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The Festival is Dressed to the Nines for Its 31st!

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Indoor program of the 31th edition of the Festival International de Jazz de Montreal

New series, major premieres, very special events...

The Festival is dressed to the nines for its 31st!

Tickets go on sale this Saturday at noon

Montreal, Tuesday, May 4, 2010 - Finally-it's time to unveil the full indoor program of the 31st edition of the Festival International de Jazz de Montreal presented by TD in collaboration with Rio Tinto Alcan! Jazz fans have been dreaming, blues fiends screaming, and world music devotees beaming with anticipation-and now, anyone with even the slightest passion for music will buzz with excitement to discover the incredible diversity of concerts revealed today. Yes, the Festival has come up big this year, with distinguished, gifted and high-profile guests from the myriad and diverse lands on planet jazz, new sensations alongside undeniable legends, brand new concert series, very special high-profile events-it's as though last year's anniversary edition never ended! Tickets for the concerts in this edition, presented from June 25 to July 6, go on sale this Saturday, May 8 at noon.

A list of prestigious guests...

...and it all starts Day 1, with the Opening Gala starring Lionel Richie and Cassandra Wilson, right through to the other mega-event on July 5, with the Steve Miller Band and The Doobie Brothers, and the final day's blowout with The Moody Blues! When it comes to legends, start with Sonny Rollins, Bobby McFerrin, Herbie Hancock, Laurie Anderson, Lou Reed, Wanda Jackson, Dave Brubeck, George Benson, Smokey Robinson, Joan Armatrading... We obviously can't list them all, but it would be impossible not to mention Cyndi Lauper, Lewis Furey, Ben E. King, Daniel Lanois, Gipsy Kings, Boz Scaggs, Cesaria Evora, Terence Blanchard, The Roots, Emilie Simon and Roy Hargrove. Among the ambassadors of our own homegrown jazz, let's trumpet the names Guy Nadon-a dean of the scene-Lorraine Desmarais, Franois Bourassa, Chet Doxas, Papasoff, Harry Manx and Vic Vogel, to name a few. And as for rookies and new sensations, gather 'round for Basia Bulat, Bobby Bazini, Jordan Officer-a debut solo album at last!-Plants and Animals, John Butler, and of course young Nikki Yanofsky, back on planet jazz after having sung for the worldwide Olympics audience.

And some brand-new concert series!

Just when you thought it was impossible to choose from the concerts on offer, the Festival ups the ante with several new concert series! Better yet, we've added some entirely new venues to host them... The Chapelle historique du Bon-Pasteur will host Piano solo, a series entirely devoted to the masters of that unique instrument. In the Theatre du Nouveau Monde, it's a Spanish celebration with the El Duende Flamenco series presented by Air France spotlighting the music, singing and dancing of the genre. More? The Musee d'art contemporain is transformed into a live music venue thanks to the new Musique au MAC series, and romantics can look forward to sublime musical dinner-cruises aboard the Bateau-Mouche, starring Paulo Ramos for 6 evenings. And all that doesn't even include the very special events we've planned!

Opening Gala
An additional date for the exceptional special event
starring Lionel Richie and Cassandra Wilson!

An opening concert? How about a Gala! Better yet, let's add another performance on June 26! Who can possibly resist these two exceptional artists? No wonder tickets are flying out the door!

Last year it was the unforgettable Stevie Wonder event... this year, the Festival hits another homerun, with another artist whom organizers have dreamt of presenting since the very beginning of the Festival: Lionel Richie! The king of the slow-dance classics (Say You, Say Me, Endless Love...), a human jukebox of dance hits (All Night Long), a prolific lyricist and composer (Lady for Kenny Rogers, We Are the World for... the world) and, of course, the singer and soul of the legendary Commodores-THE Motown stars of the '70s-Richie has led an extraordinary and exemplary career and left his indelible mark upon American music, gold-plating four decades of our musical culture with hits we've all hummed, whistled-or sung at the top of our lungs! On the other side of this incredible evening, welcome back Cassandra Wilson, a dear friend of the Festival-recipient of our Miles-Davis Award in 1999-who never fails to bewitch us with her deep, velvety, sensual voice and a blues sensibility that is perfectly at home on the legendary Blue Note label. A special event filled with musical thrills! Opening Gala: Lionel Richie in concert, Cassandra Wilson and her musicians - June 25, 7 p.m., additional concert on June 26, 7 p.m., Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, PdA (evenements speciaux TD series). Presented in collaboration with CBC/Radio-Canada.

