MIDEM 2010 JAZZ CLUB

The MIDEM Jazz event will once again be welcoming a selection of international artists next month. A sparkling line-up of performers will take the stage at the event's jazz club in the Salon Zephyr at the Hotel Carlton from 24-26 January 2010. For the third consecutive year, the Talent Jazz stage will offer one concert each evening from Sunday through Tuesday: Sunday 24 January, Swiss singer Sophie Hunger will transport the audience to her unique universe, where folk meets pop and jazz. The composer, pianist, guitar player and singer will be joined by trombonist Michael Flury and Christian Prader (flute, piano and guitar). Monday 25 January will see Tigran Hamasyan performing his virtuoso improvisations. The 22 year old New York-based Armenian pianist has already produced three albums, won prizes from international competitions (Montreux, Juan-les-Pins and the Martial Solal Competition) and collaborated with the likes of Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock and John McLaughlin. Tuesday 26 January is when Canadian pianist Francois Bourassa will share his daring musical explorations. This master of polyrhythm, whose remarkable compositions are heavily influenced by French music, has spent the last twenty five years travelling the world with his musical collaborators.

Each night, Talent Jazz will be followed by MIDEM Jazz Club, from 11pm to 1.30am:Sunday 24 January will have a Spanish flavour with two of the hottest acts from the Catalan scene: Double bass player Giulia Valle will explore her experimental rhythms, followed by a concert from the Xavier Dotras Trio. Monday 25 January, MIDEM will be presenting the Carte Blanche SACEM evening. The line-up includes guitarist Louis Winsberg, winner of the Django d'Or 2008, and his amazing Jaleo project where jazz blends with flamenco and Indian music. The second part of the evening will be dedicated to Davy Sicard, with his Creole-tinted jazz and its Madagascan, Indian and African influences. Tuesday 26 January, MIDEM will be honouring German producer Siggi Loch, founder of the Act label. Two exceptional events will mark the celebrations: The reforming of the mythical jazz fusion group of the 1970s that made his name, Passport, with its leader Klaus Doldinger; followed by a unique session with artists from his hotbed of budding talent brought together under the moniker Act Family Band: Niels Landgren, Michael Wollny, Lars Danielsson, Froy Aagre, Wolfgang Haffner and Nguyen Le