I just read another article in Le Monde about the slam phenomenon (reading poetry aloud in bars or community buildings) in France, particularly in main towns such as Paris, Marseilles, Bordeaux, and in suburban areas.
We know that Slam originally appeared in Chicago in the 80's and became successful in NYC in the 90's, to start in Paris in the mid 90's.
What this article stresses first is the alchemy that takes place in slam sessions that makes people who'd never known each other or never talked to each other otherwise communicate and share, and the incredible variety of people that go to these sessions. All social classes, all profiles.
The other point is that slam is now so successful in France , especially after having been depleted of its competitive aspect,(so American) that it is now crossing the borders of the genres, and it's not uncommon to see slammers and musicians doing things together.- that reminds me of cafe culture's open no mike -
Moreover, many slammers have now ended up as renowned artists, or spread their activity to volunteer work in hospitals, for example. Some rappers also resource themselves in slam.
"What urgency pushes a growing audience to come to listen and express themselves there? -In a society that is more and more driven by disembodied means of communication and speed, people find there a means to have a real break and to share a real access to speech"says Fabien Marsaud, aka "Grand corps malade"(Big sick body, an alias he adopted after an accident that left him half paralyzed), a successful Parisian musician, singer, poet, and ambassador of the movement,originally from a suburban area,who also presides slam sessions. His great bass voice and his lyrics inspired many people to go attend slam sessions.
Local authorities in suburban areas are now hiring slammers to talk to youngsters in disadvantaged neighborhoods.
Well here in our little town America in the Pacific Northwest we have something like that going on at the cafe's open no mike, with the same magic alchemy going on. Thanks to Gretchen, who made this place what it is. We love you Gretchen. And thanks to "MC Roberto!", who presides the sessions. (I here provide a link to his blog, where he sometimes reports on our open no mikes)
For those who read French, here is a link to the article:
http://www.lemonde.fr/web/article/0,1-0@2-3246,36-818553@51-818728,0.html
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