Category: Jazz

Concert Review, Jazz, Rock

The 34th Annual Montreal International Jazz Festival – Part Two

In a way – the 2013 Festival, with it’s humbled beginnings on rue St. Denis back in 1979 , belonged to the ladies. For different reasons and sounds … Holly Cole, Emelie-Claire Barlowe, Tia Fuller, Sharon Jones, Youn Sun Nah, Madelaine Peyroux, Martha Wainright, Christine Tassan and her Imposters, Alexandra Streliski, Sarah Slean, Julie Lamontagne, Christine Jensen, Sienna Dahlen, Elizabeth Shepherd, Serena Ryder and Marian … Continue reading The 34th Annual Montreal International Jazz Festival – Part Two

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Concert Review, Jazz, Rock

The 34th Edition of The Montreal International Jazz Festival – Part One

Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone … – Bill Withers The above lyrics could not be more suited when a summation of the 34th Annual Montreal International Jazz Festival is complete. Musically and weather – wise … Mother Nature appeared to be somewhat undecided  with her decision to join the festivities. For many tourists and locals  – a moot point.  The sights and sounds of … Continue reading The 34th Edition of The Montreal International Jazz Festival – Part One

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Jazz, Rock, Uncategorized

Serena Ryder – Feels Like Home

Serena Ryder, hot off the heels of a MMVA for ‘Rock/ Alternative Video of the Year for her new song; ‘Stompa‘- considers the success of her new album; ‘Harmony’, somewhat home -based. “The entire album was recorded in L.A.”‘ Says Ryder.’”After almost ridding myself of sixty songs which were penned for the sessions, I decided to simplify everything. ‘Stompa’ took just three hours to record … Continue reading Serena Ryder – Feels Like Home

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Jazz

Emelie – Claire Barlow; The Juno, the Duck, the Mouse and ‘Bunny’

For Emelie – Claire Barlow, the fifth time is a charm. Following four previous Juno nominations, Barlow finally won a 2013 award for Vocal Jazz Album of the Year. The album is called ‘Seule ce  Soir’ . A disc which was recorded in 2012 and was initially intended as a compilation of all her French songs she has done over the years. ‘Most of my … Continue reading Emelie – Claire Barlow; The Juno, the Duck, the Mouse and ‘Bunny’

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Concert Review, Jazz

Top Ten Signs the Jazz Festival is Coming Soon!

It is almost that time of year … The grass is getting greener, the trees are overflowing with growth and City Hall smells like … well, never mind … The Montreal International Jazz Festival is around the corner and people in the city of Montreal are bracing themselves for a ten day onslaught of foreigners. Yes – many West Islanders will be venturing to the … Continue reading Top Ten Signs the Jazz Festival is Coming Soon!

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Cd Review, Concert Review, Jazz, Rock

The Cat Empire; Full Circle

‘Brighter than Gold’ – the first single from The Cat Empire‘s new album; Steal the Night, has exceeded expectations – according to trumpeter and vocalist Harry Angus. The song, along with the entire disc, is a throwback to the group’s roots. “The last few albums we made, we were following a very live ascetic.” Explains Harry. “Probably, the last three or four records we made … Continue reading The Cat Empire; Full Circle

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Concert Review, Jazz, Rock

Terez Montcalm; Voice of a Ragged Angel

At L’Astral last evening, Terez Montcalm came home and the predominant Francophone crowd – welcomed her with open ‘bras’. Why would they not …? Montcalm, in her somewhat short, six album career, has recorded mostly in French. Her sole English album? Voodoo, released in 2006. Terez is presently touring with her new album; I Know I’ll Be Allright. It is a mixture of jazzed – … Continue reading Terez Montcalm; Voice of a Ragged Angel

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Jazz

Jill Barber – ‘In Amour’

Jill Barber, according to Jill Barber,  took a big chance recording an album in French. Judging by the response in Canada so far – that chance appears to be being paying off. The album is aptly titled “Chansons’. Released in January and inspired by Barber’s performance of a French  song at the 2009 Festival International de Jazz in Montreal, it is a wonderful surprise to … Continue reading Jill Barber – ‘In Amour’

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