Asaf Avidan's concert ended in apotheosis last Friday, on the large Place Masséna during the Nice Jazz Festival.
“Let's celebrate life,”
the Israeli singer and songwriter told the crowd after a shocking hour and a half.
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Under the stars and the palm trees, the quadra with the androgynous voice which often defies that of the illustrious Janis Joplin presented his last album,
Anagnorisis
, tinged with pop, blues and gospel sounds. Avidan, Iroquois-style crest and felted costume, had nevertheless had to lend itself to many rites to offer a spectacle under a clear sky. Because, if the gods were lenient, the Cuban pianist Roberto Fonseca, who was performing the day before, was not so lucky.
After the radiant performance of the African diva Angélique Kidjo, the 2,800 spectators had to wait a long time before the ex-pianist of the Buena Vista Social Club entered the stage.
For the occasion, he presented some of his latest compositions through an unprecedented show, accompanied by the Nice Philharmonic Orchestra and the Nice Jazz Orchestra, as well as by the Cuban music ambassador Omara Portuondo and the singer Cap- Verdian Mayra Andrade.
Rain, guest of the festival
Unfortunately the downpour resumed from the first notes.
Protected by his Panama hat, the musician had remained imperturbable.
But, in the stands, the eyes had turned to the sky.
"Bad luck"
was annoyed by a fan.
“It had to fall tonight,”
another quipped.
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It must be said that, since the resumption of the cultural season, time has often shunned large musical gatherings. At the beginning of July, the weather conditions had set in motion the teams of the festival Les Vieilles Charrues, in Brittany, having to gather at the last minute an armada of excavators and 25 tons of sand to counter the mud. Ditto in Évreux, at the Rock in Chair festival. Unsurprisingly, the bad weather had therefore continued its route to the South, in Nice - scratching its festival which ended this Saturday - after having blown through the Francofolies de La Rochelle.
On the Place Masséna, on this Thursday, July 15, the droplets were therefore transformed into torrential rain.
If brave people flocked to the beach towel stand to protect their heads, others were retreating.
Sad spectacle that these empty stands, with a Roberto Fonseca with a forbidden look, who continued to play despite everything.
Chairs transformed into umbrellas
Because in front of him, in the pit, soaked by a monsoon rain, remained the most faithful aficionados.
A hundred people, standing, wet but happy.
With a few other refugees under the trees on either side of the festival site.
Plus a handful of inventors who turned chairs into umbrellas.
On his platform, Roberto Fonseca stopped to take a handkerchief out of his pocket and wipe with the keys of his instrument.
Behind, the orchestra was plunged in expectation, following the artist with their gaze.
"What are we doing?
We continue?"
, then launched the latter to one of his teammates.
Shoulder lift.
"Yes?
As you wish !
So, OK, ”
Fonseca had cut off at the microphone, triggering a round of applause.
That Thursday, the steadfast Fonseca delivered an epic concert.
Defying the gods, who had yet unleashed the elements against each note issued.
As if by provocation, the show, initially scheduled until half past midnight, was victoriously extended for another thirty minutes.