Montreal Jazz Festival 2007

[Freetoojazz]

Ten artists are shedule for the 2007 edition:


Dave Holland, Keith Jarrett, Wayne Shorter, Joshua Redman, etc.

http://www.montrealjazzfest.com/preF...accueil_en.asp

Tickets are available, Saturday, December 9th at noon.

[Valerie]

isn't that a picture of dave holland's "old" group with billy kilson?!?

[Freetoojazz]

The Spectrum is on Sainte-Catherine Street. Today, I read on the newspaper that the Spectrum will be destruct at the end of the month.

I didn't like the place, but i know that a lot of people loved it. This place was there since 25 years. Equipe Spectra was the locator of this place, not the landlord. It seems that the landlord wanted to discuss with Spectra, but they never return the message, so the landlord took another arrangement with another group to build buildings and market place, no room for show in this area anymore.

[Gary Sisco]

Sorry to hear that. I'm one of the ones who liked the place. I've heard a lot of good music there.

[Chaz Longue]

My understanding is a bit different:

The block below Le Spectrum is to be gutted and renovated. The Spectrum is to be gutted...and rebuilt. The block will contain cinemas, radio studios, a somewhat more elegant and expanded Spectrum, and will terminate in a little vest pocket park for performance. That park will be right across from Le Complexe Des Jardins, where the Second Cup is now.

But these plans have been in the works for several years, and have even been announced publicly before and we've seen only delays - so what do I know...

I wouldn't bet heavily on seeing much music in The Spectrum in it's present state after the festival this year though. Supposedly the renovations will take some time...

Then there are the plans for the new Symphony Hall. Land's been set aside for this, but again - when they break ground is anybody's guess.

The third thing I can't help but mention here in this context is the enormous project planned for the area West of the present Old Port. The stuff you drive over just before the Wellington exit...it's all going to change if things proceed as planned - but wtfdik...

[Chaz Longue]

Now I'm seeing some grim news in the local weeklies leading me to believe that freetojazz may in fact be correct, regardless of the plans which have been in the works for years...

See in particular a piece in Hour Magazine which one of the Hour's writers just forwarded me.

I'm not certain what's going to happen, but this is looking grim indeed right now.

[willfb]

But can we safely assume that since they are advertising concerts @ Spectrum for this year's festival, that any plans to raze the Spectrum are for some point after the festival ends?

Like Gary I would be very saddened to see the Spectrum disappear. Once they got the smoke out of it, it became one of the best big venues for hearing live music anywhere. Reminds me of the late lamented Famous Ballroom in Baltimore, where I heard practically everybody play way back when I lived there.

[Freetoojazz]

Here some interesting information for this summer:

Press Room
Programming for the indoor concerts and activities will be announced on May 2 at 11 a.m.

Monday, February 12, 2007
Programming for the free outdoor concerts and activities will be announced on June 5th at 11 a.m.

Monday, February 12, 2007
The Festival International de Jazz de Montréal and the MMMIS support artisan luthiers
The 1st Montreal Guitar Show - a superb showcase for guitars!
Monday, February 12, 2007

[Freetoojazz]

I received a newsletter from Spectra, locator of the Spectrum. A citizen of Montreal (Etienne Coutu) started a petition on the Web telling the people to sign a petition Against the destruction of the Spectrum

http://www.petitiononline.com/abc456g8/petition.html

I don't know if it is too late to sign it, because Mr. Coutu is suppose to put it on the hand of the mayor today.

[Lois Gilbert]

Below and attached is a press release announcing 14 more great concerts for this year's Festival International de Jazz de Montréal (Montréal International Jazz Festival) shows www.montrealjazzfest.com. This year's 28th edition will run from June 28 - July 8, 2007.

It's never too early to start planning your coverage of or trip to the amazing Festival, where the heart of Montréal is transformed into a giant musical extravaganza during the Montréal Jazz Festival, "the best run, most enjoyable event I have ever attended," (Car & Travel). It's "Montréal's answer to Mardi Gras and the highlight of the summer." says Clifford Krauss of the New York Times. And JazzTimes magazine says, "No doubt about it, Montreal has the best jazz festival of them all."

From its humble beginnings in 1980, when 12,000 people came to hear Ray Charles, Vic Vogel, Chick Corea and Gary Burton, the Festival has become "the event that dwarfs them all" (Travel & Leisure), and is widely regarded as "the biggest and best jazz festival on the planet." (Howard Reich, Chicago Tribune).

The Festival's incredible breadth of programming - jazz, blues, Latin-jazz, Brazilian, Cuban, African, reggae, electronica and more -now attracts nearly 2 million festival-goers from all over the world. 2,500 artists from 30 countries participate in more than 500 concerts, 350 of them free on 10 outdoor stages.

The third annual Montreal Musician and Musical Instrument Show (MMMIS), will provide a showcase for people to try out instruments of all kinds right on the Festival site. (www.simmm.ca) Included in that is the Festival's first ever Montreal Guitar Show!

Please let me know if you need anything else on either the Festival or the MMMIS. Artwork is available and I'd be happy to provide you with the Festival's "extranet" site, and if you are interested, I can also send along a 10-minute Montréal Jazz promo video (on CD-R, viewable with Windows Media Player for PC or Mac).

I hope you'll be interested in covering the Festival's 28th annual event in advance, and in attending this year's festivities. I've gone for nearly 12 years now and it's always an exciting, fun and musically rewarding trip. I guarantee the same for you.

Thanks so much!

