The Jungle Jazz Band was thrilled to take part in the 40th anniversary of the Ascona Jazz Festival, one of the most beloved jazz festivals in Europe. Set in the stunning lakeside town of Ascona, Switzerland, this event celebrates traditional jazz in all its forms—and we were lucky to be right in the middle of it. We had the opportunity to perform live jazz both in the streets of Ascona and on its main stages,together with our dear good old friend and tremendous vocalist Meschiya Lake, soaking up the incredible atmosphere. A highlight for us was the jazz cruise on Lake Maggiore, where we played classic tunes under the sun, surrounded by mountains and water—definitely one for the books.
What makes Ascona truly special is its open spirit. The festival encouraged as many performances and jam sessions as possible, and we got to play with fellow early jazz musicians from across Europe and the US. It’s clear that the traditional jazz scene in Europe is growing fast, with more and more young jazz musicians embracing this rich and soulful style.
One unforgettable moment was meeting the Treme’Lafitte Brass Band from New Orleans. Sharing the stage and exchanging stories with them brought us closer to the roots of New Orleans jazz. Seeing Joe Lastie play up close was a powerful reminder of just how essential rhythm is to this music and his command of jazz drumming was truly inspiring.
And here’s the big news: We’ll be back for the 41st edition of the Ascona Jazz Festival in 2025, and this time we’re teaming up with the amazing Nicolle Rochelle! Expect swing, energy, and plenty of the hottest jazz in the world!