Jazz is jazz, no matter what language its lovers speak, but we can’t help but wonder if it sounds just a little sweeter in French.
The Montreal Jazz Festival has officially kicked off this week, and Vitamin Daily is headed there to check out the scene and report back on how the jazz fest from this side of the country does it.
In the meantime, here are some highlights (jazz and otherwise) from the lineup, in case you happen to be there, too! —Kelsey Klassen
Francesco Yates
June 30, TD Stage, Place des Festivals. Free
This baby-faced, curly haired Canadian kid has gotten a whole new generation dancing.
Christian Scott
June 30, July 1 and 2, Gesu. $42-48
A young New Orleans trumpeter who’s turning the heads of living legends. Playing a show with his virtuosic next-gen band, and then an evening each with guitarist Charlie Hunter and singer Lizz Wright.
Blue Note 75
July 1, Théâtre Maisonneuve. $38-$47
Stars collide in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the illustrious Blue Note record label. Standouts include jazz drummer Kendrick Scott and Robert Glasper, who recently scored the Miles Davis bio-pic Miles Ahead.
Rufus Wainwright with orchestra
July 2 and 3, Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier. $83-$140
Dynasty isn’t a word we throw around lightly, but Wainwright’s family is a musical one of the first order. He’ll be performing his opera Prima Donna and best-known singles.
Ms. Lauryn Hill
July 5 and 6, Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier. $83-$105
If her Vancouver concert was any indication, expect jazzed up greatest hits and jaw-dropping rap bars, mixed with some soul stirring and unexpected covers. Oh, and a smile that literally makes every note feel like a gift from her heart straight to the core of yours.
And then there’s the jazz jazz. Look for names like drummer Brian Blade (July 1), pianist Kenny Baron (July 3 and 4), composer Wadada Leo Smith (July 7), trumpeter Roy Hargrove (July 6 and 7), and local rising star Jacques Kuba Séguin (July 8) for your fix.
Full details at www.montrealjazzfest.com
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