Sonya Pinçon (vocals) and Philippe Souplet (piano), France

Entrance Fee 門票: $300

music starts 表演 : 9.30pm

Sonya is a highly respected jazz and gospel singer and Philippe is one of the best-known stride pianists in France. In recent years, beside each’s own musical activities, they have performed together in many festivals and jazz clubs in France and abroad. As international highlights, let us mention Japan tours in 2008 and 2012 (Sendai Jazz Festival and various jazz-clubs in Tokyo

and Sendai), Chile in 2010 (Santiago and Valparaiso), Israel in 2012 (festival de la Francophonie in Jerusalem), Switzerland in 2012 (festival Swing in the Wind), Taiwan in 2013 (jazz-clubs and cultural centers in Taipei and Kaohsiung), jazz-clubs in London, Prague, etc.

They have released in 2011 a joint 4tet album, entitled “In the Mood for Duke”, based on a set
of personal arrangements of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s music, which features the beauty of the melodies and harmonies of these two jazz giants. They also like to perform a special program of jazz songs in French, from the repertoire of well-known French songwriters Claude Nougaro, Serge Gainsbourg, Henri Salvador and others. With a different group, Sonya has also produced a jazz CD entitled “What a difference a day made”, whereas Philippe’s solo album “Piano Stories: Gentle Dukes and Other Old Friends”, was released in 2010.

CD Reviews by the New-York jazz expert Michael Steinman (from http://jazzlives.wordpress.com/) :

“I first encountered Sonya Pinçon on YouTube — singing as part of a group led by her husband, the fine swing pianist Philippe Souplet. She has a new CD out, “In the Mood for Duke” […] I was

at first struck by the focused ease of her voice, evoking any number of fine singers but not imitating anyone. The repertoire is tried-and-true Ellington / Strayhorn, but it certainly sounds lively rather than overfamiliar […] Philippe strides splendidly and in a delightfully understated way.” —

“The impressive French jazz/stride pianist Philippe Souplet […] has come out with his first solo CD, and it’s delightful. Although he is deeply respectful of the Stride tradition, […] there’s an elegant openness to his playing, with sideways glances at Dave McKenna and Hank Jones. He’s a graceful improviser, serving the music. It’s a varied CD that ranges from the pensive to the joyous.” —