Closing Concert starring Dave Brubeck, who turns 90 this year

This year, the Festival devotes its prestigious Closing Concert to a legendary pianist and great friend of the Festival-he's been visiting us occasionally since our 2nd edition!-Dave Brubeck, in an early musical nod to the 90th birthday he'll celebrate this December. Organizers will take the opportunity to present him with a special-issue Miles-Davis Award, honouring the remarkable oeuvre of this great musician.

A pioneer of polyphony, counterpoint, and improvisation, pianist and composer Dave Brubeck is a genuine living legend who took the genre to new summits of style and popularity. The first musician to sell one million copies of a jazz album (Time Out, 1959), he's received a trophy-case full of awards over the years, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and some ten honorary doctorates. And over 50 years into his career, this Festival favourite continues to amaze live audiences! Dave Brubeck Quartet, July 5, presented specially at 9 p.m., in the intimacy of the Theatre Maisonneuve, PdA (Grands concerts series). Presented in collaboration with CBC/Radio-Canada.

The winner of the Grand Prix de Jazz TD 2010, chosen during the Festival from among the 10 jazz artists or groups in contention this summer, will have the privilege of opening this exceptional concert.

The program, series by series

evenements speciaux TD series, 7:30 p.m., Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, PdA

Approaching 80 years young, tenor saxophone colossus Sonny Rollins (An Evening with Sonny Rollins, June 27), one of the last living legends of postwar jazz, breathes life into decades of timeless jazz history. Singer-songwriter-producer Smokey Robinson (June 28, presented specially at 7 p.m.)-former Miracle, Motown icon and the man Dylan himself called the world's greatest poet-celebrates his 50-year career with us! Opening act: Nadja. Legendary Cape Verdean singer Cesaria Evora (June 30) returns with her timelessly popular morna and a new album, Nha Sentimento, opening a new chapter in her career with the same intensity, pitched gorgeously between joie de vivre and melancholy. Opening act: Lura. In a Canadian exclusive, illustrious guitarist and songwriter George Benson, who has redefined pop, R&B and jazz standards for over 30 years, presents An Unforgettable Tribute to Nat King Cole (July 1), a vibrant homage to the legendary crooner. Don't miss this intriguing bill: Laurie Anderson, Lou Reed and John Zorn (July 2), a trio of improvisational explorers the likes of which we've seldom seen! The piano/double-bass/drums trio formed by Keith Jarrett (the Festival's Miles-Davis Award honoree in 2004), Gary Peacock and Jack DeJohnette (July 3) is a beautiful example of perfect symbiosis between musicians who redefine the notion of being in tune. Everyone wants to spend An Evening with the Gipsy Kings, (July 4, change of venue)! Small wonder: despite their world-conquering career and millions of albums sold, the superstar group is making its first visit to the Festival! Bamboleo, Djobi Djoba and other global smash hits await us. It's a programming masterstroke, bringing together two legendary names in '70s American rock on the same stage, the Steve Miller Band and The Doobie Brothers (July 5, presented specially at 7 p.m.), making their very first appearances at the Festival... Keep on Rockin' us! Their simple, effective pop-rock classics made The Moody Blues (July 6) legends during the heyday of the progressive movement. A must-see for true fans!

Grands concerts series, 9:30 p.m., Theatre Maisonneuve, PdA

Over 10 years after David Sanborn's (June 25) last Festival performance, so memorable for his stagecraft and irresistible charisma, the unpredictable composer and saxophonist performs his captivating 24th album in a trio, with American organist Joey DeFrancesco. A five-time Grammy winner, extraordinary bassist Victor Wooten (June 26)-also known as a member of Bela Fleck and the Flecktones-visits us for the first time as the star of the show! Recipient of the 1997 Miles-Davis Award and a true musical icon, Herbie Hancock (June 27) presents The Imagine Project, a concert without boundaries, featuring guitarist Lionel Loueke and drummer Vinnie Colaiuta. Renowned trumpeter Roy Hargrove (June 28)-a Festival regular-and one of the most creative and innovative players of his generation, returns to amaze us with his Big Band featuring guest Roberta Gambarini. Gypsie Planet with Christian Escoude, Marcel Azzola, Florin Niculescu, David Reinhardt, Darryl Hall and Jean-Baptiste Laya (June 30) pays tribute to the 100th anniversary of the birth of grandmaster Django Reinhardt with a show dedicated to rhythm and variety. In this 2nd part of the Special Evening with John Zorn's Masada Marathon (July 1), we welcome Uri Caine, Mark Feldman, Marc Ribot, Cyro Baptista, Dave Douglas and many others taking the stage in turn with their various ensembles. Ahmad Jamal (July 2), an extraordinary creative force admired by Miles Davis, celebrates his 80th birthday with us, performing A Quiet Time. The return of a legend after a 20-year absence! Along with his timeless classics (Stand by Me...), former Drifters singer Ben E. King (July 4) brings us songs from his new album, Heart and Soul, a lovely selection of jazz and R&B standards.

