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
Morgan Moore: bass
Rich Irwin: drums

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.

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

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)
Morgan Moore (bass)
Wali Muhammad (drums)

Justin Time Records

Taureybutler.com

Michelle Sweeney has performed around the world and has worked beside some of the world’s greatest entertainers, including Celine Dion, Mary J. Blige, and Oliver Jones. For the past years, her main stage has been Montreal’s House of Jazz.

Michelle’s success is waking up and doing what she was born to do: share her voice and bring joy to everyone.

Musicians:
Michelle Sweeney – Vocals
Piano
Bass
Drums

Andy Rubal Cuban Quartet – Tribute to Buena Vista Social Club

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

Andy Rubal: piano & vocals
Giovanni Ortega: Sax
Kiko Osario: Bass
Luis Izquierdo: Congas

Guillaume Martineau has pursued many years of professional studies in classical piano. Guillaume as a classical pianist received many honors including winning first prize at the Canadian Music Competion in 2009 and the opportunity to be heard playing Chopin in the recent movie “Louis Cyr”.

At the age of 13, Guillaume made his first attempts in jazz as a classical pianist with introduction from bassist Éric Lagacé. Over ten years later, Guillaume meets Éric Lagacé once again together with Oliver Jones and finally decides to make a diving transition into the world of jazz. After graduating from Berklee College of Music, Guillaume is now very active on Montreal’s music scene in many unique projects of his own.

Musicians
Guillaume Martineau, piano
Éric Lagacé, double bass
Mark Nelson, drums

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
Michel Donato, bass
Frank Lozano, saxophone
Pierre Tanguay, drums

Homegrown Montrealer, Justin Saladino leads a guitar-driven contemporary blues/rock ‘n’ soul group with powerful guitar playing, sultry vocals, and genre-blending compositions. Firmly backed by the foundation of Denis Paquin and Gabriel Forget, the explosive core trio has brought their much-acclaimed albums A Fool’s Heart (2018) and No Worries (2016) to stages across Eastern Canada. JSB Live is the band’s third record, released March 6, 2020, on BROS Productions and Believe Digital in Canada and worldwide.

The band is no stranger to major festivals, having appeared on multiple occasions at the Tremblant International Blues Festival, Montreal International Jazz Festival as well as the Ottawa BluesFest, and Festival d’Été de Québec in 2019. The group also showcased at the bi-annual all-Canadian Blues Summit held in Toronto.

This rich history has informed the 10,000 hours of experience reflected when Justin and his band steps on stage. JSB Live stands as a formidable recording capturing the band in full bloom.

Musicians
Justin Saladino – Vocals/Guitars
Gabriel Forget – Bass
Denis Paquin – Drums
Antoine Loiselle – Guitar

Trumpet player and organist, Kevin Dean was born in Mason City Iowa in 1954. He earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Iowa University in 1976 and a Master’s degree in Jazz Pedagogy in Miami in 1980.

In 1984 Kevin joined the Faculty of Music in McGill University where he holds a position as a jazz teacher at the Schulich School of Music. Kevin has performed live and recorded with several well-known and respected jazz musicians such as Jimmy Heath, Benny Golson, Joe Henderson and Barry Harris.

He is featured on over twenty albums, many of which are made from his own compositions.

Musicians
Kevin Dean: trumpet
Jean-Michel Pilc: piano
Mike De Masi: bass
sax
Andre White: drums

Jim Doxas has been heavily influenced by rock, jazz, Motown and World Music. His work can be heard on over 150 albums and soundtracks, and he is a popular featured artist at jazz festivals worldwide.

Jim has been recognized by way of receiving Felix and Juno Awards, as well as nominations for Academy and Grammy Awards.

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
Ben Racine: guitar

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)
Morgan Moore (bass)
Wali Muhammad (drums)

Justin Time Records

Taureybutler.com

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

Shawn McPherson is a Canadian blues harmonica player and singer. Having played the blues around Quebec since he was a young teen, he has already established himself as one of the great up-and-coming Canadian harmonica players and frontmen. With a booming voice and energetic stage presence, your attention will be drawn-in from the first note.

Heavily influenced by authentic Chicago bluesmen such as Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson II, and Big Walter Horton, Shawn and his band play authentic Chicago Blues. Using period-correct instruments, microphones, and amplifiers, you’ll be taken back in time to the juke joints of the early 1950s.

Gilad Hekselman has earned a reputation as one of New York City’s most promising guitarists. In only four years, this native Israeli has shared the stage with many top names including Chris Potter, Mark Turner and John Scofield. Gilad Hekselman is the Winner of the 2005 Gibson Montreux International Guitar Competition.

Musicians
Gilad Hekselman (guitar)
(bass)
(drums)

Gilad Hekselman has earned a reputation as one of New York City’s most promising guitarists. In only four years, this native Israeli has shared the stage with many top names including Chris Potter, Mark Turner and John Scofield. Gilad Hekselman is the Winner of the 2005 Gibson Montreux International Guitar Competition.

Musicians
Gilad Hekselman (guitar)
(bass)
(drums)

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

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

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

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

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

Kiwi firebrand trumpeter Lex French teams up with Montreal’s ‘godfather of jazz trumpet’ Kevin Dean to present a tribute to Roy Eldridge and Dizzy Gillespie. Verve’s classic album ‘Roy and Diz’ is on the menu, along with select cuts and old favourites from each of these trumpet kings.

Lex French: trumpet
kevin Dean: trumpet
piano
bass
drums

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 heavy blues and the Middle-Eastern inflections of his Israeli cultural heritage.

“Tevet Sela Quartet presents an intelligent and skillful mix of classical harmonies with a Klezmer influence and North-African rhythms…An intriguing concert for all who love innovative and exciting jazz” Time Out Magazine

“A beautiful alto sound to be savored slowly, with a precision that sides the quality of his compositions“ Christophe Rodriguez, SortiesJazzNights.com

Musicians:
Tevet Sela – Saxophones
John Roney – Piano
Fraser Hollins – Bass
Rich Irwin – Drums

Jim Doxas has been heavily influenced by rock, jazz, Motown and World Music. His work can be heard on over 150 albums and soundtracks, and he is a popular featured artist at jazz festivals worldwide.

Jim has been recognized by way of receiving Felix and Juno Awards, as well as nominations for Academy and Grammy Awards.

An exceptional sound, a sensitive approach, an innate sense of musical language are some of the characteristics that were used to define Chantal De Villiers’s tenor saxophone’s playing.
Chantal was born in Montreal, in a musician’s family. She was exposed to music at an early age by her dad, a professional pianist. She chose the tenor saxophone at age 15.

During her career, Chantal De Villiers has performed in duet, trio, quartet and quintet formation at a variety of events. Since music was a major force in her family, the musical relationship she developed with her father helped her define her style. The rich, hushed saxophone sound she developed brings to mind her influences, such as Dexter Gordon, Ben Webster, Scott Hamilton, Stan Getz, Eddie Harris and Gene Ammons.

The concert she presents at Upstairs is the recipient of the Opus Prize for the best Jazz concert of the year 2020.

During her last concert, she was the guest of saxophonist Rémi Bolduc. It is her turn to invite him to this musical evening which marks a return after long months of the pandemic.

Musicians
Chantal De Villiers – tenor saxophone
Taurey Butler – piano
Fraser Hollins – bass
Rich Irwin – drums
special guest Rémi Bolduc – alto saxophone

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
Morgan Moore: bass
Rich Irwin: drums

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)
Morgan Moore (bass)
Wali Muhammad (drums)

Justin Time Records

Taureybutler.com

Jim Doxas has been heavily influenced by rock, jazz, Motown and World Music. His work can be heard on over 150 albums and soundtracks, and he is a popular featured artist at jazz festivals worldwide.

Jim has been recognized by way of receiving Felix and Juno Awards, as well as nominations for Academy and Grammy Awards.

The Trio is formed of Jean Derome on saxophones and flutes, Normand Guilbeault on doublebass and Pierre Tanguay on drums. These three musicians enjoy a strong reputation on the Montréal music scene and even though they are mostly known as new music and jazz musicians, they are often spotted accompanying our best singers-songwriters, poets, filmmakers, choreographers, etc.

Already active for almost a decade, the Derome Guilbeault Tanguay Trio has presented many repertoires in the past: tributes to Billy Strayhorn and Charles Mingus; an excursion into the Swing repertoire of the ‘30s and ‘40s, with renditions of tunes by Johnny Hodges, Ben Webster, Coleman Hawkins, etc.; and more recently serious forays into the music of Eric Dolphy, Sonny Clark, Misha Mengelberg, Roland Kirk, Lee Konitz and Lennie Tristano.

The Trio has also played concerts entirely devoted to Jean Derome’s music (particularly as part of his April 2000 Exposition de musique at the Théâtre La Chapelle).

A growing, faithful audience follows the Trio everywhere it performs and the concerts attract an impressive number of young jazz musicians.