CALENDAR

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.

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”

An obvious uniqueness that identifies and sets apart the band is that Blackburn Brothers is a band of brothers – literally. Duane (lead vocals, organ, piano), Brooke (guitar, vocals), Cory (drums, harmony vocals), Robert (guitar, harmony vocals), and Nathan (bass guitar) all share the Blackburn name. This name has become truly connected to Toronto’s music history. Long-time bandmates make up the horn sections with Neil Brathwaite (tenor saxophone) and Ted Peters (trombone).

Musically, the Blackburn name has been forever imprinted in our ears by Bobby Dean Blackburn, a veteran R&B artist who gained legendary status in the Toronto music scene, performing the city circuit for over 50 years.

Youtube video: “Sister Rosa”

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”

Kevin Burt and Big Medicine will be at Upstairs in Montreal on Friday April 19th presenting his new album, “Thank You Mr. Bill” featuring the music of Bill Withers. Kevin powerful voice and soul-inspired presentation is unique, which consistently gets him compared to Bill Withers and Aaron Neville, with the ability to build an audience rapport that has been compared to B.B. King.

He has international recognition after he crushed the Blues Foundation’s 34th International Blues Challenge (IBC) in 2018, taking home top honors in three categories: first place in the Solo/Duo category; the acoustic Guitar Award and the Lee Oskar Award for Best Harmonica Player. He is currently up for a Blues Music Award for Acoustic Artist of the Year. Kevin Burt resonates his soul with the music of Bill Withers.

Kevin will have his band, Big Medicine, with Minneapolis guitar master Ken Valdez, renowned bassist Scot Sutherland, and drummer Eric Douglas injecting funk and grit into tunes.

Youtube video: “Aint No Sunshine”

Alex is an up and coming working musician on the local scene. He can be found playing many styles of music across many genres all over town but always with an improvisatory focus. He has played alongside many Montreal and international luminaries such as Kevin Dean, Sam Kirmayer, Mike Bruzzese, Frank Lozano, Levi Dover, Yur Yesli, Jihye Im, Baron Tymas, Fraser Hollins, Greg Amirault, Mathieu Soucy and Alex LeBlanc among others.

Musicians:
Alex Johnson – Drums
Remi-Jean LeBlanc – electric bass,
Frank Lozano – Tenor Saxophone
Steve Raegele – Guitar

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”

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”

Trumpeter and composer, Charles Ellison has performed with an impressive roster of artists and organizations including Cannonball Adderley, David Baker, John Blake, Ted Dunbar, Marvin Gaye, Henry Mancini, Johnny Mathis, Oliver Jones, The Staple Singers, Billy Taylor, Henry Threadgill, Vic Vogel, I Musici de Montréal and the Montreal Symphony.

Youtube video: “Tribute to Miles Davis”

2018 JUNO nominee Kellylee Evans is a high-octane, chameleon-like performer whose natural charm and improvisational vocal style embody jazz, soul, pop, and hip-hop. The singer-songwriter won a 2011 JUNO Award and has been captivating audiences along the way, opening for stars such as John Legend, George Benson and Willie Nelson.

After facing life-altering challenges, including a lightning strike in 2013 and numerous concussions in 2015 and 2022, Evans had to pause her relentless touring schedule before making a triumphant comeback to the stage. Evans’ performance takes listeners on the journey of her physical and mental recovery through the moving sharing of her compelling story intertwined with her joyous award winning songs. Listeners will be captivated by her ability to touch their hearts with her message which is universal while still being very personal. This is a must see performance which reinforces the message of the importance of resilience and persevering through life’s challenges.

Youtube video: “Show Love”

Jazz guitarist and composer, Carlos Jiménez is a sought-after musician and educator on the Montreal jazz scene. He has shared the stage with some of the most expressive names of Canadian jazz. His versatility and ability to play multiple styles on both electric and classical instruments has made him a first-choice guitarist for many recording and touring projects.

Along with his work as a sideman, Carlos Jiménez has produced and released four albums as a leader and has been involved in a variety of productions ranging from jazz, Brazilian music, and popular music. A recipient of both composition and recording grants, in 2009 he received a studying grant from the Canada Council for the Arts to study with American guitarist Adam Rogers, in New York. More recent projects include recording and touring with American award-winning jazz vocalist Ranee Lee, touring with Quebec singer Florence K for her new Brazilian music project, as well as producing his fifth album as a leader to be released in the Fall 2024. Carlos Jiménez is currently on faculty at the Schulich School of Music of McGill University in Montreal, where he teaches jazz guitar, jazz ensembles and jazz improvisation. He holds a Doctorate degree in jazz performance.

Youtube video: “Eronel (Thelonious Monk) – JOGO Trio

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”

Off the Hook delivers a captivating blend of blues and standard instrumentals that are guaranteed to energize any audience. Sometimes diving into different early jazz vibes while keeping a strong link to the rich, warm blues tones of yesteryear.

In recent years, OTH collaboration with the talented Luso-Canadian jazz vocalist Suzi Silva has added a dynamic flair, as her powerful stage presence and exceptional voice truly capture the essence of the blues. Together, they create a complete musical experience that honors and celebrates a century of blues music, spanning from the deep South to the windy city of Chicago and everyplace in-between.

Musicians:
Suzi Silva | Vocals
Jean-Sébastien Clement | Upright Bass
Francis Laliberté | Drums
Bernie Yeo | Guitar
Mike Zablotsky | Guitar and vocals

Youtube video: “Rock me Baby”

Kenny has been a world-class pianist and composer for over forty years. His prolific output of compositions, recordings and publications continue to impact audiences around the world. In 1996 he wrote his landmark book, Effortless Mastery, Liberating The Master Musician Within. Werner has  since created videos, lectured world-wide and authored many articles on how musicians, artists or even business people can allow their “master creator” within to lift their performance to it’s highest level, showing us how to be spontaneous, fearless, joyful and disciplined in our work and in our life.

