A musical journey to New Orleans from the 20s to the 40s is what Masson Stomp is all about: Traditional Jazz and Swing. Masson Stomp will make you rediscover many great world-renowned tunes interpreted by its musicians in their original, modern and unique way.

For their first album, the band’s artistic vision was to be close to the jazz tradition but also contributing to the repertoire by adding original compositions.

Musicians
Jean-Sébastien Leblanc: Clarinet et vocal
Jeffrey Moseley: Guitar
Mathieu Roberge: Double bass
Samuel Voyer: Piano
Frédéric Lapointe: Drums

Youtube video: “Masson Stomp”

Music is definitely part of Darrell Green’s family pedigree — his father was a bass player after all — but this jazz drummer also has his own preternatural sense of groove. Over a career that’s spanned more than two decades, Green has become a master technician and prolific sideman, sharing stages with everyone from Blue Note vibraphonist Stefon Harris to saxophonist Red Holloway. Though jazz is his primary focus, Green is conversant in every genre from straight-ahead jazz to Latin and West African music.

Musicians:
Mason Jeffery-Off – bass
August McKinney – piano
Daniel Marmer – guitar
Maude Fortier – alto sax
Sam Baglier – tenor sax
Darrell Green – drums

Youtube video: Nerftiti”

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”

Virtuosic pianist and composer Julian Shively returns to Upstairs to present a night dedicated to one of the leading bands in the jazz and neo-soul spheres: Hiatus Kaiyote. Often known as every jazz musician’s favorite band, the band was formed in Melbourne, Australia in 2011 and have since released 4 critically-acclaimed albums as well as gone on to tour extensively and internationally, playing on the biggest stages around the world for the last 10 years including headlining Montreal’s own International Jazz Fest last year. The band has developed its own unique sound that reaches from a large variety of musical styles, while being seeped in a rich foundation of jazz. They continue to inspire a generation of young and upcoming musicians.

A graduate of McGill University with degrees in both jazz piano and classical cello, Julian Shively’s musical experience has taken him across the globe, performing in a wide array of musical settings from serving as principal cello with orchestras traveling in Western Europe and China, to collaborating with jazz ensembles in the United States and The Bahamas, to performing as a featured soloist with 10 different orchestras. Julian has developed a reputation for his versatility and technical prowess with an affinity for jazz and classical music (as well as a love for R&B and impressionist music) creating a dynamic and eclectic sound world. Join him and his quartet in celebrating one of the most prominent and impactful bands in modern jazz and soul.

Musicians:

Emma McDonald – voice
Julian Shively – piano
Ryan Bennett – drums
Michael Goulart – bass

Listen to “Alone together”:

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”