CALENDAR

The Eamon van den Berg Quartet is rooted in the tradition (pioneered by African American artists and musicians of the twentieth century) of reinterpreting standards, popular songs and originals on a moment to moment basis, in the personal style of the performers.

This energetic quartet utilizes groove, communication, intuition, and improvisation to traverse the landscape and history of contemporary music; from early jazz to post bop and beyond.

Musicians:
Eamon van den Berg ~ Drums
Devon Gillingham ~ Bass
Daniel Marmer ~ Guitar
Sam Baglieri ~ Tenor Saxophone

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:
Saxophone alto: Maude Fortier
Saxophone ténor: Sam Baglier
Contrebasse: Mason Jeffery-Off
Piano: August McKinney
Batterie: Darrell Green

Youtube video: Nerftiti”

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”

Arden Arapyan (winner of the Grand Prix Jazz at the Montreal Jazz Festival) and his trio welcome Manet-Miriam (The Voice, Starmania) as the first special guest in his “A Tribute to Song” series. Join us for an evening of jazz music with diverse influences from around the world, from the Caribbean to Armenia, sometimes instrumental, and sometimes expressed through the most expressive art form of all: song.

Manet-Miriam – vocals
Arden Arapyan – piano
Juan Pablo Carmona – double bass
Martin Auguste – drums

Youtube video: “Sevane”

Youtube video: “Starmania – compilation”

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.

Musicians:
Tevet Sela – Saxophone
Pierre Francois – Piano
Frederic Alarie – Bass
Louis-Vincent Hamel – Drums

Video: “Omaya”

Samuel Lechasseur and his quartet present original compositions from his debut album, First Hunt, as well as new pieces and works by his favorite composers, all in a modern post-bop aesthetic.

Musicians:
Samuel Lechasseur – Guitar
Gentiane MG – Piano
Mike De Masi – Double Bass
Guillaume Pilote – Drums

Video: Take the Coltrane

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”

Marianne Trudel is a multi-talented pianist, composer, improvisor, and arranger. At once energetic and passionate, her music cross-cuts a wide swath of musical interests.

As a performer, she pursues an active career in a variety of settings ranging from solo performance to duo, Trifolia, Marianne Trudel 4 + Ingrid Jensen, septet, and large ensembles. She has played in Canada, United States, Mexico, France, Spain, Germany, England, Scotland, Netherlands, Itlaly, Hungary, Lithuania, and China. She has published 6 recordings as a leader, all having garnered rave reviews.

Musicians
Marianne Trudel: piano
Etienne Lafrance: bass
Sasha Daoud: drums

Youtube video: “Marianne Trudel joue Antonio Carlos Jobim”

Already known for high-energy and risk-embracing performances, Canadian tenor saxophonist and composer John Sweenie builds his music from that same forward motion—using the urgency of the bandstand as the engine for a language rooted in the bebop lineage while drawing from modern jazz and indie-rock aesthetics.

In his work, strong melodic design and elastic rhythm become the means through which he pushes harmonic language to its edge, not as effect, but as a natural extension of that drive.From the bandstand to the page, that same approach shapes Sweenie’s work: he writes music that frames both individual and collective improvisation, allowing spontaneity to unfold within a clear structural arc. His projects have received support from major arts organizations, and he is the recipient of national awards recognizing his artistic excellence.

Together, these elements define an artist committed to momentum, clarity, and a distinctly personal voice within contemporary jazz

Recorded live over two nights at Canada’s The Yardbird Suite, tenor saxophonist John Sweenie’s debut album features an all-star lineup of Jean-Michel Pilc, Rémi-Jean Leblanc, and Richard Irwin. Sweenie and company leave no harmonic or melodic stone unturned in realizing compositions intended to frame both individual and collective improvisation.

