Bob Putignano (left).
One would think that after thirty years that the Montreal Jazz Fest would continue to expand its prowess? I am happy to report that this year’s edition is yet another strong chapter in its now legendary existence.
Ana Popovic (right).
Those who are not familiar with the fabulous city should investigate, as even without Jazz Fest going on, there are an abundance of reasons to visit this ultra hip and very cosmopolitan city. Great restaurants, outstanding architecture, and a superb cultural mix of their population make Montreal one of the most exciting cities to visit worldwide. Now add to this roux Jazz Fest and you will be smiling throughout your time in southern Quebec. During the current global economic downturns it’s also important to note that there are hundreds of high-quality free concerts that are available at multiple venues throughout this fine metropolis.
Allen Toussaint Backstage (left).
I was fortunate to observe the last three days of this Festival International De Jazz De Montreal, and was amazed how much wonderful music I was available to report upon. My first stop was a free performance by Ontario based JW Jones who delighted the crowd with an extremely high-powered performance that was not only a tour de force, but was also professionally executed and exceedingly entertaining. The highlight of JW’s set was when each member of his four piece band all took turns on different instruments that eventually culminated with three band members picking away on JW’s guitar. Many artists should take a page from Mr. Jones well choreographed set, as I often find many performers our more focused on themselves and not as conscious as they should be with fans in attendance. Speaking of such, the UK based Matt Schofield followed (who I hear spends a good deal of time in the Toronto area,) and while Mr. Schofield has grown since the last time I attended his 2007 set in Montreal, yet he does not possess the much needed charm and stage antics such as a JW Jones, and others achieve and learn from their time on the road. Nonetheless Schofield has matured as a player, and his guitar playing energy was (at times) fascinating, his trio was also tight, yet in the end I found his entire set to not be very compelling, or memorable.
Ben E. King with Randy Brecker and Javon Jackson (right).
A much older veteran (Ben E. King) wins my surprise favorite performance at this year’s Jazz Fest. Why? Well right from the first notes this crack band cranked, it was obvious that this was not going to be an oldies show of favorites. First up came “Let the Good Times Roll” and Ben E. and the band were immediately in the pocket. Next were some jazz standards that at times strained Mr. King’s voice, but I have to admire this multiple Grammy winner for evolving his game. Speaking of Grammy winners, I quickly noticed that it was the great Randy Brecker on trumpet, and than noted that the sax playing Javon Jackson (who has several solo recordings credited to his name, and also tours with Dr. Lonnie Smith and Les McCann,) was also in the horn section! Ben E. also mentioned that this very same band were also employed for new recording, so expect yours truly to be following up “Heart & Soul” which will be released in September on the Canam record label. Ample solo space was provided to both Randy and Javon, and to band leader/arranger Jon Mayer on piano. Ben E. performed the classic “My Funny Valentine” and delighted the crowd with not only his vocalize, but with his honest on-stage command. Of course the big hits ensued, but they were tastefully rearranged, and given new life. This was not your typical greatest hits concert, and I for one was very impressed with just about every facet of Mr. King’s excellent showing.
JW Jones Band with M. Emerson on Guitar (left).
Viva la difference, as day two led me to two very diverse shows. First up was George Clinton’s P-Funk Funkadelic, where the opening band from Toronto “God Made Me Funky” was the near perfect opener for Mr. Clinton’s legendary funky assault(s.) Attending a Clinton mob band set is often a religious experience, (at times there were as many as twenty performers on stage,) and I must add that they are all very talented and bombastic! Multiple remembrances were also called out to Garry Shider better known as Diaper Man, who passed about two weeks prior to this Montreal performance. Long story short: want funk? This is it. Though I have to say that after about forty-five to sixty minutes into their set, I found it a bit repetitive and the other problem I had was that the sound in the room was far too loud. Next stop, the eye-catching Ana Popovic for a free show, the Serbian beauty who now hails from Holland, served up a raw energy high powered set that held the crowd in the palm of her hand. Ana has come a long way since her early USA performances, has been a regular on the festival scene, and has found a solid home at Electo Groove Records.
Montreal Parade (right).
And now for the finale, The Big Easy made its way to Montreal, inclusive with a nearly hour long Mardi Gras like parade on Ste. Catherine street, with floats brought in from New Orleans. After the parade the rising star Trombone Shorty and his band-mates set the funky Crescent City vibe, that lead to one of the originators and grandfather of Louisiana funk, Mr. Allen Toussaint. Toussaint’s band was ultra-tight, and even though this performance was mostly a greatest hits offering, it never dulled or seemed cheapened, the arrangements and solos were all updated and spirited. Of particular note the sax player who goes by the name of “Breeze” was spot-on throughout, also of note clarinetist extraordinaire Don Byron also sat in. By the way on previous nights in Montreal, Mr. Toussaint was also featured in his Bright Mississippi band, and in a solo performance. Speaking of Toussaint’s solo outings; if you have not seen- just go; it’s a delightful stroll down Allen’s incredible long list of classic tunes that is usually recited in an intimate venue, and it’s a gas to observe Toussaint’s amusing story telling throughout. By the way this festival ending performance was free, and I could not think of a better way to wrap up this edition of the Montreal Jazz Fest. I am also digging how Montreal and New Orleans seem to be musically falling in love with each other’s strong cultures, which to me seems so very natural, both cities are so unique, and there’s no other places in North America like Montreal & the Big Easy, encore performances please!
George Clinton’s P-Funk Funkadelic (left).
So there you have it, special thanks to the entire staff at the Montreal Jazz Fest, who always makes my visit so very special. And to Hugo Leclerc, who hipped me to Toussaint’s sound-check, which turned into a mini party/four-five song set, that took place long before the huge crowd filled the streets for that very memorable finale!
Bob Putignano is host of WFDU’s Sounds of Blue, the most pledged to program for three consecutive years http://www.SoundsofBlue.com, http://wfdu.fm, and 24x7 On Demand Radio: http://wfdu.streamrewind.com/show/profile/11. He is listed in the Library of Congress for quotes in “Incurable Blues” Hubert Sumlin Book, and is Senior Contributing Editor to: http://www.Blueswax.com, http://www.HittinTheNote.com, Westchester Herald (WHYTmedia.typepad.com).
