Nestled along the picturesque shores of Lake Geneva, the charming village of Cully transforms into a vibrant hub of jazz enthusiasts and music aficionados during the annual Cully Jazz Festival. From April 5th to April 13th, 2024, this renowned festival promises an immersive experience, captivating audiences with its stellar lineup of artists, picturesque setting, and rich cultural ambiance.

A melodic journey through Cully

For over four decades, the Cully Jazz Festival has been an integral part of Switzerland’s cultural landscape, attracting jazz lovers from far and wide. This year, the festival continues its tradition of excellence, presenting a diverse array of performances that span genres and styles, ensuring there’s something for every musical palate.

The artists: a stellar lineup

The 2024 edition of the Cully Jazz Festival boasts an impressive lineup of artists, both seasoned veterans and rising stars, promising unforgettable performances that will resonate with audiences long after the final note fades. Here are some of the artists scheduled to grace the festival stages:

The Herbalizer Band

The special appearance of the fantastic British trip-hop group will inaugurate the 2024 edition at Next Step. Initiated in 1995 by Londoners Ollie Teeba and Jake Wherry, this project embodies the fusion of hip-hop, funk, and jazz. Since the release of their first album “Remedies” on the Ninja Tune label, the duo of producers has continued to innovate, skillfully magnifying samples retrieved from record bins and surrounding themselves with instrumentalists and vocalists from all backgrounds. For this exceptional concert and after several years off the road, The Herbaliser Band will return to the stage in a lineup including one of the founding members and five musicians to perform the repertoire of “Session 1 & 2”, released in 2009.

Lakecia Benjamin feat. Dee Dee Bridgewater

Alto saxophonist on the rise, Lakecia Benjamin will kick off this 41st edition of the Festival. The New Yorker will perform on stage her new album, released in January 2023 and widely acclaimed by critics. Born following a car accident that could have been fatal, “Phoenix” is a highly personal project in which the jazz musician’s female figures and mentors are found. Reflecting the musical heritage and experiences that have shaped her journey, the tracks, blending funk and blues infused with spoken words, affirm the talent of this exceptional composer and arranger. With the legendary singer Dee Dee Bridgewater as a prestigious guest, this concert in Cully promises to offer high-quality surprises.

MayBeQuartet «Remedy of Fortune»

Estelle Beiner is a violinist with tireless curiosity. With extensive experience in baroque music ensembles, she also regularly collaborates with symphony orchestras and engages in jazz, pop, tango, and klezmer music projects. For this exceptional performance, she invites three longtime friends and forms a string quartet specifically for the occasion, to interpret John Zorn’s piece “Remedy of Fortune”, alongside works by Philip Glass, Terry Riley, and an original composition. An unmissable moment, promising a true demonstration of virtuosity.

Portico Quartet

“Prickly Pear” and “Pompidou” are among the tracks that define the signature sound of Portico Quartet, one of the leading formations in contemporary jazz, acclaimed since the release of “Knee-Deep in the North Sea” in 2007. After almost two decades of existence, the London-based group has managed to stand out by offering music that defies categorization. From minimalist ambient to dance music with pulsating rhythms – which distinguishes the tracks of their most recent album “Monument” – the instrumentalists skillfully master the blending of genres. On stage, their captivating performance is like a moving fresco where the multifaceted creativity of the four musicians unfolds.

K.O.G

The music of K.O.G (Kweku Of Ghana) leaves no body and no soul untouched. Under the fiery rhythms of Afrobeat and driven by the overflowing energy of the Ghanaian singer and his 5 musicians, movements flow seamlessly from the first electrified notes of the guitar, the initial breaths of the saxophone, and the intonations of the choir. With his album “Zone 6, Agege”, referencing the suburb of Accra where he spent his childhood, Kweku takes the audience on a journey through the musical traditions of Africa. Influenced by his heritage, funk, reggae, hip-hop, and soul merge in compositions that call for collective exhilaration and convey a message of peace and authenticity.

