Hailing from the lower west side of Montreal, Otis – Ali 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”

Marianne Trudel is a multi-talented pianist, composer, improvisor, and arranger. At once energetic and passionate, her music cross-cuts a wide swath of musical interests.

As a performer, she pursues an active career in a variety of settings ranging from solo performance to duo, Trifolia, Marianne Trudel 4 + Ingrid Jensen, septet, and large ensembles. She has played in Canada, United States, Mexico, France, Spain, Germany, England, Scotland, Netherlands, Itlaly, Hungary, Lithuania, and China. She has published 6 recordings as a leader, all having garnered rave reviews.

Musicians
Marianne Trudel: piano
Etienne Lafrance: bass
Sasha Daoud: drums

Youtube video: “Marianne Trudel joue Antonio Carlos Jobim”

Already known for high-energy and risk-embracing performances, Canadian tenor saxophonist and composer John Sweenie builds his music from that same forward motion—using the urgency of the bandstand as the engine for a language rooted in the bebop lineage while drawing from modern jazz and indie-rock aesthetics.

In his work, strong melodic design and elastic rhythm become the means through which he pushes harmonic language to its edge, not as effect, but as a natural extension of that drive.From the bandstand to the page, that same approach shapes Sweenie’s work: he writes music that frames both individual and collective improvisation, allowing spontaneity to unfold within a clear structural arc. His projects have received support from major arts organizations, and he is the recipient of national awards recognizing his artistic excellence.

Together, these elements define an artist committed to momentum, clarity, and a distinctly personal voice within contemporary jazz

Recorded live over two nights at Canada’s The Yardbird Suite, tenor saxophonist John Sweenie’s debut album features an all-star lineup of Jean-Michel Pilc, Rémi-Jean Leblanc, and Richard Irwin. Sweenie and company leave no harmonic or melodic stone unturned in realizing compositions intended to frame both individual and collective improvisation.

Spanning the spectrum between academic exercise and intuitive statement, Mysticism for Intellectuals reflects an ongoing attempt to reconcile method with instinct. The culmination of a nearly year-long working relationship, the band plays with risk, trust, and immediacy,producing a spontaneously energetic yet structurally cohesive recording that will reward active listeners

Musicians:
John Sweenie – Saxophone
Jean-Michel Pilc – Piano
Remi-Jean Leblanc – Bass
Jacob Wutzke – Drums

Video: Softly as In A Morning Sunrise