Rythmes Bell series, 8:30 p.m., Metropolis

Montreal group Plants and Animals (June 25) boast a sound that's both analog and orchestral and visit us with a show featuring their second album, La La Land-music that's thicker and rockier, but as urban as ever! Opening act: The Besnard Lakes. The table is set for a three-course spinnerama celebrating 20 years of Ninja Tune, featuring artists and DJs who elevate the genre to a genuine work of art: Spank Rock, Kid Koala Presents The Slew Live: Six turntables meet the Ex-Wolfmother Rhythm Section and DJ Food (June 26)! Eric Burdon and the Animals (June 27, floor seating): in 1964, House of the Rising Sun put them on the map. Then came Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood and It's My life, eventual induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and, today, the return of original singer Eric Burdon with a reformed group. An evening with rock immortals! The Fabulous Thunderbirds and Taj Mahal & The Trio (June 28): one is a legendary Texas party band that blasts out its blues-rock-R&B with an irresistible energy-and a band we haven't hosted at the Festival in 18 years; the other is a reference point in the blues. And frankly, when they get together... It's party time! The Festival is proud to welcome a 3rd performance by the greatest live hip hop group on the planet: The Roots (June 30)! In this completely singular hip hop, band members jam onstage, and the result is musical N-R-G! After having packed L'Astral last autumn, French DJ Wax Tailor and his group return to share the bill with new sensation Caravan Palace, an eccentric sextet serving up jubilant, frenzied music (July 1). This year, the brilliant and ambitious Daniel Lanois heads straight for his beloved Metropolis, with his exciting new Black Dub (July 2) quartet, featuring Brian Blade, Jim Wilson and Trixie Whitley. Andreya Triana, Bonobo and Mr. Scruff (July 3) celebrate 20 years of Ninja Tune in high style! And who better than the UK soul revelation of 2010, the label's most popular artist worldwide, and Mr. Groove-funk-ska to bring us to dance heaven? After her remarkable Bring Ya to the Brink, Cyndi Lauper (July 4) arrives with a new album, Memphis Blues, proving she's still the girl who just wants to have fun... and surprise us! George Clinton is, along with James Brown, one of the artists most sampled by hip hoppers. He and his group Parliament are here to drop a first Festival performance that promises to be the stuff of legend (July 5)! Opening act: God Made Me Funky. By popular demand, it's the return of Jason Bajada, whose obsession with sad songs is leavened by his lively folk-rock, as well as Aussie phenomenon John Butler, in a trio, with a new album: April Uprising (July 6).

En voix Rio Tinto Alcan series, 6 p.m., Theatre Maisonneuve, PdA

Performing for the very first time in Montreal, we're betting-and hoping-that Boz Scaggs (June 25) favours us with a version of his legendary Loan Me a Dime, an extraordinary blues classic that was so hot during the heyday of a certain local FM radio station... Famed quartet The Manhattan Transfer (June 26) return with a new repertoire, the songs of jazz icon Chick Corea, retaining all the magic, charm, verve and complexity of the music. Discovered right here in 2006 by thousands of spectators when she hadn't yet turned 12, Nikki Yanofsky (June 27) presents her debut studio album, Nikki, a collection of jazz classics and original songs. After last autumn's sold-out shows in L'Astral, Canadian Harry Manx (June 28) returns to perform with a band for the first time. Opening act: Melissa Laveaux duo. A cappella pioneer Bobby McFerrin (June 30) returns with VOCAbuLarieS, his concept soaring on wings of gospel, soul and funk. In this 1st concert in the two-part Special Evening with John Zorn's Masada Marathon (July 1), we welcome Jamie Saft, Erik Friedlander, Joey Baron, Greg Cohen, Marc Ribot, Cyro Baptista and many others taking the stage in turn in various ensembles. After presenting 5 memorable concerts at the 2007 Festival, supremely gifted Cameroonian bassist Richard Bona (July 2) returns with The Ten Shades Of Blues, a transcendant and progressive ode to the genre. Festival regular John Scofield (July 3) returns this year accompanied by the Piety Street Band, with whom he recorded his 36th album in spring of 2009, renewing and reshaping blues and gospel with his distinctive style. After two years of blowout Festival success, Battle of the Bands (July 4) pits the champions, the Harry James Orchestra, against the Artie Shaw Orchestra, in their first appearance here. With a mantle groaning with awards, including three Grammy Award nominations, folk artist Joan Armatrading (July 5) finally honours us with her first-ever Festival performance after a prolonged absence from Montreal. Hailed the world over, Chicago's Andrew Bird (July 6, presented specially at 7:30 p.m.) alights in Montreal with music of freshly-hatched brilliance, an ambitious perfectly-presented sound that sings like a... Bird.

