Blues At Montreal Jazz Festival 2019 

The Festival International de Jazz de Montreal for 2019 has an outdoor stage (Hyundai/CBC/Radio-Canada stage, at the corner of Clark Street and De Maisonneuve Blvd) dedicated to a series of free Blues shows. There are also some other noteworthy shows, of Blues and other genres as well, happening on other stages, and indoors at a few venues. This article describes the events I think are worth seeing, in an easy to follow format that you can refer to each day. It is by no means an exhaustive list, there are many shows worth seeing. I personally like wandering around to the other stages in between the shows I plan on seeing. One can discover all kinds of new music to appreciate at this festival. Unless otherwise noted, these shows are free.

Besides the twenty-nine artists performing forty-four shows listed with details below, the arguably best known Blues bar in Montreal, Bistro À JoJo, will be hosting their usual schedule of shows, at 17:00 and 22:30 every night. Performers include a lot of the best known Montreal Area Blues musicians: Jim Zeller, Dwane Dixon, Mathieu Rancourt, Jo Hell and The Red Roosters, Unkle Groove, Marc Fecteau, Andrée Duprée & Jean Millaire, La Messe à Jojo with Carlos Veiga, Matt Gibb, Roxanne, Sebastien Plante Seb’s Music Shop, Caleb Taylor, The Papa’s Sons, Pastel, and Montreal native now living and playing blues in Austin, Texas, Sonny Wolf.

Day 1 – Thursday June 27 

Starting this year, the festival has added a new stage outside of the downtown area that is used for festivals in Montreal. The new stage this year is in Verdun, and the first show happening there is at 17:00, with Suzie Arioli. Suzie is a native of Verdun, and had been singing in jazz clubs in Montreal when she met guitarist Jordan Officer at a jam led by Stephen Barry. Together they started the Susie Arioli Band. Their first big opportunity came in 1998. After a successful outdoor show, they were asked by the Montreal International Jazz Festival to open for Ray Charles. This is sure to be a concert shimmering with emotion. A perfect show to start off the festival.

An exceptional stage presence, guitarist/singer-songwriter Cécile Doo-Kingué blends blues, afro-roots and soul to create a unique sound. Born and raised in New York City, first generation from Cameroon, she has lived in the USA, France, and is now an adopted Montrealer. Cécile has released four full length albums, and a 5 song EP. This woman, who is becoming known as one of Canada’s finest Blues guitarists, puts on a powerful raw performance that should not be missed.

It’s tough to resist this Montréal octet and their dedication to funk and soul – they’ve opened for legends including the Doobie Brothers and Kool & the Gang, and toured through Europe, Morocco and Mexico last year. One thing’s for sure, they’re no longer the best-kept secret in town! A lot of energy on the stage with this band.

Winner of the Harmonica player of the year award at the recent Maple Blues Awards for the second time, Guy is one of Canada’s best. Longtime partner of the late Bob Walsh, he also writes music for his brother’s films. For this occasion, he will have two special guests with him, France D’Amour at the 21:00 show, and Kim Richardson at the 23:00 show. 

Spicy Montréal swing combo Royal Pickles stand out from the pack for their devotion to Hot Jazz and the zany, inspired passion that fires up each one of their performances. Get ready for a hot, brassy evening of vintage, danceable jazz! Also playing the same time and stage on the 28th and 29th.

Day 2 – Friday June 28

For 15 years, this Ontario musician has been captivating audiences across Canada, the United States and United Kingdom with her passion and talent. I saw her for the first time this past winter at the Blues Summit in Toronto, and it was one of the highlights of the thirty performances I saw there. She stunned the room at that show by opening with a powerful voice singing a cappella for a few minutes before being joined by her band.

Led by harmonica master and songwriter Pierre Lacocque, Mississippi Heat is a world-class Chicago Blues Band. Pierre attended McGill University in Montreal, so he is no stranger to the city. The band’s motto is “Traditional Blues with A Unique Sound” as they present fresh yet vintage-based musical ideas. I like this band so much I once drove to Quebec City to stay overnight and catch them playing at a small bar.

