Saturday 8th February 2025, 18:00 – Vocal Jazz.
In which language is jazz sung? Of course! But countless jazz vocalists have crossed that language border in the meantime. Close to home, Rita Reys already sang in 1959: Zon in Scheveningen – a song that was recently taken up again by Fay Claassen. Listen to sung lyrics in Armenian, Sepedi, Spanish, Finnish, Danish and French. This way you hear something (different).
Armenian
Lucy Yeghiazaryan (photo) emigrated from Armenia to America at the age of twelve. She is now a successful singer based in New York. Her album “Beside the Golden Door” – a quote from the text on the American Statue of Liberty – is a combination of jazz standards and Armenian pieces. The lyrics contain themes such as immigration and what it means to be American.
Her voice has a modest volume and a warm timbre. In two pieces that sound intimately Brazilian, you hear her accompanied by a small combo. Bass, acoustic and electric guitar.
Sepedi
Tutu Puoane (1979) grew up in a township near Pretoria. In 2002 she emigrated to Europe. She studied for several years at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague, where she was taught by Ineke Heijliger (that’s right, your programme maker), among others, and later settled in Antwerp. She has performed in South Africa, the US and many European countries. Puoane sings in Sepedi, among other languages - one of the many official South African languages. The song iLanga is on the 2014 album of the same name. It is a charming duet with the South African singer Kabomo. Relaxed tempo. Wind instruments, keys, bass and drums.
Spanish
The piece Milonga por la Ausencia marks a break in style with the two previous songs. It starts with an exciting intro. Then the surprising entry of the vocalist. The sequel is unconventional in form, with contrasting tempo changes. The final phase is a finale that increases in tension.
Milonga… is on the album Ontology (2021) by the Argentine Roxana Amed. She has lived in Miami since 2013. Her style is a blend of Argentine folk, rock and jazz. “My challenge was always trying to find a sound that could sound like jazz but in Spanish, where I could scat, but naturally. It was an exploration into both languages. I wanted them to live together in one album again.”
The next piece, Ontology, also has a ‘free’ form. Slow, meditative, penetrating, with beautiful instrumental accompaniment.
Finnish
A completely different, clear voice comes from the mouth of the Finnish Mirja Mäkelä. In the song Kun laskee kädestään kynän ja paperin (pfff…) she is accompanied by one instrument, the guitar. In the following Valoisa we hear her complete chamber jazz trio – with bass and percussion. Everything very subtle. ———————————-
After this work by the Danish Sinne Eeg. The closing piece is by the French Anne Ducros.
For the complete programme, see the Guide.
Vocal Jazz – Ineke Heijliger
