let’s Talk About Jazz… and the Stories Behind the Anniversary
Leipzig, mid-1970s: A void characterized the city’s music scene at that time. For while there was a large jazz-loving audience that closely followed musical developments on the international stage, the local live music scene was dominated by national acts. Miles Davis, Alice Coltrane, or Herbie Hancock: At that time in the GDR, the leading figures of international jazz could only be seen—if at all—in East Berlin.
So what to do? A small group of young people had an idea: “If we don’t have the chance to go where the jazz is, then we’ll bring it here to Leipzig,” Stephan Kämmerer said at the time. I spoke with him and other eyewitnesses for our audio walk project “Jazz im Ohr” about the history of the early “ Leipziger Jazztage .” The project covers the festival’s beginnings and visionary ideas, but also the inevitable difficulties with the authorities at the time. According to Steffen Pohle, now an honorary member of “ Jazzclub,” they faced these challenges with “self-confidence and audacity.”
And it was a success: Within just a few years, the “ Leipziger Jazztage ” had become a major force on the jazz scene—not only nationally but also internationally. Anyone who wants to trace the festival’s history over the past 50 years can embark on a journey of discovery starting October 18 at six different locations—either on a guided tour or at their own pace using the app of their choice.
The Globe Unity Orchestra is a prime example of just how closely the different eras of our festival remain intertwined to this day. As early as 1981, the orchestra performed as part of the 6th “ Leipziger Jazztage.” Those who were there back then still have a sparkle in their eyes even today, 45 years later, when they talk about it (and that’s not just a cliché—I experienced it exactly that way!). For us, that was reason enough to bring the world’s oldest free-jazz orchestra back to Leipzig for our anniversary. On October 17, it will open the 50th “ Leipziger Jazztage ” at the Leipzig Opera. A kickoff that will be followed by many more highlights.
At this point, I could start raving at length about Charlie Hunter & Ella Feingold, ADHD, Bauer/Kalima/Drake, Jason Moran, Sorvina, and many other acts—because they’re all part of this year’s festival lineup. However, the character limit set by our graphic designer Tobi has already been almost exhausted. And before I once again present him with the impossible task of fitting three pages of text onto a single page, I’ll simply point out that our full festival program is listed in the second part of this issue of * Jazzkalender*.
You can find more detailed information about the concerts and tickets on our website and in our festival program, which is now available at numerous locations throughout the city.
Enjoy reading and the festival season!
See you soon,
Luca
Jazzkalender-Editorial office