See Thursday picks. You get three chances to see them. 

Day 3 – Saturday June 29

Angelique Francis is a versatile and exceptionally gifted musician with talent that is way beyond her years. This multi-talented, multi-instrumentalist, multi-genre singer-songwriter and composer has wowed audiences across the globe with her electrifying performances, instrumental abilities and powerful textured vocals. She is known for her eclectic mix of various musical genres including Blues, Soul, Folk, Jazz, Gospel and Rock. Angelique has shared the stage/opened for a large roster of well-known musicians such as Gary Clark Jr, Beth Hart, Tom Cochrane, Burton Cummings, Sugar Ray and the list goes on. Her diversity, passion and love of music can be heard in all of her original compositions. Another of my favorites from the Blues Summit earlier this year.

Nominated for Blues Album Grammy in 2019, winner of the Blues Music Award “Pinetop Perkins Piano Player of the Year” on multiple occasions, Victor and his band always put on an energetic show. For this show, he will have his sometimes horn section with the band.

See Thursday picks. You get three chances to see them. 

Day 4 – Sunday June 30

From Brooklyn, this trio describes themselves as “Rock and Roll salvation through the spirit of roots and blues.” While influenced by the likes of Son House, Captain Beefheart, Howlin’ Wolf, MC5, and Dr. Feelgood, their sound personifies garage rock and punk with a contemporary raw twist performed in their own brand of supercharged R&B. I am looking forward to seeing them for the first time.

Michael Mwenso brings us a crazy-quilt of joyous musicians from Sierra Leone, London, South Africa, Greenwich Village, Madagascar, France, Jamaica and Hawaii – all now living in Harlem, and ready to pull you into an irresistible whirlwind of jazz, blues, African and African-American music. At once harmonious, intense and energetic. This sounds like it will be a lot of fun, and on the second biggest stage of the festival.

Winner of the International Blues Challenge (Band) in 2017, and nominated for two 2018 Maple Blues Awards, Female Vocalist and Entertainer Of the Year, Dawn Tyler Watson is no stranger to this festival. Known as one of the finest Jazz singers before she started focusing on the Blues, she still does the occasional jazz gig here in Montreal. Dawn’s stage presence and vocal talents, along with her great backing band, (see next entry) make seeing her shows worth being at the top of any list of shows to see.

Winner of the Albert King Award for Best Guitar Performance (Band) at the same International Blues Challenge in 2017 where Dawn Tyler Watson won. The Ben Racine Band were the, and still are, backing band for Dawn. With a voice as exceptional as his skills on the six-string, and a band with genuine chemistry, he’s renowned for his live performances. A must see for any blues fan that enjoy truly original songwriting infused with horn driven soul and the golden days of R&B.

Day 5 – Monday July 1

Born in Australia, to Lebanese parents, Barbara Diab’s family moved to Canada when she was a young child. Her musical background encompasses gospel, American roots, blues, and Motown. Barb and her band will be launching a new album, aptly titled “Mojo Woman”, just days before this festival, on Tuesday, June 18 at the legendary House of Jazz Montreal. So we can be sure this show on the Hyundai stage will be filled with new material from that album. As a special guest, drummer Tony Coleman (BB King, Otis Clay, etc.) will be joining the band.

Steeped in R&B, hip-hop, rock, blues and soul during his childhood in Philadelphia, singer-songwriter Devon Gilfillian made his mark in 2016 with his self-titled EP, a tribute to his first musical loves. This rising star will launch a highly anticipated album later this year. He is also doing a show on Tuesday evening, at the Rio Tinto stage downtown, at 20:00, so you will have two chances to see him.

German native Daniel Wellbat sings as though he’s been hanging out in dark saloons for years, like his idols Willie Dixon, Eels and Tom Waits. That’s where he gleans the stories and dreams that makes up his songs, inspired by rock, blues, jazz and hip hop to whip up an intoxicating musical cocktail. After recording his debut album "Beautiful Disaster" in 2011 together with producer Stephan Gade, it was finally time for Wellbad in band format: Stefan Reich (double bass), Sebastian Meyer (drums), Simon Andresen (piano) and Nazim Kilic (electric guitar) provide a rich sound, which together with the whiskey-soaked voice of the bearded front man leaves no blues fan cold.

