For the 4th edition of Les Jeudis culturels / Cultural Thursdays on February 28, 2019, discover one of France’s pioneering jazz musicians! Known as the “French troubadour,” Jean Sablon.
Sabion performed in five continents, including the Philippines, in the 1960s, and introduced new musical genres such as biguin, calypso, and bossa nova, which he then brought to France.
The life story of Jean Sablon is intimately connected with 20th century entertainment. He was the first singer to use the microphone in France and pioneered the subtleties of its use.
His biggest hit, “Vous qui passez sans me voir,” was written for him by no less than Charles Trenet.
His contribution to the popularity of jazz and swing music in France is notable, having recorded with some of the world’s top musicians, including Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli.
Record sales leader Bing Crosby, who influenced the intimate singing style of Frank Sinatra, owned all of his records and compared himself to Sablon.
Jean Sablon later moved to Hollywood where his close friends included Ginger Rogers, Cary Grant, and Marlène Dietrich. While there, he also worked with luminaries such as Cole Porter and George Gershwin.
At the next Jeudi culturel / Cultural Thursday, discover more about the life of Jean Sablon through a talk by historians Philippe Jadin and Charles Manghendries, followed by musical performances by Filipino singers Nyko Maca and RADHA.
This is a free concert. To reserve seats, kindly RSVP by Monday, February 25 by e-mailing lesjeudisculturels@gmail.com or by calling (02) 857-6920.