Sincerely,

Ann Braithwaite
781-259-9600






News release
For immediate distribution
Manu Chao, Wynton Marsalis, Cesaria Evora, Seu Jorge, Roy Haynes, Derek Trucks, Mark Murphy, Billy Cobham, Didier Lockwood, The Spaghetti Western Orchestra and Tortoise among the guest performers at the 28th edition
of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal
Tickets go on sale this Saturday, March 24, at noon
Montreal, Tuesday, March 20, 2007 - The organizers of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal are as eager to hear the first notes launch the 28th edition of this popular summer event as the countless faithful who throng to the Festival each year. Further to last December's initial sale of tickets to the first 10 concerts in its 2007 program, presented by General Motors of Canada in collaboration with Alcan, today the Festival is announcing 14 other prestigious concerts that will energize Montreal stages this summer. This second round of tickets for the concerts of the 28th Festival International de Jazz de Montréal will go on sale this Saturday, March 24, at noon.
Some of the world's biggest-name musicians coming to Montreal
The Spaghetti Western Orchestra A stunning tribute to the great
The Cinquième Salle at PDA Ennio Morricone
From Wednesday, June 27, to Monday, July 2, 7:30 p.m.
For the first time in North America, the five musicians of The Spaghetti Western Orchestra will bring spaghetti westerns back to life, and through much more than a "simple" musical rendition! With some 100 different musical instruments, the group's multi-instrumentalists literally and ingeniously reconstruct the scenes from the Italian westerns that marked the film industry worldwide, recreating, in addition to the music itself, the least sounds and sound effects from the immortal scenes of Once Upon a Time in the West, For a Few Dollars More, and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, etc. In an evocative setting embellished by film projections, the show, which is both comical and dramatic, stands as a veritable tribute to the greatest film-score composer, Ennio Morricone, who was recently honoured and at long-last singled out for an Honorary Lifetime Achievement Award at the Oscars. Original, uniqueŠand completely crazy! A first-ever, grand North American première!
Wynton Marsalis presents Congo Square, featuring the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis & Yacub Addy and Odadaa! New OrleansŠ
Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier at PDA to the rhythms of Africa!
Thursday, June 28, 8:00 p.m. (opening concert)
(Pleins feux General Motors series)
Written by the famous American trumpeter Wynton Marsalis and Ghanaian drum master Yacub Addy, this superb composition combines the talents of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and the Ghanaian percussion group Odadaa! The perfect marriage between jazz and African rhythms! Congo Square was named after the unique location of the same name in New Orleans, which was the only place in North America where African slaves were allowed to gather and play their own music during the 18th and 19th centuries. The work therefore draws its inspiration from these traditions and this chapter in the history of jazz.
Roy Haynes Quartet Spectrum de Montréal A legendary
Saturday, June 30, 10:00 p.m. percussion giant!
(Jazz Beat TD Canada Trust series)
With a career spanning over 60 years, drummer Roy Haynes has influenced and shaped jazz with his highly personal style and invariably contagious laughter. This royal percussion giant, who has played with Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane and Sarah Vaughan, will once again be setting the stage and performance hall on fire! Now 81 years old, this stage legend has also become a legend on paper, with his induction into DownBeat magazine's "Hall of Fame" in 2004.
Manu Chao at Parc Jean Drapeau (in collaboration with Groupe Spectacles Gillett) A fiesta like no other!
Île Sainte-Hélène
Sunday, July 1, 5:00 p.m.
It's been six years since we last saw the clandestino Manu Chao! Yet the walls of the Metropolis are still shaking, and the summer 2001 crowd along with them! Exceptionally, the Festival will relocate to Parc Jean Drapeau, which this former polyglot singer of the band Mano Negra will fill with his unique blend of Latin, rock, reggae and blues rhythms. After producing the extremely beautiful Dimanche à Bamako album for Malian duo Amadou & Mariam, this most Hispanic of Frenchmen is preparing to treat Montrealers to another equally memorable Sunday! Be ready, because the heat will be on! Proximo estación Jean Drapeau (Île Sainte-Hélène).
Didier Lockwood, Billy Cobham, Victor Bailey and Sylvain Luc: String Quartet
Théâtre Maisonneuve at PDA Summit meeting between
Monday, July 2, 6:00 p.m. Europe and America!
(Grands Concerts TD Canada Trust series)
Jazz fusion, music demanding both mastery and technique, found its reference drummer and an exceptional leader in Billy Cobham in the 1970s, a rare find for this instrument. And what more could be said of Didier Lockwood than that he was part of all the great French jazz adventures of the past 30 years, both with very refined music and in the powerful groups to which he lent the sounds of his magical violin (remember UZEB!?). Joining them are the renowned Victor Bailey, ex-member of Weather Report, who marked the world of the bass, and top-notch guitarist Sylvain Luc.
Cesaria Evora and Seu Jorge (double-feature program) Bewitchment with a Portuguese touch
Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier at PDA
Monday, July 2, 8:00 p.m.
(Pleins feux General Motors series)
Cesaria Evora and Seu Jorge are back again in a captivating double-feature program with a Portuguese touch. The famous Cape Verdean singer will again tread barefoot on Montreal soil, this time presenting her new show based on her most recent album, Rogamar. As for the multi-talented Brazilian singer and guitarist who warmed the floorboards of the Spectrum like no other last summer and who is regarded as one of the leading names in Brazilian music and cinema, it will come as no surprise, after seeing him on stage, to learn that Seu Jorge is about to join the ranks of the world's best-known performers.
The Derek Trucks Band Spectrum de Montréal A Festival première!
Wednesday, July 4, 6:00 p.m.
(Couleurs SAQ series)
He had his first paying gig at age 11 and was the youngest player ever to make the Rolling Stones' "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time" list! His guitar prowess shines through his blues, rock and jazz renderings and his world music, as evidenced in the group's latest album, the vibrant Songlines, inspired by Australian Aboriginal culture. In addition to leading the band that bears his name, Derek Trucks is the guitarist for Eric Clapton and the Allman Brothers Band. Especially well-known for its live performances, The Derek Trucks Band also stars Todd Smallie (bass), Yonrico Scott (drums and percussion), Kofi Burbridge (keyboards), Mike Mattison (vocals) and Count M'Butu (congas and percussion).
Mark Murphy Club Soda Legendary jazz singer!
Wednesday, July 4, 7:00 p.m.
(Voix du monde Bell series)
In 1953, his talent greatly impressed Sammy Davis, Jr., who discovered him by chance at a New York jam session. A few years later, it was Ella Fitzgerald's turn, when she declared Mark Murphy to be nothing less than her equal! It is also said that Mark Murphy is to jazz singing what Bobby Fischer was to chessŠ After a prolific five-decade career, numerous Grammy nominations and a repertoire ranging from Broadway to Coldplay, he is still considered one of the greatest living jazz vocalists. An inspired jazz crooner with clear tone and ever-inventive phrasing, who can scat and swing sublimely, he has just come out with his most recent album, Love Is What Stays, on the Decca label. A Festival première!
Double-feature concert: Tortoise
and Kieran Hebden (Four Tet) & Steve Reid An electro-charged evening!
Métropolis
Wednesday, July 4, 8:30 p.m.
(Rythmes Hyatt Regency Montréal series)
This duo sometimes sounds like a duel: the drums, strongly inspired by the African rhythms of Steve Reid, who hails from a jazz background, and the electronic samplings of former-Fridge member Kieran "Four Tet" Hebden face off, exchange repartee and blend together, creating music that is at times abstract, at times hypnotic, but always unique. This electronic-jazz forms a perfectly natural bridge to the music of the modern and original group Tortoise, one of the driving forces behind the "post-rock" movement. A very simplistic name for the genre considering that the group happily takes on jazz, dub, funk, and electronic, to name a few. In short, a group that defies simple categorization, and whose instrumental music has infused a true breath of fresh air into the independent American music scene.
Tickets for 24 concerts on sale
Tickets for these 14 new concerts featured in the 2007 program of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal will go on sale as of this Saturday, March 24, at noon. Tickets may be purchased at the following locations:
o concerts staged at the Spectrum de Montréal, the Métropolis, the Théâtre du Nouveau Monde and Club Soda:
Ticketpro
Telephone purchases: 514 908 9090 (outside Montreal, toll-free: 1 866 908 9090) - ticketpro.ca
as well as in the halls where the concerts will be staged:
Spectrum de Montréal (318 Sainte Catherine Street West)
Information: 514 861-5851 - spectrumdemontreal.ca
Métropolis (59 Sainte Catherine Street East)
Information: 514 844-3500 - montrealmetropolis.ca
Théâtre du Nouveau Monde (84 Sainte Catherine Street West)
Information: 514 866 8668 tnm.qc.ca
Club Soda (1225 Saint Laurent Boulevard)
Information: 514 286-1010 - clubsoda.ca
o concerts staged at Place des Arts:
Place des Arts (175 Sainte Catherine Street West)
Telephone purchases: 514 842 2112 (outside Montreal, toll-free: 1 866 842-2112) - PDA.qc.ca
Admission
Telephone purchases: 514 790 1245 (outside Montreal, toll-free: 1 800 361 4595) - admission.com
o concert staged at Parc Jean Drapeau:
Admission
Telephone purchases: 514 790 1245 (outside Montreal, toll-free: 1 800 361 4595) - admission.com
Remember that tickets for the 10 concerts in the 28th program of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal announced in December 2006 are currently on sale at the locations indicated above. Online descriptions are available at montrealjazzfest.com: Trio Beyond with Jack DeJohnette, John Scofield and Larry Goldings/Dave Holland Quintet/Holly Cole/Wayne Shorter Quartet with the Imani Winds: Terra Incognita/Pink Martini/An Evening with Joshua Redman/Keith Jarrett, Gary Peacock and Jack DeJohnette/The Bill Frisell Trio featuring Joey Baron & Tony Scherr/An Evening with Branford Marsalis/George Thorogood & The Destroyers; Buddy Guy and his musicians.
The complete indoor concert program for the 28th edition of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal will be announced on May 2, while the program for the free, outdoor concerts and activities will be made public on June 5. To find out everything about the Festival, subscribe to the Spectra Newsletter and receive all information about the Festival premières. The 28th edition of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal will run from June 28 to July 8, 2007.

