You could be forgiven for forgetting that in 1980 12,000 people taking in jazz in Montreal, was if not novel, at least somewhat unexpected. Come 2008, the 29th Montreal International Jazz Festival is expected to attract over 2 million visitors, 500 performers, 100 venues and 12 days, and somewhere amongst this orgy of toe-tapping, finger-snapping jazz mavericks will be none other than the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin.
From the 26th of June to July 6, beatniks, rastas, yippies and nu-ravers alike will descend on Montreal taking in what is widely regarding as the Jazz Festival to end all Jazz Festivals.
The Monkey knows not all our Quebec bound guests are familiar with where to get tickets, which artist are playing, which songs they’re famous for or even what they look like. But hey that’s what we’re here for.
Enjoy the Monkey’s guide to the festivities.
Montreal International Jazz Festival 2008 Lineup:
Aretha Franklin
Buy Aretha Franklin Tickets Montreal
Performing at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier July 3 and July 4
The second most honored Female singer in Grammy history, Aretha has not only won twenty Grammy Awards including the Living Legend and Lifetime Achievement awards, but is now, as she will always be, renowned as the Queen of Soul.
If by some fluke of nature you are not aware of sheer unadaulturated genius of Ms Franklin, you could do worse that starting right here.
Leonard Cohen
Buy Leonard Cohen Tickets Montreal
For an indepth story on Leonard Cohen see our earlier article
Steely Dan
Buy Steely Dan Tickets Montreal
Performing at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier July 1 and July 2
Walter Becker and Donald Fagen finally bring their Grammy-Award winning jazz-fusion to Montreal bound to have the older generations minds clicking back to a carefree 70’s that was captured in Steely Dan’s complex harmonies.
For the younger amongst you the name may be a mystery but I’ll bet dollars to Donuts you’ll remember these am radio staples.
Rikki Don’t lose that number video
Ladytron
Playing the Metropolis July 2nd
One of the few bands to escape the early noughties Electroclash backlash (Fisherspooner anyone?) Ladytron is an electronic pop band originally from Liverpool, England, that have taken robotic, detached vocals and 80’s synth further than the Pet Shop Boys could ever have imagined.
If somehow you missed the ubiquitous club anthem ‘Seventeen‘ and return to form ‘Destroy Everything You Touch‘ cower not my unfashionable friend, you can blag it here care of the Monkey.
Destroy Everything You Touch mp3
The Glenn Miller Orchestra v the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra
Buy Battle of the Bands Tickets Montreal
Playing two shows at
Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier July 6th
The Jazz Fests’ first ever battle of the bands between swingtime jazzcats The Glenn Miller Orchestra and The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, promises to be a barn burner.
While I’m partial to the Glenn Miller troupe one imagines Jazz will be the winner on the night, so go along or check out what all the fuss is about, and choose your gladiator.
The Glenn Miller Orchestra
The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra
Other acts announced so far include:
James Taylor
Katie Melua
Dee Dee Bridgewater
Return to Forever with Chick Corea
Stanley Clarke
Al Di Meola
Lenny White
the Saxophone Summit featuring:
Joe Lovano,
Dave Liebman and
Ravi Coltrane.
Charlie Haden
Coral Egan
Omara Portuondo
the Millionth Monkey 