Faced with the challenge of accurately capturing the variety of onstage performances at Montreux, Shure Europe marketing director Ron Marchant said: "With almost a decade of experience to our credit, we've carefully tailored each venue's microphone offerings to the express needs of that stage. As far as festivals go, this is one of the most demanding. I couldn't possibly think of a better environment to put our products to the test."
Beyond supplying the gear, should a technical question arise, Shure service manager Michael Wolf is on the spot to provide support. Wolf remains 'on call' via a phone hotline so that he can be reached 24 hours a day to ensure that Montreux staff can utilize Shure's expertise to answer any audio questions quickly.
In addition to the various festival performances, this marks the first year of the Shure Montreux Jazz Voice Competition. Run in conjunction with Universal Music and the Bea Young Artists' Foundation, the competition is designed to give young artists the chance to display their musical talents in front of a jury of internationally-renowned musicians. The competition will take place at the Petit Palais from 15-18 July 2003.
Running from 4-19 July, the Montreux Jazz Festival will include appearances by Radiohead, Morcheeba, Simply Red, Bonnie Raitt, Laurie Anderson, Cassandra Wilson and Cypress Hill, while Jethro Tull and Yes will also perform for the first time since 1968. As in years past, Montreux's Jazz Club and workshops will be part of the mix as well, along with piano, saxophone, and voice competitions.
(Lee Baldock)