For more information, call the Bell Info-Jazz Line at 514 871 1881 or toll-free at 1 888 515 0515, or visit the website at montrealjazzfest.com.
- 30 -
Source:
Festival International de Jazz de Montréal - 514 523 3378

[Mike Schwartz]

(see #10 - Rachel G)

[Freetoojazz]

The programming for the indoor concerts and activities will be announced on May 2 at 11 a.m.

http://www.montrealjazzfest.com/preF...ccueil_en.aspx

[kymani]

Bob Dylan, 4 July 2007 at Salle Wilfred Pelletier.

[Gary Sisco]

Dylan's Jazz Band?

[Lois Gilbert]

The indoor program at the 28th Festival International de Jazz de Montréal
A treasure chest of riches!

With Bob Dylan, Manu Chao, Keith Jarrett, Mike Stern, Wynton Marsalis, Harry Connick Jr., Richard Bona, Zachary Richard and Francis Cabrel, Oliver Jones, Angélique Kidjo and many more

Tickets go on sale this Saturday, at 9 a.m.

Montréal, Wednesday, May 2, 2007 - The City of Festivals is more enthusiastic than ever for the music to start - and with its 28th edition, the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal delivers an embarrassment of riches! The world's largest musical event, presented by General Motors of Canada in collaboration with Alcan, proudly offers an indoor program in the very image of Montreal - cultural and multicultural metropolis par excellence. From June 28 to July 8, 2007, North America's francophone capital beats at the heart of the music world, welcoming the greatest names in jazz and its musical cousins, revealing best-kept secrets and hosting a massive urban celebration unique to this city. Over 11 days and nights, Montreal rolls out the red carpet for over 2,500 musicians from every corner of the globe. From jazz to soul to blues, with detours through traditional music, electro and folk, Montreal conjugates in every style, speaking the universal language: music!
The Festival's indoor concert program alone offers close to 150 shows spread over 15 series, presented in the city's finest venues. As eclectic as ever, this edition of the Festival presents musicians and music from every region and every source, from the classic to the most avant-garde. As always, the Festival will be the only North American stop for a whole raft of artists including Skye, Erik Truffaz, Anne Ducros, and Coco Zhao. And let us not forget the legends and the marquee names - Keith Jarrett, Bob Dylan, Harry Connick, Jr. and Wynton Marsalis, with his very special project Congo Square - or the music of the immortal Ennio Morricone, reanimated by the stunning The Spaghetti Western Orchestra, all of whom contribute to the magic of this 28th edition.