Kaleidoscope String Quartet feat. Michael Zisman «FIVE»

The Kaleidoscope String Quartet has played a significant role in diversifying the European musical landscape: it has contributed to dusting off the image of the string quartet by skillfully venturing into domains not typical of such ensembles. The four Swiss musicians have found their own sonic language, which explores the musical boundaries between jazz, pop, rock, and contemporary music. The quartet becomes “Five” when joined by the Swiss-Argentinian bandoneon virtuoso Michael Zisman, who has already performed with international giants like Chick Corea and Paquito d’Rivera. The blend of Zisman’s sensitive and groovy playing with the rich sonic palette of the quartet promises humor, depth, and interaction at the highest level.

Rodrigo Cuevas «Al pie del llar»

Rodrigo Cuevas was born in the capital of Asturias. His music carries both the traditions of this northern region of Spain and the most innovative colors of today’s music. After gaining public attention for his incredible collaboration with the brilliant producer Raül Refree, he won the National Prize for Contemporary Music in his country. With “Al pie del llar,” he presents himself alone before the audience, driven by the intention to seek the essence and depth of his worldview, his artistic proposal, and his creative realities. Armed with his voice as the main instrument, a Spanish guitar, and a piano, his great theatricality will find all the space it needs to fully express itself at the Temple. It’s a date with one of the most unclassifiable artists of the moment.

Monty Alexander

A true legend of jazz with a colossal career, Monty Alexander and his music with Caribbean influences have marked an entire generation. Welcomed to Cully several times since the early editions of the Festival, he honors us by returning in trio to present “D-Day” (March 2024) in preview. With this new album, the pianist not only celebrates his 80th birthday but also the anniversary of the Normandy landings that took place on the same day: June 6, 1944. In this ode to heroism and freedom, classic pieces written during World War II, such as “Brazil” or “I’ll Never Smile Again” by Frank Sinatra, rub shoulders with Monty’s original compositions, inspired by the conflict and its outcome.

Lander & Adriaan

The duo was formed in 2020, bonded by a shared love for the underground music of the 90s and digital synthesizers. Their music, laid down on techno-inspired pads reminiscent of Detroit and house, is infused with accents of jazz fusion, funk, and improvisations facilitated by the combination of drums and keyboards, which continue to surprise throughout their set. With their album simply titled “Lander & Adriaan,” the duo with endless possibilities returns this year to the Next Step in Cully after an unforgettable performance at the Club in 2023. It’s a true spectacle, an invitation to trance and dance that one cannot refuse.

David Enhco & Marc Perrenoud Duo «Chet»

After a decade of collaboration on various musical projects, Marc Perrenoud and David Enhco come together this time to paint a portrait of jazz legend Chet Baker. They trace his musical journey and tragic fate, marked by poetry and light, but also by trials and darkness, with a selection of jazz standards forever imbued with the spirit of the trumpeter, complemented by compositions from David Enhco. The intimate duo format allows them to explore a wide range of emotions and embrace the fragility that touches them in the music of this unparalleled performer. This tribute album was recorded to give the impression of a one-on-one encounter with the instruments. There is no doubt that the Temple of Cully will be the perfect setting to bring Chet’s chiaroscuro lyricism to life.

Walid Ben Selim «Here & Now»

The wonderful singer Walid Ben Selim and classical harpist Marie Marguerite Cano unite their worlds in this breathtaking duo, where Sufi poetry is sung on delicate notes and where East and West engage in a dialogue around love, transmission, and sharing. “Here and now” is an opportunity to experience a musical and poetic journey that creates a bridge between cultures and epochs. It reminds us that music is the most beautiful of languages, one that transcends differences and aims primarily to enchant. A sublime invitation to transcend the human condition, to celebrate life and unity.

Kyle Eastwood «Eastwood by Eastwood» feat. Eric Legnini

Immersed in the world of cinema, Kyle Eastwood chose to follow the path of music by learning the double bass. Since then, he has established himself as a leader of groups with more than a dozen albums to his credit. In his new project, the bassist pays tribute to his father, Clint Eastwood, thus combining his love for traditional jazz and the seventh art. “Eastwood by Eastwood” brings together the musician and his quintet, accompanied for this concert at the Chapiteau by pianist Eric Legnini. From the powerful “Gran Torino” to the vibrant “The Bridges of Madison County,” not forgetting the legendary “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly,” the musicians will perform compositions from the musical repertoire of the director’s famous works.

