CALENDAR

Active on the music scene for over twenty years, Johnston has performed and recorded with many of the worlds best, including John Abercrombie, Don Alias, Shirley Jeff Johnston is a Canadian based jazz pianist, film composer, and educator. His works are infused with alluring harmonies, lush textures, rhythmic inventiveness and spontaneity. Chuck Berg of Jazz Times Magazine wrote “This is music, that while at the contemporary cutting edge, is both immediately and immensely satisfying.” Johnston’s trio and quartet recordings established him as one of the country’s most respected pianists and composers, leading the Toronto Star’s Geoff Chapman to deem Johnston as “clearly in Canada’s top ranks” and the Globe and Mail’s Mark Miller to say ” This is Canadian jazz at it’s best”. Johnston has recorded and performed with some of the biggest names in jazz including John Abercrombie, Sheila Jordan, Dave Liebman and Kenny Wheeler. His film music has been heard on PBS, CBC-TV, CBC Newsworld, The Documentary Channel, Teletoons, CTV, Global TV and he has scored numerous films for the National Film Board of Canada.

Musicians:
Jeff Johnston – piano
Fraser Hollins – bass
tbc – Drums

Youtube video: “At You”

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)
Morgan Moore (bass)
Wali Muhammad (drums)

Justin Time Records

Taureybutler.com

Youtube video: “Taurey Butler Trio – The Preacher”

Jimenez/LeBlanc/Melo presents a repertoire of Brazilian instrumental music from the 60s to now as well as some popular songs from Brazil adapted for acoustic guitar, double bass and percussion.

Montreal-based Rémi-Jean LeBlanc has been active on the Canadian music scene since 2005 and has collaborated with an array of musicians in Montreal and in Canada including Yannick Rieu, Jean-Michel Pilc, Marianne Trudel, Steve Amirault, Carol Welsman, and Elizabeth Shepherd. RJ has also toured with different projects in Europe, China, Japan, Mexico, the US, and Canada and has performed with international artists passing through Montreal such as David Binney, Seamus Blake, Greg Osby, Terri Lyne Carrington, Jeff Ballard, Ari Hoenig, Ben Wendel, and Billy Hart.

Musicians
Carlos Jimenez: guitar
Rémi-Jean LeBlanc: bass
Aquiles Melo: percussions

Youtube video: “RJ Leblanc with Aldo Mazza”

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”

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”

For this invitation series, pianist Gentiane MG invites Canadian instrumentalists and composers. Concerts will feature her guest’s compositions. Each concert will feature her guest’s original music and unique voice.

GENTIANE MG was always attracted by music as a very powerful and vital means of expression. While studying classical piano as a child, she was already drawn to composition, often exploring ways of playing music by ear and inventing variations on the pieces she had to learn. Later on, studying jazz and improvised music gave her the means to find her own voice through composition, finding inspiration through introspection. Her music comes from the tradition of improvised jazz with colours from impressionistic and romantic classical music that come together in a deeply personal universe.

SAM DICKINSON was born in Toronto, began playing guitar at the age of eight. He studied jazz during high school at the Humber College Community Music Program, followed by studies at New England Conservatory, Humber College, and McGill University. Dickinson received his Doctorate of Musical Arts from the University of Miami in 2019. These formative years included guitar instruction from Mick Goodrick, Lorne Lofsky, Ben Monder, Joe Morris, John Hart, Ted Quinlan, and Brad Shepik, as well as composition/arranging lessons from John Hollenbeck, Christine Jensen, and Joe Sullivan. Dickinson has shared the stage with Jerry Bergonzi, Jack DeJohnette, Jean- Michel Pilc, Dave Holland, Pat LaBarbara, Jimmy Heath, and Danilo Perez, to name a few. While maintaining an active schedule performing, composing, and teaching in Toronto, Dickinson is in the process of a larger scale recording project as a leader.

Youtube video: “Impossible Beauty”

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”

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”

For 43 years this unique, genre-crossing vocal/guitar jazz duo has cast its passionate musical spell worldwide, capturing the hearts of lovers, the respect of jazz buffs and the jaw-dropping awe of guitarists and singers.

Youtube video: “Time After Time”

For 43 years this unique, genre-crossing vocal/guitar jazz duo has cast its passionate musical spell worldwide, capturing the hearts of lovers, the respect of jazz buffs and the jaw-dropping awe of guitarists and singers.

