Stanley Clarke

Legendary bassist Stanley Clarke participated in the Invitation TD series with four concerts: An Acoustic Evening with Stanley Clarke and Hiromi; Stanley Clarke and The Harlem String Quartet; SMV – Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller, and Victor Wooten; and The Stanley Clarke Band. Clarke excelled in all four concerts, but his bass playing skills were really put to the test on his 61st birthday in SMV, when he joined Marcus Miller and Victor Wooten. Clarke, looking and playing like a much younger man, admitted to having done some crazy things with the bass in his career, and added that he’s all about promoting the bass. Before the playing began in earnest, Marcus Miller quipped, “If you don’t like the bass, it’s going to be a long night.” The trio challenged each other on songs like “Thunder” and “Milano,” thrilling bass aficionados with their impressive solos. Miller and Wooten acknowledged Clarke as a great influence, and the distinctive voice of each artist was amazing to hear. The show was truly a lesson in advanced bass playing.

 The night after the SMV concert, Mr. Clarke graced the stage with The Stanley Clarke Band. Clarke was brilliantly backed by drummer Ronald Bruner, Jr. and pianist Rusian Sirota on “No Mystery,” “Black Narcissus” (by Joe Henderson), and “Paradigm Shift.” The group treated the appreciative audience to an encore of “Song to John,” a tribute to John Coltrane.

Peter Appleyard

Living legend Peter Appleyard, with a career spanning more than six decades, is considered one of the finest vibraphonists in the world. Appleyard is the 2012 recipient of the Oscar Peterson Award, given to a musician who has made an exceptional contribution to Canadian jazz. Another Canadian legend, Oliver Jones, played the second half of the bill and did the honor of giving Appleyard the award. Jones spoke about the close friendship between Oscar Peterson and Peter Appleyard, and noted that Peterson would be pleased about this award. Appleyard said, “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate getting this award at the most prestigious festival in the world.” He also spoke of Oscar Peterson’s love of practical jokes, generosity, and kindness. Appleyard started his set with Peterson’s “Cool Walk,” continued with “Tangerine,” and impressed the audience when he also played the piano and drums on “Sweet Georgia Brown.” The dapper elder statesman of the vibraphone set a beautiful tone to be followed by Oliver Jones.

 

Oliver Jones Plays Oliver Jones

The Oliver Jones Trio walked onstage resplendently attired in tuxedos. A musical icon in Montreal and beyond, the renowned pianist played a concert mostly of his own compositions, from straight-ahead jazz to calypso. “Lights of Burgundy” was dedicated to the section of Montreal where he was born, and “Fulford Street Romp” was about the street where he was raised. “Dance Again Diana” was a tribute to Diana Krall, and “Something for Chuck” was written for trumpeter Chuck Peterson. Oliver Jones continued his set with “I Remember Old Pete,” a hauntingly beautiful song Jones wrote shortly after Oscar Peterson passed away. A remarkable George Gershwin medley followed, and the concert ended with “Hymn to Freedom” by Oscar Peterson. This show was one of the highlights of the Festival.

 

John Pizzarelli

Widely known for his reinvention of jazz classics and jazzy interpretations of popular songs, singer-guitarist John Pizzarelli gave a highly enjoyable concert at Club Soda. The show was a family affair, with John’s brother, Martin Pizzarelli, on double bass, and John’s wife, singer and Broadway actress Jessica Molaskey, performing on some numbers. The band was rounded out by drummer Tony Tedesco and pianist Larry Fuller. Pizzarelli said that he likes to combine pop songs of the 60s, 70s, and 80s with jazz songs of the 50s and 60s. Jessica joined him on a mix of James Taylor’s “Damn This Traffic Jam”  with Joe Henderson’s “The Kicker,” and their voices blended beautifully on a mix of Joni Mitchell’s “The Circle Game” and Antonio Carlos Jobim’s “Waters of March.”  Another blended number used the Duke Ellington songs, “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” and “East St. Louis Toodle-Oo.”  Pizzarelli did an excellent version of Joni Mitchell’s “Free Man in Paris.” He also performed “I Feel Fine” and “Can’t Buy Me Love” by Lennon and McCartney, Billy Joel’s “Rosalinda’s Eyes,” and gave a nod to the classics with “Lush Life.” John Pizzarelli’s unique voice lends itself to many musical genres, and he ended his show with a lovely version of the Beach Boys’ “God Only Knows.”