Spanning the spectrum between academic exercise and intuitive statement, Mysticism for Intellectuals reflects an ongoing attempt to reconcile method with instinct. The culmination of a nearly year-long working relationship, the band plays with risk, trust, and immediacy,producing a spontaneously energetic yet structurally cohesive recording that will reward active listeners

Musicians:
John Sweenie – Saxophone
Jean-Michel Pilc – Piano
Remi-Jean Leblanc – Bass
Jacob Wutzke – Drums

Video: Softly as In A Morning Sunrise

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

Come immerse yourself in the universe of Montreal jazz vocalist Charlotte Van Dyke as she delves into the world of Betty Carter. Drawing inspiration from Carter’s daring artistry, Charlotte leans fully into her creative instincts, seamlessly weaving her soaring vocals between bebop scatting and heartfelt storytelling.

Featuring Matthew O’Halloran, João Menegale Barbi and Dylan Cudmore, the Charlotte Van Dyke Quartet will channel the energy of a vocal innovator, offering a bold, personal tribute to Carter’s towering legacy, and a night to remember

Video: “Ugetsu”

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”

Pianist Moncef Genoud, born in Tunis in 1961 and blind since birth, is celebrated for his deeply lyrical playing and remarkable musical memory. After graduating from the Geneva Conservatory, he has performed on major international stages.

Seamus Blake is a renowned tenor saxophonist and composer celebrated for his virtuosic playing and innovative contributions to contemporary jazz.

Past collaborations include artists such as John Scofield, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Bill Stewart and the Mingus Big Band. Blake’s dynamic performances and masterful technique have solidified his reputation as one of the most influential saxophonists of his generation.

Musicians:
Moncef Genoud: piano
Seamus Blake: sax
Tommy Crane: drums
bass

Youtube video: “JAZZI’IT Festival Tunis 2025”

Pianist Moncef Genoud, born in Tunis in 1961 and blind since birth, is celebrated for his deeply lyrical playing and remarkable musical memory. After graduating from the Geneva Conservatory, he has performed on major international stages.

Seamus Blake is a renowned tenor saxophonist and composer celebrated for his virtuosic playing and innovative contributions to contemporary jazz.

Past collaborations include artists such as John Scofield, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Bill Stewart and the Mingus Big Band. Blake’s dynamic performances and masterful technique have solidified his reputation as one of the most influential saxophonists of his generation.

Musicians:
Moncef Genoud: piano
Seamus Blake: sax
Tommy Crane: drums
bass

Youtube video: “JAZZI’IT Festival Tunis 2025”

Led by Montreal-based pianist Mat Jon, the quintet delivers “straight-ahead” jazz rooted in the bebop tradition and the Great American Songbook. A regular presence at Upstairs Jazz Club, Mat Jon is known for his work as a bandleader and curator, bringing together some of the city’s strongest players for swinging, high-energy performances. The repertoire draws from composers such as Bud Powell, Sonny Clark, Gigi Gryce, Freddie Redd, Horace Silver, Barry Harris, Kenny Dorham, Hank Mobley, alongside the great composers of the American Songbook.

Jazz saxophonist Jacob Chung moved from Toronto to New York City in 2022 and has since maintained an active performance schedule at The Django, Ornithology, Smalls, Mezzrow, Dizzy’s Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Brvsh Cvl7r3, and other NYC clubs. Jacob plays in Rodney Green’s Jackson Miller Band, the Chris Byars Octet, the Richard Cortez Band, and is a regular member of Erena Terakubo’s Sextet. He has also shared the stage with Ken Peplowski, the John Pizzarelli Big Band, Peter Washington, the Mingus Big Band, Pasquale Grasso, Ari Roland, and Joe Farnsworth. Jacob has performed twice at the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in Washington D.C., first in 2023 with the prestigious Betty Carter Jazz Ahead program and most recently with vibraphonist Chuck Redd in 2024. Jacob’s sophomore album The Sage (2024), which features Vincent Herring and drummer Joe Farnsworth, was named one of the best Canadian jazz releases of 2024 (Peter Hum, Ottawa Citizen).