Youtube video: “Time After Time”

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
Piano – John Sadowy
Bass – Levi Dover

Youtube video: “Cabin Fever”

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
Al Bourgeois: drums

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

Guitarist and composer Roddy Ellias combines a deep relationship with both classical music and jazz in his compositions, improvisations and interpretations of jazz standards. His music has been described as “unapologetically beautiful” (All About Jazz) and his creativity “both startling and inspiring” (Just Jazz Guitar). A passionate improviser and prolific composer, Canadian jazz guitarist Roddy Ellias is an artist whose work defies simple definition.

Musicians:
Roddy Ellias: guitar
Kate Wyatt: piano
Adrain Vedady: bass
Jim Doxas: drums

Video: “Sonnet”

The conceptual influence of Kurt Rosenwinkel’s music can be readily observed on a global scale. Whether in concert halls, basement jazz club wee hours jam sessions, conservatory practice rooms or radio station airwaves, Rosenwinkel’s distinctive voice as a composer and guitarist has had an undeniable impact on music in the 21st century.

Muscians:
Kurt Rosenwinkel – guitar
Aaron Parks – piano
Eric Revis – bass
Gregory Hutchinson – drums

Youtube video: “Along Came Betty”

Rémi Bolduc presents a series of four concerts in the fall of 2022. He will invite four exceptional saxophonists who will inspire the general public and connoisseurs alike. Pat Labarbara from Toronto, a seasoned musician who played in Elvin Jones’ band. Luiz Denis, a Cuban saxophonist living in Toronto. One of the best alto players in the country. Camille Thurman, saxophonist and singer. One of the most active musicians on the international jazz scene at the moment.

And to finish the series, Jerry Bergonzi, tenor saxophonist from Boston. A saxophone legend. For this last concert on December 3rd, Rémi Bolduc will launch his new album recorded in July 2022.

Musicians:
Rémi Bolduc: alto sax
Guest: Luis Deniz alto sax
Ira Coleman: bass
Darrell Green: drums
Bryn Roberts: piano

Video: “Bolduc and Bergonzi on Liberté de Mouvement”

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

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

Caity Gyorgy (pronounced like George) is a Toronto and Montreal based vocalist who is known for singing bebop and swing music.

Being called one of JazzFM91’s 8 Canadian Women in Jazz You Need to Know, Caity performs regularly at events and venues across Canada including The Toronto Jazz Festival, The JazzYYC Summer Festival, and the Jazz Bistro.

Caity has also worked and recorded with many luminaries in the Canadian jazz scene including Allison Au, Pat LaBarbera, Jocelyn Gould, and Christine Jensen. She has released one EP, several singles and released her debut album “No Bounds”, that features guitarist Jocelyn Gould , on January 22nd 2021. She is releasing an EP of original music arranged for large ensemble under Brooklyn based label La Reserve on July 9th 2021 with singles starting in March!

The group will be playing jazz standards and swinging’ original music from Caity’s recent records.

Musiciens
Michael Bruzzese: guitar
Leighton Harrell: bass
Jacob Wutzke: drums

Video: “Secret Safe”

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.

Musicians:
Beth McKenna – Saxophones/Flute/Compositions
Guillaume Martineau – Piano
François Jalbert – Guitar
Olivier Babaz – Electric Bass
Peter Colantonio – Drums

Youtube video: “Tides”

After years of performing around Canada in acclaimed contemporary and gospel choirs (Imani gospel choir) and bands (Hanorah, Safe in Sound), multi-instrumentalist Christian is showcasing his abilities as a songwriter and entertainer. Born into a family of established musicians, trained by legendary jazz singer Ranee Lee, and inspired by a list of eclectic artists such as Tenacious D and Stevie Wonder, he has carved out a soulful, whimsical style that is uniquely his own. With his first EP, “(no relation)” (2022), Christian delivers a 5-song collection lovingly crafted with big pop hooks and funky instrumental passages.

