MONFRÀ JAZZ FEST – Last week

Monfra Jazz Fest arrives for the last two shows at the end of a very long and fantastic edition, but not before presenting the public with the third part of the 2023 review, entitled “Wine and spirits”, which took place shortly before the first days of harvest in the hills of Monferrato, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Before talking about the penultimate week of the festival, it is necessary to recall the success of the Moonfrà brewery on August 31 with a tasting concert featuring Duo Smokey Notes (Simone Menicacci guitar and Susanna Maiolani voice) performed in the repertoire from country to pop-rock, offering his own version of the classics Lenny Kravitz, Alanis Morisette, Chris Isaac and many other authors.

But what made the Fest special was, first of all, the concert on September 1st. with an absolute premiere capable of paying tribute to the history and culture of winemaking in this area.

The audience found themselves in the Mazzetti di Altavilla, on top of the hill, on the very day that the historic distillery began producing pomace for the 177th time since its foundation.

In the park near the restaurant “Materia Prima” a tasting dinner, which, according to the memoirs of the master distiller, Sanzio Evangelistais a zero mileage production, a selection in keeping with the sustainable spirit of this festival, followed by two hours of music.

In the center of the evening is the bold project “La Bohemians – Giacomo Puccini Dedication”, whose task is to translate the spirit and music of the Tuscan composer, who died 99 years ago, into a jazz tonality.

The idea was born precisely in Colleretto Giacosa (Turin), in the homeland of the librettist who, together with Illica, created most of Puccini’s libretto, from another native of those places: Henry Perelli who conceived this quintet, formed, like him on the piano, by the voice Valentina Nicolotticapable of working very well in both the lyrical and light registers, from electric guitar legend such as Max Carlettifrom Luke Biggio on tenor saxophone and bass clarinet Francesco Parodidrums.

Perelli builds a captivating narrative that begins with a dialectal voice Giacosa recorded on an old gramophone, on which the immortal verses “Vissy d’Arte” are inserted.

Of course, the piece is an amusing game of rereading: “O mio babbino caro” becomes a ballad with a slight South American accent, “Un bel di vederemo” is an intricate fusion prog arrangement, and even “Dolci baci e languid carezze” is nicely defiled. a riff bordering on hard rock and Led Zeppelin, but the real beauty of the concert is how these extraordinary musicians manage to capture the innermost essence of each song, contained in its harmony, and play with it, amusing and exciting the audience. .

Their Nessun Dorma is creepy.

The day after the festival resumed, the Concerto nel Bosco, scheduled for June, in front of Moncuco’s hermitage in Odalengo Grande.

This time, no storm can stop the performance in a place that has been a must for MonJF for many years, where the musicians and the audience are literally among the trees.

Years, as the mayor of Odalengo Grande Fabio recalled Oliverin which music has also benefited the Hermitage itself, from the first visits, when it was smothered by acacias, to this edition, where the interior can be visited.

A trio will perform in front of the church, formed Alexander Tosellikeyboards; Andrea Dalla Vallebattery and Carmelo Scafidi on the double bass, perfect jazz performers for the relaxing atmosphere of the place.

Classical standards such as Satin Doll, Take the A Train, in a sentimental mood, nice funky interpretation of summer time, gentle brush strokes on the snare drum, virtuosity that carries on a dialogue with the chirping of leaves.

After all, the inevitable agnolotti in Odalengo’s Pro loco diner is no less applauded.

And on Sunday, September 2, we are in the middle of the rows of the Marco Botto Vini company in Sala Monferrato (which has just become a sustainable municipality) with the performance of the “vintage vocal trio Les Moirettes”: a vocal trio consisting of Cecilia Minella, Giulia Zanellati AND Diana Russoable to entertain the public with their fresh and lively repertoire: an endless review of divinely harmonized classics from the tumultuous swing era.

But when they replicate modern classics in the same style, things get interesting: They come up with mind-boggling reimaginings of Seven Nations Army or Joker spice girls or even Bad Romance from Lady Gaga.

The audience cannot sit still and finally succumb to the temptation, dancing among the vines.

Last two appointments

Almost five months after the start of Monfrà Jazz Fest sees again two appointments to close in 2023.

September 7 at 21:00.last “tasting concert” at the Moonfrà brewery at Via Viconti 9 in Casale Monferratothe place responsible for Fest’s performances in a relaxed and fun atmosphere.

A quartet with a rhythm section of three Monferrato musicians who actively participated in the activities of the Le Muse Academy and in the organization of the Festival, i.e. Andrea Rogatoon the piano, Gigi Andreoneon contrabass and Richard Marquis to the battery.

They will accompany Thousand Ogliastro

Genoese singer, well known in jazz clubs throughout Italy, as well as a composer and arranger.

Conclusion September 9 with a concert that already promises to be a party to be experienced together: The public and many people who have worked on a program of nearly 40 assignments.

The meeting will take place at a place that is part of MonfJF’s history: the Magnoberta distillery at Strada Asti 6 in Casale Monferrato..

At 21 “Let’s Dance” is staged with The Kitchen Swing Band, to be exact Albert Gandinguitar, Marco Serra drums, Gigi Andreonedouble bass, Mara Panicvoice, Andrea Rogatofloor.

But in fact it is a real evening of dancing, as the evening will be lively. Lindy Hoppers of The Kitchen Swing headed by Nicole Pippin.

For those who want at 19.00 tour of the distillery..

If you also want to dine from 20:00, gourmet street food from Il Vetusto Monferrato is available.

And then the inevitable tastings.

Booking329.4514585.

Entrance to the concert is free, drinks are paid.

For information www.monjazzfest.it.

Editorial Vercelli

Editorial Vercelli