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.

Youtube video: Kenny Werner Trio

This great pianist, songwriter, composer and arranger born in Holguin, Cuba, evolving on the at every concert, he continues to impress with its imaginative musical approach and the wide variety of musical styles he has masters.

Musicians:
Piano: Yoel Diaz
Bass: Luis Izquierdo
Congas: Diomer Gonzales
Drums: Jonathan Maldonado

Youtube video: “Yoel Diaz Quartet”

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

Currently studying at McGill, Maia Prasad is a Montreal based jazz vocalist drawing inspiration from the voices of Betty Carter, Sarah Vaughan, and Erykah Badu, among others. With her blues, soul, and folk influences, you’ll find yourself transported into a world of velvety tones and raw feeling. Join us for an evening of jazz standards.

Musicians:
Maia Prasad – Voice
Yannick Anctil – Piano
João Menegale Barbi – Bass
Alex Johnson – Drums

Youtube video: “Baltimore”

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”

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
Sax (tbc)

Youtube video: “Andy Rubal with MARACA – Todo o Nada”

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”

Matthew John Slim, known as Mat Jon, is a jazz pianist and composer in Montreal, Quebec. Specializing in improvisational music, he draws inspiration from swing music and jazz composers. Mentored by pianist Josh Rager and Min Rager, Mat Jon has performed extensively in Montreal. Currently completing his undergraduate studies at Concordia University, he continues to establish himself on the local jazz scene. Influenced by legends like Mulgrew Miller, Kenny Kirkland, Bud Powell and Ray Brown.

Mat Jon – Piano
Sam Bags -Tenor Saxophone
Riley Dibble- Drums
Bass

Youtube video: What difference a day makes

Two vocalists, both named Sarah, join the Elliott Kobelansky Trio for three sets of music. Come see Sarah Boutin from Montreal and Sarah Stevenson from Vancouver Island share the stage for a swinging evening influenced by the greats such as Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan!

Youtube video: “Centerpiece”

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”

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 Montreal’s most versatile and in-demand musicians, Beth has made her name as a rapidly-rising artist through her music’s reach all over Canada and across North America. Since moving to Montreal in 2008, Beth performs professionally on flute, clarinet and saxophones (tenor, alto and soprano), and also doubles on piccolo, alto flute, EWI and piano as secondary instruments.

Following up on the success of her most recent album “Beyond Here”, award-winning and JUNO/ECMA-nominated saxophonist Beth McKenna returns to Upstairs with brand new material for her upcoming studio album “Momentum”. Best known for her unique cinematic-jazz-rock writing style and through-composed, illustrative compositions – Beth’s established herself as one of Canada’s most versatile saxophonists and jazz composers–having written for jazz orchestra, small jazz ensemble and even original new Canadian musical theatre works.

Her newest set of works for her upcoming cinematic-jazz-rock album, “Momentum” – are inspired by stories of individuals who faced adversity, broke through the glass ceiling, stared down roadblocks in the face and never gave up until they reached success. Influences of Beth’s writing include Maria Schneider, David Binney, Darcy James Argue, Brad Mehldau, Pat Metheny and Donny McCaslin.

Audiences present will be treated to a variety of new unrecorded material from Momentum, as well as a mix of highlights from the group’s previous album “Beyond Here”.

Musicians:
Beth McKenna – Saxophones
Guillaume Martineau – Piano
Olivier Babaz – Bass
Peter Colantonio – Drums
TBA – Guitar

Youtube video: “Tides”

“Over the last few years, ALEX BIRD has become one of the most exciting names on the Canadian Jazz scene. With praise from around the globe and alongside songwriting & piano partner EWEN FARNCOMBE, Bird has created timeless and heartfelt originals for a modern audience. Over the last few years, this talented team has produced something that is completely unique: three original & independent albums in three years. Their sophomore album, You Are the Light and the Way, backed by their Jazz Mavericks, was nominated for “Best Vocal Jazz” at the 2022 JUNO Awards.

In the Summer of 2024, Bird & Farncombe released an all-original Bossa Nova EP in collaboration with Latin Grammy Award Winner and Grammy Nominee Cheo, the founding member of one of the biggest bands to come out of Venezuela, the jazz/funk band Los Amigos Invisibles; discovered by David Bryne. To kick off 2025, Alex Bird & The Jazz Mavericks were the headlining opening act for Markham’s prestigious “Jazzlicious Winterfest” series, with 5 nights of shows.

Bird was adopted from Romania and came to Canada at six weeks old. He literally grew up with the classics. Starting at the age of two, he was taken to hang around the Toronto Jazz scene and had the opportunity to see and meet many of the greats along the way: Tony Bennett, Diana Krall, Ray Brown, Oscar Peterson, Mel Tormé, Ray Charles…the list goes on. Without even knowing it, his musical training developed, sitting around at smoky Jazz clubs into the wee small hours of the morning.”

Musicians:
Alex Bird – Vocals
Carter Brodkorb – Piano
Julian Anderson-Bowes – Bass
Norbert Botos – Drums

Video: “The way she moves”

Charlotte brings to life jazz standards and songs from the musicals repertoire. Her vivid interpretation and connection with the audience reflect her passion for storytelling, embedded in this music. Her voice embraces the range of emotions conveyed by the songs, while the band delivers creatively on her original arrangements.

Musicians:
Charlotte Désilets – Vocals
Thomas Andersen – Piano
Mason Jeffery-Off – Bass
Edmund Paquin – Drums

Youtube video: The Shadow of your Smile”

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

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”

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

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”

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”

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”

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″

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”

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”

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”

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”