QUINCY JONES: A MUSICAL CELEBRATION IN PARIS (2019)

Quincy Jones has always had a special relationship with Paris. He was in his early twenties when he first moved there, proceeding to fall in love with a culture where race mattered less, just as his fledgling compositional powers were starting to bear fruit. That was over sixty years ago, but he still thinks of Paris as a second home, something he exclaims proudly in front of a capacity crowd at AccorHotels Arena in his first concert in the city since 2000.

But more than a concert – each show that features Quincy Jones ends up becoming a veritable cultural event. This one, aptly named “A Musical Celebration,” brings together nearly one hundred world-class musicians: Jules Buckley heads up a full orchestra, who are joined periodically by very special guests.

We kick off with Quincy’s enduring classic “Soul Bossa Nova,” before sailing through a seemingly endless flow of masterpieces, each one ushering the crowd to their feet once more: “Ai No Corrida,” “Give Me The Night,” “Stomp!” “Let the Good Times Roll.” These pieces act as benchmarks in a sparkling career, and the live arrangements add to their groove, richness and color.

For the Michael Jackson reprisals, the audience is treated to a haunting trumpet interpretation of “Human Nature” by Ibrahim Maalouf, a ‘from-the-streets-to-the-stage’ “Thriller” tribute courtesy of French viral sensation Salif Gueye, and the depth and beauty of Shelea Chant’s tone on songs like “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You.” When world-renowned bassists Marcus Miller and Richard Bona supplement “Billie Jean” with an intricate, moody duet, the audience knows they are witnessing something unique. (01:57:24)