Youtube video: “Broke 4 U”

Révélation Jazz Radio-Canada 2022-2023, Ariane Racicot is a Montreal jazz pianist and composer who released her first album Envolée last May. Her music combines acoustic trio jazz styles with metal and progressive rock styles. These are original compositions that mix genres such as modal jazz, Latin jazz, jazz fusion and jazz metal. Ariane’s playing is inspired by that of Hiromi Uehara, Tigran Hamasyan, Chick Corea and Keith Jarrett, among others.

She had the opportunity to present her first album as the opening act for Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra as part of the Montreal International Jazz Festival on June 30 at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier.

A former student of Lorraine Desmarais, Luc Beaugrand, John Roney and Simon Denizart, she is completing her master’s degree at McGill this year with Jean-Michel Pilc.

Musicians:
Ariane Racicot – piano
Antoine Rochefort – electric bass
Guillaume Picard – Drums

Video: “WOODY N YOU”

By day, Colin Hunter is the Founding President of the Sunwing Travel Group. By night, Colin pursues his passion for music. A huge fan of the 1950s crooner-jazz repertoire, he has launched a few CDs and has hit the stage many times with the ever-talented vocal singer Kim Richardson, not to mention his upbeat performances at the Salle Astral, House of Jazz, Upstairs Jazz Bar and Capitole de Québec. This entrepreneur–crooner is proving that following your passion can indeed take you anywhere!

Musicians:

Colin Hunter : vocal
Joe Sealy : piano
Bass
Drums
Sax

Youtube video: “Colin Hunter – Live at L’Astral”

Alex Bird is a JUNO nominated jazz singer, songwriter and actor in Toronto, ON. Alex and his band “The Jazz Mavericks” are working on an entirely new chapter of the Great American Songbook; they are pushing the boundaries of a beautiful tradition and bringing it into a new era. Bird’s original debut album “Whisky Kisses” (Oct 2020) received reviews, awards, airplay, and distribution around the world.

Following that momentum, Bird and The Jazz Mavericks released their second album, “You Are the Light and the Way” (Nov 2021). Bird and songwriting partner Ewen Farncombe wrote 12 new originals, and the album was recently nominated for Best Vocal Jazz Album at the JUNO Awards (2022). The album was made possible thanks to the generosity of the Canada Council for the Arts.

Alex literally grew up with the classics. As a young boy 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.

Come take a walk with one of the most exciting and original jazz singer/songwriters around today, Alex Bird.

Musicians
Alex Bird: Vocals
Ewen Farncombe: piano
Leighton Harrell: bass

Video: “The way she moves”

A tenor saxophonist with an exceptional sound, a sensitive approach and an innate sense of musical language, Chantal De Villiers was born in Montreal into a family of musicians. Her father, a professional pianist, exposed her to music at an early age. She chose to play the tenor saxophone at the age of 15. She continued her studies at the Faculty of Music of the Université de Montréal, where she obtained her Bachelor’s degree.

During the following years, Chantal De Villiers performed in all kinds of events, in different formations, in duos, trios, quartets and quintets. Music being a major force in her family, the musical relationship she developed with her father helped her find her style. The rich and muffled sound of her saxophone is reminiscent of the great jazz masters who have influenced her, such as Dexter Gordon, Ben Webster, Scott Hamilton, Stan Getz, Eddie Harris and Gene Ammons.

Funky princess alias Chantal De Villiers will present a variety of songs chosen according to the grooves inspired by the 70’s and her album Funky Princess. She will also add new compositions to her repertoire with her quartet Taurey Butler on piano, Ira Coleman on bass and Rich Irwin on drums.

Musicians
Chantal De Villiers – tenor saxophone
Taurey Butler – piano
Ira Coleman – bass
Rich Irwin – drums

Video: “The Black Cat”

The Levi Dover Sextet, led by bassist and composer Levi Dover, was formed in 2019 out of a desire to create music which brings together a wide range of influences in a highly personal style. Levi Dover’s music is rooted in the jazz tradition while also reaching into a modern soundscape, creating an environment brimming with possibilities for expression. Lush textures and an impressionistic landscape set the tone for explorations which extend beyond the compositions, bringing the art of improvisation into focus.

The group unites an international cast of creative musicians with diverse musical personalities, who join together to bring to life music which is full of subtlety and nuance, unveiling a rich and unique universe. The debut album from this project, Imaginary Structures was released in 2021 on Three Pines Records.

