Façade is an instrumental jazz sextet co-directed by trombonist Margaret Donovan and drummer Matys Colpron putting forward young upcoming Montreal talent. The sextet presents a new variety of compositions showcasing its creativity and diverse influences. This allows Façade to create its artistic affirmation, one of diversity and wishing to include and inspire a new generation in Montreal.

Youtube video: Portrait of Glenys

Based in Tokyo, Japan but born and raised in Montreal, QC, Denis Chang is a guitarist of Taiwanese descent specializing in Gypsy Jazz. He is active internationally and has worked with artists such as Bireli Lagrene, Stochelo Rosenberg, Angelo Debarre, Tchavolo Schmitt, Dorado Schmitt, Tico Rosenberg, and many others.

Musicians:
Denis Chang – Guitar
Special Guest from Taiwan – Ming-Hsuan Mao
Brenn Dalle – Violin
Zak Martel – Guitar
Olivier Georget – Bass

Youtube video: “Awen Sik Awen Sik”

One of Canada’s most sought after musicians, Jim Doxas plays extensively both nationally and overseas. Distinguished for his improvisational approach to jazz, he makes the case that percussion can be as performative as a lyrical instrument.

Video: “Upstairs Jam Session hosted by Jim Doxas”

Taurey Butler is a phenomenal jazz pianist of the highest calibre.

Hailing from East Orange, New Jersey, he has played in numerous cities across the world from Hong Kong to New York and now makes his home in Montréal. Taurey’s debut self-titled recording on the Justin Time label was released in November 2011 to resounding critical acclaim. He emerges as a fully-formed master of hard-driving swing with a deep feeling for the blues and ballads.

It’s easy to get lost in the fire and funk, the sweetness and swing, of Taurey Butler. But you can also follow the light that his music emanates.

Musicians:
Taurey Butler (piano)
Rémi-Jean LeBlanc (bass)
Wali Muhammad (drums)

Youtube video: “Taurey Butler Trio – The Preacher”

Jeremy Sandfelder is a saxophonist, clarinetist, composer and educator based in Montreal. Inspired by the music of Stan Getz and Lester Young, Sandfelder is making a name for himself as an exceptional straight-ahead jazz saxophonist steeped in the language of swing, bebop and Cool Jazz. As a clarinetist, his classical technique and improvisational prowess are heavily influenced by Buddy DeFranco and Grammy award winning artist Eddie Daniels, with whom he had the privilege to study in 2021.

Graduating from McGill University with a Masters in Jazz Saxophone Performance in 2024, and a Bachelor’s in Jazz Saxophone Performance (minor in Music Theory) in 2019, Sandfelder has studied under the tutelage of esteemed mentors such as Rémi Bolduc, Ira Coleman, Masashi Usui, Al McLean, Andre White and Donny Kennedy. His efforts have seen him perform internationally with jazz luminaries such as Peter Madsen, Ira Coleman, Neil Swainson, Eiji Taniguchi and Kevin Dean.

The 1974 album “Captain Marvel” documents the collaboration between saxophonist Stan Getz and pianist/keyboardist Chick Corea. Recorded in 1972 during the jazz fusion movement, this album captures Getz, an already well established jazz star at the height of his career experimenting with the sounds of the era while still retaining his trademark voice as an artist. Meanwhile, Corea had just recorded what would become one of the defining jazz fusion albums, “Return To Forever”. Joining them on the album are the bassist Stanley Clarke and percussionist Airto Moreira, brought on by Corea from his “Return To Forever” band. At Getz’ request is also the young drummer Tony Williams, a notable sideman with Miles Davis from his Second Great Quintet. The result is a fascinating juxtaposition of the old and the new that gets to the heart of the collaborative spirit that jazz thrives on.

Musicians:
Jeremy Sandfelder – tenor saxophone
Tanakrit Tongnupnua – keyboard
Rémi-Jean Leblanc – bass
Alex Johnson – drums

Video: Pepper Mill