CALENDAR

Élizabeth Cormier is a young emerging jazz singer, arranger and lyricist based in Montréal. She has studied under the wings of great singers such as Sophie Day, Bohdanna Novak and Ranee Lee. Currently completing her bachelor’s degree in jazz performance at McGill University and being involved in the jazz world for a few years now, she has been performing as a musician since she was 5 years old and has been improving her musicianship ever since. Greatly influenced by her favorite singers such as Sarah Vaughan and Carmen McRae, Elizabeth brings with her warm and deep voice a playfulness towards rhythm and phrasing while performing. She invites you to join her for a night of timeless standards and heartfelt ballads.

Musicians:
Piano: Mat Jon
Bass: Alex Leblanc
Drums: Jacob Wutzke

Youtube video: Remember

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, 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”

There’s something wonderfully old-school about Jeremy Sandfelder’s sound, [with] traces of the old greats, Lester Young and Stan Getz” (Laila Biali, Saturday Night Jazz, CBC). Jeremy Sandfelder is a French/American jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, composer and educator based in Montreal since 2014. A deeply passionate admirer of the jazz tradition, Sandfelder channels the many predecessors of his instruments from the swing era onwards with poise and elegance. His exceptional musicality and virtuosity together with his versatility as a woodwind multi-instrumentalist have made Sandfelder into a prominent emerging artist on the Montreal jazz scene.

Musicians:
Kevin Dean – trumpet
Jeremy Sandfelder – tenor saxophone
Min Rager – piano
Neil Swainson – bass
Alex Johnson – drums

Video: Pepper Mill

https://youtu.be/NsMKOES4l8Y?si=kKWnbETqqKC_IPS-

Eric Harding will present a mixture of post bop tunes by the likes of Wayne Shorter, Cedar Walton, Freddie Hubbard and mulgrew Miller. The group consists of some of Montreal’s finest jazz players.

Musicians
Richard Savoie, saxophone
Jonathan Guillaume Boudreau, bass
Simon Bergeron, drums
Eric Harding, piano

Video: “Eric Harding Quartet: The Vision”

Singer and composer Emma McDonald has been making waves in a variety of different music scenes since she can remember. Starting her studies at the early age of 3, she has starred in a number of productions by the Michigan Opera, performed in 50+ musical productions across the U.S. and Canada, won top vocalist at Warner Bros. Studios in LA, and performed at Carnegie Hall at only 14 years old.

Since coming to Montreal, she has immersed herself in her jazz studies at McGill University and has since become a leading musician in the city, leaning into her love of R&B and neo-soul.

Musicians:
Maude Fortier on Sax
Julian Shively on Piano
Sam Ripat on Bass
Ricardo Manuel on guitar
Edmund Paquin on drums

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”

Jeff Moseley & The Django Messengers is a jazz quintet strongly influenced by the masters of the swing era. The ensemble proposes a journey in the repertoire of the great Django Reinhardt in which the musicians add a modern hard-bop flavour inspired by the music of Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers.

The Clarinet and the violin harmonize the avant-garde melodies of Django while the manouche guitar, the upright bass and the drums lay down an energetic swing feel. The five musicians improvise using jazz language spanning from the Hot-Club de France to the bebop of New-York.

Musicians:
Yvan Belleau, clarinet and saxs
Maude Bastien, drums
Brenn Dalle, violin
Olivier Georget, bass
Jeff Moseley, guitar

Youtube video: “Deux-Cent-Trois”

Manoel Vieira offers a musical journey to the heart of bossa nova, paying homage to the figures who shaped this now legendary style. Through the works of Tom Jobim, João Gilberto, Baden Powell, Vinícius de Moraes, and other greats, he explores the foundations of this movement, blending samba, jazz, and poetry.
With sensitivity, refinement, and a deep respect for this tradition, Manoel reveals all the rhythmic and harmonic richness of bossa nova in a concert that is both intimate and vibrant.

Manoel Vieira – Piano
Fred Alarie – Bass
Sacha Daoud – Drums

Youtube video: “Segment”

With his show “It’s Nice To Go Trav’ling”, David Marino, finalist from Canada’s “The Voice”, will take you on a musical trip around the world with international classics from New York to Paris to London to Rome, and more! Marino is a crooner making headway internationally, performing regularly at prestigious venues and jazz clubs across North America.

Marino recently performed his show at the iconic Birdland Jazz Club in New York with legendary pianist Billy Stritch, accompanist to the late Tony Bennett and Liza Minnelli’s long time musical director. He also just completed his West Coast US debut tour starting in San Francisco, and is excited to be working on his first album, soon to be announced. Aside from performing, Marino is a proud advocate for mental health causes, and through concerts, has helped raise $50,000 for the Jewish General Hospital in Montreal.

