On July 14th, the Jazz à Juan Festival resonated with the enchanting melodies of the quintet Poetic Ways. This group, a true alchemy of talents, delivered a memorable performance, blending surprise, poetry, and groove, reaffirming their place in the contemporary jazz scene.
A Magical Encounter
Jazz is about encounters and surprises, and Poetic Ways embodies this perfectly. Born from an audacious gamble during an impromptu concert broadcast live on France Musique in November 2021, the quintet has since won the hearts and minds of audiences with their unique interpretations. That evening, Célia Kameni (vocals), Raphaël Imbert (saxophones), Anne Paceo (drums), Pierre-François Blanchard (piano), and Pierre Fénichel (double bass) created a new sonic, aesthetic, and poetic adventure that captivated the festival audience.
An Inspiring Performance
Poetic Ways’ performance at the Jazz à Juan Festival was a true ode to improvisation and creativity. The group managed to surprise and move the audience by interpreting works by Fauré, Ferré, Baudelaire, Verlaine, and Nina Simone, skillfully blending classical and contemporary elements. Célia Kameni’s powerful and emotive voice resonated with particular intensity, supported by Raphaël Imbert’s masterful saxophone improvisations.
Anne Paceo on drums, Pierre-François Blanchard on piano, and Pierre Fénichel on double bass provided rhythmic and harmonic depth, creating a rich and nuanced soundscape. Each musician, in constant musical dialogue, contributed to the brilliance of this performance.
A Connection with the Audience
The knowledgeable and passionate audience was transported by the energy and emotion exuded by the quintet. The enthusiastic applause and standing ovations testified to the powerful impact of this performance. The spontaneous interactions between the artists and the audience reinforced the sense of intimacy and sharing that defines great jazz moments.
An Ongoing Adventure
For Poetic Ways, each concert is a new chapter in a sonic and poetic adventure. The success of their performance at Jazz à Juan only confirms their bold artistic approach and their ability to surprise and move. The group, formed by an improbable yet perfect alliance of talents, continues to push the boundaries of jazz, to the delight of listeners.
A Historic Festival
The Jazz à Juan Festival, held in Juan-les-Pins on the French Riviera, has a rich history dating back to its inception in 1960. It is one of the oldest jazz festivals in Europe and has hosted many of the greatest names in jazz, from Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington to Miles Davis and Ella Fitzgerald. The festival is known for its picturesque seaside setting and its intimate, open-air venue that provides a unique atmosphere for both performers and audiences.
Over the years, Jazz à Juan has become a cultural landmark, attracting jazz lovers from around the world. It offers a platform for both established and emerging artists to showcase their talents, making it a vital part of the global jazz community. The inclusion of Poetic Ways in this year’s lineup is a testament to their rising prominence in the jazz world and their ability to captivate audiences with their innovative approach.
Poetic Ways’ performance at the Jazz à Juan Festival will be remembered as a moment of pure musical magic. Their ability to blend diverse influences to create a unique experience testifies to their exceptional talent and passion for jazz. Music lovers eagerly await their next surprise.
To follow Poetic Ways and discover their upcoming performances, visit their social media and official website.
Poetic Ways
Célia Kameni – Vocals
Raphaël Imbert – Saxophones
Anne Paceo – Drums
Pierre-François Blanchard – Piano
