Photo : Yossi Zwecker + dr
Jazz and Jewish Melodies
Forget dry history lessons and immerse yourself in the vibrant synergy between jazz giants and timeless Jewish melodies. From iconic swing eras to soul-stirring improvisations, uncover how these deep roots evolved into the legendary tracks that shaped music history.
ECUJE (Paris 10th)
About
The ECUJE in the 10th arrondissement hosts a special musical event on Sunday, April 18, 2027. From 18:30 to 19:30, musician Olivier Hutman leads a lecture exploring how Jewish sacred and secular melodies have shaped the world of jazz. Attendees will discover how artists like Billie Holiday and Benny Goodman reinterpreted these traditional themes with the same creative freedom as Broadway standards. This session is open to adults aged 18 and over. Tickets are required to attend this exploration of improvisation and cultural heritage, with standard entry priced at 10 € and a reduced rate of 5 €.
Since the origins of jazz, many musicians have drawn on melodies from secular and sacred Jewish traditions.
From A Yiddishe Mame to Ani Ma’amin and Avinu Malkeinu, this repertoire has inspired performers as diverse as Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Benny Goodman, Cab Calloway, Woody Herman, Carole King, Ben Sidran, Dave Liebman, or Bob Mintzer.
Through commented listening sessions, Olivier Hutman will show how these artists transformed these melodies with the same freedom as the great Broadway standards. An exploration of the deep connections between memory, spirituality, popular culture, and improvisation.
Our take on this event
On Sunday, April 18, 2027, the ECUJE presents Jazz et mélodies juives, a curated listening session focusing on the deep connections between Jewish musical tradition and jazz. From 18:30 to 19:30, Olivier Hutman will guide the audience through the history of how compositions such as A Yiddishe Mame, Ani Ma’amin, and Avinu Malkeinu have influenced jazz greats including Ella Fitzgerald, Woody Herman, Ben Sidran, Dave Liebman, and Bob Mintzer.
By analyzing these works, Hutman demonstrates how these melodies were transformed into jazz standards, reflecting a blend of spirituality and pop culture. The event is designed for an audience aged 18 and older, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of memory and musical improvisation. Tickets are available at a full price of 10 € and a reduced price of 5 €.