Musicians
David Marino: vocals
tbc

Youtube video: “I’ll Never Smile Again”

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

The Elliott Kobelansky Trio is an upcoming Montreal based jazz trio that is influenced by the greats such as Oscar Peterson, Monty Alexander and Benny Green. For three sets of music, they will share the spotlight with two tenor saxophonists, playing some of the classic two tenor repertoire as well as some compositions. Come watch Shai Geballe from New York City and Sam Bags from Qualicum Beach tear down the stage for an evening of total tenor madness!

Shai Geballe – Tenor Saxophone
Sam Bags – Tenor Saxophone
Elliott Kobelansky – Piano
Romain St-Louis – Bass
Jaden Mavalwala – Drums

Youtube video: “Hey Lock!”

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”

Thirty-five years after the death of jazz pianist Bill Evans, the music he played or composed is reinterpreted by artists Michel Donato bass, Francois Bourassa piano, Frank Lozano saxophone and Pierre Tanguay drums.

These four outstanding musicians from the Montreal jazz scene draw from their collective experience and their love of Bill Evans’ music to pay tribute to one of the greatest pianists in jazz history.

Musicians
François Bourassa, piano
Guy Boisvert, bass
Frank Lozano, saxophone
Pierre Tanguay, drums

Youtube video: “Live at Rimouski festival”

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”

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”

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″

The Adrian Vedady quintet will be celebrating the music and the sound of Blue Note. Blue note records has been producing iconic jazz albums since 1939 such as “Something Else”, “Blue Trane” “Song for My Father” and “Speak No Evil” to name a few.

Featuring Al McLean on tenor sax, Erik Hove on alto sax, Kate Wyatt on piano, Andre White on drums and Adrian Vedady on double bass, this quintet will revel in the music of Horace Silver, Joe Henderson, Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock. Not to be missed.

Youtube video: “Duet”

Join us for a special evening as Brazilian trumpet player João Lenhari—one of São Paulo’s most sought-after talents, now based in Montreal—pays homage to the legendary Cláudio Roditi (1943-2020). Celebrate the music of one of Latin jazz’s most respected trumpet players.

Musicians:
João Lenhari – Trumpet and Flugel
Jean-Pierre Zanella – Alto Sax
Sacha Daoud – Drums
Rémi-Jean LeBlanc – Bass
Manoel Vieira – Piano

Youtube video: Rapaz de Bem

JabFung is the brainchild of Toronto-based bassist, Julian Anderson-Bowes, and LA based drummer Anthony Fung. Since 2014, the band has had a semi-annual residency at the Rex Hotel in downtown Toronto where they have brought together local and international artists to rehearse and perform their original music. During these residencies they have featured a shifting cast of Canadian jazz icons like Kirk MacDonald, and Kelly Jefferson, as well as American counterparts like George Garzone and peers of their own generation, such as Simon Moullier, Isaac Wilson, Andrew Marzotto and Mingjia Chen.

Youtube video: JabFung – Live at the Rex

Toto De la Ossa is a guitarist and singer who completed his Master’s degree in Jazz Performance at McGill University last December. During his Master’s degree, he focused on his latest musical project entitled “Songs from Within.” It is a collection of songs, presented in quartet format, that is the result of Toto de la Ossa’s experiences and encounters in Montreal. It is part of the aesthetic of modern jazz, with influences from hard bop, funk and traditional music from his home country of Colombia.

Accompanied by an exceptional rhythm section composed of students and graduates of the McGill Master’s program, “Songs from Within” presents each of his songs as small stories that attempt to reflect some of the experiences and emotions he has lived during the last two years in Montreal.

Musicians:
João Menegale-Barbi – bass
Loïc Du Sablon – drums
Julian Shively – piano
Toto de la Ossa – Guitar/Composition

Youtube video: “Songs from within”

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”

Alto saxophonist Tevet Sela brings a wealth and breadth of influences to his playing that few musicians possess. The adept and dexterous post bopper’s music is often drenched in blues, klezmer and Middle-Eastern inflections. His music is full of wisdom, emotion and storytelling.

In this special evening, Tevet delves deeper into his roots, revisiting beautiful authentic songs, presenting them with rich colours and spices from the Middle-east.

Musicians:
Tevet Sela – Saxophone
John Roney – Piano
Frederic Alarie – Bass
Loic Du Sablon – Drums

Youtube video: “Sweet Tears”

Diavi is an experienced trumpetist, composer, arranger and band leader coming from Cuba who has the intention of bringing his Afro-Cuban Contemporary Jazz to Montreal’s scene, having a warm mix between contemporary Jazz and his cuban influences coming from La Rumba, Latin Jazz and the Cuban music of this days, introducing his own project “Diavinci’s Code”

Musicians:
Willy Barreto on Piano
Clarence Corbeil on Drums
Arturo Zegarra on Congas
Juan Quintero on Bass
Diavi on Trumpet

Youtube video

Julian Shively is a virtuosic pianist and cellist whose artistry spans a wide range of genres and influences. A graduate of McGill University with degrees in both jazz piano and classical cello, Julian’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 9 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. Julian invites you to experience an evening of original compositions and arrangements that reflect his unique creative journey. Join him for a night of beautiful and varied music, as well as many delightful surprises!

