More than Jazz
from 29 June to 2 August 2012

History

Why organizing a Jazz Festival in Montauban?

At the beginning, there was a man: Hugues Panassié, famous critic of Jazz music, one of the most respected by professional musicians and amateurs, who created the ‘'Hot Club de France'', « association of authentic jazz amateurs ». When he came back from his trip to America, in the early 40's, he decided to settle down in Montauban where he received several French or foreigner jazzmen and tried his best to make people know more about Jazz. He is then called « the Master of Jazz ». Years go by and his legacy to jazz music, even after his death in 1974, is significant.

In 1962, on the 50th anniversary of the ‘'Hot Club de France'', Madeleine Gautier, secretary of the association, and her son Etienne Gautier decided to give a last tribute to the Master of Jazz: that is how the Jazz in Montauban Festival was born.

Over time, the festival grows and is eventually settled in the town's ''Jardin des Plantes'', open air theater, to extend to the other towns of Tarn-&-Garonne. Last but not least, the Montauban first International Jazz Bands Prize is created, aka the MATMUT Trophy, which jury is headed by the famous Jamaican pianist Monty Alexander.

"I'm very happy and honored that the organizers of the Montauban Jazz Festival have invited me once again to their city- this time to be there in a very special capacity. I hold many wonderful memories of my visits in Montauban.
This treasured relationship began for me in 1984 when I played along several of our true giants of Jazz, many of whom are no longer with us, among them the great Benny Carter and my good friend Ed Thigpen. It seems like it was yesterday- and now here it is, 30 years later and the music is with us-alive and well in the Jazz loving town of Montauban.
Enjoy!"

Monty ALEXANDER, President of the Jury 2011

Get further information about Hugues Panassié : more informations

Changes and prospects

The 30 year-old festival of Jazz in Montauban has always been trying to reflect to cultural tendencies by reflecting the evolution of that music genre, rightly considered as a living music style.
Starting from the Hot Club de France type of jazz, we have tried to match the demand without forgetting the quality.
By sometime opening to pop artists and matching the urge for various music genres, just like other jazz festivals, Jazz in Montauban has built a strong festival-goers loyalty.
This is the reason why Jazz in Montauban doesn't stick to one unique type of music. It just offers the stage to talented artists and make sure its audience is happy. Nowadays, the festival also thinks about the Fusion genre as it is a good integration tool and the language to peace.

Jean Charles BORDARIES.

Festival newspaper