Jacob Chung – tenor saxophone
Rafael Salazar – trumpet
Mat Jon – piano
Sam Park – bass
Baptiste Lejeune – drums

Youtube video: “In The Still of The Night”

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 some of Maia’s favorite jazz and blues standards.

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

Youtube video: “Baltimore”

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″

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.

Musicians:
Carlos Jiménez: guitar
Frank Lozano: Tenor Sax
Mike DeMasi: bass
Rich Irwin: drums

Youtube video: “No You Didn’t”

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”

With 8 musicians on stage, this mini big band knows its standards and includes the compositions of the great names in jazz: Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Fletcher Henderson, Mary Lou Williams, Quincy Jones, Oscar Peterson …

Its band leader Michaël Srey carefully selects, arranges and transcribes each piece mainly from the Swing Era but also from the Early Jazz, Blues, Be Bop or Hard Bop style.

The band enjoys a good reputation among the local dance scene thanks to its great sense of swing and the quality of its arrangements. A swing evening not to be missed.

Youtube video: “Christopher Columbus”

Tibao Leborgne is a drummer composer based in Montreal. While he grew up in Bordeaux, his Guadeloupean heritage has a profound impact on his musical approach and work. Another major source of inspiration for him is trumpeter Marquis Hill. This evening, Tibao’s quintet will play pieces of Marquis Hill’s musical world from different albums such as Modern Flows Vol. 2, The poet, Love Tape and more…

Musicians:
Duncan Hunter Neale – Trumpet
Daniel Green – Alto saxophone
Matthew O’Hallaran – Piano
Mason Jeffrey-Off – Bass
Tibao Leborgne – Drums

Youtube video: The Thump

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)
Fraser Hollins (bass)
Louis-Vincent Hamel (drums)

Youtube video: “Taurey Butler Trio – The Preacher”

Singer Sarah MK strikes the balance between message and music with graceful mastery. Seamlessly alternating from swinging Jazz to slow-burning R&B and full-blown MC, she has an impressive sonic versatility, characterized by her love for Afro-American music and improvisation. Her latest album ”Wax & Gold” was released in 2022.

Musicians:
Philippe L’Allier – guitar
Harvey Bien-Aimé – drums
Vithou Thurber-Prom Tep – Piano
bass – tbc

Youtube video: “Late Nights Early Mornings”

Fraser Hollins presents an evening of original tunes and arrangements of popular songs and themes with a new dynamic quartet. The group features some long-standing collaborators of his: Samuel Blais, Pierre François, and Alain Bourgeois. These sets of music promise to take the listener on a colourful and engaging journey.

Musicians:
Fraser Hollins: Bass
Samuel Blais: Saxophones
Pierre François: Piano
Alain Bourgeois: Drums

Video: “The Tree’s Dream”

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. He 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!

Musicians:
Julian Shively – keyboards
Horn Player TBD
Edmund Paquin – drums
Michael Goulart – bass

Youtube video: “Afro Blue”

Elizabeth Cormier is an emerging jazz singer, composer and lyricist based in Montréal. Originally from a small village in northern Quebec, she followed the call of music to the metropolis seven years ago. Since then, her warm and deep tone has taken her onto vibrant stages — from Maison de la Culture Janine-Sutto to the Centaur Theater, from Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill to the Montreal Art Center and into major festivals such as the Montreal International Jazz Festival, Festi Jazz de Mont-Tremblant, Toronto Undergraduate Jazz Festival and Festival de la Quinzaine Jazz.

Greatly influenced by Sarah Vaughan, Carmen McRae and Anita O’Day, Elizabeth’s voice can be described as dynamic with a warm and deep tone. Deeply rooted in the jazz tradition of storytelling, she brings with her voice a playfulness towards rhythm and phrasing while performing. 