Marcus Strickland «Twi-Life»

Twi-Life is the quartet project of American saxophonist Marcus Strickland. Like the twilight that lies between day and night, he seeks inspiration in the meeting of genres, between the traditional and its heroes – Coltrane, Shorter, Sidener – and the new and its hybrid productions. As a highly rhythmic instrumentalist, he took his first steps in music with his twin brother, drummer E.J. Strickland. He forged his musical style by studying alongside New York pianist Robert Glasper as well as vocalist Bilal, and honed his taste for beatmaking by rubbing shoulders with the likes of J Dilla. From these experiences and influences emerges an innovative approach, at the intersection of jazz and hip-hop.

Yaron Herman

After several concerts in Cully during the last decade, notably as a duo in 2016 and as a trio in 2019 at the Chapiteau, pianist Yaron Herman will present his latest solo project at the Temple, titled “Alma”. Through this stripped-down form, the composer embarked on an inner journey and sought to explore everything improvisation could offer to musical creation. The result is an album recorded with minimal preparation, adorned with free improvisations, spontaneous classical themes, deconstructed standards, and traditional pieces. It’s a real-time discovery of a story unfolding before our eyes, following an invisible narrative, as he strives to “always leave the door open to let what must come, come.”

Dhafer Youssef

Musician with boundless energy and a hypnotic voice, Dhafer Youssef is one of the pioneers who introduced the oud to the world of jazz. Pushing the boundaries of genres, his music unabashedly blends traditional influences with electronic, rock, and funk sounds. For his most recent album “Street of Minarets” (2023), born from a meeting with Herbie Hancock, Dhafer surrounded himself with the pianist and six other incredibly talented musicians. Infused with the musical universes of each instrumentalist, the compositions invite listeners to embark on a journey through the oud player’s memories: from his childhood, filled with the chants of the muezzin, to his numerous travels around the globe.

Elina Duni & Rob Luft Band

With “A Time to Remember,” Elina Duni and Rob Luft explore the theme of time through repertoires of traditional Albanian, Kosovar, American, and French songs, as well as their own compositions. Folklore, lyricism, and contemporaneity intertwine, not only bridging epochs but also territories. Collaborating since 2017, the Albanian-Swiss singer and the English guitarist present a quartet project for the second time, delving once again into the essence of all peoples, across places and eras, to capture their delicate beauty. On this occasion, they are supported by an excellent rhythm section, featuring Swiss bassist Patrice Moret and Macedonian drummer Viktor Filipovski.

Léon Phal

With music that blurs the lines between house and jazz, Léon Phal is one of the emerging talents on the French music scene. Trained at the Haute École de Musique in Lausanne, the saxophonist is part of a generation unafraid to reclaim jazz conventions and redefine them in innovative and unapologetic compositions. Released in autumn 2023, his album “Stress Killer” acts as a sonic decompression chamber. Venturing into the realm of electronic sounds, from techno to deep house, his tracks skillfully balance melodic sensibility, infectious grooves, and driving rhythms. Amplified in a live setting, the quintet’s powerful sound is sure to engulf the entire venue in a shared sense of excitement.

Yom «Alone in the light»

Yom first made a name for himself by revisiting traditional Jewish music. A master clarinetist, his compositions, however, arise at the crossroads of multiple influences such as classical, contemporary music, and jazz. On his second album as a duo with pianist Léo Jassef titled “Alone in the Light,” Yom continues his spiritual quest and offers contemplative and intimate music, beautifully underscored by the pianist’s notes. This great improviser and longtime companion carry the clarinet’s inner quest with their touches. It’s up to us to embark with them on this divine pursuit of our inner richness.