Julian Shively: piano & cello
Clay Wilkinson: alto/soprano saxes
Edmund Paquin: drums
João Menegale Barbi: acoustic/electric basses

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”

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”

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

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”

Led by actor/singer Michel Perron and his harmonica, this 5-piece band will take you on a musical journey that covers more than a hundred years of blues and rock and roll music.
A one of a kind energy and a contagious joie de vivre.

You will be conquered by the Blues Bastards!

Musicians
Michel Perron: vocals, harmonica
Jean-Marc Séguin: guitar, vocals
Maxime Rose: bass
Jo RoRo: drums
Sébastien « Slim » Dubois: piano

Video: “Can’t quit you baby”

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”

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”

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″

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”

One of Canada’s most recognizable voices in jazz, Tia Brazda’s jazz-pop gems and speakeasy style have made a sparkling impression from Montreux to Montreal, paying homage to the golden era while remaining daringly modern.

Musicians
Vocals – Tia Brazda
Guitar: Mike Freedman
Bass: Chris Adriaanse
Drums: Aaron Dolman

Youtube video: “Cabin Fever”

Inspired from her recent EP Rêves et bleus, Charlotte offers a jazzed, rejuvenated and original rendition of French and Quebec classics through her own arrangements. Charlotte’s vitality and stage presence charm the audience while the band embraces her vision, delivering a lively and distinctive jazz experience.

Musicians:
Charlotte Désilets – Vocals
Daniel Marmer – Guitar
Sam Fortin – Piano
Sam Ripat – Bass
Wiley Bartels – Drums

Video: “Les Deux Printemps”

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 Kingston, Jamaica, Russell Hall migrated to the United States in 2007. Russell deeply understands the jazz tradition, having studied with many of the double bass world’s most renowned artists including Ron Carter and Ben Wolfe. He is also an artist looking forward with his own distinct approach to the double bass.
As a first-call bassist in New York City, Russell has performed with some of the biggest names in music including Joey Alexander, Wayne Shorter, Wynton Marsalis, Branford Marsalis, Jon Batiste, Roy Hargrove, Kathleen Battle, Christian McBride, Emmet Cohen, Russell Malone, George Coleman and many more.
Well known for his work with the Emmet Cohen Trio alongside drummer Kyle Poole, Russell also leads his own bands, including Bessie and the Rainbowkids to much critical acclaim.

Jacob Wutzke is a Montréal based drummer, bandleader, author, composer and music educator. Noted for his exceptional technique, creativity, and ability to listen and improvise in the moment, he is an in-demand sideman and bandleader in the jazz and creative music scenes.
A staple of the Canadian music scene, he has performed and recorded with Caity Gyorgy (2x JUNO Award Winner), Ira Coleman, Jocelyn Gould, Bryn Roberts, Pat LaBarbera, Sam Kirmayer and more. He has also self-published several drum method books that have become essential practice tools for drummers around the world, and leads a successful social media community.
Jacob has released 3 albums as a leader, and his latest release “You Better Bet” released on Cellar Music Group in January 2025”

Youtube video: Christian McBride & Russell Hall | Birks’ Works

Recognized by Radio Canada’s Ici Musique as one of the top five female Jazz musicians to watch out for, French-American singer Laura Anglade is making a name for herself in the Jazz world. Laura’s singing is reminiscent of many of the great traditional vocal stylists of the 20th century including Anita O’Day, Shirley Horn, and Blossom Dearie, but her voice is uniquely her own. As she digs emotionally and eloquently into a lyric, her story-telling abilities portray a soul beyond her years.

Laura leads an active international touring schedule and has performed at venues including Olympia (Paris), Royal Festival Hall (London), Town Hall (New York City), the Ace Theatre Hotel (Los Angeles), and the main stage at the Festival International de Jazz de Montreal. She opened for Gregory Porter at the Victoria Jazz Festival (summer 2022), and Melody Gardot (fall 2022), joining her across the east and west coasts of the US and Europe. She is currently based in Toronto.

