Today, Friday March the 20th, the great French song writter and singer, Alain Bashung, is being barried in Saint-Germain-des-Prés Church. We think of him and see his luminous face, broadcasted on Internet during the French Music Awards Ceremony. He is standing towards the huge audience, holding the statue. We can see his big body and feel how fragile he is though; his neck lightly floating within his white shirt’s collar. He is talking to the crowd who just cheered up, and now stands still, waiting for his words. And here they come out like a big wave overflowing everything; Alain Baschung thanks his public for all the love that was given to him during his last tour. This same love in which he found his living energy. All of us, audience, tv watchers, internet users,… music lovers, all musics are overwhelmed. Alain, you make our heart spinn, we are going to miss you.
It is all going to be about love again for this ninth festival JAZZ à SAINT-GERMAIN-DES-PRÉS. Throughout the unique encounters with artists who so generously give their souls, music, songs words and photographs. Within the largely shared moments of the great venues or the intimates gatherings of the program. Take a big breath of it, get fed with it and spread it widely around you; the very philosphy of the festival relies in it.
We wish you a splendid festival.
Donatienne Hantin and Frédéric Charbaut.