Dec 9, 2025 12:28 PM
In Memoriam: Gordon Goodwin, 1954–2025
Gordon Goodwin, an award-winning saxophonist, pianist, bandleader, composer and arranger, died Dec. 8 in Los Angeles.…
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!
Goodwin was one of the most acclaimed, successful and influential jazz musicians of his generation.
Dec 9, 2025 12:28 PM
Gordon Goodwin, an award-winning saxophonist, pianist, bandleader, composer and arranger, died Dec. 8 in Los Angeles.…
Flea has returned to his first instrument — the trumpet — and assembled a dream band of jazz musicians to record a new album.
Dec 2, 2025 2:01 AM
After a nearly five-decade career as one of his generation’s defining rock bassists, Flea has returned to his first…
“It’s a pleasure and an honor to interpret the music of Oscar Peterson in his native city,” said Jim Doxas in regard to celebrating the Canadian legend. “He traveled the world, but never forgot Montreal.”
Nov 18, 2025 12:16 PM
In the pantheon of jazz luminaries, few shine as brightly, or swing as hard, as Oscar Peterson. A century ago, a…
Dec 11, 2025 11:00 AM
DownBeat presents a complete list of the 4-, 4½- and 5-star albums from 2025 in one convenient package. It’s a great…
Seth MacFarlane takes a turn from his television and film career to sing arrangements made for Frank Sinatra, but never recorded.
Nov 18, 2025 12:04 PM
“I’m not gonna lie to you — I don’t know why I thought this was about The Naked Gun, but I’m happy it’s…