Youtube video: If Ever I Would Leave You

Ben Solomon was a member of Wallace Roney’s Quintet from 2012-2017, which shaped his musical identity and experience. As Roney’s sideman he shared the stage with such legends as Buster Williams, Lenny White, Patrice Rushen, Ron Carter, and Gary Bartz. In 2016 he played two nights with Chick Corea at the Blue Note in New York. He has published two books of saxophone etudes called “Chromatophores”. In 2023 he appeared with the Aaron Parks quartet at the Village Vanguard. Adam Arruda is one of the most in demand drummers in New York City, having performed with Kurt Rosenwinkel, Brad Mehldau, Greg Osby, 3WI, Dayna Stephens and many more. Montreal guitarist Mike Bruzzese presents this special band featuring New York’s finest for one night only.

Youtube video: Leonida

Legendary Blue Note drummer, vibraphonist and composer Joe Chambers incorporates Afro-Latin influences into his vibrant post-bop sound.

Youtube video: “Samba de Maracatu” by Joe Chambers/Andrés Vial Ensemble

A select member of jazz’s piano pantheon, Fred Hersch is a pervasively influential creative force who has shaped the music’s course over more than three decades as an improviser, composer, educator, bandleader, collaborator and recording artist. With some fifty albums to his credit as a leader or co-leader, he’s a 17-time Grammy Award nominee who continues to earn jazz’s most prestigious awards, including distinctions as a 2016 Doris Duke Artist and being named Jazz Pianist of the Year three times from the Jazz Journalists Association.

Youtube video: Round Midnight

Boasting a warm, finely burnished tone and a robust melodic and harmonic imagination, tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander has been exploring new musical worlds from the outset.

Youtube video: Ambraceable You

Join Toronto-based pianist Anthony D’Alessandro and his quartet featuring NYC’s Benny Benack III on the Montreal stop of their cross-Canada tour for an evening of swing, standards, and original music from D’Alessandro’s acclaimed debut album Searchin’ (2024). Featuring a joint-Toronto/New York based band:

Anthony D’Alessandro – piano
Benny Benack III – trumpet/vocals
Jonathan Chapman – bass
Jacob Wutske – drums

Youtube video: “East of the Sun”

Ranee Lee is now celebrating thirty-five years in Montreal where she enjoys a successful, multi faceted career as one of Canada’s most popular jazz vocalists, an award-winning actress, a songwriter, and a proud author of children’s books.

Musicians:
Dave Watts: bass
Taurey Butler: piano
Carlos Jimenez: guitar
Paulo Riccardo: drums

Youtube video: “Beautiful Love”

The thought of Steve Turre inevitably conjures the image of a dauntless virtuoso. Over the course of a remarkable career spanning more than five decades, Turre has proved time and time again that he’s one of the foremost masters of the trombone, able to steer his challenging instrument through breakneck turns and imaginative leaps at dizzying speed. Steve Turre continually evolves as a musician and arranger. He has a strong command of all musical genres and when it comes to his distinct brand of jazz, he always keeps one foot in the past and one in the future.

There are countless musical moments that might come to mind at the thought of Steve Turre: his formative stint with Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, his innovative collaborations with Rahsaan Roland Kirk, his tenures on the road with Ray Charles or Woody Shaw, his decades as a member of the Saturday Night Live band, his ground-breaking use of conch shells as musical instruments, countless collaborations with the greatest artists in jazz and popular music.

Youtube video: “Generations”

The thought of Steve Turre inevitably conjures the image of a dauntless virtuoso. Over the course of a remarkable career spanning more than five decades, Turre has proved time and time again that he’s one of the foremost masters of the trombone, able to steer his challenging instrument through breakneck turns and imaginative leaps at dizzying speed. Steve Turre continually evolves as a musician and arranger. He has a strong command of all musical genres and when it comes to his distinct brand of jazz, he always keeps one foot in the past and one in the future.

There are countless musical moments that might come to mind at the thought of Steve Turre: his formative stint with Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, his innovative collaborations with Rahsaan Roland Kirk, his tenures on the road with Ray Charles or Woody Shaw, his decades as a member of the Saturday Night Live band, his ground-breaking use of conch shells as musical instruments, countless collaborations with the greatest artists in jazz and popular music.

Youtube video: “Generations”

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”

Toronto-born, Indie Swing chanteuse Denielle Bassels is a rising star on the Canadian jazz scene. Her music is a potent melange of jazz manouche, blues, folk and pop delivered with a powerfully unique contralto voice that packs solid heart punches, sure to “stop you in your tracks”.

Think of Ella Fitzgerald sipping tea on a rollercoaster with the Mad Hatter, and you will know what a night of a Denielle Bassels concert is like. A voice as sweet as Doris Day can also launch into the ferocity of Big Mama Thornton and back, never leaving you to forget that it’s Denielle you’re hearing.

Musicians
Voice: Denielle Bassels
Guitar: Jay yoo
Drum: Glenn Anderson
Bass: Russ Boswell

Video: “Little Bit a’ Love”

https://youtu.be/7V0u8ofG1dk