Nice Jazz Festival Review

The Nice Jazz Festival is held every year in July from 8th - 12th July. The line up these days tends to offer more than jazz based artists. The acts appearing this year included Deep Purple and the French DJ's Cassius.

New York based pianist Kris Bowers brought to the festival some youthful enthusiasm. Part of a new generation of jazz artists his latest album Heroes and Misfits is a good introduction to his music.

Canadian artist Nikki Yanofsky has recently released an album produced by Quincy Jones though her set during the festival concentrated more on old standards such as I'd Rather Go Blind, For Once in My Life and the Zuton's track made famous by Amy Winehouse, Valerie. Yanofsky has a strong voice and is a name to watch out for.

Har Mar Superstar might look like Yorkshire's own Keith Lemmon but his style of music owes more to Prince. Restless Leg was one of the best songs in his live set and he was warmly received by a very appreciative French audience.

UK band Metronomy brought their happy vibes to the festival and with tracks such as their recent single Love Letters and older tracks such as Everything Goes My Way it is easy to see why the band will be playing larger venues on their UK tour later this year.

Deep Purple concentrated on showcasing their last album, So What?! But that was alright as it marks a return to form. Good to Be King has a regal feel to it but it was Smoke on the Water that really got the crowd on their side.

Ed Mota sounds like George Benson, Drive Me Crazy though has a touch of Incognito about it and under the French summer evening it sounded the perfect summer soundtrack.

French DJ duo rounded off the festival with a house based DJ set that had the crowd dancing - young and old!