Musicians:
Matthew O’Halloran: Piano
Devon Gillingham: Bass
Jacob Wutzke: Drums

Youtube video: I can’t give you anything but love

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”

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

Alex Muscalu is an exciting new face in the Canadian jazz scene. The 26-year-old Montreal native passionately blends his jazz training from McGill University with his Romanian heritage. Don’t miss this concert, where Alex Muscalu’s captivating Balkan guitar, Rémi-Jean LeBlanc’s mastery of the bass, and Michel Lambert’s fascinating grooves come together to create a new trio sound.

Sometimes calm and meditative, sometimes fiery and intense, their improvisations will delight you and introduce you to the beauty of Balkan jazz. The Alex Muscalu Trio takes listeners on a wonderful journey through a world of colorful textures, dancing rhythms, and gorgeous melodies.

Band:
Alex Muscalu – guitar
Rémi-Jean Leblanc – bass
Michel Lambert – drums

Youtube video: “Master’s Recital”

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”

Ritmo Picante is a Montréal-based Latin jazz quartet blending Afro-Cuban rhythms with modern jazz improvisation. Influenced by Eddie Palmieri, Michel Camilo, and Chucho Valdés, the group performs both standards and original compositions.

David Ryshpan — piano
João Menegale Barbi — bass
Tom Yanez — drums
Haluk Çalın — congas

Youtube video: Suave

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”

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”

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″

Mike Rud is a Juno award-winning jazz guitarist and songwriter. He is also a music instructor at Selkirk College in Nelson, BC. As an instrumentalist, Mike has played alongside some of the greatest jazz musicians of the era like Peter Bernstein, Kenny Wheeler, Herb Ellis and Joey DeFrancesco.

As a songwriter and arranger, Mike won the 2014 Juno Award for his album Notes on Montreal, a critically acclaimed musical portrait of the city.

Christine Jensen (alto sax)
David Restivo (piano)
Rich Irwin (drums)
Paul Johnston (bass)
Mike Rud (guitar and vocals)

Youtube video: I’m old fashioned

This tribute named *AVALANCHE *was put together 4 years ago by Leonard cohen aficionado Jerry Torres. Over 75 shows later it has gained recognition amongst Leonard Cohen die hard fans nationwide. Composed of professional musicians it is bound to wow you and ignite your musical palette. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear feel and see the magic of this local legend we are so proud to pay tribute to Mr Leonard cohen . This is not an imitation but a great interpretation.

Youtube video: “Avalanche”

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 Norman Oklahoma in 1985, Champian is recognized as the “most gifted pure Jazz singer of her generation” (Mark Stryker, the Detroit Free Press).

A Jazz pianist and vocalist for more than 20 years, she has released 19 albums as a leader and has performed in more than 25 countries, both in concert and on TV.

She has been recognized with numerous awards, including Album of the Year in the NYC Jazz Record (2018, 2020, 2023) and Pianist and Vocalist of the Year (2019) by Hot House Magazine. She regularly appears in both the Jazz Journalist Awards and Downbeats Rising Star Critics Poll.

Youtube video: “I was looking for you”

Remember the name Camille Thurman. As an accomplished composer, esteemed saxophonist, vocalist, and unique interpreter of the jazz tradition, she is quickly becoming one of the leading standard bearers of the art form.

Her distinct musical approach to classic and original repertoire, which highlights her craft as a powerhouse singer and instrumentalist, is a captivating blend of tradition and innovation. She makes a considerable and dynamic contribution to the legacy of jazz while paying tribute to its heroes through her music.

Youtube video: Nerftiti”

During his kaleidoscopic quarter-century as a professional jazz musician, pianist Orrin Evans has become the model of a fiercely independent artist who pushes the envelope in all directions.

Never supported by a major label, Evans has ascended to top-of-the-pyramid stature on his instrument, as affirmed by his #1 ranking as “Rising Star Pianist” in the 2018 DownBeat Critics Poll. Three Grammy nominations for his raucous, risk-friendly Captain Black Big Band stamp his bona fides as a bandleader and composer.