Consider, for instance, the presence of artists from the prestigious ECM label including Keith Jarrett, Anouar Brahem, Tord Gustavsen, Nik Bärtsch's Ronin, and Stefano Bollani, who in themselves represent the entire diverse range of today's music. The Festival is furthermore thrilled to welcome Manfred Eicher, founder and president of the jazz label considered one of the most important in the world.
To mark the 10th anniversary of the death of Fela Kuti, Afrobeat will be everywhere: indoors, where his son Femi Kuti upholds the legacy, along with Afrodizz and Antibalas, as well as in shows featured in the free outdoor schedule (coming June 5).
The Festival will also be presenting an exceptional double feature, where culture and music are once again at the core of a superb collaboration: Louisianan Zachary Richard and French artist Francis Cabrel, both equally adopted - and adored! - by Quebec for years, will be sharing the spotlight at Salle Wilfred-Pelletier! This collaboration is the undisputable result of an artistic alliance-turned friendship between the pair. After Katrina, Francis was first invited by Zac to collaborate on his latest album for the song ''La promesse cassée'', of which the royalties helped raise funds for musicians from New Orleans. The two artists also recently performed together in New Orleans and Lafayette. For the Festival, the beloved French artist will draw from his affinity for blues and American music in order to create a unique repertoire for the occasion. You can bet your bottom dollar that the chemistry that evening will be palpable and that both artists will surely pay each other musical visits!

And don't forget this Big Bang - the mega-concert set to shake île Sainte-Hélène on Sunday, July 1: Manu Chao with Radio Bemba Sound System and guests (in collaboration with Gillett Entertainment Group) at Parc Jean Drapeau! Get ready for a fiesta stage-managed by none other than the "Clandestino", back in Montreal for the first time in six years! If there were a roof, the wildly versatile former Mano Negra singer would blow it off with his polyglot fusion of latin, rock, reggae and blues rhythms - a show that's certain to enter Montreal concert history!
Speaking of prestige, the Invitation series embodies that quality to perfection, presenting musical carte blanche to this year's honoured guests Richard Bona and Mike Stern, who will each present five completely different shows! Including the Ciné-Jazz series at Cinémathèque québécoise (at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.), the Festival offers 15 indoor concert series, revealing the full spectrum of jazz in all its vivid individual colours. In short, from the purest jazz to the most colourful hybrid, from the archetypal to the original, this Festival gathers and presents the greatest living names in jazz!

The program, series by series

Pleins feux General Motors series, presented by Radio-Canada Télévision, 8 p.m.,
Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, Place des Arts


_ Wynton Marsalis presents Congo Square with The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, featuring Wynton Marsalis & Yacub Addy and Odadaa! (June 28), an opening concert starring the regal American trumpeter, whose superb new work, co-written with the Ghanaian master drummer, is a beautiful marriage of New Orleans and Africa! _ Pink Martini (June 29, special time - 6 p.m., with additional show at 9:30 p.m.), swing - shaken and stirred! Consume without moderation! _ Harry Connick, Jr., My New Orleans Tour (June 30), the Louisiana crooner pours his heart and soul into a tribute to the hometown city he loves, still rebuilding after Katrina. _ Keith Jarrett, Gary Peacock and Jack DeJohnette (Présence ECM) (July 1), a dream date with one of the most important living jazz pianists! _ Cesaria Evora (July 2), Cape Verdean spells with a Portuguese accent from the barefoot diva; opening act: Lura. _ Bob Dylan and his band (July 4, special time - 7:30 p.m.), did someone say "legend"? Beyond our wildest dreams, an intimate audience with the artist who changed the face and voice of American music! _ Béla Fleck & The Flecktones with Victor Wooten, Future Man and Jeff Coffin, with Special Guest Honorary Flecktone Howard Levy and North Mississippi All Stars, acoustic, to open the evening. (July 5), anyone who has caught the unclassifiable Béla Fleck and his fusion band in concert will tell you - do not miss him! _ Zachary Richard / Francis Cabrel (July 6), our favourite Cajun returns with a magical and moving show inspired by his new album of the same name! Another classic signed "Zach"! Following him, another one of Québécois` favorite artists, appearing on his friend Zac`s latest album, the incomparable Francis Cabrel. We can`t wait! _ Closing concert: Oliver Jones / Susie Arioli with I Musici (July 7), for our closing concert, a superb double-bill signed "Montreal," starring the enduringly brilliant Oliver Jones, and followed by Swingin' Susie Arioli, recontextualizing her sound with the I Musici chamber orchestra.



Grands Concerts TD Canada Trust series, presented by CBC Radio 2 (93.5 FM), 6 p.m,
Théâtre Maisonneuve, PdA

_ Trio Beyond with Jack DeJohnette, John Scofield and Larry Goldings (Présence ECM) (June 28), a tribute to the musical genius of Tony Williams from a legendary jazz drummer, a guitar virtuoso and a keyboardist of uncommon versatility. _ Wayne Shorter Quartet with Brian Blade, John Patitucci, Danilo Perez and special guest Imani Winds, Terra Incognita (June 29), a musical adventure to unknown lands led by the brilliant saxophonist, accompanied by a wind ensemble. _ Joshua Redman Trio (June 30), the charismatic sax virtuoso unveils pieces from his latest album; opening act: piano prodigy Taylor Eigsti Solo. _ Anouar Brahem: Le voyage de Sahar (Présence ECM) (July 1), the eagerly-awaited return of Anouar Brahem (oud), Jean Louis Matinier (accordion) and François Couturier (piano). Flamenco accents, Balkan inflections and Parisian café atmosphere into a sound transcending traditional Arab music. _ Didier Lockwood, Billy Cobham, Victor Bailey and Sylvain Luc: String Quartet (July 2), a summit meeting between Europe and America chaired by this extraordinary quartet! _ Kurt Elling with special guests including Christian McBride / Sophie Milman (July 4), sing, sing, sing, with hard-swinging jazz on one end and silky maturity on the other! _ Molly Johnson (July 5) the return of the jazz enchantress! One of the most sensual voices in Canadian jazz! Opening act, DK Ibomeka._ An evening with Branford Marsalis (July 6), long-awaited return of the famed saxophonist-composer, who has not played the Festival since 1999! _ Vic Vogel and his Jazz Big Band with Martin Deschamps and friends. Special guest: Bob Harrison Blues Band) (July 7), the great Vic Vogel, one of the Festival's most loyal friends, accompanied by his colourful Big Band and some of our most renowned rockers: Martin Deschamps, Bruno Pelletier and Georges Thurston!

