Jazz in the Var

January 2003 saw the start of the VAR VILLAGE VOICE "JAZZ IN THE VINEYARDS" Programme, a series of Jazz events organised in Var Vineyards, by editor Anita Rieu-Sicart, jazz fan of long standing, in collaboration with Ian Anderson, a jazz pianist of great talent who had settled in the Var.
The monthly Jazz Picnics, very relaxed affairs to which holidaymakers brought their own picnics, were held throughout the summer at numerous wine domaines, encouraging residents and tourists alike to visit and try out the wines of the region. The series of events culminated in the first superb International Big Band concert and Jazz Picnic held over the first weekend of August 2003.

Jazz picnics & The 'Big Band'
Jazz picnics were repeated all through the summer of 2004 in Var Vineyards, welcoming residents and tourists alike to listen to great jazz in relaxed surroundings. The events culminated in a yet another superb International All Star Jazz Big Band event at the end of August, bringing together jazz stars from all over, New York, London as well as the stars to be found on the home Var scene.

Under the direction of local composer and arranger Tony Bagwell, the programme, as always, was an exciting mix of instrumentals and songs, covering a wide spectrum, ranging from well known classics to jazz, and rock numbers.

A bit of Background
The Band originally came together several years ago as a result of a meeting between Tony Bagwell, baritone sax, and Ian Anderson, piano. Tony Bagwell had just recently retired from the position of Musical Director of the Sporting Club of Monte Carlo, and now living in le Luc, met Ian Anderson, from Lorgues, who was teaching piano at the International School of Nice, and the Fayence Music Academy.

Ian Anderson, a celebrated jazz pianist had already proposed the concept of Jazz Picnics to the wine domaine Chateau de Berne, and the project had worked well, getting off to a flying start. Ian and Tony then put together the Big Band, enticing many first class musicians - some of whom had played before with Tony Bagwell in Monte Carlo, to come and collaborate on a Big Band Concert, for just one weekend of the year.

In 2006 again the Big Band - five saxes, two trumpets, one trombone, guitarist, piano and rhythm section, not to forget great Blues singer Shireen Francis -reunited at the end of July for yet another stunning concert. The capacity crowd stomped, and yelled, and danced until 1 am to some great, great music.
It is hoped that the Band - which includes some staggeringly good musicians, more often found on the London jazz scene, and in the recording studio - will be back again the end of July 2007 to carry on the Var Jazz Tradition.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE KEPT INFORMED CONCERNING VAR JAZZ EVENTS - EMAIL VAR VILLAGE VOICE TO BE PUT ON THE SPECIAL JAZZ INTEREST MAILING LIST BY CLICKING HERE..