 

L’Orkestre des Pas Perdus

A charming, energetic, and whimsical brass band, L’Orkestre des Pas Perdus was one of the most unusual offerings of the Festival. Group leader, trombonist, arranger, and composer Claude St-Jean is a great showman, a veritable court jester of jazz. St-Jean comically greeted the audience in several languages, and kept them laughing throughout the show.  One song sounded like an engine trying to start, while the musicians did a modified version of the Robot, like they were trying to rev themselves up!  Another song was otherworldly, not unlike the sound of a theremin. However, for all their flights of fancy, this band plays everything from jazz and funk to swing, and they have some serious musical skills. Their mission is obviously to have fun while impressing you with their tight musicianship. They did numbers from their latest CD, L’âge du cuivre, including “Papapaw!” Along with Claude St-Jean, the group members are: Maxime St-Pierre on trumpet, Joël Brouillette on French horn, Marc Villiard on alto sax, Yves Turgeon on tenor sax, Roberto Murray on baritone sax, Philippe Legault on tuba, Martin Auguste on drums, and percussionist Rémi Leclerc. L’Orkestre des Pas Perdus brings something wonderfully different to the jazz scene.

 

Liza Minnelli

Global superstar Liza Minnelli, Academy Award winner and recipient of a special “Legends” Grammy, now has another prestigious honor for her mantle. Minnelli received this year’s  Ella Fitzgerald Award. Liza said, “Ella Fitzgerald was my hero; I have every record of hers. I really learned from her!” Minnelli received a standing ovation when she arrived on stage. Despite a recently broken ankle and some hoarseness, this lifelong child of show business charmed the audience with “Liza with a Z” in French, and regaled the crowd with anecdotes from her life. After speaking about Charles Aznavour, Fred Ebb, and filling in for Gwen Verdon in the Broadway show Chicago, she sang “Maybe This Time,” “Cabaret,” and a duet with singer-pianist Billy Stritch, “I Can’t Give You Anything but Love.” She continued with “The World Goes Round” and “New York, New York” to thunderous applause. For an encore, Minnelli finished with a moving, a cappella version of “I’ll be Seeing You.”

 

Ranee Lee – A Tribute to Billie Holiday

Ranee Lee was stylish in a black toga dress with a large feathered flower and matching flowers on her stilettos, which she called “Billie Holiday shoes.”  From the start, she had the audience in the palm of her hand, with great support from her musicians, including her husband, guitarist Richard Ring. Lee serenaded the packed audience at L’Astral with “Yesterdays,” “Good Morning Heartache,” “Them There Eyes,” and “Easy Living.” Ranee wisely avoided imitating Billie Holiday, and did her own interpretations of the songs. Her stirring rendition of “God Bless the Child” ended the first part of the set.  After a short intermission, Lee returned in a dazzling gold outfit and belted out “Moonlight.” She credited songs like “Moonlight” to Holiday’s fame, not her turbulent life. Before singing “Ain’t Nobody’s Business If I Do,” Lee related getting in trouble years ago over the song when a reporter chastised her for singing it, asserting that it advocated the abuse of women.  Ranee insisted that she’s just the messenger, but now leaves out some lyrics to “avoid a repeat of that controversy.” The show continued with “I Wonder Where Our Love Has Gone,” “When a Man Loves a Woman,” and “Crazy He Calls Me.” When Lee sang “Strange Fruit,” perhaps Holiday’s most iconic song, a hush fell over the audience. For her encore, Ranee Lee brought the house down with a rousing blues version of “Fine and Mellow.” Audience member Walter John Huber said, “She saved the best for last. The Billie Holiday stuff was great, but this is what she was meant to sing. She put her heart and guts into it!” The show clearly satisfied both Billie Holiday and Ranee Lee fans.

