Montreux Jazz Festival Releases Free Streams Of Iconic Marvin Gaye, Nina Simone Performances
Ground-breaking Montreux shows from Johnny Cash, Carlos Santana, Phil Collins and more will also be available.
Montreux Jazz Festival has announced the release of more than 50 performances from across its 54-year history, including sets by Nina Simone, Marvin Gaye, Johnny Cash and James Brown.
The news comes on the same day that the singular Swiss festival was due to unveil its line-up for the 54th festival. However, the growing coronavirus pandemic has forced organisers to postpone the event, with a rescheduled date to be communicated as soon as possible.
Montreux Jazz say: “Concerned by the seriousness of the situation and mindful of its evolution, the Festival management is closely assessing developments in conjunction with both the authorities and those involved in the organisation of the event.Our team is therefore continuing its work, in hope and humility, to enable this year’s Festival to happen under the best possible conditions.
“During this unprecedented time, fans will have the chance to experience iconic performances by some of their favourite artists from their living rooms,” continues the press statement, “including rare concerts from ‘The Godfather of Soul’ James Brown, who played Montreux Jazz Festival in 1981 and the legendary Nina Simone in 1976.
“Fans will also be able to enjoy Johnny Cash’s 1994 Live at Montreux performance, as well as the ground-breaking hip hop group Run DMC’s electrifying show in 2001.”
On top of the aforementioned artists fans will also be able to watch performances by Carlos Santana, Alanis Morissette, Nile Rogers & Chic, Simply Red, Deep Purple, Phil Collins, Wu-Tang Clan, Korn, and The Raconteurs. Thirty-five performances are available now via Stingray Qello platform.
Montreux Jazz Festival is one of many organisations that is providing fans with entertainment during the COVID-19 outbreak. LA’s The Grammy Museum has started sharing previously unreleased Q&As and performances with musicians online for the first time, while the recently cancelled BFI Flare film festival has released its programme online.
Listen to the Best of Marvin Gaye on Apple Music and Spotify.
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