Meshell Ndegeocello & Gregory Porter (Jazz a Juan 2025)

_Meshell Ndegeocello pays tribute to the writer James Baldwin with her album No More Water: The Gospel Of James Baldwin, which explores the themes of race, sexuality, religion and oppression, present in Baldwin’s works. The album was inspired by Baldwin’s essay The Fire Next Time and addresses profound subjects, in particular racism and family heritage. Co-produced with Chris Bruce, it has brought together several musicians, including Justin Hicks and Josh Johnson. The album combines diverse musical influences, ranging from jazz to African music, and includes performances by poets such as Staceyann Chin and Hilton Als. Each song is a reflection on the struggle against injustice, with an introspective and committed approach. Tracks such as “Raise The Roof” and “The Price of a Ticket” are calls for resistance in the face of systemic racism. Ndegeocello, inspired by Baldwin, also speaks of her own path as a queer, black woman and of the quest for unity and understanding. The album resonates powerfully with Baldwin’s speeches on truth, love and the struggle against oppression.

This is the opportunity for Meshell Ndegeocello to perform at the Gould pine grove in Juan-les-Pins, so close to Saint-Paul-de-Vence where James Baldwin lived and where he passed away in 1987.

_A feast for the ears, bringing balm to the heart and comforting the soul: here is Still Rising, Gregory Porter’s latest album, which presents a retrospective of his career since 2010. This project brings together his greatest hits, works with legendary artists such as Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, as well as duets with Moby, Paloma Faith and many others. Porter, whose career began rather late in life, continues to reinvent himself with completely new tracks which echo his optimism and his vision of love. The album is a tribute to his personal experiences, marked by challenges, including the loss of his mother and his brother. Porter expresses himself on the importance of love, of optimism in the face of adversity and of spiritual elevation. Songs such as “I Will” and “Dry Bone” embody this spirit of resilience and joy. “Still Rising” stands out for its musical diversity, ranging from jazz to soul, and for its unique collaborations, in particular with opera and jazz stars. Porter is delighted with his international career and his parallel projects, such as his podcast and culinary series. This dual action celebrated his development and his birthday, marking an important stage in his artistic and personal life.