El Duende Flamenco series, 8 p.m., Theatre du Nouveau Monde
presented by Air France

Adored by the critics and showered with awards, Dorantes (June 25 & 26) is undoubtedly the rising star of flamenco piano... you might say he has the music in his blood! Accompanied by his Spanish musical confederates, Chano Dominguez (June 27 & 28) visits us to perform pieces from two extraordinary projects due for release soon: Iberian Piano and, excitingly, Flamenco View, a vibrant and passionate tribute to Miles Davis' legendary Kind of Blue. Nicknamed El Cigala (or the Lobster), Diego Jimenez Salazar (June 29 & 30) also boasts another moniker more closely related to his immense vocal talent: the Sinatra of flamenco. A Frenchman with deep Spanish roots, Juan Carmona (July 2 & 3) followed in the footsteps of such major flamenco guitarists as Paco de Lucia, Paco Pea and Tomatito and triumphed in Andalusia; he graces us with his grand flamenco presence and the music of his most recent album, El sentido del aire.

Piano solo series, 7 p.m., Chapelle historique du Bon-Pasteur

Virtuoso New York pianist Vijay Iyer (June 25), one of the most imposing figures to have emerged in jazz in recent years, honours us with this special solo performance. Local jazz icon, recipient of the 2002 Oscar-Peterson Award, Lorraine Desmarais (June 26 & 27) heralds her 19th Festival appearance with a very special solo evening. Accustomed to jamming in duets, trios and quartets, young keyboardist Marco Benevento (June 28) delivers avant-jazz that hits like a ton of bricks-even when he's playing solo! A 100% original artist! Recipient of the 2007 Oscar-Peterson Award for his contribution to Canadian jazz and already 25 years into his career, Franois Bourassa (June 30) honours us with a solo concert. Music that's charged with emotion! Jean-Franois Groulx (July 1), one of the most in-demand multi-instrumentalist composers and arrangers in Quebec, presents a must-see performance showcasing pure talent. Jazz prodigy Tigran Hamasyan (July 2 & 3) is barely over 20 but already has a mantle full of awards for his music, which integrates elements of hard rock and Armenian folklore. Bugge Wesseltoft (July 4): offering an uncommon, extraordinary experience in which a piano and its surrounding consoles, computers and other devices are commanded by the most futuristic and fascinating of artists! A must-see artist, Montreal jazz reference point Jean Beaudet (July 5) reminds us that jazz... is first and foremost a matter of guts, with the head and hands as faithful servants (La Presse). What more needs to be said?

Couleurs SAQ series, 7 p.m., Club Soda

Activist poet and rapper before rap existed, Gil Scott Heron (June 25), the man responsible for the famed The Revolution will not be Televised and Pieces of a man, brings us his first album in 13 years, I'm New Here. Rejecting the dictates of traditional music, Cuban-Canadian Alex Cuba (June 26), who packed L'Astral last autumn, has a unique Cuban rock-soul style that has taken him to fame on relentless rhythm. American musician, singer-songwriter and producer Ben Sidran, a cornerstone of the contemporary music scene, presents us with his personal interpretations of his fave Dylan songs, from the album Dylan Different (June 27). Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu (June 28) is a singular being: an Indigenous Australian, born blind in the far northwest of the country, who sings almost exclusively in his native dialect and yet transcends boundaries, languages and cultures. Former member of the Fugees, producer, composer and rapper John Forte (June 30) comes at us with a hardened vision, a revitalized life force, and a 3rd solo album, Water, Light, Sound. California's Aggrolites (July 1) have ska, reggae and soul in their blood, and are on a mission to inject them into yours. And judging by their ever-burgeoning popularity, it's mission accomplished! It's hard to belive that Bobby Bazini (July 2), the voice behind the radio hit I Wonder, is barely 20; his soul/R&B, tinged with blues and folk, and his singular voice denote a surprising maturity. After three fabulously successful nights in L'Astral during the MONTREAL HIGH LIGHTS Festival, you simply must bask in the light of magnificent North Star Elisapie Isaac (July 3), accompanied by a string quartet and performing There Will Be Stars, her debut solo album. After far too long away from the Festival, Quartango (July 4) thrill us anew with the presence of their musicians and dancers, performing their most recent album, El Fuego. Formed in the streets of Kinshasa, Staff Benda Bilili (July 5) is a group that defies all conventions! All band members are disabled and their music, soaring like a cri du cur, rings out as the voice of an entire diaspora.