Rythmes Hyatt Regency Montréal series, Radio-Canada Television, 8:30 p.m., Métropolis


_ Medeski Scofield Martin & Wood (June 28), talk about a cult phenomenon! When MM&W welcome John Scofield, the room is gonna shake! Opening act: Apostle of Hustle. _ Ojos de Brujo / Son de la Frontera (double bill) (June 29), It's a wild Spanish night with Barcelonan underground flamenco, and to open, the gypsy tradition of Son de la Frontera! _ Antibalas / Femi Kuti & The Positive Force (double bill) (June 30), an electrifying evening marking the 10th anniversary of the death of Fela Kuti, the father of Afrobeat. First up, Brooklyn's hard-core Antibalas, followed by the incandescent Femi Kuti, worthy successor to his father! _ Amon Tobin (July 1), breakbeat, drum'n'bass, downtempoŠ the Brazilian-turned-Montrealer opens the doors on his Foley Room for a complex and hypnotic DJ set! Opening act: Ghislain Poirier Live. _ Chaka Khan (July 2), an unforeseen pleasure - welcome back the most sensual, soulful voice in funk! Not to be missed! _ Tortoise / Kieran Hebden (Four Tet) and Steve Reid (double bill) (July 4), on one side, the refreshing post-rock of Tortoise; on the other, an electrojazz duet/duel between drums and samples. _ Patrick Watson / The Besnard Lakes (double bill) (July 5), a Made-in-Montreal evening, featuring the hymnal sound of Patrick Watson, and the complex rock textures of the band everyone's talking about! _ Dolores O'Riordan, singer of The Cranberries (July 6), her voice was The Cranberries, so all fans are eager to hear her solo debut, Are You Listening? We will be. _ Buddy Guy and his musicians / George Thorogood & The Destroyers / (July 7 & 8), a double bill serving up back-to-back shots of blues-rock legends!



Invitation Alcan series presented by CBC Radio 2 (93.5 FM), 7:30 p.m.,
Théâtre Jean-Duceppe, PdA

_ Guitarist Mike Stern hosts the first stage of the prestigious Invitation series, presenting five distinct evenings of unique musical pleasures. _ Mike Stern plays with the bands! with The Bad Plus and Yellowjackets (June 28), the guitar virtuoso opens the series accompanied by two legendary jazz groups. _ A Miles Davis Tribute: Four Generations of Miles with George Coleman (alto saxophone, 1963 1964), Jimmy Cobb (drums, 1957 1963), Buster Williams (double bass, 1967 1968) and Mike Stern (guitar, 1981 1983 1985) (June 29), Mike Stern from his Miles period, but also a tribute to an immortal on the 75th anniversary of his birth. _ Mike Stern's Invitation SuperGroup with Danilo Perez, John Patitucci and Dave Weckl (June 30), fully deserving of the SuperGroup label, these players bring uncommon gifts - and high voltage - to piano, bass, drums and guitar! _ The Power of the Trio with Billy Cobham, Alain Caron and Mike Stern (July 1), in which three really is a magic number: longstanding musical confederacy generates inspired creativity.
_ July 2 is the swing-night between the two stages of the Invitation series, when Mike Stern passes the baton to - and shares the stage with - exceptional Cameroon-born New York bassist Richard Bona in a hotly-anticipated meeting! Stern and Bona are old pals from excellent albums and concerts together, and when you add in a third aceŠ it's Mike Stern and Richard Bona with their very special guest Roy Hargrove!
_ Richard Bona and the Jaco Pastorius Big Band (July 4), a fabulous trip through the prolific and variegated career of the legendary Jaco Pastorius! _ Richard Bona Group and his bass friends, Esperanza Spalding and Meshell Ndegeocello (July 5), two female bass aces join Bona for an evening of refined rhythm and glorious groove! _ Richard Bona: Musical dialogues with Lionel Loueke, Toumani Diabaté and Russell Malone (July 6), one thing is certain: you won't want to miss a "word" of this conversation between three guitarists and a kora player! Unique! _ Special concert: Gérald TOTO, Richard BONA and LOKUA Kanza (July 7), a summit meeting of three remarkable musicians with singular career paths. A moment of pure onstage magic.



En primeur series, 7:30 p.m., Cinquième Salle, PdA

_ The Spaghetti Western Orchestra (from Wednesday, June 27 to Monday, July 2), five musicians revivify the spaghetti western sound, recreating, down to the last details and sound effects, immortal scenes from Once Upon A Time in the West, And for a Few Dollars More, The Good, the Bad and the UglyŠan astonishing tribute to the legendary Ennio Morricone and a North American premiere! _ Nikki Yanofsky, EllaŠ Of thee I Swing (in collaboration with Rubin Fogel Productions) (Wednesday, July 4 to Saturday, July 7), barely out of elementary school, she blew away a Festival audience last year! She returns with EllaŠ Of thee I Swing, a play on the Gershwin brothers title. This young lady must be heard to be believed!



Couleurs SAQ series, 6 p.m., Spectrum de Montréal


_ Angélique Kidjo (June 28), a singer with a deep African groove sends her music across all borders! _ Rickie Lee Jones (June 29), the American boho-pop legend delivers us a spiritual new album with Jesus in a rock context. _ Sean Lennon (June 30), how do you survive - and transcend - the most famous surname in rock? Make a name for yourselfŠ and with a four-star review in Rolling Stone, Sean Lennon is on his way! _ Corneille (July 1), with his soul-funk, his passion and his Rwandan backstory, Corneille and the albums Parce qu'on vient de loin and Les marchands de rêves are a francophone sensation. Next: the world, with an all-English album! A Festival premiere! _ Cowboy Junkies 20th anniversary with special guests Garth Hudson and Ron Sexsmith (July 2), the coolest, ghostliest group of the '80s celebrates its 20th anniversary with us! Haunted country-blues-folk! _ The Derek Trucks Band (July 4), the guitar master who's traded licks with Eric Clapton and the Allman Brothers Band fronts his own band for a first-ever Festival concert! _ Meshell Ndegeocello (July 5), the brilliant bassist returns to her rock roots with her 7th album, The World Has Made Me The Man Of My Dreams. _ Toumani Diabaté's Symmetric Orchestra (July 6), the Jimi Hendrix of the kora hits town with his 14 musicians for a stunning Festival debut! _ Randy Bachman (July 7), legendary guitarist and singer whose classic riffs powered the Guess Who and Bachman Turner Overdrive, strips things down for a solo show!



