Check out our comments on these 23 concerts, with, in some cases interviews and video clips...
Just click on the artists' name to go directly...
Check out our JazzFest talks section ! (interviews)
Anat Cohen
Battle of The Bands
China Moses
Dee Dee Bridgewater
Diane Reeves Angélique Kidjo Lizz Wright
Erik Truffaz
George Wein
Harold López-Nussa Trio
Hugh Masekela
Jaga Jazzist
Jean-Pierre Zanella
Jeremy Pelt + Wired
Jill Barber
Kenny Werner at Upstairs
Paco De Lucia
Robert Plant
Richard Galliano/Gonzalo Rubalcaba
Sly Johnson
Sophie Hunger
Stéphane Belmondo
The Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey
Time Capsule/Kenny Garrett
Trombone Shorty
Robert Plant
Paco de Lucia
Battle of the Big Bands
Kenny Garrett
George Wein
Dave Holland/Kenny Barron
Trombone Shorty/Bootsy Collins
Stéphane Belmondo
Richard Galliano / Gonzalo Rubalcaba
Jean-Pierre Zanella
Grace Kelly/Phil Woods
Jill Barber
Sly Johnson
Anat Cohen
Dee Dee Bridgewater
The Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey
Afrodizz
China Moses/Rafaël Lemmonier
Sophie Hunger « True to herself…» opening Erik Truffak (July 4th at the Gesù)
Last night of the festival, I was a the Gesù for Erik Truffaz's concert with Sophie Hunger doing the opening. I didn't know her and didn't know what to expect. All the is-it-jazz-or-is-it-not considerations vanished when she kicked it off a capella, in swiss-german. She was later joined by two multi instrumentists, one alternating in between trombone, percussions on cardboard, glockenspiel, voice and the other, guitar, drum, voice and flute. Together they created a very intimate ambiance. Some songs touched me to tears. When singing, playing piano, guitar or speaking, she looks a bit shy and humble. Her music, like her voice, is vulnerable and sensitive, yet so deep and touching. When will she be back in Montréal ? A beautiful, touching and true singer.
par Chrystelle Maechler
Erik Truffak Quartet (July 4th at the Gesù)
Sitting down with pen in hand as I've done all thru the Festival, I couldn't write anything : I was completely immersed in the space of his music. Eyes closed, I was floating in another universe...the music of dreams. I'd listened to his latest project « In Between » many times but would've never imagined that I'd be affected so quickly and profoundly. The Gesù became a space of poetry protecting us from the outside world. As time went on, I got out of my dreams to write down my favorite tunes that were «In Between» and «Les gens du voyage». «Let Me Go» and «Dirge» were also poignant moments, with singer Sophie Hunger on stage. In Erik's solo in «Dirge», Hunger stood in front of him, head and chest facing the sky as if to receive the spirit of his music. By playing at the Gesù, the religious "overtones" were many, no pun intended. This concert was a gracious end to the Festival. Amen!
by Chrystelle Maechler
to see a clip from this concert, click here
to see the interview with Erik, click here
Jill Barber (July 3rd at Club Soda)
The Club Soda welcomed singer Jill Barber with her latest project «Mischievous Moon», that brings us back to the era of the fifties and sixties. The young singer conquered the public with ease and no tricks. Surrounded by great musicians, she shared her secrets of love, in a charming way that reminded Peggy Lee, James Bond and the Mad Men television series. Only Don Draper was missing!
by Christophe Rodriguez
Jean-Pierre Zanella (July 3rd at l'Astral)
There was quite a crowd last Sunday, July 3rd at l’Astral, for the tribute to american percussionist Don Alias. Having played with Miles Davis, Joni Mitchell, Michael Brecker, to name a few, he left his mark on the Montreal scene, especially with percussionnists. At the helm of this «happening», saxophonist Jean-Pierre Zanella, Oscar-Peterson 2011 Prize recipient, was up to the challenge. Solid playing, going from one style to another with amazing ease with all his friends : Benoit Charest, guitar, Paul Brochu, drums, Alain Labrosse, percussions, Gene Perla, electric bass, and road companion to Don Alias in Stoned Alliance, etc. A great hour, a musical must in the Festival that highlighted the huge talent of our local jazz musicians.
