Celebrating history and current music – these two driving forces behind the Montreux Jazz Festival seem to be more in tune than ever. This year, the heart of the Festival included techno at the Strobe Klub and the legends of the Auditorium Stravinski. At the House of Jazz, it was not just a question of honoring our jazz roots but also of showing the face of tomorrow, particularly with the electronic sounds that were omnipresent at the Montreux Jazz Talent Awards and the Montreux Jazz Academy.
Turning the Petit Palais into a house of jazz and then convincing festival-goers to visit it was a major acoustic, logistical and artistic challenge. The Festival team imagined a vibrant, bustling place that would honor jazz and related genres. The public very quickly made this dream reality, coming to the Coupole stage and the terrace in large numbers. Thanks to the intimate setting, the workshops and jam sessions seemed even more intense, inviting exchange and celebration. The Montreux Jazz Talent Awards surprised and excited the public; the three prizes will be awarded in September.
The new flavor of the Montreux Jazz Club, bigger and beautified with a new look, made a real impression on the public and it already bears the mark of jazz heavyweights. With its new set-up, the Club could also house big groups as well as delicate solo performances.
While the House of Jazz was experiencing an intense first Festival, two other venues were also providing amazing moments. The Auditorium Stravinski showed its rock face more than once, hosting anthology performances. We will also remember the incredibly mastery and maturity of the recently discovered young artists who played the Montreux Jazz Lab. As always, the Lab was home to far-reaching exploration, between metal, electro, hip-hop, folk and pop.
The Strobe Klub’s move to the 2m2c was a success, with praise for the sound quality, the program and the pleasant terrace. The new venue was often described as being like something you would find in Berlin.
As for Lisztomania, the room was packed many times. Attendance of the DJ sets at the end of the evening showed that night-owls have definitely adopted this night-time venue dedicated to adventurous sounds and discoveries.
At Music in the Park, the fantastic weather contributed to an excellent year. The popularity of the concerts and silent discos was unwavering.
