Jeff Beck and Johnny Depp proudly represent rock at Jazz In Marciac

The temperature was already through the roof. Because the tent was packed, because the day flirted with 40°C, because the computer system crashed, because part of the audience had to wait to get in, and because the giant screens were acting up. Everyone was sweltering, and makeshift fans were everywhere. But all it took was Melody Gardot's charm to make everyone forget everything. Even the giant screens stopped malfunctioning. A set full of sweetness and generosity swept the audience away on a journey through a medley of her previous albums and her latest release with the Franco-Brazilian pianist Philippe Powell, who was also on stage. An album titled Entre eux deux (Between the Two of Them), like a ballad, or perhaps a ballad about love. Philippe Powell's piano resonated with Melody Gardot's voice, complemented by the other musicians: Irwin Hall on saxophone, Chris Thomas on bass, and Jorge Bezerra on drums, who returned to launch the final encore. This combination created a beautiful, timeless atmosphere that the audience savored as effortlessly as they had been swept up on stage. The same venue, but a different vibe, saw Jeff Beck and his unbridled Stratocaster take the stage. The second concert of the evening began with a focus on blues and rock, masterfully driven by guitar solos and supported by the high-energy drumming of Anika Nilles and the bass of Rhonda Smith, who played with Prince for about ten years. The temperature rose another notch with the arrival of Johnny Depp. The second half of his set brought a new energy, featuring covers like Killing Joke's "The Death & Resurrection Show," which was thoroughly enjoyed in a distinctly rock spirit. Next up are John Lennon's "Isolation," carried by Johnny Depp's vocals and Jeff Beck's riffs and solos; the Velvet Underground's "Venus in Furs"; and the Beatles' "A Day in the Life," launched note by note by Jeff Beck's guitar. All these tracks are featured on "18," their newly released collaborative album. A set for pure enjoyment, some primarily for the music, generously played in the spirit of the Rolling Stones' "It's Only Rock 'n' Roll But I Like It," but with added virtuosity. Others, in full-on groupie mode, only see Johnny Depp on stage. Unless, of course, you see both at the same time. In any case, it's pure pleasure, to be enjoyed without moderation. The concert could have lasted all night, but it seems all good things must come to an end. And they have to be on stage at the Olympia the next day.