CALENDAR

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”

Taurey Butler is a phenomenal jazz pianist of the highest calibre.

Hailing from East Orange, New Jersey, he has played in numerous cities across the world from Hong Kong to New York and now makes his home in Montréal. Taurey’s debut self-titled recording on the Justin Time label was released in November 2011 to resounding critical acclaim. He emerges as a fully-formed master of hard-driving swing with a deep feeling for the blues and ballads.

It’s easy to get lost in the fire and funk, the sweetness and swing, of Taurey Butler. But you can also follow the light that his music emanates.

Musicians:
Taurey Butler (piano)
Rémi-Jean LeBlanc (bass)
Wali Muhammad (drums)

Youtube video: “Taurey Butler Trio – The Preacher”

Come celebrate the launch of The Last Minute, the debut solo album by the sought after Brazilian trumpeter, composer, and educator João Lenhari. Recorded live in a single session in São Paulo, the album captures the raw energy and spontaneity of a world-class ensemble, with no edits or post-production — just pure, unfiltered jazz. Featuring original compositions and fresh arrangements, the music reflects a modern, post–hard bop sensibility, drawing inspiration from jazz styles spanning the 1980s to the early 2000s as well as Lenhari’s Brazilian roots. This special event promises an evening of dynamic performances, heartfelt artistry, and a deep connection to the spirit of live jazz.

João Lenhari – Trumpet/Flugel
Guillaume Carpentier – Tenor Sax
Louis Plouffe – Tenor and Soprano Sax
David Ryshpan – Piano
Mark Nelson – Drums
Nicolas Bedard – Contrebasse

Youtube video: chanson d’amour

Pianist and composer Kate Wyatt has been praised as having “musical ideas and a style of playing and writing that is on par with the current jazz piano elite: Mehldau, Yaron Herman, Shai Maestro, Fred Hersch.”, and has been hailed as “one of the top artists of Montreal, Quebec, or even Canadian jazz.” (Cardin/Brunet, panm360.com). Her recent debut album “Artifact” was released to overwhelmingly excellent critical reviews, and was featured on “Best Jazz of 2022” lists from Canada, the US and Europe.

For this very special evening of music Kate invites multiple Juno award-winning Toronto-based saxophonist and composer Kelly Jefferson to join her in performing a selection of original compositions and music from the Great American Songbook.

“[Kelly Jefferson’s] muscular playing, eloquence and range of emotion, and versatility
justify his popularity. — Peter Hum, Ottawa Citizen

Musicians:
Kate Wyatt: piano
Kelly Jefferson: saxophone
Adrian Vedady: bass
Rich Irwin: drums

katewyattpiano.com

Youtube video: “Kate Wyatt Quartet live at Crescent”

https://youtu.be/6G16XPDvLvU?t=942

Dejan Brown is a German American tenor saxophonist living in Montreal. Having grown up in a house where jazz was very present, he was inspired by many including Miles Davis, Joe Henderson and John Coltrane. His journey began when he started playing saxophone at age 9 with his father, who accompanied him on guitar. Brown is in his final year at McGill University studying Jazz Performance.

This performance is the debut of his quintet featuring Clay Wilkinson on alto saxophone, August McKinney on piano, Juno Hamilton on upright bass, and Julian Ferrer on drums.

Youtube video: “Samba Song”

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”

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”

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
bass
drums

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

Maracujá, the passion fruit, fell from its tree for the first time on the stage of the Montreal Casino in 2003. Since then, the group has become the incontestable standard bearer for Brazilian music in Montreal, with fans of their unique and energetic style that go well beyond the city’s Brazilian community.

At its core, their modern sound is born out of the tangible synergy between four musicians of various rich cultural heritage: singer Elie Haroun, bassist André Faleiros, drummer Sacha Daoud, and keyboardist John Sadowy.

In April 2016, Maracujá launched its first album, full to the brim with its recognizable melodic style. Their musical identity is unmistakeable, and their verve irresistible. The fruit is ripe, and the table is set. It’s Maracujá in bloom!

Musicians
Elie Haroun, vocals
André Faleiros, bass
Sacha Daoud, drums
John Sadowy, keys

Youtube video: “Maracujá”

Kevin brings to the stage an ensemble of talented young people who will be the next generation of Canada’s finest jazz musicians.

Youtube video: “Change of Heart” w/ Kevin Dean, Al McLean, Mike Rud

Shahrzad Sabzehali is a pianist whose work spans both classical and jazz traditions. She leads a Latin Jazz ensemble that blends Cuban rhythms, Latin Jazz, Classical and Persian/Middle Eastern influences into a distinctive and original sound in her compositions. Trained in both classical piano and jazz performance, she studied at McGill University and has performed across Montreal and beyond.

