1962 Antibes Jazz Festival (Part II)

In Juan-les-Pins, jazz, that most American of exports, was free to spread its wings. Established by Sidney Bechet upon falling in love with the region, the Antibes jazz festival was, for a time, a home-away-from-home for many of jazz' African-American icons. Here, in clubs and cafes as the sea breeze blew through, they discovered a French audience primed and ready for the freest and most daring jazz they could muster. Jean-Christophe Averty gifted posterity a glimpse into that transcendent environment through his recording of the festivals. This compilation series, shot in the early 60s, preserves their heady art at one of jazz' most exciting moments, suspending them in glorious black and white footage. 

Part two of the series looks at the 1962 event, which featured Fats Domino and Jimmy Smith among others. First up is Domino, the man who took jazz and the blues, sped it up and pioneered rock 'n' roll in the 50s. By 1962, Domino was a bone fide star and all his charm, flair and personality is on display here. Once referred to as "the real king of rock ‘n’ roll" by Elvis, it is always a pleasure to watch him in action. Jimmy Smith follows, one of first musicians to take the organ from gospel churches and blend it with rock and soul, cementing the Hammond B Organ's reputation as a historically-significant instrument. Both pioneers, both legends, both on fire here in 1962.