by Christophe Rodriguez
China Moses « Bluesy China, more, more, more, we want more ! » (July 3rd at l'Astral)
Black dress, scarf in hand, China Moses has the look of a diva when she struts on stage at l’Astral. All smiles, with many Dinah Washington anecdotes, the public discovers her beautiful bluesy low voice that fits perfectly Dinah's queen of the blues repertory. The one who said last night « jazz is the music of my mother » (Dee Dee Bridgewater) is great at it as well, with all the subtleties of her vocal chords served on a silver plater. Even though she does the Dinah Washington classics superbly, it's her composition « Dinah’s Blues » that stand out. I felt her approach was more personal, intimist, she wasn't only singing, she abandonned herself with much intention and expression. I wasn't the only one that reacted to that song as the public reacted with a lot of cheers. I loved her voice and would've wished more singing and improvisation with less anecdotes, a very small personal request, I agree but with such a great voice there's never too much!
par Chrystelle Maechler
to see a clip from this concert, click here
Dee Dee Bridgewater - still and always a gem! (July 1st at Place des Arts)
Wearing extra-long golden eyelashes and platform shoes, Dee Dee made quite and entrance July 1st on the stage of Théâtre Maisonneuve. Her charismatic appearance and great voice kicking off «Lady Sings the Blues » charmed her public, accompanied by some pretty witty english and...french comments. Surrounded by musicians that brought me back to the time of smoky jazz clubs, men in suits wearing hats that played a brand of jazz that had some « swag and swing », she pulled of her Billie Holliday tribute with success not by imitating, but only with her unique way of singing and joy. She whispered voluptuously on « My Mother’s Son in Law » flirting with the bass AND the bassist. The icing on the cake was her take of Billy Holiday's composition « God Bless the Child ». Dee Dee Bridgewater embodies authentic musical elegance - a gem !
by Chrystelle Maechler
to see a clip from that concert, click here
The Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey (JFJO) (July 1st at l'Astral)
This experimental jazz quartet straight out of Oklahoma tell the story, in music, of the 1921 Tulsa race riots, an important, yet neglected, historical event of the United States. The album Race Riot Suite is due out in August 2011. With such a historical context in mind, the compositions are even more poignant.
«Grandfathers Gun » had me gripping the arms of my chair : the nature of the track combined to the effect of the lapsteel guitar created a psychological tension not unlike the best thrillers : the mood is stressfull but pure genius. The musical combination is rich, including classical, ragtime, jazz, with a «saloon» sound that connects with the lapsteel creating an ethereal ambiance. The last two pieces were crazy, the complex sense of staging combined with the speed-playing of pianist Brian Haas culminating five times to what I thought each time was the end of the piece. And BANG, all of a sudden, another musical surprise bombards me, the intense playing reaching a musical orgasm that climbs back down in a spiral, leaving me out of breath. JFJO, a story, a musical message and a memory from the past so we don't forget.
by Chrystelle Maechler
to see the interview and concert clips with JFJO, click here
Jaga Jazzist - them norwegians are crazy! (July 1st at Club Soda)
July 1st, 11pm - there's quite a crown waiting in line to get in and the Club Soda is packed. People are excited and impatient. The crowd is young, middle-aged, hipsters and others with more of a conservative look, having a drink, eyes fixed on stage. The famous «warm festival welcome» is even more appropriate when the nine musicians get on stage as montrealers and fans from afar are waiting for Jaga Jazzist, they haven't been here since 2004. Jaga Jazzist, is more than a band, it's a world in itself, an experience. In front of a wall of melons, lemons and oranges, the nine norwegian musicians united by the sacred connection of music, humans and technology give us a good shot of electro. A horn section, drums and multi-instrumentist musicians, it's hard to keep track who plays what instrument. Their music is rhythmic, spacey, full a fantasy and unbridled energy, but right on time and well planned. The crowd gets and electroshock. « Them norwegians are crazy but it sure feels good.! »
by Chrystelle Maechler
Gonzalo Rubalcaba Richard Galliano (July 1st at Place des Arts)
It wasn't just a concert last Friday night at the Théâtre Maisonneuve, it was a blessing. In a musical universe that combined Astor Piazolla compositions, a bit of new musette and some classical music riffs, accordionist Richard Galliano and pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba gave a concert marked by simplicity and a friendship that goes behond the frontiers du jazz. This unique duo, once again one of co-founder André Ménard's idea, satisfied the curious that are passionate about the accordion and piano playing that went behond the usual fare. Masterful.
