To keep you occupied whilst waiting for the big Miles Davis exhibition We Want Miles at the Cité de la Musique starting 16th October 2009, the Jazz à la Villette jazz festival has over 200 artiste, 50 groups and – without shunning the old guard – an open mind about music with jazz influences, such as rap and electronic music…

De La Soul. Photo : DR

Showcasing jazz without borders, the festival is very much about mixing things up; African, pop, electro and hi-hip music is all represented…

For example, De La Soul will be present on Wednesday 9th September (with The Herbaliser warming up for them), to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their seminal hip-hop album 3 Feet High & Rising, a huge influence on a generation of hip hop artists.

Carl Craig. Photo : Timothy Saccenti

After a jazz project in 2003 (Detroit Experiment), Carl Craig will present his new venture Tribe on Thursday 10th September with the musicians who were part of Tribe Records (a Detroit lable founded in the 70s) before running down to the Point Ephémère to spin a special jazz DJ set at 10pm.

And on Friday 6th September, Elysian Fields – better known as a rock group – will be playing with clarinettist Don Byron. his influence and the captivating voice of Jennifer Charles should be a wonderful combination.

Elysian Fields. Photo : Keith Sirchio

Many other surprising names are in store (Daniel Darc, Amadou & Mariam…) but the jazz classics are still present: Ornette Coleman, Hank Jones, Ahmad Jamal, Nils Petter Molvaer…

And there’s a mini-festival for kids on the weekends with special concerts.

So, something fresh in jazz at last!

The Jazz à la Villette 2009 festival is being held in various venues around la Villette from 1st – 13th September2009.

For more information (in French) check out the official site here or join the Facebook group here.