Montreux Jazz Festival attracts with Björk, Nick Cave and Aha

60s,70s,80s,90s, jazz legends, rock legends, old and new pop icons, rappers, french and latin american singers, up-and-coming artists, surprise duets and special projects: the MJF 2022 poster promises a lot – 2 years after Pandemic , cancellation in 2020 and smaller restrictions and format in 2021. The “Two Distinctive Halls”, the Stravinsky Auditorium with 4,000 seats and the Montreux Jazz Lab with 2,000 seats, aim to offer audiences and artists the ‘live thrill’ again. MJF expects about 70 artists in these two paid stages.

Aha, a Norwegian pop trio and cult ’80s band with hit songs like “Take on Me,” is set to open the 56th session. The first weekend will be contested by Nick Cave, Bud Seeds and Bjork. The Icelandic singer-songwriter will return to Montreux after 24 years, this time with Sinfonietta de Lausanne in orchestra on Sunday evening between pop and electro.

Diana Ross’ appearance promises to be another feature. Diva of the ’60s will be rhythm and blues, soul and disco, and former singer of The Supremes on the Riviera for the first time. Between “Baby Love” and “Upside Down,” their concert could be included in the festival’s records.

Former Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant will perform with bluegrass queen Alison Krause, Jack Dutronic will make his MJF debut with his son Thomas, and 1960s British legend Jeff Beck is a surprise guest of his choosing. He will perform on the same evening with Van Morrison. The 76-year-old is expected to be his 21st guest in Montreux.

Since MFJ has jazz in its name, this genre will of course get its rightful place. Herbie Hancock, who has already made his 30th appearance in Montreux, and Jimmy Cullum will meet one evening for the first time on Saturday 16 July. This closing of the two-week festival promises to be another significant event.

(Service – www.montreuxjazzfestival.com)