Music News

Phil Collins, Gil Scott Heron, rap and rock: Montreux Jazz 2010

Apr 29, 2010, 16:26 GMT

Geneva - The Montreux Jazz Festival will be offering up an eclectic, energetic and hopefully enjoyable two weeks of music in July, according to the programme released Thursday.

Phil Collins will kick things off on July 1 at the Swiss lakeside resort town, with his only planned European performance, and do a night of '60's Motown and Soul' at the main Stravinski Hall.

Pioneer performer Gil Scott Heron will bring his new tour to the Alps, performing on the same night as Erykah Badu, a day after rapper Nas and Damian Marley do a joint show.

Tori Amos, Norah Jones, Regina Spektor and Swiss-native Sophie Hunger will provide a strong female vocal presence over the course of the festival, while Elvis Costello, Billy Idol, Ben Harper and Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits fame will offer some lower-range tones.

The 44th annual festival will, as its name implies, include jazz too, with guitarist Pat Methany and pianist Herbie Hancock set to perform.

MJF founder Claude Nobs said one of the events he was most looking forward to was a July 4 show, when two performers would mix jazz and classical with gospel.

World music, and African tunes in particular, will get a boost from a tribute event to Miriam Makeba, a show by Yousou N'Dour and an evening with Quincy Jones. Simply Red will offer up their mix of soul and pop for a night.

Actress and singer Charlotte Gainsbourg is scheduled play to support her recently released album and modern rock and electro will be on hand with Vampire Weekend, Mumford and Sons and Massive Attack.

Over 50 shows were announced, with several nights still to be confirmed.

While the concerts can be considered pricey by those on a tight budget, for those who make it down to the lakside, Montreux also offers up free music and other festivities along the promenade from July 2-17.

Information online: http://www.montreuxjazz.com