This year will be my fifth time covering the fest, and right off the bat, I have to admit that I am not a music expert, let alone a jazz music expert. At first, I felt a little intimidated rubbing shoulders with other journalists who can deftly analyze a jazz combo, musician or singer by its musical style and influences. I wasn't kidding myself; I was going to cover this festival the best way possible as a novice music reviewer eager to get exposed to all sorts of music that would be presented there and enjoy the experience to boot!
The jazz fest began on June 28, and for me, it launches with the opening cocktail party. This time, it took place at the Salon Urbain in Place des Arts' newly-opened concert hall for the Montreal Symphony Orchestra. A beautiful reception room with a red colour scheme to it, the Salon Urbain was the perfect place for the opening cocktail. I settled back with a glass of champagne, as I partook with some delicious hors d'oeuvres, including delicious morsels of filet mignon, spicy Italian sausage, fresh cherry tomatoes (which were speared with tiny baster-like devices, filled with balsamic dressing that you squirted into your mouth as a chaser for the tomato), as well as Oriental noodle salad served in classic Chinese food takeout cartons (complete with chopsticks). And continuous music by a jazz trio led by local musician Francois Jalbert added to the rather relaxed atmosphere.
Then jazz fest head honcho Alain Simard addressed the gathering, stating rather happily that the jazz fest was taking place for the first time in about three years when the stretch of St. Catherine Street (where the outdoor shows are taking place) wasn't being torn up by road construction (which interfered with pedestrian traffic and some of the outdoor shows). Also appearing at the cocktail to make a few remarks was provincial finance minister Raymond Bachand, who seemed very tranquil and was enjoying the festivities (which is well earned, after the student protest crisis this past winter and spring ... then again he needs the rest, because their could be an election call before the end of this summer). And before departing, the good people at the jazz fest outdid themselves with the thank you gifts that were always given to the guests. This year, they gave everyone this year's edition of the jazz fest coffee mug (featuring the poster artwork), which was presented in an embroidered, reusable black bag. That mug is a fine addition to my collection, and will make for interesting weekend morning cups of tea that goes with breakfast.
I then proceeded to the main outdoor stage at the Place des Festivals, which was the site of the opening free concert. Me and about 100,000 other people gathered in front of the TD Stage to catch a concert by Montreal-born musician-singer Rufus Wainwright. Wearing a sparkly red shirt, Wainwright presented a rather entertaining show and did not disappoint at all. One of the highlights of the show was when he invited practically every member of his family (which included his aunt Anna McGarrigle ... his mom was the late Kate McGarrigle).
The following night, June 29, I caught my first indoor show of the fest. It featured Melody Gardot, a jazz singer from Philadelphia whom came highly recommended by a good friend of mine. This was first time I heard of her, but based on the full house that greeted her at Salle Wilfrid Pelletier of Place des Arts, she must have quite a following here in Montreal. In fact, the audience gave her an enthusiastic standing ovation as she walked on the stage (and before she even sang a note!).
Experiencing her 90-minute show, I can readily see why Ms. Gardot has that following. She takes torch singing to a whole new level, combining jazz, blues, African and Latino rhythms (and she's quite adept at the piano and guitar). Even when she does a little improvised scat singing, it's enough to steam up your glasses. Basically, a show of soft, sultry tunes which was perfect for a soft, sultry summer night in Montreal.
After taking a break today (June 30), it's back to the fest tomorrow night to check out some free outdoor shows. Back to the indoor shows on July 2 with Nellie McKay, followed by tribute shows to Bessie Smith and the Rat Pack (circa 1960), singer Sarah MK and the fifth edition of "The Battle of the Bands", starring the Duke Ellington and Count Basie orchestras.
I'll be back soon with another report from the 33rd Montreal International Jazz Fest. Enjoy the cool tunes during this hot summer week.
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