In addition, Evans’ multifarious leader and collaborative projects include the Eubanks Evans Experience (a duo with eminent guitarist Kevin Eubanks); the Brazilian unit Terreno Comum; Evans’ working trio with bassist Luques Curtis and drummer Mark Whitfield, Jr.; and Tarbaby (a collective trio with bassist Eric Revis and drummer Nasheet Waits). Evans is also a dedicated educator and sits on the boards of several jazz and education focused festivals and non-profit organizations.

Youtube video: “Autumn Leaves”

The Ostara Project, led by award-winning bassist Jodi Proznick, showcases the strength and creativity of Canadian women in jazz. Ostara artists are top-tier musicians, composers and bandleaders who reflect the geographical, cultural and creative diversity of Canada’s musical landscape. Guest vocalists are invited to join the instrumental group on a per-project basis. The Ostara Project’s self-titled debut album was nominated for a JUNO award in 2023.

For the past two years, the group has been working on The Ancestors’ Project, a two-album project that includes the instrumental album, Roots (Rhea Records, April 2025), the upcoming vocal album, Wings (Rhea Records, spring 2026), along with two performance videos and a mini-documentary. The group has toured extensively across Canada, including a cross-country festival circuit in 2023, and is planning a European tour for 2027.

Youtube video: “Dreams and Olive Trees”

As a leading voice in American popular music, the Grammy Award-winning Nicholas Payton is a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, composer, producer, arranger, essayist, and social activist who defies musical and artistic categories. All the while, he honors the tradition of what he terms “postmodern New Orleans music,” as well as the spirit of Black American Music, of which he states, “There are no fields, per se. There are lineages.”

Youtube video: “NPR Tiny Desk”

Eric Alexander and Vincent Herring have been at the forefront of the modern jazz scene since the 1990s.

Alexander came up through Chicago and New York, making waves with mentors like Harold Mabern for his powerful tenor sound and deep harmonic command. Herring, a standout altoist with early ties to Nat Adderley and Cedar Walton, built his reputation on a soulful, high-energy style.

Youtube video: “Split Decision”

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.

Youtube video: “Beautiful Love”

Billy Childs has emerged as one of the foremost American composers of his era, perhaps the most distinctly American composer since Aaron Copland – for like Copland, he has successfully married the musical products of his heritage with the Western neoclassical traditions of the twentieth century in a powerful symbiosis of style, range, and dynamism.

Youtube video: “The winds of Change”

Billy Childs has emerged as one of the foremost American composers of his era, perhaps the most distinctly American composer since Aaron Copland – for like Copland, he has successfully married the musical products of his heritage with the Western neoclassical traditions of the twentieth century in a powerful symbiosis of style, range, and dynamism.

Youtube video: “The winds of Change”

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”

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”

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″

Over the last few years, ALEX BIRD has become one of the most exciting names on the Canadian Jazz scene, with 2 JUNO Nominations for ‘Best Vocal Jazz’ (2022 & 2024) and with praise from around the globe. Bird has created timeless and heartfelt originals for a modern audience with his 4 original albums.

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

Video: “The way she moves”

Combining the talents of singer/actor Raoul Bhaneja and pianist/arranger Jesse Whiteley, Blue Standard has built a following and solid reputation in Toronto since the release of their debut recording “A Good Thing” in January 2019.

Inspired by some of the great male vocalists of jazz like Nat King Cole, Joe Williams, Jimmy Scott, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles and more, Blue Standard performs a selection of some familiar and many not so familiar classics digging into the core materials of top notch presentation… true melody, deep interpretation and most importantly, a real good time.

Bhaneja is known to audiences across Canada for this work on stage and screen and for his three decades of fronting Maple Blues Award winners Raoul and The Big Time, who made their long awaited debut at Upstairs Jazz in early 2024. Whiteley who also performs in The Big Time is from the first family of Canadian roots music, is a pianist, arranger, songwriter and singer in his own right, who works night after night in Toronto both on his own projects and as an in demand side man spanning blues, jazz, swing and even country music.

