Fougères Big Band: Enchanting Jazz Lovers for 35 Years – Concerts, Repertoire, and More

2023-10-23 08:50:01

Par Editorial Fougères
Published on 23 Oct 23 at 10:50 See my news Follow La Chronique Républicaine The Fougères Big Band gives two to three concerts per year ©DR

For 35 years, the Fougères Big Band has enchanted jazz lovers in the region of Fougères (Ille-et-Vilaine).

In 1988, a trombone teacher, Jérôme Gendron, had the idea of ​​creating the training. “The orchestra had around twenty musicians. There are not many more of us today,” says Joseph Delaunay, the president of the association.

Wide variety of arrangements

Made up of five saxos, four trombones, four trumpets and a rhythm section (piano, guitar, bass, drums), the Fougères Big Band has evolved its repertoire over time. “At the beginning, we played easy pieces, but we progressed,” explains Joseph Delaunay.

From great jazz standards like All of me or Fly me to the moon to more modern titles (Earth wind and fire, Vieille canaille, Staying Alive…), musicians explore a wide variety of arrangements that they buy or find on the internet .

For several years, a singer, currently Dunvel Surzur, has accompanied them.

Led by Romain Dubois, their conductor for around fifteen years, the musicians of the Fougères Big Band meet every Thursday evening to rehearse. “We are hosted by the Conservatory with which we have an agreement. He also lends us scores and instruments,” points out the president.

“The pleasure of making good music”

Made up entirely of amateurs, the jazz orchestra regularly gives concerts. “Two to three per year, which we organize ourselves most of the time. The next one will take place on November 18 at 8 p.m. at the Victor-Hugo theater,” he announces.

Videos: currently on News Joseph Delaunay, the president. ©The Republican Chronicle

As in 2019, the Flambards theater company will come to lend them a hand and provide the opening act as well as duets with the musicians.

The president, Joseph Delaunay

With Laurent Mardelé, baritone sax, Joseph Delaunay is the only member of the Fougères Big Band present since the beginning. President since 1991, he plays the bass trombone. “I started at 15 with the tuba, but quickly abandoned it in favor of the trombone.”

The Fougères Big Band also performs on request to host private evenings and has played several times at the Jazz sous les pommiers festival.

What drives us is the pleasure of making good music and meeting up with a group of friends.

Joseph Delaunay

The group is not closed to newcomers, who must have a certain level to join the orchestra. “We often have difficulty finding pianists. If anyone is interested…”

Ferns Big Band. Contact Joseph Delaunay on 06 70 35 91 76 or Romain Dubois, conductor on 06 11 90 72 16

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