SOCAR ELECTRIC GUITAR COMPETITION - Montreux Jazz Festival

SOCAR ELECTRIC GUITAR COMPETITION Since 1967, the world’s greatest guitarists have graced the stages of the Montreux Jazz Festival. Their biographies tell tumultuous tales of hard work and artistic endeavor, but also of solidarity with fellow artists and magical opportunities. In 2004, the desire to provide one such opportunity led Claude Nobs, founder and director of the Festival, to create an international electric guitar competition for professional guitarists. His aim was not only to lend a helping hand to young guitar players struggling for cognition, but also to enable them to meet guitarists of the same age and level from other countries. The guitar competition is open to musicians under the age of 30. The organizers receive entries from over forty different countries. In the spring, around ten to fifteen guitarists are selected to take part in the semi-finals and final at the Montreux Jazz Festival, in front of a jury of professionals and a discerning international audience. Musicians, record company representatives and producers seeking new talents, take their seats among the general public. During the Festival, the competing guitarists are encouraged to exchange their experiences and forge friendships and are given plenty of opportunities to attend concerts and workshops together in Montreux. Only four prizes are awarded each year. But the organizers believe that all the participants leave Montreux with the conviction that they have taken their career one step further through this culturally enriching musical experience.

STAGES OF THE COMPETITION Applications To be returned by March 1st 2014 (postmark date) with the requested items. First Selection Jury members will examine entries that include a CD with the Artist’s performance (a total of 10 minutes max.). Both candidates –selected for the semifinals and non selected- will be notified approximately by May 1st 2014 by email . The selected Artists will be invited to perform in Montreux in July 2014 (the exact dates of the competition, as well as the names of the jury members, are still to be determined). The Artists have to confirm their participation in writing to the Montreux Jazz Festival. Semi-finals (maximum 15 competitors) The candidates qualified for the semi-finals will be invited to perform in Montreux in July 2014 (dates of competition are yet to be determined). The candidates will have to perform the requested pieces (length of the performance 10 min. maximum) in front of a jury. The non respect of the timing will be penalized by the jury. Final (maximum 4 competitors) The final will be held shortly after the semi-finals. The participating guitarists will have to perform in front of the jury. The length of the performace will be determined after the jury’s selection at the semifinals depending on the candidates at the final (15 minutes max.) The non respect of the timing will be penalized by the jury. The final will take place at the Montreux Palace-Petit Théâtre Awards Ceremony The awards ceremony will take place straight after the final at Petit Théâtre- Montreux Palace.

Name (artist): Signature:

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SOCAR ELECTRIC GUITAR COMPETITION PRIZES The first prize winner of the Socar Montreux Jazz Electric Guitar Competition receives CHF 5’000. – Swiss francs, a certificate and recording session at the Balik Farm Studio, located in the breathtaking scenery of Switzerland’s Toggenburg region (The Balik Farm Studio prize consists in 4 complete days in a professional studio recording, accommodation and a professional sound engineer for the recording of the cd. The Balik Farm Studio prize is non-transferable and is not redeemable for cash or credit, in whole or in part. Travel expenses are to be covered entirely by the winner.) The second prize winner receives CHF 3’000. – Swiss francs and a certificate. The third prize winner receives CHF 2’000. – Swiss francs and a certificate. The Socar Montreux Jazz Electric Guitar Competition attracts an audience of connoisseurs who award their own prize. The winner of the Public Prize receives an anthology cd box and a certificate.

GUITAR COMPETITION WINNERS 2013 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004

Leandro Pellegrino (Brazil) www.facebook.com/leandro.pelle Roland Balogh (Hungary) Jeff Miles (USA) www.myspace.com/jeffmilesmusic Frederico Casagrande (Italy) www.federicocasagrande.com Jacob Hertzog (USA) www.jakehertzog.com Gilad Hekselman (Israel) www.giladhekselman.com Antal Pusztai (Hungary) www.pusztai.uw.hu

CONDITIONS OF ENTRY The Socar Montreux Jazz Electric Guitar Competition is open to guitarists of all nationalities born after January 1st, 1984. Previous first prize winners of the competition are not eligible to compete. Finalists and semifinalists of Montreux’s previous competitions may not compete more than three times. For the selection (demo CD), the candidate will be able to choose the instrument(s) that accompany him/her. For the semi-finals and final, the candidate must present the musical pieces either as a solo electric guitar performance or with an electric guitar accompanied by a rhythm section (bass and drum, provided by the Montreux Jazz Festival). For the semi-finals and final, the score should be sent in advance so it can be given to the backing band. The Festival will also provide the candidates Fender amplifier. The following criteria are among those that will be taken into consideration: Originality, personal language and musicality, sound, phrasing, interplay with the band and mastery of the instrument.

Jury The competition is placed under the patronage of Quincy Jones, extraordinary ambassador to the Montreux Jazz Festival, with the collaboration of guitarists and musicians from the international jazz scene. The jury has been presided by: 2013 Lee Ritenour 2008 & 2009 Lee Ritenour 2007 George Benson 2006 Terry Callier 2005 Al di Meola 2004 Cornell Dupree Name (artist): Signature:

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SOCAR ELECTRIC GUITAR COMPETITION

Travel and accommodation Travel and accommodation expenses are to be covered entirely by the candidates. However, the Montreux Jazz Festival office can help by providing addresses of hotels and youth hostels in the area and by sending semifinalists an invitation that can be used to seek funding from cultural institutions in their native countries.

