La Vie Zazou

15 minutes

  • cello

Commissioned and given its premiere by Sally Guenther at the Borealis Festival of Norway.

During the Nazi occupation of France, the young rebellious types met in cafes and jazz clubs to escape their oppressors and talk politics and philosophy. They were called "Zazou". They walked the streets in enormous coats (rather like Zoot suits) in defiance of rations on fabric, and carried "Chamberlain" umbrellas - which were never opened, rain or shine. In order to safeguard their beloved swing music, jazz promoters and fans renamed several of their favorite tunes, hiding their origins: "La Tristesse de Saint Louis" for Handy's famous St. Louis Blues and “Agate Rhythm” for the Gershwin classic.

  1. Le Parapluit

  2. La Tristesse de Saint Lous

  3. Le Manteau Gros

  4. Agate Rhythm

SoloPaul FowlerCello