by Christophe Rodriguez
to see a clip from that concert, click here
Jeremy Pelt and Wired (June 30th at l'Astral)
Last night, Thursday, June 30th at l’Astral, our hopes were high for young american trumpeter Jeremy Pelt. With an open mind and ears, I attentively listened to this young player who's involved in many bands. Far from Live at Small’s or Men of Honor, the result was something rehashed that had already been served. In a very seventies spririt, Pelt's technique was disappointing (not everybody can be Miles) and his improvised collage that went from Woody Shaw to Donald Byrd lacked emotion. The trio, on the other hand, fared very well, lucky for us. One good note, he mastered the ballads, but that didn't make up for the rest. Too bad.
by Christophe Rodriguez
to see a clip from the concert, click here
Kenny Werner (Upstairs June 28th - 29th)
Tuesday night, In the relaxed ambiance of the Upstairs (1254 Mackay), pianist Kenny Werner shared his secrets of the solo piano. This giant of jazz (Archie Shepp, Charles Mingus, Michael Brecker), influenced by Bill Evans, gave way to his unique brand of improvisation : Round Midnight, Balloons, etc) with intense mastery. An hour of religious listening before leaving for another kind of Jazz Fest concert (Trombone Shorty)
by Christophe Rodriguez
Trombone Shorty (1st part Bootsy Collins at the Métropolis, June 28th)
In a 
smokin' Métropolis, the little genius of the trombone and trumpet : Trombone Shorty gave the first riffs of a night of funk-rock, not bad at all. Surrounded by young musicians in a format in between rock - supported by quite a drummer - and the funk format ; the spirit of James Brown was in the room. The little devil, showed us his devilish technique but also his showmanship. I'm telling you next year this band will be hosting one of those big outside concerts.
by Christophe Rodriguez
to see a clip from that concert, click here
Stéphane Belmondo Quartet (June 27th at the Gesù)
At 10:30pm, in the intimacy of the Gesù, trumpeter/buglist Stéphane Belmondo gets on stage. This master of the trumpet who's been with all the larger and smaller ensembles, with his brother or as a solist gave a remarquable performance. Technically impeccable, solid as a rock, this concert was well worth the detour. The Same As It Never Was Before, name of his last project with : Kirk Lightsey, piano, Sylvain Romano, basse and the huge Billy Hart, drums that recalled the years of of Philly Joe Jones/Elvin Jones. In between hot licks and soft melodies, we were blessed.
by Christophe Rodriguez
to see a clip from that concert, click here
Hugh Masekela (Club Soda June 27th)
There was a breeze from the ocean on that night at Club Soda. After many years away from the Jazz Fest, trumpeter, singer, bugler Hugh Masekela (72 years old) is back and everyone was waiting. In pa packed and conquered Club Soda, the always green cornerstone of South African jazz gave it all with much humor, poetry that took in the African continent a certain type of dancing jaz...that had airs of a Club Med. To the rhythm of this get-up and dance music, your mind wanders to souvenirs of Chuck Mangione, Gato Barbieri and the Côte d’Azur. A perfect concert in the right ambiance.
by Christophe Rodriguez
to see a clip from that concert, click here
George Wein (Bruce-Lundvall 2011 Prize) and the Newport All Stars (June 26th Gesù)
The 85 year-old gentleman, founding father of the first jazz festival : Newport, came back to receive the Bruce-Lundvall Prize. To the playful ambiance of playing plus the true musical pleasure of playing with the Newport All Stars : Randy Brecker, trumpet, Lew Tabackin, tenor sax, Howard Allen, guitar, Lewis Nash, drums, Peter Washington, bass and young clarinettist-saxophonist Anet Cohen. A friendly reunion where many standards were played : Chelsea Bridge, I Can’t Get Started, ‘S Wonderful. Jazz that always stays young and rookie Anat Cohen who could'nt believe she was playing with all these cats. Happiness.