Invitation Hyatt Regency Montreal series, 6 p.m., Ges - Centre de creativite,
presented in collaboration with Galaxie

A great friend of the Festival, trumpeter Paolo Fresu (already making his 11th appearance with us!) takes the stage with keyboard wizard Omar Sosa for an Italo-Cuban summit Paolo coveted and that we're proud to deliver (June 25)! The following day (June 26), Fresu welcomes an artist of great finesse whom we've missed terribly, guitar sorceror and one of the founders of Oregon, the excellent Ralph Towner. High-voltage improv on the horizon: Paolo Fresu, Nils Petter Molvaer and MAnu Katche (June 27)-virtuoso Italian trumpeter, devilishly modern Norwegian trumpeter, and an internationally-renowned drummer, respectively-make for a most intriguing trio! After having opened the rich Invitation series as a guest of Paolo Fresu, MAnu Katche (June 28), the most precise and sought-after drummer of modern times (Voir), drives forth his quartet, with a new album on offer, Third Round. This time out, fabulously melodic drummer MAnu Katche hits the stage with two virtuosi: guitarist Sylvain Luc, French jazz icon, and Richard Bona, the Cameroonian bass prodigy (June 30). To open his exciting trilogy of shows, Robert Glasper (July 1) leads a trio consisting of double bassist Vicente Archer and drummer Chris Dave, who present the excellent new album, Double Booked, released on Blue Note. In this very special evening, Texas pianist Robert Glasper welcomes a star jazz trumpeter, making a rare visit to the Festival, Louisiana virtuoso Terence Blanchard (July 2). Tonight, Robert Glasper brings us his trio and guest saxophonist Casey Benjamin, and welcomes another star of the genre, Bilal, who collaborated on his recent double album, Double Booked (July 3). Already an event in itself, this rare solo concert starring legendary pianist, composer and producer Allen Toussaint (July 4) will amply illustrate the man's place in the history of American music. Finally, Allen Toussaint's Bright Mississippi (with Nicholas Payton, Don Byron, Marc Ribot, David Piltch and Herman LeBeaux (July 5, presented specially at 9:30 p.m. in Theatre Jean-Duceppe) is a superbe and rare plunge into jazz by an artist who is a major figure in the story of New Orleans rhythm'n'blues.

Musique au MAC series, 8 p.m., Musee d'art contemporain

With a 2nd album, Heart of My Own, to her credit, Basia Bulat (June 25 to 27), Torontonian with Polish roots, arrives to bewitch Festival fans with her intoxicatingly mellow folk-blues. Rocker, pianist, filmmaker and composer Lewis Furey (June 28 & 30, July 1) amazed fans with the release of his Selected Songs, a collection of 30 years' worth of classics. A unique opportunity to reconnect with a major artist. Special concert: baritone saxophone master John Surman accompanied by Howard Moody on the church organ (July 2): one of the most important British saxophonists and composers meets a virtuoso of the church devoted to innovation: and a new way of thinking about jazz is born! (Presented specially in the St. James United Church, with the support of the British Council). One part spoken word, one part world-folk, but poetic all the way through, the songs of NEeMA (July 4) invoke a certain Leonard Cohen sensibility, delivered in a silky voice with a disarming fragility.

