In “Jacques Schwarz-Bart entre en résistance!” [Jacques Schwarz-Bart joins the resistance] Joe Farmer (RFI) reviews the Guadeloupean saxophonist’s new album, Resistance. Schwarz-Bart will be in concert on October 15, 16, and 17, 2026, at the jazz club Sunset-Sunside (60 rue des Lombards), in Paris, France
From Boston, where he currently lives, saxophonist Jacques Schwarz-Bart has observed the gradual evolution of U.S. society and is concerned about the authoritarian tendencies plaguing Western democracies at the beginning of the 21st century. Faced with this peril, he invokes the spirit of sharing and unity that music can foster. With Resistance, he intends to raise awareness and inspire civic engagement.
Jacques Schwarz-Bart has always felt this desire for justice, undoubtedly instilled by his parents. His mother, Simone, is a renowned, inspired, and committed writer. His father, André, was a member of the French Resistance during World War II and authored a major work, Le Dernier des justes [The Last of the Just], which won the Prix Goncourt in 1959. It therefore seemed logical that this rebellious spirit would withstand the test of time and fuel the creativity of Jacques Schwarz-Bart, whose works advocate for a multicultural ideal that his native Guadeloupe embodies naturally.
Resistance is therefore an important album. Each track evokes a personality, a struggle, or universal human values. “Maya” honors the memory of the late Maya Angelou, African American poet and activist, author of the famous autobiographical work I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. “Sarah” pays homage to Sarah Maldoror, French director and actress, anti-colonialist, and woman of strong character. “Violetta” salutes the memory of Violetta Chaville, president of the Association of Cooks in Guadeloupe, whose constant efforts to preserve Caribbean traditions elevate her to the status of a pioneer. Jacques Schwarz-Bart does not forget family ties and the duty of passing on traditions. He dedicates “Song for Abraham” to his father and “Ezra” to his son. [. . .]
Excerpts translated by Ivette Romero. For the original review (in French), see https://www.rfi.fr/fr/podcasts/l-%C3%A9pop%C3%A9e-des-musiques-noires/20260905-jacques-schwarz-bart-entre-en-r%C3%A9sistance?
For more on the musician, see Jacques Schwarz-Bart
[Photos above: 1) Jacques Schwarz-Bart’s album «Résistance». © Quai Son Records. 2) Photo by André Baille-Barrelle: Arnaud Dolmen, Jacques Schwarz-Bart, and Reggie Washington.]