Voix du monde Bell series, 7 p.m., Club Soda

_ Anne Ducros (June 28), the voice of French jazz finally returns to us after her memorable 2002 performance! _ Mina Agossi (June 29), presence - and power. This extraordinary Franco-Bennese singer has mad improv skills and street-boho attitude to burn! _ Skye / Federico Aubele (June 30), double the pleasure! The former Morcheeba singer presents her debut solo album, while the Argentinian singer gives us a tantalizing foretaste of music due this autumn. _ Roberta Gambarini / Freddy Cole (July 1), impeccable interpretations of jazz classics from this Italian pearl who put New York under her spell, and Nat ''King'' Cole's little brother, the elegant crooner with 75 years of piano wisdom! _ Dawn Tyler Watson and Paul Deslauriers (July 2), the remarkable musical intimacy between our blues diva and this guitar master promises to recreate the magic of their 2005 Festival triumph! _ Mark Murphy (July 4), Ella Fitzgerald declared "he is my equal"Š here's the opportunity to find out why he is considered one of the greatest living jazz singers. A Festival premiere! _ Eleni Mandell (July 5), Montreal adores Eleni Mandell and her Miracle of Five album - but then again, so do all the critics. With her hurtin' voice, her bittersweet lyrics, her warm arrangements and melancholy air, the Los Angelina roams the borders of folk, blues, jazz and country. _ Carol Welsman (July 6), an expressive vocalist, a versatile pianist: this Canadian singer is adored in Quebec, for her jazzy cocktail of blues, country and soul, and not least for her perfect French singing (along with her Italian, Portuguese and English)! _ Puppini Sisters (July 7), neo-vintage swing-pop arrangements of Blondie, Kate Bush and Gloria Gaynor. Completely irresistible!



Jazz Beat TD Canada Trust series, presented by 93,5 CBC Radio 2 (93.5 FM), 10 p.m.,
Spectrum de Montréal


_ Dave Holland Quintet with Robin Eubanks, Chris Potter, Steve Nelson and Nate Smith (June 28), the #1 double-bassist in the world, recipient of the prix Miles-Davis at the 26th edition of the Festival, brings his group to the Festival to remind us why. _ Erik Truffaz with Ed Harcourt (June 29), free-flying jazz from France's finest trumpeter, an intrepid musical voyager inspired this time out by Russian impressionism. _ Roy Haynes Quartet with Jallel, Martin Bejerano and David Wong (June 30), at 81, drummer Roy Haynes has shaped jazz for over 60 years - he can raise room temperature like nobody else! _ François Bourassa Quartet with special guest, David Binney (July 1), the international press is paying attention, but Bourassa is also a prophet in his own landŠ _ Allan Holdsworth (July 2), hailed by Zappa, this English guitar visionary makes his first Festival visit. It's about time! _ Kurt Rosenwinkel with Mark Turner, Aaron Parks, Joe Martin and Rodney Green (July 4), considered by Scofield and Metheny to be the best of the new guitar breed, Rosenwinkel brings in more of the visionary talent glimpsed by fans at the Festival in 2004. _ Bill Frisell Trio with Joey Baron and Tony Scherr (July 5), the singularly prolific guitarist, an apostle of musical diversity, conjures a musical dream-state with his trio. _ Ravi Coltrane Quartet (July 6), transcendent energy from this quartet, led by one of the finest ambassadors of the current New York scene - as he proved here last year! _ Russell Malone Quartet, (July 7), we haven't enjoyed this brilliant American guitarist since 2003. He brings us his refined melodicism, and his latest album; opening act: the hottest new jazz sensation, bassist Esperanza Spalding.



TNM series, 8 p.m., Théâtre du Nouveau Monde


_ Holly Cole (from June 28 to 30, and July 2), a stunning new album and completely new show from the talented Nova Scotia-born singer! Her unique jazz-pop style and highly personal songbook have kindled a love affair with Montrealers! Opening act: Michael Kaeshammer. _ Florence K (from July 5 to 7), with an opera-singer mother and guitarist father, the quinti-lingual (!) singer has created her own multi-genre musical universe twinkling with bossa-nova joy and blue passion. A massive success in Québec!



Jazz d'ici La Presse series, presented by Galaxie, 6 p.m., Gesù - Centre de créativité


_ Tribute to Bernard Primeau (June 28), a joyous homage to the great Québécois drummer who died last October, from the Festival and friends including Oliver Jones, Yannick Rieu, Rémi Bolduc, Bill Mahar, André LerouxŠ An emotion-charged evening! _ Intakto (June 29), violinist Simon Claude and singer/guitarist Alejandro Venegas weave a contemporary tango freed of all musical convention. Encore! _ Michel Donato Trio with Pierre Leduc and Richard Provençal (June 30), a summit meeting of three major Montreal jazzmen! _ Guy Nadon Quintet, Projet latin (July 1), the brilliant drummer and Québec jazz personality adds a touch of latin to his répertoire. Nothing stops Nadon! _ 40 Years of Coltrane with Jean Pierre Zanella, André Leroux, Rémi BolducŠ (July 2), 40 years after the death of the immortal Coltrane, the music continues to speak through new generations in this tribute! _ Jean Vanasse, Sylvain Provost, Frédéric Grenier with special guests Coco Zhao and Peng Fei (July 4), a jazz evening perfumed with Asian accents, featuring the finest of our musicians and Coco, the exotic figure who wowed the crowd last summer! _ Auguste (July 5), Alain Bédard, double bassist and founder of Effendi Records, shares his "musical reflections" on the Monk oeuvre from his Sphere Reflexion album, with his quintet. _ Spectrum with Yannick Rieu, Michel Donato, Daniel Thouin, Sylvain Provost, Tony Albino, Philippe Melançon, Adrian Vedady, Jocelyn Tellier (July 6), Quebec's strongest players brew up a show especially for the Festival! _ Chet Doxas Quartet (July 7), only in his mid-20s, this fluid Montreal saxophonist will influence Canadian jazz for the next decade. A name to watch!



