The trio of guitarist Peter Bernstein, organist Larry Goldings and drummer Bill Stewart is the longest-lived and most virtuosic organ trio in existence.

Celebrating three decades as a band, they have taken the organ trio tradition popularized by Jimmy Smith, Jack McDuff and Larry Young in the 1960s into fresh territory, recording a dozen masterly albums under various members’ names or as a collective unit – rotating IDs that clearly show the equality of each member’s contribution to the whole and their individual stature as world-class bandleaders.

Video: “Why Don’t I”

Singer Sarah MK strikes the balance between message and music with graceful mastery. Seamlessly alternating from swinging Jazz to slow-burning R&B and full-blown MC, she has an impressive sonic versatility, characterized by her love for Afro-American music and improvisation. Her latest album ”Wax & Gold” was released in 2022.

Musicians:
Jonathan Lorgis – bass
Philippe L’Allier – guitar
Harvey Bien-Aimé – drums
Piano – tbc

Youtube video: “Late Nights Early Mornings”

Julian Shively is a virtuosic pianist and cellist whose artistry spans a wide range of genres and influences. A graduate of McGill University with degrees in both jazz piano and classical cello, Julian’s musical experience has taken him across the globe, performing in a wide array of musical settings from serving as principal cello with orchestras traveling in Western Europe and China, to collaborating with jazz ensembles in the United States and The Bahamas, to performing as a featured soloist with 9 different orchestras.

Julian has developed a reputation for his versatility and technical prowess with an affinity for jazz and classical music (as well as a love for R&B and impressionist music) creating a dynamic and eclectic sound world. He invites you to experience an evening of original compositions and arrangements that reflect his unique creative journey. Join him for a night of beautiful and varied music, as well as many delightful surprises!

Musicians:
Julian Shively – keys
Maude Fortier – sax
Edmund Paquin – drums
Michael Goulart – bass

Listen to “Alone together”:

NEA Jazz Master Louis Hayes is a legendary drummer who has been at the heart of the jazz world for over five decades. In the 1950s and ’60s, Hayes was the rising star drummer in the iconic bands of Horace Silver, Cannonball Adderley, and Oscar Peterson. His extensive career has seen him work and record alongside other jazz legends, including Horace Silver, Oscar Peterson, Cannonball Adderley, Grant Green, Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard, Wes Montgomery, and John Coltrane.

With an impeccable sense of feel and a propulsive swing, Hayes has played a pivotal role in shaping the art of jazz drumming. The Guardian praises Hayes for his “unmistakable style: excitement tempered by poise,” while All About Jazz notes, “Today, Louis is one of the last men drumming from jazz’s galloping hard-bop era. Best of all, he hasn’t lost an ounce of energy or style.” Do not miss your chance to hear the legendary Louis Hayes with Montreal guitarist Mike Bruzzese.

Musicians:
Mike Bruzzese – Guitar
Andres Vial – Piano
Jonathan Chapman – Bass
Louis Hayes – Drums

Video: “Louis Hayes”

Drummer Loïc Du Sablon, originally from Quebec City and now based in Montreal, releases his debut album, “Belvédère.” The album represents a retrospective of his musical life, bringing together the various influences that have allowed him to flourish as a musician. It features pieces inspired by modern New York jazz, progressive rock, and even power ballads, all in a jazz format focused on improvisation. With Nicolas Riverin on trumpet, Félix Dubé on piano, Étienne Bédard-Roy on double bass, and Alex Muscalu on guitar, the quintet performs virtuoso music that is sometimes rhythmically complex, sometimes lyrical and sentimental.

Musicians:
Loïc du sablon: drums
Nicolas Riverin: trumpet
Alex Muscalu: guitar
Félix Dubé: piano
Étienne Bédard-Roy: bass