 

La Petite École Du Jazz

A yearly favorite of children and adults alike, La Petite École Du Jazz is a free interactive schoolroom/concert experience. With a professor and blackboards, the musical lessons were given twice daily by a troupe of talented young performers dressed in school uniforms. The show started with a sax improvisation and segued into “Take Five.” The excellence of the musicians showed that the Festival didn’t underestimate children and hired top-notch talent. They played tunes as varied as “When Sunny Gets Blue,” “Georgia on My Mind,” “Frere Jacques,” and “Twist and Shout.” One of the high points was the arrival of the enormously popular blue Festival mascot, Ste. Cat, who danced comically to “Cheek to Cheek.” The show continued with “I’ve Got Rhythm,” “In the Mood,” and “What a Wonderful World.” The newly revamped water fountain near the stage gave a spectacular light and color display at the end of the show, and Ste. Cat signed autographs and posed for pictures in front of the fountain. Each child in attendance received a diploma, one side in English and the other in French.

 

Short Takes

Gypsy Roma Urban Balkan Beats (GRUBB) returned to the Festival by popular demand after their resounding critical success last year. The humanitarian artistic event is sung in Romany, a language on the verge of disappearing from the face of the earth. On a massive screen, translations in English and French appeared. The talented young cast exposed and refuted some shocking stereotypes and prejudices, especially those recently expressed by public figures. At the end, the performers spilled out into the street for a spontaneous outdoor encore.

James Taylor, famed singer-songwriter, was the winner of the Montreal Jazz Festival Spirit Award for 2012. This award is given to a popular artist who has made extraordinary contributions to the world of music. Taylor gave two sold-out performances, including a pre-festival concert on June 27.

The James Carter Organ Trio tore it up at Club Soda. Carter did everything with his sax but make it talk, and the set moved at a fiery pace.  Drummer Leonard King, Jr. also sang on “Come Sunday,” and Miche Braden’s vocals on “The Rambling Blues,” “It’s Alright With Me,” “I Wonder Where Our Love Has Gone,” and “The Walking Blues” were a welcome  addition  to stirring solos by Gerard Gibbs on the Hammond B3 organ and Mark Whitfield on guitar.

Versatile and eclectic guitarist Larry Coryell was part of the Guitarissimo series. He played “She’s Leaving Home,” “Spaces Revisited,” “Our Love is Here to Stay,” and “Lush Life” with the self-assurance of someone thoroughly at ease with himself. Coryell tickled the Montreal crowd with his amusing attempts at French and wowed them with his musical chops. Guest guitarist Yves Nadeau joined him on “One Plus Two Blues.”

Emir Kusturica, controversial Serbian musician, actor, and filmmaker, received the Antonio Carlos Jobim Award. Kusturica said he appreciated the award for the recognition of music of the Balkans, and one of his biggest kicks is to see people leave a concert with big smiles and good energy.

Rising trumpet star Ambrose Akinmusire made his first appearance at the Festival and said how honored he was to be playing to such a vibrant crowd in a packed house. He added, “From the bottom of my heart, thanks for coming out.” Ambrose and his quartet dazzled the crowd on “The Fire Next Time.” Akinmusire also performed “Regret (No More),” a song he wrote for Joni Mitchell, with only piano accompaniment.

Hard bop pianist Cedar Walton graced the Festival for the first time. His concert included “The Newest Blues,” “Satin Doll,” “Firm Roots,” and “Dear Ruth,” dedicated to his mother. He also performed a medley of “Lush Life,” “Daydream” and “Raincheck.” The sophisticated sounds of The Cedar Walton Trio showed the audience that they were in the hands of a master.

 At the standing-room L’Astral club, the Patricia Deslauriers Trio set the mood with evocative songs in minor key, which put people in a reflective state of mind. The trio played mostly slow tempos, with few pyrotechnics, and it seemed to be just what the audience wanted.

Singer Liane Carroll’s outdoor shows were a big hit at the Festival. Carroll is a fixture on the British jazz scene and a regular at famed London hotspot Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club. This jazzy torch singer with the big voice had people stopping in Quartier des Spectacles to enjoy her take on standards and popular songs. 

Miles Smiles, a gathering of consummate professionals, paid tribute to the legendary Miles Davis. Trumpeter Wallace Roney, saxophonist Bill Evans, bassist Daryl Jones, keyboardist Joey DeFrancesco, guitarist Larry Coryell, and drummer Omar Hakim dazzled the fans with stunning solos on songs like “Maze.” Surely, somewhere Miles was smiling at this assembly of giants gathered in homage to him.