Jazz contemporain series, presented by Galaxie, 9 p.m., Cabaret JPR


_ Flat Earth Society (June 28), Belgium's leading avant-garde big band takes swing, mambo, Latin, cabaret and rhythm'n blues over the edge of the world! _ Yun Kan 5 (June 29), heralded as the best in Swedish jazz, and a best-kept European secretŠ until now! _ Anat Fort Quartet (Présence ECM) (June 30), with A long story, released this past March, the pianist joined the ranks of prestigious label ECM. This summer, we find out what ECM knows! _ Guido del Fabbro, Agregats (July 1), we've heard his violin with Tomàs Jensen, Loco Locass, and Pierre Lapointe. Now he offers a foretaste of a contemporary new project, Agregats, due after the Festival. _ Nik Bärtsch's Ronin (Présence ECM) (July 2), the Swiss pianist calls his music "zen funk"; we call it hypnotic, mysterious and groovy. A Festival debut for this jazz samurai. _ Han Bennink and Anthony Coleman (July 4), nothing conventional about this supremely versatile, risk-taking drummer, who meets an equally daring keyboardist. Goodbye, convention! _ Richard Pinhas (July 5), former Sorbonne professor and father of electronic music in France channels high-minded ideas and savage brilliance through his music! _ YUL (July 6), when your name is YUL, you've officially landed in Montreal! Belgian bassist Michel Mergaerts, Belgian saxophonist Erwin Vann and Quebec drummer Pierre Tanguay officially make up the Belgium/Quebec jazz connection! _ Philippe Lauzier with special guest Benoît Delbecq (July 7), the saxophonist welcomes drummer Thom Gossage, bassist Miles Perkins and - in his dream-come-true -brilliant French pianist Delbecq. Inspired!



Jazz dans la nuit series, presented by Espace Musique de Radio-Canada, 10:30 p.m.,
Gesù - Centre de créativité

_ David Torn, Prezens (Présence ECM) (June 28), avatar of the New York avant-garde, brilliant film composer (The Big Lebowski, Short Cuts, Kalifornia), he is first and foremost a musical expeditionary. His Prezens album has won over everyone including the electronica vanguard. _ Dhafer Youssef with Jatinder Thakur and Divine Shadows Strings (June 29), the singer and oud player is joined by Indian tabla virtuoso Thakur and a string quartet for a new project, and yet another transcendent encounter at the cultural crossroads! _ David Binney Quartet with Brian Blade, Craig Taborn and Scott Colley (June 30), we've heard his highly-original playing alongside others at this Festival; the brilliant American saxophonist finally fronts his own project! _ Stefano Bollani Solo (Présence ECM) (July 1), Milan's Bollani lit up the Piano solo series in 2003. It made an impression: he titled his ECM debut Piano Solo as well! _ Tord Gustavsen Trio (Présence ECM) (July 2), the return of a major Norwegian pianist whom Montrealers had the pleasure of discovering at the 2003 Festival. Piano of elegance and sensuality! _ John Abercrombie Third Quartet with Mark Feldman, Marc Johnson and Joey Baron (Présence ECM) (July 4), the always-surprising American guitarist just released one of the finest albums in his career - The Third Quartet. _ Roberto Fonseca Group, Zamazo, (July 5), the most promising talent in Cuban music - which is saying something! After accompanying Ibrahim Ferrer, he makes his first visit with his own group. Discover his staggering technique and peerless creativity! _ Robert Glasper Trio (July 6), the young pianist everyone is talking about! From hip-hop to Radiohead, tradition and innovation are in his hands! _ Jacques Schwarz Bart (July 7), Schwarz Bart and his sax deliver an innovative synthesis of gwoka and jazz, melding melody with the trad rhythms of his childhood in Guadeloupe. Delicious!



Concerts intimes Couleur Jazz 91,9 series, 7 p.m., Savoy du Métropolis
_ Kelly Joe Phelps Solo (June 28 to 30), the Portland guitarist, a Festival regular, reveals the songwriting skills behind his wicked slide playing with songs from his 8th album, the folk-bluesy Tunesmith Retrofit. _ Jordan Officer (July 1 & 2), the supremely versatile and elegant guitar foil to Susie Arioli, Thomas Hellman and Richard Séguin emerges with a solo album: studies in jazz, blues, country, swingŠ in an intimate, exploratory setting. _ Garth Hudson and Maud Hudson (July 4), the professorial multi-instrumentalist at the heart of The Band shares the stage with his wife, with whom he recorded Live at the Wolf in 2005. _ Wayne Krantz Solo (July 5), the master of visionary guitar brings his wizardry to the guitar faithful! Experience the daring and virtuosity that have crowds lining up for Krantz's residency in New York! _ Wayne Krantz Duo (July 6), even when alone onstage, he gives the impression that many musicians are playing - imagine what he and drummer Cliff Almond will deliver as a duo! _ Wayne Krantz Trio (July 7), Krantz is an independent artist in every senseŠ except when it comes to sharing his passion onstage! Along with his drummer, he welcomes bassist Paul Sokolow to the adventure!




