Drawing audiences and artists from around the globe, Montreal’s Jazz Fest is one of the world’s most celebrated. Consistently, the best of the best arrive to play: Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Miles Davis, Oscar Peterson, AAretha Franklin, Sade, Prince.
Free shows are the easiest and, uh, cheapest way to go to jazz fest. It’s such a treasure for everyone in the city to go. There are simultaneous shows, of course, so here’s a list of some of the ones that we think you will be most glad to catch.
June 25
Sarah Neufeld, Richard Reed Parry, Rebecca Foon
Neufeld, Parry, and Foon are giants in Montreal’s indie rock scene, former members of Arcade Fire, the Bell Orchestra, and Silver Mt Zion (among other bands). Together, they make haunting, orchestral music that can go from ethereal to gut punching.
Club Montreal Loto Quebec, 6 pm, 8 pm
The Barr Brothers
A long time ago, Brad and Andrew Barr were part of Boston-based jamband, The Slip. The long jams and love of musical freedom eventually became the magnificent album, Sleeping Operator, and they’ve just released Let It Hiss last year. With instruments that include a frayed string on a guitar, a harp, and global instruments, this is a band that makes music with all the glory of a sunrise.
TD Stage, 9:30 pm
Paid recommendations include DJ Jazzy Jeff, Marcus Miller, and LIla Downs
June 26
Dawn Tyler Watson
20 years (plus?) of singing big makes Watson the reigning queen in Montreal’s jazz, soul, and blues elite. She has a sultry, wide ranging voice that can turn any jazz standard into something fresh. This lady can groove!
Le Studio TD, 6:00 pm
Kokoroko
Dance with London’s 8-piece collective to their Afrobeat rhythms combined with smooth West African brass arrangements, and modern British jazz. Their viral hit Abusey Junction won’t be the only song that has its fans!
TD Stage, 9:30 pm
Paid recomendations include Dianna Krall, Dominique Fils-Aimé, The Halluci Nation,
June 27
Angine de Poitrine
Math rock to some, dissonant noise to others, in their polka dot alien weirdness, Klek and Khn de Poitrine are a performance spectacle. They’ve been embraced world wide, something I can’t explain entirely. They’re fun, they’re weird, they’re able to enmesh their chaos with rock and get something that is strangely satisfying. There is the set everyone is buzzing about.
TD Stage, 9:30 pm
June 28
Kamasi Washington
So if you’re more into “jazz” than math rock, it’s very likely that you’ll be excited about this other buzzy show. Saxophonist and band leader Kamasi Washington plays high-octane, rock-style cinematic jazz. It’s sweeping and spiritual. Hip hop, funk, soul, and straight up classical music make their way into his music.
TD Stage, 9:30 pm
Paid recommendations include St Vincent Symphonique, Coral Egan, and Victor Wooten. On June 29, check out Laura Anglade.
June 30
Willow
Willow is pop gone sonic, a fusion of R&B with soul and electronica. Jazz… not so much… Jazz adjacent… definitely. She’s all about those crazy time signatures and using her big voice. Again, this is another buzz buzz buzz show. Place des Arts will be packed, so arrive early. Since she’s collaborated with St. Vincent before, it’s possible the artist will make an appearance at her set. Maybe/hopefully???
TD Stage, 9:30 pm
Paid recommendations include Father John Misty. On July 1, check out Tortoise. On July 2, Taj Mahal.
July 3
Afternoon Bike Ride
Indie lo-fi, dream pop trio is soft, ambient, and folky. They’re as lovely as their name.
Club Montreal Loto Quebec, 6 pm, 8 pm
Choir! Choir! Choir!
Join in and sing along. Toronto’s Choir Choir Choir is perhaps best known for wroking with artists like David Byrne, Patti Smith, Rick Astley, Brandi Carlile, Rufus Wainwright, and Sarah McLachlan. There’s no telling who will join in this Montreal event, so show up and be ready to belt.
TD Stage, 7 p.m.
Patrick Watson
Another local fave. PIanist Watson plays songs to cry to and songs to laugh to. He’s very dreamy and etherealm creating huge musical landscapes and small intimate love songs. His latest album, Uh Oh, came out last year and this is a chance to hear some of it live.
TD Stage, 9:30 pm
Tanya Tagaq
It’s absolute cruelty to put Inuk throat singer Tagaq on at the same time as Patrick Watson. She has popularized and disrupted throat singing and is a one-in-a-generation game changer of this art. Her songs address relevant political issues and her talent as a singer and performer is jaw dropping.
Scene Rogers, 9:30 pm
Paid recommendation for July 3 and 4 is Pink Martini. Only July 4, see Billy Bragg, GOAT.
The Montreal Jazz Fest takes place June 25 – July 4. Info about all shows can be found HERE.
