Juno Award-winning Singer-Songwriter Dawn Tyler Watson has earned her place among the International Blues elite. She adopted Montreal as her home after earning her BFA in Jazz Studies and Theatre from Concordia University.

Since then, her fiery stage presence and soul-stirring performances have garnered her national and world-wide recognition with multiple awards including Maple Blues Awards for Songwriter, Best Album, Female Vocalist of the Year, and a 2020 American Blues Music Nomination for Vocalist of the Year alongside greats like Curtis Salgado & Mavis Staples.

Her latest record “Mad Love,” was just awarded the 2020 JUNO award for Blues Album of the Year.

Musicians:
Dawn Tyler Watson: vocals
John Sadowy: piano
Clinton Ryder: bass
Al Bourgeois: drums

Youtube video: “It Don’t Mean A Thing”

Ella’s singing career began at the ripe age of 9, and got a taste of stardom after she made her first international television appearance at the age of 9 years old. Growing up Ella listened to The Great American Songbook including classic artists such as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Billie Holiday. At the same time, she gravitated towards Pop listening to artists such as Ariana Grande, Sade, Jazmine Sullivan and Sabrina Claudio. This blend of velvet smooth Jazz and colorful infectious pop has culminated into Ella’s unique sound. Throughout her two year hiatus, Ella is back with her new single Linen. Her debut EP, Heart Eyes, which is set to release later this year.

Wiley Wakeman is a young drummer from Connecticut who is currently studying music at McGill University. He is heavily influenced by the music of Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, Immanuel Wilkins, Roy Hargrove, Brian Blade, and Frank Ocean.

“I feel that music, especially when performed live, creates an atmosphere in which people of all cultures and backgrounds can come together to experience something beautiful, something that is truly beyond words.”

Musicians
Wiley Wakeman – drums
Felix Hartely – bass
Julian Shively – piano
Maude Fortier – alto sax

Youtube video: Linen – Ella Rossi

Youtube video: “Remembrance”

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.

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.

The Wednesday Concordia Jam is a relaxed environment designed for students and young players to get a feel for the stage and practice with working with new people. Come by and share a tune with us!

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”