Music business pays tribute to Montreux supremo

The music industry is paying tribute on Monday to Claude Nobs, the founder and driving force behind the Montreux Jazz Festival, which is this year celebrating its 35th anniversary.

The Montreux supremo will be toasted at a gala concert organized by MIDEM, the annual convention of music industry professionals, which is taking place in the French resort of Cannes.

In keeping with the tradition of the jazz festival, the evening’s programme will include both established stars and emerging talents. It will also be a foretaste of this year’s festival, as all those playing in Cannes will also be putting in an appearance in Montreux.

Among the veterans will be the two musicians who have performed most often at
Montreux: Herbie Hancock, who has appeared no less than 16 times, will be accompanied by his new group, while guitar maestro, John McLaughlin, who has been to the festival 13 times, will perform a solo set.

The younger generation will be represented by the Texan singer, Lina, who will be showcasing her blend of jazz, R&B and hip-hop.

This year’s Montreux Jazz Festival takes place from July 6 to 21.

by Roy Probert