French cult band Cortex, a pioneer of French jazz-funk and a source of inspiration for generations of hip-hop producers, will take the stage at the UC Theatre in Berkeley on September 18 as part of the Jazz Is Dead tour.
Some bands have an influence that reaches far beyond their own era. Cortex is one of them. Founded and led by pianist, composer and singer Alain Mion, the French band developed a distinctive sound in the 1970s, blending jazz, funk and rock.
Their landmark album Troupeau Bleu, released in 1975, has since become a cult classic — and a gold mine for hip-hop producers. Cortex tracks have been sampled more than 220 times, by artists including MF DOOM, Madlib, Tyler, The Creator, Kanye West, Rick Ross, Baby Keem, and Belgian rapper Damso.
That influence has been particularly strong in the United States: Jazz Is Dead points out that MF DOOM’s “One Beer” is built around a Cortex sample, helping introduce the French band to an entirely new generation of American listeners.
On September 18 in Berkeley, Cortex will reconnect with that American audience for an evening presented by Jazz Is Dead, the project dedicated to celebrating and bringing back into the spotlight major figures from jazz and its contemporary offshoots. Adrian Younge and J Rocc will also be on the bill at the UC Theatre. The concert will draw from across Cortex’s career, more than fifty years after the release of Troupeau Bleu.
Cortex – Jazz Is Dead
Date: Friday, September 18, 2026 (Doors: 7 p.m. — Show: 8 p.m.)
Address: The UC Theatre – 2036 University Ave, Berkeley
Tickets and information