Jazz Beat TD series, 8 p.m., Theatre Jean-Duceppe, PdA,
presented in collaboration with CBC Radio 2 (93.5 FM)

Forty years after the recording of Miles Davis' revolutionary Bitches Brew, contemporary musical prodigies (Vernon Reid, Graham Haynes, DJ Logic, Lonnie Plaxico, James Hurt, JT Lewis, Adam Rudolph and Antoine Rooney) pay tribute to an album that changed the future of jazz (June 25). In their first Festival visit in five years, the David Snchez Group (June 26) intend to make up for lost time, the musical way! Opening act: Omar Sosa solo. Guitarist and composer Mike Stern is finally back! This time out, he's accompanied by our very own exceptionally talented Alain Caron, Bob Franceschini and Lionel Cordew for a show that promises sheer brilliance (June 27)! Returning to the Festival for a 31st appearance, indefatigable and internationally-renowned Montreal pianist, arranger and conductor Vic Vogel (June 28) delivers a very special concert this year, returning to jazz in the company of his sextet. This year, Ron Di Lauro presents Porgy and Bess as performed by Miles Davis, directed by Joe Muccioli, a Big Band reinvention of the fabled Gershwin musical. A very special evening (June 30)! Trumpet virtuoso Terence Blanchard (July 1) pays us a visit-in a quintet!-for the first time since 2005. No need to mince words: this is a truly exceptional event. A most loyal Festival regular, Jack DeJohnette, one of the world's greatest drummers, welcomes friends Rudresh Mahanthappa, Dave Fiuczynski, George Colligan and Jerome Harris, all hailing from different musical mindsets (July 2). We can't wait! Returning to the Festival for a 3rd time, Tord Gustavsen (July 3) presents his most recent opus, Restored Returned, surrounded by his ensemble of bassist Mats Eilertsen, saxophonist Tore Brunborg and drummer Jarle Vespestad.

TD Jazz d'ici La Presse series, 6 p.m., L'Astral,
presented in collaboration with Espace musique (100,7 FM)

Jean Derome, the man behind no fewer than 30 film soundtracks, conquers a Festival stage yet again, accompanied by his Dangereux Zhoms and serving up their latest album To Continue, a daring blend of jazz, rock, noise and electronica (June 26). 2010 promises to be a year of fab flamboyance: especially when national treasure Guy Nadon (June 27) brings in six musicians for an evening of musical intensity. A Festival favourite since 2002, young Montreal saxophonist, composer and arranger Chet Doxas (June 28) returns with a new album, Big Sky, for our collective musical pleasure! Felix Stssi 5 & Jean-Nicolas Trottier pay Tribute to Len Dobbin (June 29), the great journalist, photographer, radio host and pillar of the Montreal jazz scene who passed away last year, just before the group's performance in Upstairs. Internationally renowned Montreal saxophonist Christine Jensen (June 30) joins forces with her orchestra and her sister Ingrid, a superb trumpeter, to prove once and for all with Treelines that the Big Band format remains a creative, inventive force. Composer, producer, actor and musician, Charles Papasoff (July 1) has been a regular guest at the Festival since 1982! This year, he showcases highly-anticipated new compositions glowing with musical simplicity: just (very good) jazz. Armed with two guitars, one double bass and four voices, Christine Tassan & les Imposteures (July 2) have just released a new album: Pas manouche, c'est louche ! brings more of the joyous, uncommonly accessible gypsy jazz we've already fallen head-over-heels for. Antonio, David Brunet's instrumental project with grand orchestra (July 3) is a musical universe in which humour is as crucial as the twenty-odd musicians and singers involved in the adventure. Musical madness! Considered one of the country's finest on saxophone (and flute, and clarinet...), Andre Leroux (July 4) plays a fully mature jazz: Corpus Callosum was rated one of the five best jazz albums of 2009 by Le Devoir. In the wake of the resoundingly successful 2009 album electro-Beatniks, featuring her spoken word experiments with Eric Auclair, Karen Young (July 5) pairs up with one of the musicians who inspired the album, renowned Norwegian pianist Bugge Wesseltoft. No doubt about it, Jordan Officer (July 6), guitarist renowned for his essential contribution to Susie Arioli's career, is a genuine alchemist of sound. And he's finally bringing us a debut solo album!