Day 6 – Tuesday July 2 

Jenie Thai, originally from Edmonton and now living in Toronto, is, to quote the one and only Richard Flohil, "an uncommon talent, full of life and zest and sparkling energy. While based in the blues, this woman's music is passionate pop with style and guts and a cheeky smile that will light up audiences wherever and whenever she plays." I have had the pleasure of seeing her at two Blues Summits in Toronto, and was quite impressed. Jenie will also be on the same stage at the same time on Tuesday, July 2.

Lucky Peterson – 19:00 and 21:45 – Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill – Reservations required, $48.50 each show

American Blues legend and multi-instrumentalist Lucky Peterson is one of the most riveting performers of the modern blues era. A searing lead guitarist, a rich and powerful organist, and a first-rate vocalist, Lucky’s musicianship effortlessly translates gospel, rock, and jazz into a 21st century blues. Many reminisce about the bygone days of the blues, but its flame still burns hot in the hands of Lucky Peterson. Lucky will be celebrating his 50th Anniversary of performing professionally in 2019.

Devon’s second show of the festival is on the second biggest stage downtown. See entry for Monday in Verdun for details.

JP Soars is not a typical blues guitarist. He has a diverse musical background that encompasses a multitude of influences. " I love T-Bone Walker, Jesse May Hemphill, Wes Montgomery, Django Reinhardt, Muddy Waters, Johnny Guitar Watson, Guitar Slim and Louis Jordan. But I also love Tito Puente, Miles Davis, Hank Williams, Black Sabbath and Slayer." Soars toured the globe and recorded several records with some of the most extreme metal bands in the world before finding his home in the blues! Another must see in this series of shows at Hyundai stage.

Day 7 – Wednesday July 3

Jenie Thai’s second show. See entry for Tuesday for details.

Second place finishers in the Band category at the 2016 International Blues Challenge, Montreal-based PDB has just released a new album, “Bounce”, which they are now on a world tour to promote. Always a great live show, especially when they play in their hometown. Guitarist/vocalist Paul Deslauriers has won Maple Blues Guitarist of the Year, the band has won Entertainer of The Year twice and Electric Act of the Year once, and drummer Sam Harrison has won Drummer of the year.

Day 8 – Thursday July 4

The Stephen Barry Band has performed on every blues stage in Quebec, Ontario and the Maritimes and taken their show further abroad, performing both in Europe and South America, and are currently in their 44th year of continuous performing. Stephen is also one of Canada’s best known, and often used, bass players amongst other Blues, Folk and Roots musicians, and a winner of the Maple Blues “Blues With A Feeling (Lifetime Achievement)” award. If you go see this, you will see him use the same bass guitar he has used for every public show since he bought it in the late sixties.

An imposing figure with a shaven head, tattooed arms, a goatee and a performance style he describes as “the Stooges meets Buddy Guy, Motörhead meets Muddy Waters, and Jimi Hendrix meets Robert Johnson," Popa Chubby is an endearing character who is one of the genre’s most popular figures. A native of the Bronx, Popa’s music is deeply New York blues with very personalized shots of rock and funk accents. This hardcore guitarist blows away the house every night with wild rhythms, but can also play with a gentle touch as in his interpretation of Leonard Cohen’s Montréal masterpiece Hallelujah, which he calls “the best song ever written.”

Day 9 – Friday July 5

Known as the baritone guitar/harmonica/vocalist of award-winning group Monkeyjunk, where he has won two Juno awards and before that as a harmonica player touring with Harry Manx, as well as now also touring as the harmonica player for Colin James, and in a duo with Harry to promote their just released collaboration album, Steve is bringing his solo show to the festival. I saw a preview of this show at the Blues Summit in Toronto in February, and believe me, this should be on your “must see” list as well. Winner of the Maple Blues award for Harmonica Player of The Year six (!!) times, he also won the Male Vocalist of the Year once.