Dave Holland Trio feat. Eric Harland and Jaleel Shaw

With over 50 years of career behind him, Dave Holland is one of the jazz figures whose musical genius can be affirmed with certainty. The award-winning double bassist is part of a generation that marked the transition of jazz into a new era. He has notably distinguished himself alongside the greatest, from Miles Davis to Herbie Hancock. As a composer and instrumentalist with impeccable technique and rhythmic sense, he thrives in a multiplicity of styles and with a constantly innovative approach. Returning to Cully accompanied by the fabulous Jaleel Shaw and Eric Harland, Dave Holland and his trio will perform music imbued with chemistry, balancing lightness, groove, and power.

HEMU Jazz Orchestra – Ghana Highlife

To immerse themselves in the traditional music of West Africa and particularly explore the characteristic highlife of Ghana, a selection of students from the HEMU – Haute Ecole de Musique had the opportunity to travel there. Upon their return, armed with fresh arrangements blending jazz and classical elements around a reimagined highlife repertoire, the orchestra will present the result accompanied by Etienne Mbappé, Thomas Dobler, and Nicolas Viccaro. After several concerts in Accra and French-speaking Switzerland, the ensemble will perform in Cully in a unique form: a promise of an invitation to travel and an opportunity to discover the performances of tomorrow’s headliners.

Mansur Brown

Influenced by flamenco, R&B, and even afrobeat, Mansur Brown’s music draws inspiration from the rhythmic patterns of Timbaland as well as the melancholic soundscapes of electronic artist Burial. This guitarist, composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist hailing from Brixton made a name for himself on the London scene with his debut album “Shiroi” in 2018, and has since established himself with a distinctive groove style, releasing “Heiwa” on his own label AMAI and more recently, “Desta – The Memories Between”. Accompanied by saxophone notes, keyboards, and flutes, his introspective compositions are best enjoyed as a suspended moment outside of time, at the heart of a multidimensional musical galaxy.

Laure Betris en duo avec Yann Hunziker

“Colline de pierre” is the title of Laure Betris’ debut album under her own name, following numerous collective projects (Berceuses, Horizon liquide, HEX) or under the pseudonyms Pier and Kassette. This title also refers to the town where her father was born in northern Iraq, Tel Keppe in Chaldean. She explores her paternal language, which is endangered, as well as French, the language of her mother. This quest for memory is part of the artist’s ongoing career, which strives to break free from the constraints of genres. Before being recorded, this repertoire first developed in concerts: in intimate and immersive solo performances, and then in explosive duets with drummer, percussionist, and singer Yann Hunziker.

Black Lives feat. Raul Midón & Catherine Russell

A large-scale musical project, Black Lives brings to life the cultural heritage of Afro-descendant communities by incorporating a blend of musical influences from the African diaspora. The collective formed around a shared commitment to combat racism through music, bringing together artists from diverse genres such as jazz, blues, funk, and gospel. Led by the fabulous bassist Reggie Washington and featuring esteemed guests such as vocalist Catherine Russell and singer-songwriter and guitarist Raul Midón, the impressive ensemble will comprise no fewer than thirteen instrumentalists who will electrify the stage of the Chapiteau with vibrant compositions imbued with a message of equality, freedom, and justice.

Captains Of The Imagination with live band

A flagship group in the Geneva hip-hop scene, Captains Of The Imagination began about a decade ago with a traditional formula featuring DJs and MCs, collaborating with avant-garde producers of the genre. Now, the tracks with their hard-hitting lyrics, delivered with the impeccable flow of Dr Koul and Imagine, are enhanced by the voice of the indispensable Evita Koné. This singer and rapper with breathtaking talent and an irresistible voice is a prominent figure in the Swiss neo-soul and R&B scene. With her skillful musicality and remarkable stage presence, she helps transform the collective’s raw energy into a sweet nectar that’s impossible to resist. Accompanied for this live performance by high-level jazz musicians, the ensemble promises to deliver a stunning performance in every respect, and we can’t wait to be swept away by it.

NNAVY

Since the release of her debut EP “Blue” and more recently with her new album “No Promises,” NNAVY has continued to captivate anyone who discovers the soulful voice of this true musical revelation. From the first notes, her compositions transport us into a world of refined groove that warms the hearts. It must be said that this raw talent draws influences from the best of the hip-hop and R&B scene, inspired notably by the music of Jordan Rakei, Daniel Caesar, and FKJ. After attracting the attention of musicians like Arlo Parks, Alfa Mist, and Ben L’Oncle Soul, there’s no doubt that the young Swiss singer will quickly rise to the highest musical echelons.