Musicians:
Pianist: Shahrzad Sabzehali
Bassist: Katie Crevier
Percussionist: Diomer Gonzalez
Drummer: Tom Yanez
Sax: Thomas Rolland

Video: “Live at Upstairs”

Trumpeter Ron Di Lauro shares his favorite Italian songs that were the soundtrack of his childhood. Accompanied by guitarist Ben Charest and pianist John Roney, Ron will lull us with the sound of his trumpet with your favorite tunes, including “O Solo mio,” “Volare,” “Arrivederci Roma,” and the unforgettable melody of Morricone’s “Cinema Paradiso”.

Musiciens:
Ron Di Lauro – trumpet and flugelhorn
John Roney – piano
Benoit Charest- guitar
Guest: Lélia Tomesco- vocals

A mid-winter ritual: singer and actor Dorothée Berryman performs ballads in the intimate setting of Upstairs Jazz Bar and Grill for Valentine’s Day.

Dorothée Berryman returns to Upstairs for an evening of swing, romance, and playful sensuality, drawing from the Great American Songbook and French chanson, with a touch of deliciously naughty blues lyrics.

You have seen her in the films The Decline of the American Empire and the Academy Award-winning The Barbarian Invasions. Last season, she toured with the theatre production Aux Grands Maux les grands discours, appeared as Mother Superior in the acclaimed musical Les Nonnes (Nunsense), and performed the role of Yvette Longpré in Belles Soeurs symphonique, based on the work of Michel Tremblay, with music by Daniel Bélanger.
She is currently featured as Senator Monique Bachand in the second season of the popular television series Mea Culpa, airing on Radio-Canada and ICI Tout.tv.

Accompanied by a trio of outstanding Montreal jazz musicians, Dorothée Berryman invites you into a sexy, cosy and elegant cabaret atmosphere.

Piano: Vincent Réhel
Double bass: Dave Watts
Drums: Camil Bélisle

Youtube video: “I’m in the mood for love”

Trüko is a musical journey proposed by Michaël Cotnoir, guitarist with multiple styles including gypsy jazz, Mathieu Langlois from the world of jazz/flamenco and Hanser Santos Gomez who contributes enormously to the mixed music scene thanks to his enthusiasm, his know-how doing and his musicality on his numerous percussions.

From the union of their acoustic universe mixed with a lyrical sensitivity and strong energy, emerges a rich, new and captivating music.

Youtube video: ” Trüko Trio”

Taurey Butler is a phenomenal jazz pianist of the highest calibre.

Hailing from East Orange, New Jersey, he has played in numerous cities across the world from Hong Kong to New York and now makes his home in Montréal. Taurey’s debut self-titled recording on the Justin Time label was released in November 2011 to resounding critical acclaim. He emerges as a fully-formed master of hard-driving swing with a deep feeling for the blues and ballads.

It’s easy to get lost in the fire and funk, the sweetness and swing, of Taurey Butler. But you can also follow the light that his music emanates.

Musicians:
Taurey Butler (piano)
Rémi-Jean LeBlanc (bass)
Wali Muhammad (drums)

Youtube video: “Taurey Butler Trio – The Preacher”

The Blue Note label is one of the most iconic and influential jazz labels in history. Founded in 1939 by Alfred Lion and Max Gottlieb in New York City, the label began documenting the city’s vibrant jazz scene.

Over the years, Blue Note continued to evolve, signing new talent and pushing the boundaries of jazz music. The label’s commitment to innovation and experimentation helped shape the course of jazz history, paving the way for future generations of musicians.

Today Blue Note remains a vital force in the jazz world, representing many leading young artists of our times such as Melissa Aldana, Ambrose Akinmusire, Gerald Clayton, Aaron Parks or Immanuel Wilkins .

For this project, drummer and composer Kulusé Souriant, who just moved to Montréal, drew inspiration from the latest Blue Note releases, selecting a repertoire that reflected the vibrant, contemporary sound of the label.
He gathered a group of young, up-and-coming musicians from the city, eager to infuse their fresh perspectives and ideas into the music.

Musicians:
Simone Leblanc (alto sax)
Gabriel Genest (tenor sax)
Yannick Anctil (piano)
Guillaume Levebvre (upright bass)
Kulusé Souriant (drums)

Youtube video: “Grace and Mercy”

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”

Acclaimed trumpeter Lex French presents a semi-regular nigh featuring up-and-coming young musicians from McGill University’s Schulich School of Music.

Featuring post-bop repertoire from Joe Henderson, Lee Morgan, Miles Davis, Horace Silver, Duke Ellington, Chick Corea, Woody Shaw, and more!

February 22 features:
Dejan Brown – Tenor Saxophone
Sam Fortin – Piano
Zach Winter – Guitar
Devon Gillingham – Bass
Julian Ferrer – Drums

Video: “Live at Crescent”

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”

Born in Santiago de Cuba, young Andy Rubal Bello has had music running through his veins ever since he was a little boy.

