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Providing a platform for tomorrow's jazz
Although jazz is a global musical style, it often leads a niche existence in small Switzerland. It is therefore difficult for young Swiss jazz groups to find performance opportunities and raise their profile. This is precisely where Suisse Diagonales Jazz steps in.
We are the umbrella organisation for non-profit Swiss promoters of contemporary jazz. By that, I mean organisers, musicians and bands from Geneva to Romanshorn. Together, we want to make our concerns heard. In a small country with four language regions and different approaches to jazz, it is not easy to find common ground. Our goal is to provide a platform for emerging female artists to gain recognition on the international stage. We are convinced that we can only achieve this together.
How do you do that?
As an association, we draw attention to the challenges we face and work together to find solutions. We present a united front to the outside world and provide our members with advice on matters such as pricing, fundraising and labour law issues affecting musicians.
On the other hand, we organise the SDJ festival every two years, with concerts taking place in all our member venues. Our aim is to connect language regions, create synergies, and of course put music centre stage. We carefully select the participating bands, who are considered promising voices of the future.
Can you give me any examples of where this has worked before?
Each issue features at least one act that has made its mark on the European jazz scene, whether as a band or an individual musician. Andrina Bollinger, Arthur Hnatek, Florian Favre, Marie Krüttli and Lea Marie Fries have all performed as part of the SDJ line-up, and now play on renowned jazz stages around the world. These are just a few examples. The series has been running for over 25 years.
How are the bands chosen?
All association members can put forward proposals for bands and musicians. The board will select the participants from these nominations. It is important to us that the entire spectrum of contemporary Swiss jazz is represented, with a balanced selection across the language regions. For example, we don't want ten piano trios from Obwalden, even if they are good and my grandparents in Kerns would love them. We also want to include the experimental electronic quintet from Lausanne and the dulcimer duo from Bergell.
And what's in it for the bands? Just a single gig?
No, it's much more than that! The bands don't just play one concert; they play several shows throughout Switzerland as part of a full tour. They also benefit from coaching and mentoring from the SDJ network. They can set their own priorities and receive support to promote their music throughout Switzerland, providing them with a springboard to national and international stages.
And what do you get out of it as a booker?
A lot. I see how the music I love is being developed and carried on by young people. I'm discovering bands and sounds that were previously unknown to me. The only constant in jazz is change. To me, the SDJ series is like a jazz glacier slowly melting to reveal new treasures. Some of these treasures have been forgotten, while others have never been heard before — but they have always been there, and hopefully they always will be.