For this performance Blue Standard is thrilled to be joined by special guest Jody Golick, long time veteran of the Montreal blues and jazz scene including his many years in The Stephen Barry Band.

Youtube video: “A Good Thing”

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”

Step into the captivating world of pianist, Marc Copland, a living legend whose artistry embodies a profound depth, inventive spirit, and unparalleled musicality. Critics and enthusiasts alike have hailed him as one of the greatest jazz pianist of our time, whose influence has helped shape the music, and the younger musicians who play it, for decades.

His sound is like no other pianist, cutting-edge with harmonies and atmospheres, but simultaneously clear clear, swinging, and beautiful to listen to. Certainly, John Abercrombie and Gary Peacock thought so; for over 30 years, they played in his bands and he in theirs.

Joining him on this evening our Montreal musicians, Adrian Vedady, Louis-Vincent Hamel and Christine Jensen. Not to be missed.

Youtube video: “I’ve Got You Under My Skin”

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
piano
bass
drums

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

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

Maclean’s quartet heavily features one of Canada’s most provocative improvising trumpet players — BROWNMAN ALI — an internationally acclaimed, multi-award winning jazz iconoclast who has been heralded as “Canada’s preeminent jazz trumpet player” by New York City’s Village Voice and is best known globally as the last trumpet player to play in the legendary jazz-hip-hop group GURU’s JAZZMATAZZ. For this show, Ali & Maclean stand shoulder-to-shoulder with 2 of Canada’s top-tier 20-somethings: BEN DUFF on upright bass, and JACKSON HAYNES on drums (in for Jacob Wutzke).

Come witness these four in full flight, this performance will feature deeply exploratory, hard-swinging modern-jazz audiences will not want to miss.

Musicians:
Nick Maclean – piano
Brownman Ali – trumpet
Ben Duff – bass
Jackson Haynes – drums

Youtube video: “Road Warrior”

“A definite musical voice” (Guitar International) and a player of “fluid lyricism” (DownBeat), Canadian guitarist and composer Alex Goodman moved to New York City in 2012, where he became recognized as “among the most promising talents of his jazz generation” (JazzTimes) and “one of New York’s most vital guitarists” (Jazziz). In 2014, he won First Prize and the Public’s Choice Award at the International Guitar Competition at the Montreux Jazz Festival.

Since then, he has contributed to and been featured on numerous Grammy-nominated recordings, as well as projects recognized by Canada’s JUNO Awards and the German Jazz Prize. Over the past decade, he has established a distinct presence, bringing together his work as a guitarist, composer, bandleader, and active sideman.

Alex Goodman – guitar
Chris Cheek – saxophone
Martin Nevin – bass
Adam Arruda – drums

Youtube video: “No Man’s Land”

Following their successful performances two years in a row, Argentinian singer María Luz Seferiades and Egyptian/Canadian guitarist and oud player Ali Omar El-Farouk collaborate for their third year to take their listeners on a journey into the deepest longings for Latin America, presenting their own interpretations of well-known Bolero, Tango, Samba, and Bossa Nova songs.

They return for their second year in a row at Upstairs with their latin quartet, accompanied by Michael Goulart on bass and José Miguel Valero on percussion.

Musicians:
María Luz Seferiades – Voice
Ali Omar El-Farouk – Guitar
Michael Goulart – Bass
José Miguel Valero – Percussion

Video: “Veinte Años”

Tenor saxophonist Benny Sharoni is a bandleader, composer and arranger and is a mainstay on the U.S. and International jazz scenes where he has played with many of today’s jazz greats, including David Hazeltine, Jim Rotondi and George Garzone. Sharoni fuses together classic bop influences of Sonny Rollins, Dexter Gordon and Steve Grossman, and flavors his music with Latin rhythms and an energetic drive.

Youtube video: “Take The D Train”