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Festival report thursday, 14.04.2011
Where to begin, how to make the best use of your energy in the face of a festival programme that once again offered nine live acts on the third day – and seven of them for free? Those who first headed for the time-honoured Elsie’s Bar in the heart of Zermatt yesterday to have a bite and a glass of wine, simply known as “es Ballon” in canton Valais, were well advised. Meanwhile, the word in the church square outside was: Clear the decks for singer-songwriter Max Luck from London – a man, a guitar, giving a spirited performance of his own songs and cover versions of songs through the decades.The smell of food afterwards in the Foyer Tent next to the festival-epicentre was really tempting, and both festival goers and tourists passing by chance were spoilt for choice between Thai noodles, sushi, pasta, risotto and a decent bratwurst,. The best fast food from the best restaurants of this world holiday resort, complete with tempting deserts and Stevans, a great five-piece band from Geneva based around Geneva-born Yvan Franel, who promised a long night of music full of energy.
David Gray, the main act at the marquee, continued with what Zermatt Unplugged stands for: music at its best, unamplified, with emphasis on acoustic instruments and voices – and, in the case of David Gray, with wonderful British understatement. The 42-year-old Mancunian took the stage in a classic black suit and the five-piece formation impressed their listeners with simple yet profound compositions. A seeker in his poetic lyrics, a well established musician with a voice that sends shivers down your spine, with excellent guitar and piano solos and nine albums to date. David Gray took the festival goers away with him on his musical wings, sharing with them loss and pain and insight and the joy of life – feelings that connected the numerous listeners across all boundaries, wherever they came from.
Things continued at a quick pace after that, with Marc Sway at the Vernissage – the cultural hot spot of the village, even and especially in times without ”Zermatt Unplugged”, built and furnished with great attention to detail by artist Heinz Julen. And Marc Sway, a native of Zurich with Brazilian background, certainly enjoyed the atmosphere in the steel/glass/wood-style combination so typical of Heinz Julen, as he called out to his audience: “Hey, this is my first visit ever to Zermatt, you are my first impression – and it counts forever!” In good spirits, the 32-year-old pop bard kicked off with his band, and there was no stopping them in the Bossa Nova, Samba and R&B groove, as if there were no tomorrow. “I keep on losing myself” he sang in the early hours, backed by many voices from the audience. The good news is that it’s not yet over after a long, arduous night - you can dive in musically for another two days, dance and sing until your voice is hoarse –depending on your mood and ability.
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