Nuits Heineken series, midnight, Club Soda
_ Afrodizz Massive Afrofunk Session (June 28), Montreal's grooviest group pays homage to Fela Kuti on the 10th anniversary of his death. On the program: dance, trance and celebrations with special guest musicians, singers and dancers! _ Mr. Scruff (June 29, special time - 11 p.m.), back for the first time since 2003, Manchester's ambience expert brings treats from a new album to fuel Club Soda with energy! _ Girl Talk / Ghislain Poirier (DJ set) (June 30), when it comes to the mash-up, mild-mannered biomedical engineer Gregg Gillis - aka Girl Talk - is the king, and the dance floor is his kingdom! And before anyone catches their breath, Ghislain Poirier takes over to keep the beats pumping! _ The Coup (July 1), East Oakland rap revolutionaries The Coup bring politics, funk, humour - and dissidence. Incisive rhymes, and beats against the empire! _ The Jazzland Community with Bugge Wesseltoft (July 2), the best of Norway isn't just on Jazzland - it's at this Festival! Bugge Wesseltoft's Oslo label celebrates its 10th anniversary with us, showcasing the finest of its musicians. A cool breeze in Montreal summertime! _ Swayzak Soundsystem (Brun & Roger 23) (July 4), England's James Taylor and David Brown have floored the critics with their minimalist house - now it's our turn to feel the Swayzak sound! Opening act: Kate Simko. _ Cinematic Orchestra (July 5), returning to the Festival after sets in 2001 and 2003, this Brit band's sound is in constant evolution - from turntablism and samples to electro-jazz and further on the latest, Ma Fleur. LightsŠcameraŠCinematic! _ Oxmo Puccino & The Jazzbastards (July 6), calling it rap doesn't cut it. Mali-born-Parisian Ox brings a heightened sense of metaphor and a grasp of American street-smarts to a film noir concept on his Lipopette Bar album. Welcome to his world! _ Kid Koala (July 7), Montreal's Eric San is not your average scratcher. From intermission bingo games to Radiohead tours to his own graphic novel, he's a whimsically creative personality without peer on the turntables!



The Croisière Jazz, 7 p.m. aboard the Cavalier Maxim,
King Edward Quay, Old Port of Montreal


An excursion on the river, with great music and great food! Nothing pleases jazz lovers more. Enjoy the company of the magnificent Dorothée Berryman whom Les Croisières AML has invited to delight festival goers for the Bateau est en fête cruises aboard the Cavalier Maxim. The Croisière Jazz 4 course dinners and shows in a jazzy ambience the whole night long will take place every night from July 1 to July 5. Departures at 6 p.m. from the King Edward Quay in the Old Port of Montreal ; returning at 11 p.m. Reservations essential at 514 842-3871 or 1 800 667-3131.




Info-Jazz Bell: indispensable information tools
Grouped together under the banner Info-Jazz Bell, information tools for the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal are easily accessed by anyone who wants to know everything that's happening at the biggest jazz festival in the world. The general public is cordially invited to pick up the official Festival pamphlet, Horaire Info Jazz Bell des concerts en salle or, for even more details, to call the Bell Info-Jazz Line at:

Montreal Region: 514 871 1881
Long-distance calls made from within Canada or the United States (toll-free): 1 888 515 0515
Or visit montrealjazzfest.com

Complete programming for free outdoor concerts and activities at the 28th edition of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal will be announced this coming June 5.

[gonzo]

this festival is always outstanding, i'll go one year.

[Gary Sisco]

Strange way to publish the listings, by paragraph. I guess they want to make sure we read the whole damn thing.

[Pete C]

This is the weakest lineup I've ever seen.

[Felix]

Originally Posted by Pete C

This is the weakest lineup I've ever seen.

Fortunately, we also have Suoni Per Il Popolo in June. Now THEY usually have a great line up.

[Chaz Longue]

Originally Posted by Pete C

This is the weakest lineup I've ever seen.

Will you not go this year, Pete?

I'm looking forward to Corneille, Girl Talk and The Spaghetti Western Orchestra.

I'm looking forward to Dhafer Youssef and Anouar Brahem. And that's just the oud players.

I'm looking forward to Jordan Officer, Frisell, Abercrombie's Quartet, Holdsworth, Stern, Rosenwinkel, David Torn, Wayne Krantz, Sylvain Luc and the teary last gig at The Spectrum I'll get to attend - Russell Malone's.

[Freetoojazz]

This year i go, June 29th, for the European singer Mina Agossi and the multi-instrumentist Richard Bona with the Jaco Pastorius Big Band on July 4th

Both of them will be me first meeting, and also, it'll be the first time i'll go to the Club Soda and the Théâtre Jean-Duceppe.

I take it easy this year!

[Pete C]

Originally Posted by Chaz Longue

Will you not go this year, Pete?

Yes, I will not go.

Originally Posted by Freetoojazz

This year i go, June 29th, for the European singer Mina Agossi

I saw her in NY when IAJE was in town. She was one of the most awful, mannered, pretentious, ridiculous singers I've ever seen.

[Freetoojazz]

Originally Posted by Pete C

Yes, I will not go.





I saw her in NY when IAJE was in town. She was one of the most awful, mannered, pretentious, ridiculous singers I've ever seen.

When i see your posts, i took care of it. Your information about Mina gave me some worry. Maybe you're right, it's to late for me, my tickets are bought. Hope she changes her attitude!

Thanks for the info...

[Chaz Longue]

Freetoojazz -

You've been in Gesu, right?

That's the nicest room (among many good rooms) the festival uses, in my opinion.

[Pete C]

Originally Posted by Freetoojazz

When i see your posts, i took care of it. Your information about Mina gave me some worry. Maybe you're right, it's to late for me, my tickets are bought. Hope she changes her attitude!

Thanks for the info...

Or maybe she'll be more to your taste than mine. I'll be interested in your review.

[Pete C]

I believe Jean-Duceppe was where I saw Birelli Lagrene & Joey Defrancesco. I think the acoustics were better than the other PDA venues.

[Freetoojazz]

Originally Posted by Chaz Longue

Freetoojazz -

You've been in Gesu, right?

That's the nicest room (among many good rooms) the festival uses, in my opinion.

Yes, I've been there and I love this place. Like you, i find this place the nicest room.

[Freetoojazz]

Originally Posted by Pete C

Or maybe she'll be more to your taste than mine. I'll be interested in your review.

Be sure, i will tell you what i think of her concert!

[Freetoojazz]

The summer is just beginning and there some shows on the shedule for this fall 2007:

KHALIFÉ JAL
Sept., 28 . 2007 20h
Métropolis

John McLaughlin & the 4th Dimension
Oct., 2. 2007 20h
Théâtre Maisonnneuve (PDA)

Jesse Cook, The Frontiers World Tour
Nov., 16. 2007 20h
Wilfrid-Pelletier (PDA)

Colin James Little Big Band Christmas
Dec., 7. 2007 20h
Wilfrid-Pelletier (PDA)

[Pete C]

Originally Posted by Freetoojazz

This year i go, June 29th, for the European singer Mina Agossi

So, how was she?