Chilly Gonzales announced it right from the start of his set, arriving on stage in a purple-trimmed bathrobe and slippers: "You're hot, I'm a showman." It wasn't immediately obvious, but what followed confirmed his words. Over an hour of concert like no other. This man, with his numerous collaborations ranging from Daft Punk to Abd Al Malik, by way of Jane Birkin, Feist, and Philippe Katerine, is full of surprises. He treated us to a musical fireworks display of his showmanship, brimming with humor, irony, and great music, featuring his piano, Stella Le Page's cello, Yannick Hiwat's violin, and Joe Flory's drums. Moving seamlessly from sonatas to rap and even a cover of "Time After Time," he unleashed a torrent of notes to the delight of the audience, whether they were already familiar with him or discovering his wild and mind-blowing world for the first time. Among the lasting images, one cannot miss the Wonderfoule, who just recorded with Arielle Dombasle, crowd surfing the audience at the Jazz In Marciac big top. The crowd finished the set on its feet, captivated by the musical phenomenon.
Another showman awaited the audience. But not in the same vein as Chilly Gonzales, but rather a virtuoso bassist. With Marcus Miller, whether slapped, struck, or played with his fingers, everything sounded divine, and the show was an added bonus. Enough to make any average bassist feel down. Unless, of course, they were savoring the freedom that mastery and talent offer. A superb set from Marcus Miller, who seamlessly passes the lead to all the musicians with a wave of his hand, featuring a delightful mix of historical pieces like "Tutu," which he composed for Miles Davis, and politically charged tracks like "Gorée," named after the island off the coast of Dakar through which over a thousand Africans were transported to slavery. This commitment earned him the title of UNESCO Artist for Peace. But as Marcus Miller explained on the Jazz In Marciac stage, music allows for a pleasant tribute to terribly painful experiences. The result was a concert where both the audience and performers thoroughly enjoyed themselves. A generous set for the public, it also provided a platform for young musicians like the young French guitarist Tom Ibarra, barely 22 years old—the same age Marcus Miller was when Miles Davis propelled him into the spotlight. And just like during his previous appearances at Jazz In Marciac, the concert ended with the audience pressed against the stage, swaying to the rhythm of Marcus Miller's danceable bass. We already want more!
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