8. Internationales Jazzfestival „Women in Jazz“
The festival makers of "Women in Jazz" show, the idea of putting female musicians at the center of a jazz festival has become an undeniable success story. The main ingredients of their recipe are unique temporary projects and an enriching supporting program, such as exhibitions of photography and painting, multimedia performance, jazz film night, jam sessions, and inner-city live music.
This time, in addition to the local artists, guests from Japan, South America, South Africa, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Estonia, England, France, Luxembourg, Spain, Italy and Switzerland will travel to the festival.
In the opening concert, the program "In a Sea of Tones" will be premiered by Cristin Claas, l'arc six and the Staatskapelle Halle. The grande dame of improvised singing Sidsel Endresen and guitar revolver Stian Westerhus provide an expressive listening adventure. Singer Malia pays tribute to songs by Nina Simone in her haunting tribute "Black Orchid." Lily Dahab paints Piazzolla's tangos, dreamy melancholy and fiery passion in the colors of jazz singing.
Angelika Niescier demonstrates in a 'sublim'e way her creative saxophone playing. Isabelle Olivier on the harp speaks a very lively musical language - grounded in jazz, classical and contemporary music.
Japanese pianist Makiko Hirabayashi's exploration of Handel's Messiah promises to be this year's highlight. The singing pianist Ingrid Lukas is said to have a jazzy Björk feeling.
The festival finale is being hailed as a summit meeting of female jazz piano. Julia Hülsmann meets Rita Marcotulli for the first time, who has performed with Chet Baker, Joe Henderson, Billy Cobham and Pat Metheny.
Fri 1 to Sun 10 Feb // Halle/Saale // www.womeninjazz.de
A tip from the jazz calendar