Sting 3.0

NJF: The "Policeman" and the rest...

In terms of attendance, the Nice Jazz Festival got off to a spectacular start yesterday with a sell-out crowd. The one and only person to thank for this was, of course, Sting; he drew a massive crowd despite a full-price ticket costing 90 euros - double the usual rate. It was the price to pay to see the former "Policeman" perform on the Côte d’Azur at least once in a lifetime. Judging by the audience's reaction, they certainly got their money's worth.

For those who missed it, there are chances to catch him at Arc-et-Sénans (Sunday), in the Roman amphitheatre of Vienne (Tuesday the 28th), and then in Marciac, where his "3.0" tour is also stopping. At 75, the ravages of time seem to have no hold on the English bassist and singer who, much like cyclists, keeps tackling major "tours." After "My Songs" - where he revisited his back catalogue - he has adopted a new approach with "Sting 3.0," performing as a trio, just like in the good old days of The Police.

Amidst this towering forest of talent, there were also smaller trees that struggled to blossom last night.

I am referring to the bands scheduled at the "Théâtre de Verdure" (open-air theatre), which was far from full - largely because the crowd was packing the Place Masséna, waiting for "you-know-who". Italian-Californian singer Gabriella Cavanna kicked things off with a tight, classic show - the kind you might see at a glamorous American soirée. With a lovely voice and a few words in French, the young woman - looking elegant in a beautiful white dress - paid tribute to the great French chanteuse Barbara by singing "La Solitude," a perfect nod to the local audience.

Next up was the group led by drummer and singer Kassa Overall - flanked by an excellent pianist and a bassist - delivering a blend of jazz that was both eclectic and energizing. I was instantly won over by this guy from Brooklyn, who lets his deep, rich voice pour out over original, inventive, and powerful compositions - music that truly embodies a new generation unafraid to break the mould and venture into avant-garde and hip-hop territory, all with masterful execution. English speakers would have picked up on messages regarding racism - lyrics that clearly stem from lived experience.

What a strange idea, wanting to go to the United States right now... It requires hoping for a visa, which means handing over your passport to the US Embassy while formalities and checks are processed. Scheduled for a late-night slot, the British band Gotts Street Park tried to do it all - playing the festival "and" a US tour - but ultimately couldn't get the paperwork to cross the Channel... thanks to Brexit. They were replaced at the last minute by Olive Jones, a young British artist who had lived on the French Riviera (playing on the streets of Nice, Antibes, and Juan-les-Pins before being invited to the NJF - what a journey!). She took on the challenge of performing when no one was expecting her and few knew her name. It wasn't exactly an ideal situation, as her set was scheduled just 30 minutes before Sting’s; despite a superb performance, she watched the audience gradually leave the stands to head to Place Masséna to see her famous compatriot. 

It was unfair, really, as her lovely voice was backed by beautifully crafted melodies. Her concert was top-notch, and it would be a treat to see her back in Nice under "normal" circumstances. Making the best of a tough situation, she bravely carried her set through to the end, thanking the few "surviving" audience members who had stayed behind. While the arrival of huge stars is certainly welcome, it inevitably raises questions about the nature of a festival... This is like a "message in a bottle"...

(c) Art Côte d’Azur by Jean-Michel Chevalier