Musicians
Andy Rubal: piano and vocals
Yojan Vargas: bass
Lazaro Martinez: percussions

Youtube video: “Carola” live at Festival International Nuits d’Afrique 2023″

At 19, Lenny White played with Jackie McLean, recorded Bitches Brew with Miles Davis, and Red Clay with Freddie Hubbard. Lenny is one of the founding fathers of the jazz-rock movement and is a four-time Grammy Award winner. Lenny White earned a worldwide reputation as the drummer with Return to Forever and has played and collaborated with artists such as Joe Henderson, Gato Barbieri, Gil Evans, Stan Getz, Jaco Pastorius, Herbie Hancock, Carlos Santana, and Chaka Khan. Lenny continues to lead and stay on the cutting edge of music by producing new artists and performing; he is in the process of writing original music to be performed by the NYU Orchestra in the fall of 2022, further expanding his musical footprint.

Musicians:
Mike Bruzzese – Guitar
Jean-Michel Pilc – Piano
Ira Coleman – Bass
Lenny White – Drums

Video: “Return to forever”

At 19, Lenny White played with Jackie McLean, recorded Bitches Brew with Miles Davis, and Red Clay with Freddie Hubbard. Lenny is one of the founding fathers of the jazz-rock movement and is a four-time Grammy Award winner. Lenny White earned a worldwide reputation as the drummer with Return to Forever and has played and collaborated with artists such as Joe Henderson, Gato Barbieri, Gil Evans, Stan Getz, Jaco Pastorius, Herbie Hancock, Carlos Santana, and Chaka Khan. Lenny continues to lead and stay on the cutting edge of music by producing new artists and performing; he is in the process of writing original music to be performed by the NYU Orchestra in the fall of 2022, further expanding his musical footprint.

Musicians:
Mike Bruzzese – Guitar
Jean-Michel Pilc – Piano
Ira Coleman – Bass
Lenny White – Drums

Video: “Return to forever”

Saxophonist and composer Leo Codiga presents his original music with an all-star quartet comprised of some of Montreal’s finest young musicians.

Musicians:
Leo Codiga – tenor sax
August McKinney – piano
Devon Gillingham – bass
Julian Ferrer – drums

Video: Leo Codiga and the southwest corridor

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”

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”

Giovany Arteaga is a Cuban saxophonist born in Havana in 1977, into a family of musicians. He began his musical studies at the age of 9 at the Manuel Saumell School, then continued at the National School of Arts (ENA) and the Amadeo Roldán Conservatory. Early on, he collaborated with iconic figures of Cuban music such as Xiomara Laugart and Omara Portuondo (Buena Vista Social Club).

Rolando Luna – Piano
George Bringas – Bass
Eugenio Doria – Drums
Giovany Arteaga – Sax & Flute

Youtube video: “Otoño”

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”

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”

Ben’s soulful voice is reminiscent of the greatest Rhythm and Blues vocalists of the ‘50s and ‘60s. Inspired by artists such as Junior Walker, Bill Withers, Stevie Wonder and Clarence Carter, he will take you back to the days when vocals were the center point of music.

His critically acclaimed debut album “One Of A Kind” was nominated this year for a “Maple Blues Award”

He is also a lot more than just a voice. His guitar playing covers a wide range of styles – pleasing blues and funk fans alike.

From the moment he hits the stage, his contagious energy and charisma combine for a sound that is truly original. You’ll be tapping your feet within the first few notes.

Musicians:

Ben Racine: Vocals/Guitar
Nicky Estor: Drums
François Dubé: Bass
Kaven Jalbert: Tenor Sax
Mathieu Mousseau: Baryton Sax

Youtube video: “One of a Kind”

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
piano
bass
drums

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

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”

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”

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”

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”

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”

Taurey Butler is a phenomenal jazz pianist of the highest calibre.

Hailing from East Orange, New Jersey, he has played in numerous cities across the world from Hong Kong to New York and now makes his home in Montréal. Taurey’s debut self-titled recording on the Justin Time label was released in November 2011 to resounding critical acclaim. He emerges as a fully-formed master of hard-driving swing with a deep feeling for the blues and ballads.

It’s easy to get lost in the fire and funk, the sweetness and swing, of Taurey Butler. But you can also follow the light that his music emanates.

Musicians:
Taurey Butler (piano)
Rémi-Jean LeBlanc (bass)
Wali Muhammad (drums)

Youtube video: “Taurey Butler Trio – The Preacher”

Two of Montreal finest jazz guitarists Greg Clayton (Canadian National Jazz Awards nominee) and Greg Amirault (ECMA Jazz Award nominee) team up to bring you an evening of jazz standards and American popular songbook repertoire interpreted in a two guitar quartet.

Musicians:
Greg Amirault: guitar
Greg Clayton: guitar
Richard Whiteman: bass
Camil Belisle: drums

Youtube video: “Yesterdays”

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”