16 concerts you should see at the 31st FIJM by Christophe Rodriguez
Our CDJazz man, Christophe Rodriguez (Journal de Montréal), dives in and give us his 16 picks for the 31th Festival International de Jazz de Montréal : Paolo Fresu, David Sanchez, Sonny Rollins, Vic Vogel, Roy Hargrove, Roberta Gambarini, Félix Stüssi, Christine Jensen, Ingrid Jensen, Gypsie Planet - Christian Escoudé, John Zorn, Ahmad Jamal, Bobby Bazini, Keith Jarrett, Jack DeJohnette, Gary Peacock, Allen Toussaint, Jean Beaudet et Christian Scott !!
Christophe Rodriguez
All photos below provided graciously by the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal
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Friday, June 25th
Paolo Fresu : italian trumpeter
Somewhere in between Miles Davis and Chet Baker, trumpeter Paolo Fresu loves challenges. In a 3 night carte blanche series, he'll be sharing grooves and licks with cuban pianist Omar Sosa (Friday June 25), guitarist Ralph Towner (Saturday June 26), and a original duo with the trumpet player of electronic moods, Nil Peter Molvaer as well as brillant percussionnist Manu Katché (Sunday June 27). Something for everybody.
Gesù
6pm
Saturday, June 26th
David Sanchez : tenor saxophone
Even if he's not the new kid on the block anymore, porto-rican saxophonist David Sanchez and his band is always coming up with new stuff. With a mix of what's new and hot on the streets, sounds from the Caribbean and a hard-bop tendency, you'll have something to chew on. The first part of the concert is by cuban pianist Omar Sosa. Vamos!
Théâtre Jean-Duceppe of PdA
8pm
Sunday, June 27
Sonny Rollins : one of the last great tenor saxmen
Just because it's Sonny. One of the last great tenors, an amazing fiery and fighting power. And may his hymn : St-Thomas, play forever.
Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier of PdA
7:30pm
Monday, June 28th
Vic Vogel : pianist and bandleader
A jazz giant and of the Montreal jazz scene, (75 years old) and who's still got it all. In sextet with his trustworthy crew, Vic brings to us : Ellington, Basie and his musical adventures. Faithful to the blue note all the way.
Théâtre Jean-Duceppe of PdA
8pm
Roy Hargrove : trumpet
Roberta Gambarini : voice
A trumpet player who's played all styles ; bop, cuban and nu-jazz, Roy Hargrove will be for one night, bandleader and the voice of the horns of sculptural singer Roberta Gambarini. Classic jazz with a lot of class.
Théâtre Maisonneuve of PdA
9:30pm
Tuesday, June 29
Félix Stüssi 5 and Jean Nicolas Trottier : trombonist
This concert is a tribute to the departed Len Dobbin, living memory of the Montreal jazz scene, radio man, journalist, columnist and much more that left us last year right in the middle of Festival. Félix Stüssi, talented pianist et his four collegues and s trombonist that doesn't scare easy : Jean-Nicolas Trottier. Jazz at it's best.
L’Astral - Maison du Festival Rio Tinto Alcan
6pm
Wednesday, June 30th
Christine Jensen : alto sax and bandleader
Ingrid Jensen : trumpet
Her last CD Timeless was so beautiful, we'll re-listenet this musician/ composer, and a poet in her soul. For this concert, she welcomes her sister : Ingrid, one of the rare female trumpeters of the jazz world.
L'Astral - Maison du Rio Tinto Alcan
6pm
Gypsie Planet
Christian Escoudé : gypsy jazz guitarist
To highlight not once but twice the 100th birthday of guitar genius Django Reinhardt, guitarist Christian Escoudé gets it on. Among others, legendary accordionist Marcel Azzola, the underestimated violinist Florin Niculescu and the grandson of Django : David Reinhardt. Happiness is the word.
Théâtre Maisonneuve of PdA
9:30pm
Thursday, July 1st
John Zorn : alto sax and composer
Explosive, fiery and very imaginative, who knows what will go into the John Zorn marathon. Surrounded by a regal band of musicians such as the very incisive Dave Douglas on the trumpet and the all-terrain guitarist Marc Ribot, this will be quite an event to be at.
Théâtre Maisonneuve of PdA
9:30pm
Friday, July 2nd
Ahmad Jamal : pianist
After a twenty year absence and at eighty years old, Ahmad Jamal is back ! Tableaus, scenary, a lot of poetry and a true knowledge of the language of jazz. This might THE concert of the Festival. We'll be there to check it out.
Théâtre Maisonneuve of PdA
9:30pm
Bobby Bazini : guitar, voice
Even if he's on all the FM stations, Bobby Bazini knows what he's doing. Two parts folk, three parts rootsy blues and on top of that, some real nice compositions. Get your tickets right away, the place will be packed and hoppin!
Club Soda
7pm
Saturday, July 3rd
Keith Jarrett : piano
Jack DeJohnette : drums
Gary Peacock : bass
Thirty years of complicity, the 2007 Miles Davis Prize, in short, the art of the trio at it's best. A magic moment, but please, be quiet, the pianist is capricious!
Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier de la PdA
7:30pm
Sunday, July 4th
Allen Toussaint : solo piano
The Lousiana legend that gave a memorable 2006 concert with singer Elvis Costello is back for two nights. First in solo piano (Sunday July 4) where he'll get into what unites him to the great Louis Armstrong and on the 2nd night with the other poets of the world of rhythm and blues (Monday July 5) and the musical colors of Mississippi. If the concert is like the Bright Mississippi CD, the world of jazz will be there!
Gesù
7pm
Monday, July 5th
Allen Toussaint : piano
The Lousiana legend that gave a memorable 2006 concert with singer Elvis Costello is back for two nights. First in solo piano (Sunday July 4) where he'll get into what unites him to the great Louis Armstrong and on the 2nd night with the other poets of the world of rhythm and blues (Monday July 5) and the musical colors of Mississippi. If the concert is like the Bright Mississippi CD, the world of jazz will be there!
Théâtre Jean Duceppe of the PdA
9:30pm
Jean Beaudet : piano
A discreet pianist but what a hidden secret ! Just to think about Danseurs, a magnificent CD, we're excited. This piano solo will most certainly end the Festival in beauty.
Chapelle historique du Bon-Pasteur
7pm
Christian Scott : trumpet
A new kid on the block that's getting of lot of attention. One part Morgan, two parts Hubbard, he's got a lot of things to say. A rising star to watch out for (in quintet).
Gesù
10:30pm
All photos except Christophe Rodriguez provided graciously by the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal
