Le Journal

Now in its 38th year, the midsummer festival in this quaint Gascogne town is serving up its usual blend of rhythms and notes to savour to your heart’s content. The recipe for this delicious cocktail isn’t much use without the proper flick of the wrist, but we’ll let you in on the secret anyway. Pour into the shaker – sorry, under the big top – a few legends from the world of jazz and its musical kin: Chick Corea with a solo piano performance, former Keith Jarrett collaborator Jan Garbarek, Stanley Clarke performing with his orchestra for the first time, Marcus Miller making a stop on his Afrodeezia Tour, and Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club, who have very wisely erased the word ‘retirement’ from their vocabulary. Prepare a selection of tantalising pairings: Jason Moran and Robert Glasper; Paolo Fresu, Omar Sosa and Trilok Gurto; and one of this year’s highlights, Tropicalismo standard-bearers Gilberto Gil and Caetano Veloso. Infuse with voices as sweet as honey, from Lisa Simone – the estimable daughter of you-know-who – to Melody Gardot and Robin McKelle, not to mention Leyla McCalla and, at L’Astrada, China Moses and Julia Biel. Add a few essential ingredients like Wynton Marsalis, who will be bringing with him New Orleans’ most talented musicians, and Roberto Fonseca, who will be presenting an original work in one of his rare appearances this summer – no surprise there given that Marciac is like a second home to him… Top it off with a good measure of ingenuity in the form of Émile Parisien – who trained at the excellent jazz workshops at the secondary school in Marciac – accompanied on stage by some prestigious guests. Before giving it all a good shake, take a moment to honour the memory of old friends Paco and Ibrahim. All set? Not quite. Put the finishing touches on your cocktail with a dash of Zaz! When you think it’s over, it’s only just beginning. The electrifying singer will give a ‘bonus’ concert on 12 August – a reminder that the city of jazz plays host to all kinds of performances at L’Astrada year-round. That’s it, your cocktail is ready. Stir and serve ice cold. You’re about to savour the divine flavours of summer and sunshine, the taste of shared enjoyment and swing. Cheers!