by Christophe Rodriguez
to see a clip from that concert, click here
Time Capsule+Kenny Garrett : Tribute to Montreal saxophonist Sayyd Abdul Al-Khabyyr
At 6pm, a change of universe (after Battle of the Bands!) with alto sax Kenny Garrett, trombonist Muhammad Abdul Al-Khabyr in a tribute to Sayyd Abdul Al-Khabyr, an important Montreal saxophonist that stood out in the Montreal jazz scene. Funky, powerful, always fresh and new and very energetic. We would've liked a few words from the musicians on what this tribute meant. Plus these great musicians : Benoit Charest, guitar, Luc Beaugrand, keyboads, Mathieu Cormier, basse, Abdul Al-Khabyr, drums, fearless and Tony Williams-ish. Great concert.
by Christophe Rodriguez
to see a clip from that concert, click here
Battle of the Bands with the Glenn Miller Orchestra and the Artie Shaw Orchestra (June 26th at Place des Arts)
You gotta start somewhere. In their 4th year, yours truly time travels with the Battle of the Bands, a friendly competition that highlights the Glenn Miller and Artie Shaw big bands. In a sold-out Wilfrid-Pelletier concert hall, concert-goes weren't only of the older age group, another younger clientele is obviously interested. A very relaxed ambiance, such as the quality of the players giving us the classics : In The Mood, Stardust, Moonglow, Someone To Watch Over Me, in a very correct fashion, musical charts in hand. Good solid jazz with just the right swing.
By Christophe Rodriguez
74, Sly Johnson's take on soul ! (June 26th at l'Astral)
The one I'd discovered as a rapper/beatboxer, then part of the french collective Saïan Supa Crew has a musical and vocal "voice" musical that deserves to be heard. His vocal feats are phenomenal : in/on his soul voice, he adds DJ samples, scratches, raps (in french!), does sound vibrations by hitting his chest, creates cut-off voice effets by sweeping the mike in intervals in front of his mouth. Let me say it again, all done with his voice... When he sang «I’m Calling You», encore or not, no doubt the Montreal public heard him. Sometimes a capella with or without a mike or with his band that could really groove, he turned on the Astral public that exchanged with him and got in front of the stage to dance. Even people stuck to their seats could'nt help bobbing their heads to the groove. A great moment was "Don't Stop The Dance", in which he improvised directly on the soundtrack of his own voice, soundtrack that had beatbox and vocal harmonies, which gave the whole thing a gospel/soul feeling : tasty! This first original material Sly Johnson concert got the public's approuval and we all want some more of his 60s-70s soul, beatbox, great arrangements, R&B flavor has the man has a lot more to say!
See you soon soul brother!
by Chrystelle Maechler
to see a clip from this concert, click here
to see the interview (in french) with Sly, click here
Anat Cohen « Let’s party! » (June 26th at the Gesù)
The moment she hit the stage, she took the mike with a big smile, and announced «Let’s party!». A breath away, the music started with the sax and bass in unison. As soon as she started playing, she closes her eyes and dances with her clarinet. She having a good time! She's the main actor here a bandleader but she's equally a spectator of her own musicians, shouting many «wows» and «yeahs » like a real fan. Let's be honest here, the clarinet isn't necessary on top of today's jazz scene but Anat plays it with so much grace and lightness - like a songbird - giving back some of the lost prestige lost in today's jazz. She plays will so much gusto and savours the moment that one can't help sharing it...Anat Cohen is a breath of fresh air, and a cozy corner at the fireplace but with much precision. In interview, she'd promised a mix of styles and, as promised after traditional jazz tune the Gesù shook to the beat of african rhythms with «All Brothers». The choppy arrangements gave the impression of an image on a screen that shook with a lot of intensity. Her «Let’s party» from the start become real and I felt like a dance floor would've celebrated that moment like it oughta be.Things then quieted down for a more intimite duo with special guest Howard Alden on guitar and then with the whole band on a happy note, just as Anat is, on the last tune, «Searching». A only-standing room Gesù wanted an «encore». Without a doubt, great music and joie de vivre make Anat somebody exceptional.