Musicians:
Alto Saxophone – Chris Edmondson
Trumpet – Lex French
Vibraphone – Olivier Salazar
Piano – Andrew Boudreau
Drums – Kyle Hutchins
Bass – Levi Dover

Youtube video: “In Hindsight”

Rémi Bolduc presents a series of four concerts in the fall of 2022. He will invite four exceptional saxophonists who will inspire the general public and connoisseurs alike. Pat Labarbara from Toronto, a seasoned musician who played in Elvin Jones’ band. Luiz Denis, a Cuban saxophonist living in Toronto. One of the best alto players in the country. Camille Thurman, saxophonist and singer. One of the most active musicians on the international jazz scene at the moment.

And to finish the series, Jerry Bergonzi, tenor saxophonist from Boston. A saxophone legend. For this last concert on December 3rd, Rémi Bolduc will launch his new album recorded in July 2022.

Musicians:
Rémi Bolduc: alto sax
Guest: Pat Labarbera : tenor sax
Mike de Masi: bass
Darrell Green: drums
François Bourassa: piano

Video: “Bolduc and Bergonzi on Liberté de Mouvement”

One of the great jazz guitarists of his generation, Mike Stern has the unique ability to play with the finesse and lyricism of Jim Hall, the driving swing of Wes Montgomery and the turbulent, overdriven attack of Jimi Hendrix. Growing up in the Washington, D.C. area, Stern revered all three of those guitar immortals, along with such potent blues guitarists as Albert and B.B. King.

Aspects of those seminal influences can be heard in his playing on the 18 recordings he has released as a leader or in his acclaimed sideman work for Miles Davis, Billy Cobham, the Brecker Brothers, Jaco Pastorius, Steps Ahead, David Sanborn, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Joe Henderson and the all-star Four Generations of Miles band.

Youtube video: “Kate”

One of the great jazz guitarists of his generation, Mike Stern has the unique ability to play with the finesse and lyricism of Jim Hall, the driving swing of Wes Montgomery and the turbulent, overdriven attack of Jimi Hendrix. Growing up in the Washington, D.C. area, Stern revered all three of those guitar immortals, along with such potent blues guitarists as Albert and B.B. King.

Aspects of those seminal influences can be heard in his playing on the 18 recordings he has released as a leader or in his acclaimed sideman work for Miles Davis, Billy Cobham, the Brecker Brothers, Jaco Pastorius, Steps Ahead, David Sanborn, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Joe Henderson and the all-star Four Generations of Miles band.

Youtube video: “Kate”

Rémi Bolduc presents a series of four concerts in the fall of 2022. He will invite four exceptional saxophonists who will inspire the general public and connoisseurs alike. Pat Labarbara from Toronto, a seasoned musician who played in Elvin Jones’ band. Luiz Denis, a Cuban saxophonist living in Toronto. One of the best alto players in the country. Camille Thurman, saxophonist and singer. One of the most active musicians on the international jazz scene at the moment.

And to finish the series, Jerry Bergonzi, tenor saxophonist from Boston. A saxophone legend. For this last concert on December 3rd, Rémi Bolduc will launch his new album recorded in July 2022.

Musicians:
Rémi Bolduc : alto sax
Guest : Camille Thurman Sax Ténor & vocal
Ira Coleman : bass
Darrell Green : drums
Taurey Butler: Piano

Video: “Bolduc and Bergonzi on Liberté de Mouvement”

Rémi Bolduc presents a series of four concerts in the fall of 2022. He will invite four exceptional saxophonists who will inspire the general public and connoisseurs alike. Pat Labarbara from Toronto, a seasoned musician who played in Elvin Jones’ band. Luiz Denis, a Cuban saxophonist living in Toronto. One of the best alto players in the country. Camille Thurman, saxophonist and singer. One of the most active musicians on the international jazz scene at the moment.

And to finish the series, Jerry Bergonzi, tenor saxophonist from Boston. A saxophone legend. For this last concert on December 3rd, Rémi Bolduc will launch his new album recorded in July 2022.

Musicians:
Rémi Bolduc: alto sax
Guest: Jerry Bergonzi: Sax Ténor
Ira Coleman : bass
Jim Doxas: drums
Marie-Fatima Rudolf: Piano

Video: “Bolduc and Bergonzi on Liberté de Mouvement”