After a long (way too long!) gap, I was back in Canada in June and July for one of the premier jazz events in the world, the Montreal International Jazz Festival! See my earlier articles and interviews from other festivals like the Borneo International Jazz Festival (Malaysia), Mosaic Festival (Singapore), and Forde Festival (Norway).
One of last year’s highlights at the Montreal festival was the late great blues legend B.B. King (see my compilation of his inspiring quotes). Fans of jazz and world music can also check out the app ‘Oktav,’ a collection of witty quotes about music (available on Apple iTunes and Android).
The 35th edition of MIJF featured legends Al Di Meola, Stanley Jordan, Stanley Clarke, Wayne Shorter, Bebel Gilberto, Bill Frisell, John Scofield, Vijay Iyer, Eliane Elias and Alain Caron. There were also a number of Canadian stars and other emerging artistes from around the world: Nigeria, South Africa, Cameroon, India, Mexico, India and Peru. Indonesian superkid Joey Alexander was among the lineup as well.
For 10 gloriously long summer days, from early evening to late night, dozens of bands performed across 15 concert halls and eight outdoor stages in the city. Join us in this photo tour of the Montreal JazzFest 2015, and make sure you put the 2016 edition on your must-attend list for next year!
Afro-Peruvian fusion by NovaLima
Anwar Khurshid on sitar
Canadian harmonica wizard Guy Belanger
Erykah Badu, neo-soul queen
Freshly Ground, South Africa – vocalist Zolani Mahola
Gabriela, Mexico (of duo Rodrigo y Gabriela)
Haitian-born Montreal singer-pianist Marie Christine
Jordan Officer, Montreal
Just Woan, Cameroon-Canada
MIJF posters in town
MIJF venue – downtown Montreal!
Paul des Lauriers, Quebec
Photo collage of MIJF
Album launched by Nigerian singer Somi
Poster salute to the jazz greats
Rodrigo, Mexico (of duo Rodrigo y Gabriela)
Youngblood Brass Band
Article and photos are provided by Madanmohan Rao
Editor & DJ, World Music and Jazz; Bangalore
Global Correspondent for Jazzuality.com