This evening (8 p.m.) Belgium House on the Givat Ram campus of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem will host an evening of Gallic-seasoned jazz courtesy of singer Sonya Pincon and pianist Philippe Souplet. The event is being organized by the Romain Gary Cultural center in Jerusalem as part of the worldwide 2010 Francophonie program of cultural activities. Pincon takes an eclectic approach to jazz, and her discography and performing career to date takes in a range of influences and genres, including gospel, spirituals, soul and Jamaican elements, besides straightahead jazz. She and Souplet have been making sweet music together for four years and performed across the globe, from Chile to Japan and many points betwixt. Given the show’s Francophonie program berth the duo’s repertoire will include both American standards and songs written or made famous by French musicians. The US part of the program features tried and tested popular numbers, such as Gerswhin’s “Summertime” and Duke Ellington’s “Satin Doll” and “Caravan.”Meanwhile, another Ellington-associated number, “Lush Life,” written by longtime Ellington associate, pianist, composer and arranger Billy Strayhorn, will be performed with French lyrics written by Double Six vocal group member Mimi Perrin. On the strictly French side of this evening’s program, Pincon and pianist Souplet will present their own take of songs written or performed by a roster of feted singer-songwriters such as Claude Nougaro, Serge Gainsbourg and Henri Salvador.
