Mar 30, 2026 10:30 PM
Flea Finds His Jazz Thing
In the relatively small pantheon of certifiable rock stars venturing into the intersection of pop music and jazz, the…
The International Festival de Jazz de Montreal continued Thursday, July 2, with a slate of fine performances featuring artists from around the globe.
Japanese saxophonist/flutist Sadao Watanabe put on a particularly memorable show in his festival debut at Montreal’s Theatre Jean-Duceppe, backed by a five-piece band that traveled with him all the way from the Land of the Rising Sun. Watanabe’s set made a powerful emotional impact, touching on many jazz styles: swing, bossa nova, a bop burner, contemporary smooth, ancient African grooves, funk and joyous calypso. Despite the obvious instrumental skill of each bandmember, this show had little to do with chops and everything to do with taste and artistic maturity. Watanabe closed the show on a note of direct intimacy, addressing the audience on alto sax from the edge of the stage, sans microphone, accompanied only by acoustic piano on a gorgeous Jobim ballad.
Other highlights from Thursday’s shows included a cute and light club set by Toronto-based singer Emilie-Claire Barlow backed by her drummerless trio; powerhouse pyrotechnics from Cuban-born piano hero Chucho Valdez; and a wild late-night ride in the intimate Salle de Gesu with provocative bassist/vocalist Esperanza Spalding’s quartet. —Ed Enright
Stevie Wonder Sets Pace at Montreal
Stevie Wonder drew more than 200,000 revelers to the International Festival de Jazz de Montreal Tuesday night during a free outdoor concert that kicked off the 30th edition of the world’s largest jazz party. Backed by about 15 musicians and singers onstage near Montreal’s Place des Arts, Wonder played more than just his obligatory hits: He delved into the jazz realm with earnest renditions of Miles Davis’ “All Blues,” John Coltrane’s “Giant Steps,” Chick Corea’s “Spain” (featuring solo-blowing from numerous band members) and the standard “Our Love Is Here To Stay.” Wonder also paid tribute to the late Michael Jackson in speech and song, the most touching moment being his tender performance of the Beatles’ “Michelle.”
The music continued Wednesday, July 1, with a full schedule of concerts, including a trance-inducing trip to India with French trumpeter Erik Truffaz, one of the festival’s Invitation Series artists; Jamie Cullum’s jazz-infused rockshow, with a stellar opening set by singer Hilary Kole (who made her festival debut); a late-night gig by the always swinging Vic Vogel Big Band, a local favorite and mainstay at the annual festival; and a knockout performance of all original material and sophisticated improvisation by the Monterey Quintet (Dave Holland, Chris Potter, Gonzalo Rubalcaba and Eric Harland). —Ed Enright
The International Festival de Jazz de Montreal runs until July 12. Check DownBeat.com for daily reviews and updates!
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