The Montreal "Jazz" Festival: Part II
The Incident notwithstanding, there was jazz to be found.
After the soundcheck, we happened upon Accoules Sax. They're a French take on a street band... sorta like you might find in New Orleans, but get this... 6 saxophones, 2 drummers... and Alain doubles on bullhorn when he raps. They were a sorely-needed infusion of just plain fun and funky music. Previously low-key nine-year-old percussionist, Alexandre, suddenly came to life as a B-Boy during a piece called "Go-Go Dancing, In the Bathroom".
We attended one of the jam sessions at the Hyatt Regency. Choosing to see the glass as half-full, I'll focus on the younger players; winners of the Galaxie Rising Star award. Where the house band was capable-but-cautious, here were some kids who weren't afraid to stretch. Bon chance, boys. Drop me a line, when you've got a CD.
Thursday, 6 July: 9:00 PM
Joelle Leandre, Lori Freedman, and Bernard Falaise
Musee d'Art Contemporain de Montreal
Somewhere in that very abstract space between 'free jazz' and experimental chamber music, Joelle Leandre's inspired me. I didn't quite warm up to Lori Freedman or Bernard Falaise, unfortunately. Still, Lori Freedman's was my first live experience with bass clarinet; a truly amazing instrument... and there was very nearly a fight in the audience; not a common occurence at the shows I go to.
Saturday, 8 July: 9:00 PM
Dom Minasi Trio (Dom Minasi (guitar); Ken Filiano (bass); Jackson Krall (drums))
Musee d'Art Contemporain de Montreal
I'd only become aware of Dom Minasi when WHUS received "The Vampire's Revenge" about 2 months ago. I love avant-garde groups that swing; and these guys do. Further more, I'm a sucker for deconstructing standards and stripping them down to their essence. I'd never heard Ken Filiano before. He blew me away!
We met Ken Filiano's wife, singer Andrea Wolper, afterwards. I rarely appreciate jazz vocalists, but when I fall for one, I fall hard. Andrea Wolper's "The Small Hours" introduces us to a singer with a very direct, vulnerable voice and delivery. She also manages to pull off that trick of making it all seem effortless; like Carmen McRae used to do.
So, there was jazz to be had in Montreal, that week... You just had to dig for it, is all.
After the soundcheck, we happened upon Accoules Sax. They're a French take on a street band... sorta like you might find in New Orleans, but get this... 6 saxophones, 2 drummers... and Alain doubles on bullhorn when he raps. They were a sorely-needed infusion of just plain fun and funky music. Previously low-key nine-year-old percussionist, Alexandre, suddenly came to life as a B-Boy during a piece called "Go-Go Dancing, In the Bathroom".
We attended one of the jam sessions at the Hyatt Regency. Choosing to see the glass as half-full, I'll focus on the younger players; winners of the Galaxie Rising Star award. Where the house band was capable-but-cautious, here were some kids who weren't afraid to stretch. Bon chance, boys. Drop me a line, when you've got a CD.
Thursday, 6 July: 9:00 PM
Joelle Leandre, Lori Freedman, and Bernard Falaise
Musee d'Art Contemporain de Montreal
Somewhere in that very abstract space between 'free jazz' and experimental chamber music, Joelle Leandre's inspired me. I didn't quite warm up to Lori Freedman or Bernard Falaise, unfortunately. Still, Lori Freedman's was my first live experience with bass clarinet; a truly amazing instrument... and there was very nearly a fight in the audience; not a common occurence at the shows I go to.
Saturday, 8 July: 9:00 PM
Dom Minasi Trio (Dom Minasi (guitar); Ken Filiano (bass); Jackson Krall (drums))
Musee d'Art Contemporain de Montreal
I'd only become aware of Dom Minasi when WHUS received "The Vampire's Revenge" about 2 months ago. I love avant-garde groups that swing; and these guys do. Further more, I'm a sucker for deconstructing standards and stripping them down to their essence. I'd never heard Ken Filiano before. He blew me away!
We met Ken Filiano's wife, singer Andrea Wolper, afterwards. I rarely appreciate jazz vocalists, but when I fall for one, I fall hard. Andrea Wolper's "The Small Hours" introduces us to a singer with a very direct, vulnerable voice and delivery. She also manages to pull off that trick of making it all seem effortless; like Carmen McRae used to do.
So, there was jazz to be had in Montreal, that week... You just had to dig for it, is all.
posted by Chris Sampson at 12:05 PM
1 Comments:
Well, sounds like a great adventure, even with the dissapointing Part 1 post. Other than Paul Simon (a great songwriter for sure, though strange to be a headliner in a Jazz Fest) I can't say that I have heard of any of the aformentioned musicians! With the state of Jazz as it is these days, nearly all of the great new music is with independent musicians; self published and self promoted. Its a sad state for jazz, i'm afraid. I think that Europe (maybe even Montreal/Quebec) is still fertile ground for jazz artists and jazz fans.
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