by Chrystelle Maechler
to see a clip from this concert, click here
to see the interview with Anat, cliquez ici
L'Astral in Wonderland with Harold López-Nussa (June 25th)
Cuban pianist Harold López-Nussa surrounded by his « brothers », Ruy Adrian López-Nussa, his real brother on the drums and Felipe Cabrera, a brother in spirit, on the bass just did his thing at l’Astral. From beginning to end, I'm under the spell of their astute mix of son, timba, classical music, and jazz with in backdrop, the unique celebration of music, typical of cuban music. Each musician shares compositions that stimulate our imagination, l'Astral becoming somewhat of a Wonderland tonight, the title track of their last CD « El País de las Maravillas » leads us to the dreamworld. I close my eyes closes and imagine discovery, wonderment, fears and surprises. And then everything stops, the melody on the piano is simplified, the bass is silent before coming back with intensity, creating hope and euphoria. There is a whirlwind. Felipe Cabrera sings the piano track like an ode to imagination. The notes of the piano drip like drops of water that culminates in grandiose and humble end. Following a tribute to cuban son, the trio enchants us with «A Camilin», by Felipe Cabrera, to illustrate a tale for his child, with some very subtle playing. «Jungla» reveals Harold's poweful virtuosity. And finally, our last visit to Wonderland with the last tune ; the trio gives us cascading rhythms that take us to a very festive Cuba, making us smile. The response is immediate, on the last note, the standing crowd wants an encore. Once upon a time, l’Astral is «Wonderland» by the Harold López-Nussa Trio. When's the next trip?
by Chrystelle Maechler
to see a clip from this concert, click here
to see the interview with Harold, click here
Sing The Truth with Diane Reeves. Angélique Kidjo and Lizz Wright (Place des Arts June 25th)
Happy festival-goers that we are ! Last night at Place des Arts's Théâtre Maisonneuve women and their history were honoured by three great voices. The very soulful trio created some very moving moments in a tribute to three great ladies of jazz : Myrian Makeba, Odetta and Abbey Lincoln. Even if the stakes were high to connect those three voices : Diane Reeves, jazz, Angelique Kidjo, the voice of Afrique and Lizz Wright, the youngest of the three and the voice of soul, the Jazz Fest won it's bet.From the magnificent Both Sides (Joni Mitchell) to Bold Soul Sister, much voicepower, and then How I Got Over, Baby I Love You and the explosive Saduva, the very communicative heat of the three singers practically put a spell on the bad weather.
by Christophe Rodriguez
to see a clip from this concert, click here
Great flamenco guitarist Paco De Lucia, opening night (Place des Arts June 25th)
For this 32nd Mtl Jazz Fest opening night concert, a filled-to-the-brim Wilfrid-Pelletier concert hall with the master of flamenco : Paco De Lucia. Magic moments you say ? So much more I say ! For yours truly that heard the sounds of Spain when under Franco's rule, a testamony of my age, this music brings back powerful memories much like the intensity of this legendary art. Master of this music handed down from generation to generation, Paco went straight at it, keeping his solos precise and intense, supported by quite a very tight group of musicians mastering their trade. At the end of this two hour concert, a bit of traditional flamenco in it's purest form was revisited with some guitar-harmonica (Antonio Serrano) exchanges as well as a duo with his nephew Antonio Palomo, another great flamenco player. An intense moment with dancer Antonio Montoya who certainly gave some chills the feminine genre, very present. A remarquable concert, complete and spontaneous...
by Christophe Rodriguez
Rock'n'Roll is here to stay and should it never die ! (Robert Plant at Place des Arts Friday June 24th)
This 32nd Festival International de jazz de Montréal pre-opening concert as well as our national Québec holiday was nothing ordinary. I was facing Robert Plant, key figure of legendary Led Zeppelin, a fascinating voice that turned on the Wilfrid-Pelletier venue of Place des Arts.
In over twenty years and some, it's the first time illicit substances could be seen floating around in this oh-so-classic and venerable venue. After receiving with much humility the Montréal Jazz Spirit Award, our friend Plant and his Band of Joy took us on a trip down the Mississippi will lots of firepower. Happy like a bunch of guys just jamming around, The Band of Joy is made of some great musicians that could support the rock'n'roll man. Powerful electric riffs, great folk-blues and standing in the middle, Plant, shining, and using his mike like a powerful and seductive magic wand. From a revisited Black Dog to Angel Dance and from Falling In Love Again to Monkey or The Only Sound That Matters, what a trip!
Allelulia.
by Christophe Rodriguez
