Sarah Jane Morris, Lady of Jazz: "I Sing the History of Humanity"

Five international evening concerts, four in Piazza Matteotti and one at sunset at the evocative Elpidiense Astronomical Observatory, and the usual three-day masterclass for musicians, curated by Ramberto Ciammarughi, with a mandatory jam session after the lessons. This, in short, is the 26th edition of the Sant'Elpidio Jazz Festival, presented by the Municipality of Sant'Elpidio a Mare and the Syntonia Jazz association with Amat, with the contribution of MiC and the Marche Region, and the support of the Cassa di Risparmio di Fermo Foundation and private sponsors.

The opening event will be tomorrow in Piazza Matteotti with Sarah Jane Morris (at 9:15 PM) in "The Sisterhood Trio," accompanied by the guitars of Tony Rémy and Marcus Bonfanti. The British singer is an icon of modern jazz, a formidable performer with a unique voice that spans blues, rock, jazz, and soul, and a unique connection with Italian audiences. Red-haired and full of energy, Sara Jane Morris is happy to share her experiences. She has a special connection to our country and has collaborated with many Italian artists, including Mario Biondi.

How does this jazz journey continue today in a place like Sant'Elpidio a Mare?

"I have a special relationship with Italy, and it's been there since 1979, so 46 years... I've sung with Italian artists including Mario Biondi, PFM, Riccardo Cocciante, Pino Daniele, Noemi, Danilo Rea, the Solis String Quartet, and Enrico Melozzi, to name a few. Over these 46 years, I've performed pop, soul, jazz, funk, rock, blues, Latin, folk, and classical music, and I incorporate all these genres into my music as well." After so many years of career, how do you maintain such a unique voice?

"I've never had any musical training, and certainly no vocal training. I don't do warm-up exercises. I sing a lot and certainly take care of my voice as best I can. I'm very lucky."

On a female musical journey, who are the figures who have inspired you?

"'The Sisterhood,' which is my latest project, is dedicated to the female singer-songwriters who helped shape popular music. Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Miriam Makeba, Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin, Joni Mitchell, Rickie Lee Jones, Annie Lennox, and Kate Bush. My biggest musical influences were Nina Simone, Janis Joplin, Sly and the Family Stone, and Etta James."

And the song that he will perform at the concert and that he considers his artistic refuge?

"The song I sing as an encore was made famous by Janis Joplin: 'Piece of My Heart.' It's a song I feel I've shaped enough to become my own."

Many of his songs address strong themes: does music still have a political and cultural role, can it help change the world?

"It's been 40 years since 'Live Aid,' a concert that helped change the world for a time. I feel like a narrator of the human story through song. I believe music has a role in educating, questioning, and starting conversations. I don't have all the answers, but I have many questions that I put into music."