15.May.2010 THE NEW ORLEANS JAZZ

Nowadays, it is generally accepted that jazz emerged suddenly and spontaneously in New Orleans, and later spread throughout the United States. In fact, from the 1920s on, jazz appeared wherever there was a concentration of African-Americans. These communities had usually migrated from the southern United States. Jazz rapidly imposed itself as one of the richest and energetic musical traditions of the 20th century.

A result of the fusion of folk blues, ragtime and European music, jazz is considered to be the first art form created in this country. One of its main influences, apart from religious singing (negro spirituals, and later gospel music) was the blues, a rural folk music whose development was linked to the migration of the African-American populations towards the big cities at the end of the 19^th century. The earliest forms of jazz were also heavily influenced by the racial segregation which had a significant presence at that time in the United States.

Many of the first jazz musicians made a living from their performances at small funfairs. The instruments used by these groups were later to become the basic elements of the jazz sound: brass, reed and drums. The end of the First World War and the resulting surplus of military instruments only served to amplify the movement.

The Original Dixieland Jazz Band, 1917: The invention of the gramaphone led to an even greater diffusion of this new music. The first record by the Original Dixieland Jazz Band (O.D.J.B.) in 1917 marks the official birth of big band jazz. With Prohibition (1919-1933) and the amendments to the constitution which forbade the sale of alcohol in the United States, legal bars and cabarets closed their doors. These were quickly replaced, however, by hundreds of clandestine bars where customers went to drink and listen to the music, mostly jazz. The music itself is characterised by complex arrangements organised around one lead vocal, and by syncopated rhythms applied to a military-style marching beat. The distinctiveness of jazz derives from an original instrumentation, essentially composed of wind instruments (trumpet, clarinet, trombone, tuba, later the saxophone) and percussion. At times, string instruments are added, such as the violin and, above all, the banjo and guitar. The New Orleans style has obviously assimilated a great deal of influences in its evolution to the jazz we know today, hence the youthful exuberance of its musical spirit and timeless appeal.

Edition 2011

Welcome to Old Town Jazz OpenAir Biel-Bienne !

At the 2009 edition of this event, not even the rain could dampen the universal appreciation of an audience who braved the cold and wind to attend the fabulous spectacle. Preparations are now underway for the fifth instalment of an already rich tradition, a tradition with the passion and drive which have established this as one of the most important open-air Swiss festivals of trad jazz. 

The big-name bands performing on stage in this unique setting at the heart of Biel-Bienne old town have totally enchanted the public. They have discovered the ideal environment in which to express themselves: The picturesque surroundings of the Ring Square. At the heart of the historic centre of Biel-Bienne, Old Town Jazz OpenAir Biel-Bienne takes place every year, traditionally on the third weekend in June, in this charming and picturesque 18^th century setting. And so once again in 2011, buildings which witnessed the birth of our modern state will resonate to the melodies and counterpoints of a nation which struggled to win the rights to which it aspired. 

All who have participated in this festival have appreciated the unique character and remarkable musical excellence of this open air event as well as the high level of organisation and infrastructure. This exceptional display of traditional jazz in Switzerland stands out not only for the unusual setting, but also for the atmosphere and exceptional acoustics. 

The performance programme for 2011 will soon be going to press.