Ystad Swedish Jazz Festival sounds well in all the world's jazz ears. It brings together not only national but also international artists to jam away during some summer days every year.
Last Sunday I attended the legendary tenor saxophonist Bernt Rosengren's concert. Along with him appeared alto saxophonist Christina von Bülow and an amazing orchestra consisting of bass, drums and piano.
In over an hour beautiful and rich tones reverberated in the old 1400-century buildings. With eyes closed I could see John Coltrane play in a dark and smoky bar. Occasionally penetrated by the more experimental and challenging style of Sonny Rollins. It was just to sit back in the chair, enjoy and try to keep up. During the last self-written tune one could hear beautiful vibratos, perhaps inspired by Louis Armstrong.
This was a really awesome jazz concert, but with a huge question mark. A big question; only answered with silence when I put it. Some of the jazz-elite indeed draw packed houses - but with an audience of retirees and only retirees. Jazz musicians have apparently got stuck in an antiquated artistic style that totally lacks appeal to younger generations. Will jazz concerts continue to be sold out when today's pensioners have said goodbye for the last time, if the musicians refuse to follow the audience's urge to see a contemporary custom development and innovation both artistically and musically?
