Ensemble Contraste

Hugh Coltman, vocals 
Juliette Weiss, double bass 
Arnaud Thorette, viola 
Johan Farjot, piano 

From the Beatles to Radiohead, from Purcell to David Bowie, from Queen to Amy Winehouse, the United Kingdom has given the world some of the most memorable melodies of the last four centuries. But what becomes of these songs when they are reinterpreted by classical and jazz musicians?

With 'God Save the Jazz!', the English singer Hugh Coltman – a two-time winner of the Victoires du Jazz – reunites with the musicians of the Ensemble Contraste for a musical journey that is as elegant as it is unexpected. The great classics of pop, rock and British music engage in a dialogue with the freedom of jazz musicians and the elegance of classical musicians.

Far from being a mere tribute concert, this programme offers an original perspective on a universal musical heritage. The mysterious harmonies of the Beatles, David Bowie’s cosmic flights of fancy, the unifying power of Queen, the timeless emotion of Purcell and the luminous melancholy of Oasis become the raw material for original arrangements, instrumental dialogues and moments of improvisation.

Led by the distinctive voice of Hugh Coltman, a leading figure in European jazz, the show also features Juliette Weiss on double bass, alongside Arnaud Thorette (viola) and Johan Farjot (piano), artistic directors of the Ensemble Contraste. For over twenty years, this ensemble – renowned for its open-mindedness and creativity – has been building bridges between different repertoires and audiences.

Appealing to jazz lovers as well as fans of rock, chanson and classical music, 'God Save the Jazz!' is a generous, sophisticated and festive concert, where everyone can enjoy familiar melodies whilst rediscovering them in a new light.

Program:

Skyfall - Adele
4Chan Stan - Lily Allen
Because - Eleanor Rigby - The Beatles
Life on mars - Space Oddity - David Bowie
Close to me - The Cure
Pomp and Circumstance - March n°1 - Edward Elgar
Hey Joe - Jimi Hendrix
Champagne Supernova - Oasis
Every Breath you Take - Police
Dido's Lament (Mort de Didon) - "When I Am Laid in Earth" - Purcell
Radio Gaga - Queen
Creep - Radiohead
Miss you - The Rolling Stones
Bitter Sweet Symphony - The Verve
Danny Boy - Traditionnel
Greensleeves - Traditionnel
Valerie - Amy Winehouse