Jazz dans la nuit series, 10:30 p.m., Ges - Centre de creativite,
presented in collaboration with Espace Musique (100,7 FM) and CBC Radio 2 (93.5 FM)

Performing in a trio, Indian-born jazz pianist Vijay Iyer (June 25) explores his ancestral roots, integrating them with a music that falls into no category, unless it's simply the new generation of American jazz. The most recent album by Norwegian trumpeter, composer and producer Nils Petter Molvaer (June 26), Hamada, is very different from its predecessors, reveling in a prog atmosphere right out of the '70s. The great French accordion player and master of melody, Daniel Mille, brings us L'attente, performed by his quintet (June 27) featuring one of the most engaging musicians in the country, trumpeter Stephane Belmondo, and one of the greatest French drummers of our era, the sublime Andre Ceccarelli. With his Miles years behind him, Wallace Roney (June 28) has taken flight-and the captivating and original trumpeter lands here with a quintet featuring Antoine Roney, Rashaan Carter, Aruan Ortiz and Kush Abadey to perform If Only For One Night. Dave Douglas formed the electric sextet Keystone, here to breathe life into Spark of Being (June 30), a project showcasing an improvisational dialogue between humanity and technology, rich with electronic sounds and ambient jazz. Dubbed Punk Bop! (July 1) for its rebellious spirit, this multicultural jazz combo (with Ari Hoenig, Tigran Hamasyan, Matt Penman, Gilad Hekselman) cooks up incandescent variations of classics like Round Midnight and The Way You Look Tonight, a real treat for aficionados! Accompanied by his quintet Moving Pictures, world music pioneer Adam Rudolph (July 2) brings us a musical tour of the globe glowing with a full-colour improvisational spectrum. As comfortable with electronic fusion as he is in acoustic ensembles, Polish trumpeter and composer Tomasz Stanko (July 3) heads to the Festival with his quintet to bewitch fans with his latest, Dark Eyes, a mysterious, elegant album with a funereal beauty. Pianist Steve Kuhn (July 4) and his trio (Joey Baron and David Finck) recorded Mostly Coltrane, a generous tribute to the saxophone master also featuring a few standards and solo pieces. Christian Scott (July 5) isn't yet 30, and draws raves from everywhere: the rising trumpeter lands here with Yesterday You Said Tomorrow and his quintet to pay tribute to his '60s musical heroes.

Concerts intimes Planete Jazz series, 7 p.m., Savoy

Half-Quebecoise, half-Texan, and 100% folk, Emilie Clepper (June 25 & 26), one of the best-kept secrets in Quebec, is piling up the shows in support of her latest album, Things May Come! Young Meaghan Smith (June 27 & 28) charmed us this past autumn in L'Astral and returns with The Cricket's Orchestra, a jazzified pop straight out of the '40s that she likes to call modern vintage. Supremely gifted musicians Jose James and Jef Neve (in a duo)-jazz vocals and piano, respectively-are rising stars in Europe, they are here to conquer yet another continent (June 30)! Be the first to discover Courtney Wing (July 1), performing the bewitching and airy Bouquet of Might and Fury with a small combo for maximum intimacy. Singer Gretchen Parlato (July 2 & 3), discovered by Terence Blanchard, Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter and trained at the prestigious Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance, pushes the musical limits on a ceaseless quest for innovation; and tonight, she brings in her band. We've known him as the male half of Bet.E & Stef, but now Stephane Carreau (July 4 & 5) takes solo flight with a debut album, In from the Cold-an ironic title, given the unquestionably calorific effects of this music!

Le Club series, 9 p.m., L'Astral,
in collaboration with Galaxie

Considered an avant-garde musician in his native land, Cuban saxophonist and composer Yosvany Terry (June 25, presented specially at 9:30 p.m.) brings in a quartet to present his album Metamorphisis: don't miss this chance to discover him. Trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf (June 26) was known primarily for his work as an accompanist before the 2007 release of his Diasporas put him on the map in 2007. He's here with Diachronism, his excellent 2nd album. In this Festival premiere, the First Lady of Korean jazz, Youn Sun Nah (June 27) performs with Ulf Wakenius, former guitarist for Oscar Peterson: a tremendous bill! Renowned worldwide during the '00s for their charming covers, Susanna and her Magical Orchestra (June 28) won fans for their style-a hypnotic languour so characteristic of Norwegian jazz. One of England's most promising groups, the Neil Cowley Trio (June 30) return to the Festival for a 2nd consecutive year, dialing in their new album Radio Silence. What began as an experimental project by harmonica player and songwriter Corky Siegel (July 1) has become a sensation; fans and critics can't get enough of his Chamber Blues! The legendary Wanda Jackson (July 2), one of the first, if not THE first female rock'n'roll singer, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009 and just released a single, You Know I'm No Good. Parisian crooner and pianist Matthieu Bore (July 3) dances in to charm the gallery with the sugar-sweet versions of Just a Gigolo and Putting on the Ritz from his hit album FriZZante!! Returning to the Festival, young and very in-demand double bassist and songwriter Brandi Disterheft (July 4) presents Second Side, her most recent and irresistibly fresh album. Singer and multi-instrumentalist Sophie Hunger (July 5) isn't afraid to cross the boundaries of folk and pop, and that thirst for creative freedom can be heard in her second and very moving collection of songs, 1983.

