Joëlle Léandre is a name that excites anyone who’s a fan of improvised music. The Provence-born double bassist successfully follows in John Cage’s footsteps. A fervent feminist and a classically trained artist, Léandre will perform at this year’s Krakow Jazz Autumn twice: in a duet with trumpeter Jean-Luc Cappozzo, and as a member of the legendary trio Les Diaboliques.
Léandre’s musical education began with playing flute and grand piano. However, at the instigation of her music teacher, she decided to devote herself to the double bass. She’s also a member of the European Women’s Improvising Group (formerly known as the Feminist Improvising Group – the first ever all-female improvising ensemble). John Cage and the Italian composer and surrealist Giacinto Scelsi are among the many artists who have created compositions for her.
Joëlle Léandre
Léandre’s first performance at Krakow Jazz Autumn in 2014 was one of the highlights of the event, and she swiftly became a good friend of the festival. So much so that this year she will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of her artistic work here. This uncompromising Frenchwoman will be accompanied by trumpeter Jean-Luc Cappozzo (October 23).
Although Cappozzo himself shies away from grand statements, it is said that his creative way of playing, the sound of his instrument and his musical phrasing make him a one of a kind jazz musician. Born in 1954, Cappozzo studied trumpet at the music school in Roanne, which made him both a master at jazz and classical music. A turning point in his career was meeting Dizzy Gillespie – the legendary US trumpeter asked Cappozzo to join him live on stage in 1984.
After graduating, he conducted the Marcigny orchestra, and later – Roanne. In 1988 he toured with Trio Nueva Finlandia in France and Finland. Cappozzo has worked with Louis Scalvis, Apollo Trio, La Marmite Infernale, and Claude Tchamichian’s Lousadzak. His personal style combines American jazz with European classical music.
Cappozzo and Léandre have known each other for years. They met at a small jazz festival in France. Cappozzo was so inspired by Léandre’s talent and skills, he asked her to work with him right there and then. Apart from playing shows together, the two have released a joint album „Live Aux Instants Chavires” (2009, Kadima Collective Recordings).
LÉANDRE / CAPPOZZO DUO
DATE: 23.10.2016 at 8 PM
VENUE: ALCHEMIA
TICKET PRICE: 40/50 PLN