Peter Frampton – 19:30 – Place Des Arts – tickets $88.40 to $119.60 taxes and fees included

Although not really known as a Blues man, Frampton has just released an album titled “All Blues”, and as he himself explains in the album press release: “I have always loved to play the blues. When we formed Humble Pie, the first material we played together was just that. For the last two summers I had been playing a handful of blues numbers every night onstage with the Steve Miller Band. I enjoyed this immensely and it gave me the idea of doing an All Blues album live in the studio with my band.” This show is part of his “Finale” tour, and is sure to include his biggest successes as well as some of the tracks from the new album.

Another band I saw at the Blues Summit in Toronto, this powerhouse blues/soul combo of 9 musicians and 2 backing singers formed by two of Canada’s best known and well respected musicians, Matt Weidinger and Juno award-winning Lance Anderson, will make you feel like you’ve been transported to an evangelical church deep in the heart of the southern U.S. and plunged into a gospel/roots revival. 

This promises to be a great show. Montreal based multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, former guitarist for Suzie Arioli, will be performing with a full band on the biggest stage of the downtown site, and festival. This being his 20th appearance at this festival, he will be accompanied by 9 musicians, and he will revisit his 4 albums in what is sure to be an adrenaline filled explosive spectacle worthy of the occasion!

Day 10 – Saturday July 6

Along with the aforementioned Miss Emily and Vancouver based Wes Mackey, (who unfortunately passed away shortly after the Summit), Miche was on my favorite “discoveries” at the Blues Summit this year. The audience seemed to really appreciate her too, as it’s utterly impossible to stand still when buffeted by the energy this singer and her group unleash onstage. Jump blues, swing and rockabilly: they transport their audiences back in time to the golden age of the blues, intoxicated with dance-mad fever. Bring your dancing shoes for this show.

Buddy Guy and Colin James – 19:30 - Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, Place des Arts – Tickets are $87.10 to $111.10, taxes and fees included

An international Blues Legend, with a bona fide Canadian Blues Legend opening for him. What needs to be said? I saw Buddy for at least the 12th time at Trois-Rivières last year, from the front row. Still putting on an amazing show in his eighties! Colin is fresh from this year’s Maple Blues Awards, where he took home five awards for Entertainer of the Year, Electric Act of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Recording/Producer of the Year and Songwriter of the Year. A must see show for any Blues fan, in one of the best venues, acoustics-wise, in Montreal.

The latest album from this Toronto based band, “Run to Me” was nominated for four 2019 Maple Blues Awards: Album of The Year, Songwriter of The Year, Entertainer of The Year, and Female Vocalist of The Year. From her bio page, because I could not have said it better: “Martin is the lead singer, songwriter and focal point of the group. A dynamic front woman, she possesses a stunning voice that is capable of summoning up tidal waves of spine-tingling emotion in one instance while delicately bringing out the nuances of a gut wrenching lyric in the next. A torrid force of nature, night after night she takes audiences to emotional peaks while leaving them stunned with her sheer pin-you-against-the-wall power. While Martin is a powerhouse unto herself, the vocal alchemy of Delta Sugar is not the work of a single talent. In combination with what she likes to term her “co-vocalists,” Sherie Marshall and Mwansa Mwansa, the vocal blend Delta Sugar produces is pure, unadulterated gospel-tinged, neuron-tingling magic where the sum is even richer than the already soul-melting parts.”

Ottawa area native, now living in Austin, Texas, Sue Foley won the Maple Blues Guitar Player award this year, and fully deserved it. Of the more than 120 shows I saw last year, my two favourite were both shows this lady put on. A dynamic stage presence, superb guitarist, and great vocalist, Sue can convey the emotion in her music as well as, if not better than, anybody else. Amongst her awards and nominations: in 2001, Sue won a JUNO Award for her CD, “Love Coming Down”, and was nominated again in 2019 for Best Blues album for her latest release, “Ice Queen”. She has also earned 17 Maple Blues Awards and three Trophées de Blues de France. She has also garnered several nominations at the International Blues Music Awards in Memphis, Tennessee.