MONTREAL JAZZ FESTIVAL: 5 MUST-SEE MONTREAL ACTS

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There’s no shortage of shows to see during the Montreal Jazz Festival. In fact, trying to see everything you and your ears want to hear is near impossible. What you need, then, is a way to cut through the program and pick out something special…

My suggestion is to start by checking out some of the best Montreal-based musicians that the Jazz Fest has to offer. From soaring piano pop to funky film scores, this year’s lineup proves that the diversity and love for music that helped create the Montreal Jazz Fest is alive and well in 2009…

Lost Fingers: This acoustic Quebecois trio mixes gypsy, jazz and a whole bunch of ’80s influences, resulting in a live show unlike anything you’ve ever heard. Lost in the 80s, their debut album, is a wild ride through the 80s chauffeured by a couple of half-mad gypsy musicians.

Lost Fingers July 4, 2009, Métropolis, 59 Ste-Catherine Street East

Patrick Watson: Patrick Watson (the name of both the bandleader and his talented backing band) have toured the world and played alongside legends like James Brown. The low-key Watson becomes a man possessed in front of the piano and their latest release, Wooden Arms, is gathering critical steam. For their free outdoor show, they’ll be joined a string section and guests like Lhasa de Sela and Guy Nadon, plus some surprises designed to take this show over the top. If you can’t see this in person, the show will be broadcast live

Patrick Watson July 5, 2009, Scène General Motors

Pawa Up First: One of Montreal’s most interesting musical acts, Pawa Up First create cinematically-oriented masterpieces that mix not only the sounds of Sergio Leone and Ennio Morricone, but rock, hip hop, surf music and more. To accompany new songs from their latest album, The Outcome, their show will be accompanied by video projections to help enhance the soundtrack to a great night of music.

Pawa Up First July 5, 2009, Club Soda, 1225 Saint-Laurent Blvd.

The Dears: One of the pioneering acts of Montreal’s celebrated indie music scene, The Dears have recently re-structured the players in this Murray Lightburn-fronted group. But even with the shake-up, their latest release, Missiles, remains true to their darkly rich and romantic vision of the world around them.

The Dears July 6, 2009, Club Soda, 1225 Saint-Laurent Blvd.

Jason Bajada: Loveshit is the Montreal-based Bajada’s third album. An album, if the title hasn’t aleady informed you that delves deeply in to the world of the love song. With an astute ear for melody, this singer-songwriter provides the perfect way to wallow wonderfully in beautiful heartbreak.

Jason Bajada July 8th and 9th, 2009, Savoy du Métropolis, 59 Ste-Catherine Street East

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