Ensemble Contraste

The 'Smile' concert is an elegant and poetic evening that traverses the captivating history of vocal jazz, taking inspiration from Charlie Chaplin's famous standard to explore the legacy of crooners from Frank Sinatra to Nina Simone. To capture the essence of the musical eras evoked, Ensemble Contraste can count on the charisma of Franco-British singer Hugh Coltman (twice winner of the Victoires du Jazz), who is no stranger to these emblematic jazz figures.

Based on original arrangements, imbued with the romanticism of the strings - Arnaud Thorette's viola and Alix Merckx's double bass - and the jazz energy of Johan Farjot's piano, the 'Smile' concert is aimed at both novices and fans of the genre, in an evening of tribute to male and female singers with microphones.

Cast :

Hugh Coltman, vocals
Arnaud Thorette, viola & artistic direction
Alix Merckx, double bass
Johan Farjot, piano & arrangements

Detailed program :

1. Just A Closer Walk With Thee (traditional)
2. Basin Street (Spencer Williams)
3. Brother, Can You Spare a Dime? (Gorney/Harbourg)
4. Smile (Chaplin)
5. Gee Baby, Ain't I Good to You (Don Redman)
6. All to myself alone (Ray Charles)
7. Ballad of the sad young men (Fran Landesman)
8. Mac The Knife (Kurt Weill)
9. Amsterdam (Jacques Brel)
10. Black is the Colour (traditional)
11. In the wee small (David Mann/Bob Hilliard)
12. If you knew (Nina Simone)
13. I Fall In Love Too Easily (Jule Styne)
14. Stardust (Hoagy Carmichael)
15. Life On Mars ? (David Bowie)
16. Stairway To Heaven (Led Zeppelin)