Matthieu Michel & Colin Vallon

A nearly unprecedented encounter between two of the greatest jazz musicians from French-speaking Switzerland: the duo of Matthieu Michel and Colin Vallon promises to spark brilliance. The sometimes sharp, sometimes tender melodies of the trumpeter, subtly intertwined with the flamboyant discretion of the pianist’s playing, will resonate most naturally during this rare yet unmistakable concert. Both have shared the stage with internationally renowned figures in music, and it is a true honor to welcome them to Cully in all simplicity. Pure music and a summit meeting await.

Nubya Garcia

The warm and captivating notes of the English saxophonist of Afro-Caribbean origin will bring the 41st edition of the Cully Jazz Festival to a close. Noticed since the release of her debut album “SOURCE” and her Tiny Desk concert on NPR in 2020, Nubya Garcia is one of the young artists on the British jazz scene to watch very closely. Over the past few years, the musician has been laying the groundwork for a promising career, and her beginnings have garnered enthusiastic praise from international critics. Infusing her compositions with a strong artistic identity, the Londoner effortlessly traverses genres, blending elements of cumbia and reggae with jazz and sounds from hip-hop or soul. Her new single “Fortify,” released in January 2024, speaks to the search for spaces and practices where joy can be expressed, in response to the chaos of life.

Balimaya Project

After winning over the audience at the Next Step with one of the most memorable concerts of the 2022 edition, Balimaya Project will this time set the Chapiteau ablaze. With its 13 members, this collective will present its new album, more personal, composed, and thought around the experiences of its leader, Yahael Camara Onono. The notion of brotherhood remains central for Balimaya, whose group name means “kinship” in the Maninka language. Because it is thanks to the talents of each member of the group that the influences of West African folk traditions and those of the current London jazz, grime, and funky house scenes achieve the harmony that characterizes their hybrid music, a mirror of the heritage of the African diaspora of which they are among the brightest representatives.

LA CHICA & EL DUENDE ORCHESTRA

La Chica on vocals, El Duende on keys. Their friendship was born in Paris during childhood, thanks to a piano teacher who imparted her love for the instrument to them. But the story doesn’t end there. For this project unveiled in autumn 2023 at the Festival de la Bâtie, the musicians decided to unite their musical worlds by surrounding themselves with ten instrumentalists. Arranged by Marino Palma, Sophie Fustec’s compositions form an eclectic tableau, against a backdrop of traditional Latin American repertoire and infused with urban, classical, and jazz sounds. Between delicacy and intensity, the performance with the captivating scenography of this atypical orchestra presents itself as a cathartic rite and a dive into the heart of an explosive artistic fusion.

Denis Colin «QUIET MEN»

To give oneself the time for play and dreams is the wish of the Quiet Men when they find themselves united around clarinetist Denis Colin by this intuition: the magic of their particular orchestration could work. This somewhat daring gamble to marry bass clarinet, guitar, arpeggione, and zarb, as well as the traditions that each of these instruments embodies, turns out to be a winning bet. The four musicians invite us to let ourselves be carried away into an enchanting universe. It is with the greatest pleasure that we take the time to slow down and accompany them on this tranquil journey with their motto as our only compass: “alert otherness and shared panache”.

Manu Delago feat. Mad About Lemon «Snow from Yesterday» Tour

Manu Delago is inseparable from the hang, an instrument created in Switzerland in the late 1970s and inspired by the Caribbean steel drum. He was one of the artists who greatly contributed to its popularization through multiple projects with varied inspirations and geometries. This year, he is accompanied by the female vocal trio Mad About Lemon to once again tame the acoustics of the Temple, as he did so well in 2019. Comfortable both in large symphonic orchestras and alongside jazz instrumentalists or singers such as Björk, whom he regularly accompanies, the Austrian will undoubtedly convert you to the airy vibrations of his instrument of choice.

Check the èrogramme and dates: Cully Jazz Festival