Nuits Heineken series, midnight, Club Soda

Heading back from their European tour, we welcome Montreal's very own Think About Life (June 25) and their album Family (synthetic rhythms, electric guitars, sly lyrics) to the Festival for the very first time! French singer Emilie Simon (June 26)-acclaimed in Europe, Japan and the U.S.-has a voice that at once recalls both Madonna and Kate Bush, perfectly matched by her old school electronica accents and sensual lyrics. Danish band WhoMadeWho (June 27) has an unclassifiable style: suffice it to say their electro-rock, inspired by mutant disco, sets off musical fireworks... Karnival v.3 / Poirier feat. Face-T and KODE 9 (June 28): after the monster success of the Nuit Blanche version during the MONTREAL HIGH LIGHTS Festival, they're back with a 3rd edition, guaranteed to be the most vibed-out party of the summer! Myth Takes, the 3rd album from !!! (Chk Chk Chk) (June 30), is a blowup smash; and onstage, they're even more impressive! As we await an imminent new album from Land of Talk (July 1), here's a chance to discover the contrasts and contradictions of the music that took them to success in the U.S. and Europe. A very special evening to celebrate 20 years of Ninja Tune: after an 8-year absence, Anti-Pop Consortium (July 2) return in fine fettle with Fluorescent Black, featuring 19 new tracks. Flexing the creative freedom that made him a maestro of the mic, Rakim (July 3) presents The Seventh Seal, his most recent album, with special guests-he's more cutting-edge than ever! Nominated for a Juno in 2010, Misstress Barbara (July 4) returns to our stage after her solid live performance during the 30th edition of the Festival, with a twist: she'll be accompanied by her very own group of musicians, Girls On A Ducati. Unlike most electronica groups, Holy Fuck (July 5) is 100% computer-free: all the music is created from an arsenal of Casio keyboards and live distortion. A coruscating psychedelic experience!

The Croisiere Jazz, 7 p.m., Bateau-Mouche,
Jacques-Cartier Quay, Old Port of Montreal

It's been too long since we hosted Paulo Ramos at the Festival, and we're all the happier to welcome him back for not one but six evenings (June 28 to 30 and July 4 to 6) aboard the Bateau-Mouche! Every time he visits us, it's fiesta time, and the Brazilian-born songwriter, singer, guitarist and percussionist leaves us breathless! Boarding at 6:15 p.m. at JacquesCartier Quay in the Old Port of Montreal, returning at 10:30 p.m. Reservations required at 514 8499952 or 1 800 3619952.

Finally, don't miss the Soirees jazz Upstairs at Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill (1254 MacKay St.), at 7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m., with Jeri Brown (June 25), Etienne Charles, Folklore (June 26), Houston Person featuring Julie Lamontagne Trio (June 27-28), Irem Bekter et ses Diabluras (June 29), Geoffrey Keezer featuring Joel Miller Trio (June 30 and July 1), Matt Herskowitz Trio with special guests Lara St. John and David Gotay, Jerusalem Trilogy (July 2-3), Ranee Lee (July 4), Gale/Rodrigues Group (July 5) and Bourassa / Donato / Lozano / Tanguay play Bill Evans (July 6).

MontrealJazzFest.com: The reference for everything jazz

More effective than ever, our MontrealJazzFest.com website was redesigned from A to Z especially for the 30th for all fans of the Festival and of jazz itself! Entirely re-conceived, user-friendly and incredibly practical, the website offers 30 years of passion with the click of a mouse, a dynamic reference source for music fans who enjoy evolved web content. You'll now find more video and music clips, more information on the artists, content featuring music news and access to archives from previous Festival editions. And keep your eyes peeled for our new video offering, MontrealJazzFest.TV, launching in June... It's a top-flight web destination for all online music aficionados!

Info-Jazz Bell: indispensable information tools

Grouped together under the banner Info-Jazz Bell, information tools for the Festival are easily accessed by anyone who wants to know everything that's happening at the biggest jazz festival in the world.

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