Tuesday evenings, Upstairs showcases McGill University’s Schulich School of Music Undergraduate, and Graduate, Jazz Performance students.

As part of their jazz combo course requirements, students prepare sets of music encompassing tunes and arrangements from the jazz tradition, as well as, original compositions and arrangements. These students, coming from all over North America, and Europe, are some of the finest up and coming jazz performance students that you will hear anywhere.

One of Canada’s most sought after musicians, Jim Doxas plays extensively both nationally and overseas. Distinguished for his improvisational approach to jazz, he makes the case that percussion can be as performative as a lyrical instrument.

Video: “Upstairs Jam Session hosted by Jim Doxas”

Since its formation in 2014, Fuel Junkie has revealed itself as one of the most promising upcoming artists on the Montréal blues scene. Passionate about the blues at a very young age, Mark LeClerc founded the group with close friends met during his music studies. Singer and composer of the band, he came up with the idea of a saxophone section brought to the spotlight by modern arrangements.

Grounded in the blues, Fuel Junkie is also strongly influenced by funk and soul music. The combination of a classic trio with three saxophones gives the band its unique identity that stands out on the blues scene. Creative interaction between the band members during solo sections make way for unexpected and standout moments at every concert. The group is known by its fans for the constant flow of energy and authenticity during every performance.

Musicians

Mark LeClerc: Lead Vocal/Tenor sax
Philippe Brochu: Tenor sax
Patrice Luneau: Baritone sax
Antoine Loiselle: Guitar
Jean-François Charest: Bass
Philippe Fleury: Drums

Youtube video: “High Stress, Low Money”

Hailing from the lower west side of Montreal, Bharath Rajkumar delivers old school blues in an old school way, and never fails to entertain… Having shared stage and studio with some of the greatest blues musicians of our times, such as Junior watson, Fred Kaplan, Richard Innes, Larry Taylor, Johnny Dyer, Lazy Lester, Piano willie etc.

Youtube video: “Bharath & His Rhythm Four – Caraquet en Bleu”

Pianist Manoel Vieira, a passionate and talented virtuoso, offers the public a moving tribute concert to João Donato, a legend of Brazilian music. João Donato was a world famous maestro, pianist, composer and arranger. Heavily inspired by the rich tradition of bossa nova and Brazilian jazz, Manoel has developed his own unique musical style, captivating audiences around the world. Composer, arranger, producer and accomplished musician, he has established himself as a key figure on the contemporary music scene. A vibrant and sincere tribute concert, an unmissable evening to celebrate bossa nova and Brazilian jazz together and honor the memory of João Donato.

Musicians:
Manoel Vieira – piano
Erivan Duarte – bass
Aquiles Melo – drums
Thiago Ferté – sax
João Lenhari – trumpet
Emmanuel Richard-Bordon – trombone

Youtube video: “Segment”