The Aaron Parks and Joey Calderazzo Piano Duo had its first concert, and the pianists were very relaxed. It only took a couple of phone calls and e-mails to organize the show. Although the theater wasn’t full, those who attended were amply rewarded, and they showed great enthusiasm for these gifted pianists. It was an astonishingly good show, with outstanding solos by both. Songs included “Riddle Me This,” “Melancholia,” and “The Meaning of the Blues.”

The Lorraine Desmarais Trio performed numbers from her latest CD, Couleurs de Lune, including “Forever Young.” Desmarais talked about the collaboration between instruments in jazz, and compared it to cooking with different ingredients. She also treated the audience to a touching rendition of “Oh Danny Boy” and an encore of “How High the Moon.”

An Evening with Esperanza Spalding and Her Radio Music Society took the audience on a musical journey through some of her favorite music that has played on the radio over the years, some of which is sorely missing from contemporary radio. These are classics from various genres, including blues, standards, and R & B. Spalding spoke at length about relationships, love, and heartbreak, and played songs about those issues. Although her musicianship was excellent, a portion of the audience was disappointed that it wasn’t the jazz fare that they had come to expect.

Meshell Ndegeocello & Parc-X Trio played a double bill at Club Soda. Parc-X Trio, the Festival’s 2010 TD Grand Jazz Award winners, opened the show, playing the experimental jazz that first got them noticed on the Montreal jazz scene. Singer-bass guitarist Meshell Ndegeocello displayed her passionate political activism through spoken word and music. She mixed slogans from the civil rights era with current issues, collaborating with drummer Deantoni Parks, keyboardist Jebin Bruni, and guitarist Chris Bruce.

The Neil Crowley Trio’s British humor was front and center with a dinosaur on the piano as a muse. The BBC Jazz Award winners’ music was at times subtle, dynamic, and intense, and they played songs from their latest recording, The Face of Mount Molehill.

The Dr. Lonnie Smith Trio did a sound check where Smith worked out the kinks with drummer Johnathan Blake and guitarist Jonathan Kreisberg, and finished the rehearsal with a cohesive sound. Smith also told some stories from his illustrious career.

Musician, radio host, journalist, and archivist Michael Cuscuna received the 2012 Bruce Lundvall Award for his contributions to the history of jazz. As head of his own label, Mosaic, Cuscuna has saved and preserved many forgotten gems and jazz masterpieces over the years.

The 2012 Miles Davis Award was bestowed upon renowned double bassist Ron Carter. Carter has been a fixture on the jazz scene since the 1960s, and his influence on other musicians is widespread.

The 7th edition of the Blues Camp hosted 50 teenagers, free of charge, for an unforgettable learning experience. The teens were coached by seasoned professionals, and the week culminated in a live show on the Festival’s TD stage!

 

Pianist Robi Botos is the winner of the 2012 TD Grand Jazz Award, and Don Scott, of the group Peripheral Vision, received the Galaxie Rising Star Award for his song, “Backbone.”

 

The Montreal Guitar Show bid farewell to the Festival until 2014. From now on, the Festival will share hosting duties for this amazing gathering of luthiers and guitar aficionados, alternating each year with the Healdsburg Jazz Festival in California.

 

The late-night jam sessions returned to the Hyatt Regency, with John Roney at the helm. Several stars sat in, including The James Carter Organ Trio, to the delight of the jam-session faithful.

 

Battle of the Bands – The Duke Ellington Orchestra vs. The Count Basie Orchestra

The Festival ended on a high note with an exciting face-off between two legendary groups, The Duke Ellington Orchestra and The Count Basie Orchestra. While the competition was fierce, it was obvious that there was a lot of mutual respect between the members of both bands, all stellar musicians who are carrying on the legacies of their founders. The bands went toe-to-toe on songs like “Take the “A’ Train,” “April in Paris,” “In a Mellow Tone,” and “Kansas City Shuffle.” They also played together as one supergroup on a couple of numbers. Although it was a tough choice for the judges, they chose The Count Basie Orchestra by a narrow margin. In a surprise twist, Count Basie bandleader Dennis Mackrel gave the award to the Duke Ellington Orchestra, out of the immense respect Count Basie had for Duke Ellington. This move met with resounding approval from the audience, and in the end, it really didn’t matter which group won. The real winners were the lucky people who got to witness this historic event!