Legal notice The jury’s assessment will take place in private in accordance with the assessment criteria presented (see above). The participant accepts that the jury’s decisions are final and that no appeal is possible. The Montreux Jazz Festival Foundation will not be held responsible if, in case of necessity, the present competition is modified, postponed or cancelled. Any dispute relating to the interpretation, execution or non-execution of the present regulations will be subject to Swiss law.

Recordings The Fondation du Festival de Jazz de Montreux or its successor has the right to record the sound (the «Audio Recording») and visuals (the «Video Recording») of all singer’s performances during the competition and any other venues concerning the Montreux Jazz Festival now and in the future and to exploit the same, without payment of any compensation to the singer, for all forms of worldwide television and radio (including for news and information purposes), Internet streaming (including free on-demand streaming) and on any kind of commercial audio device or commercial audiovisual device (including download) now known or hereafter developed. The Fondation du Festival de Jazz de Montreux or its successor has the right to use singer’s name and likeness as well as the right to use the Audio Recording and the Video Recording for the promotion of the Montreux Jazz Festival. If the Singer grants an interview recorded or filmed by or on behalf of Montreux Jazz Festival, such interview may be utilized by the Montreux Jazz Festival or its successor in connection with the rights granted above.

For any questions, information and contact at the Montreux Jazz Festival Victoria Leon [email protected]

ADDRESS TO SEND THE APPLICATION Montreux Jazz Festival 2m2c Montreux Competitions-Guitar Av. Claude Nobs 5 1820 Montreux Switzerland


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To be returned by March 1st 2014 (postmark date) With the requested items. The competition is open to guitarists of all nationalities born after January 1st, 1984 (under the age of 30). Items to be sent with the entry 1. a demo CD in mp3 format: the recording must include three pieces of music. The total length of the recording should not exceed 10 minutes and must include: -one standard: you have to choose between one of this 12 pieces: Solar Blame it on my youth Blackbird River man My favorite things Afro blue My one and only love Naima Impressions Aqua De Beber Corcovado Waltz for Debby Entrants should perform their own interpretation of the original piece, improving and developing it. - one blues (12 bars) - a personal choice (note that this one can be inspired by any music styles) 2. Two ID or professional photos (max size 11*15cm) with the name of the entrant written on the back. 3. A photocopy of the entrant’s Identity Card, Passport or Driver License (the birth date has to appear on the copy) 4. A curriculum vitæ. 5. Other relevant documents (diplomas, press…) if any.

If you are selected for the semifinals, you will be asked to play: - one of the standards excluding the one played for the demo CD (Entrants should perform their own interpretation of the original piece, improving and developing it). - a personal choice (note that this one can be inspired by any music styles)

If you are selected for the final, you will be asked to play:

- one of the ten standards excluding the one played for the demo CD and excluding the one you played for the semifinals (Entrants should perform their own interpretation of the original piece, improving and developing it). - a 12 bar Blues - a personal composition or a personal choice (note that this one can be inspired by any music styles)

ADDRESS TO SEND THE APPLICATION Montreux Jazz Festival 2m2c Montreux Competitions-Guitar Av. Claude Nobs 5 / 1820 Montreux / Switzerland


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By signing this Socar Montreux Jazz Electric Guitar Competition 2014 entry form, the artist confirms to have read, understood and accepted the rules and regulations of the competition and to comply with them. By signing this Socar Montreux Jazz Electric Guitar Competition 2014 entry form, the artist confirms the accuracy of the documents and information sent. Please, complete this document in CAPITAL LETTERS. Surname/Family Name

First Name

__________________________________________ __________________________________________ Street/Number ________________________________________________________________________________________ ZIP/Town

Country

__________________________________________ __________________________________________ E-mail _______________________________________________________________________________________ Telephone

Mobile Phone

__________________________________________ __________________________________________ Nationality

Date of birth (day/month/year)

__________________________________________ __________________________________________ How have you heard about that competition? (Name of school, club, etc) _______________________________________________________________________________________ The organisers reserve the right to refuse incomplete applications. PLEASE SIGN ALL THE PAGES OF THIS FORM (from 1 to 5). NO APPLICATIONS WILL BE SENT BACK. NO ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED BY EMAIL. NO FEE IS ASKED TO ENTER THE SELECTIONS OR THE COMPETITION. THE JURY WILL NOT GIVE ANY FEEDBACK ABOUT THE DECISIONS.

Date:___________________________________

Read and agreed:___________________________


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PARENTAL AUTHORIZATION To fill in ONLY if under 18 years old I certify, as a parent or guardian, I give permission for: (Child’s name): _____________________________________________________________________ to participate in the Socar Montreux Jazz Electric Guitar Competition according to the terms signed in the application form/subscription to the competition, on July 2014.

Relation to participant: ______________________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian name: ______________________________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________________________________________

Home Phone: ______________________________________________________________________ Please enclose a copy of the Parent/Guardian identity card or passport.

Place and date: ____________________________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian signature: ___________________________________________________________


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