It's just been dawning on me that Montreal is producing some of the most awesome jazz musicians I've ever heard. It may be because of the McGill jazz program but that's not necessarily so.
At any rate, though I'm sure New York has some top-notch players, I don't think there is a place like Upstairs Jazz Bar and Grill, an intimate (maybe fifty people max?) setting where you're rarely more than fifty feet from the "stage," which is on the same level as you. And, apart from usually charging $5 or $10 cover, is usually FREE. Open seven days a week.
Some of the awesome players who play there (if they have MySpace pages, check out their tunes -- you won't be disappointed):
An extraordinary piano player named Eric Harding.
An equally extraordinary piano player named Steve Amirault.
Two monster (and I mean monster) bass players: Remi-jean LeBlanc and Nic Bedard.
And my favorite, crazed sax player Ben Henriques.
If any of these guys are on the roster at Upstairs, you should run, not walk over there.
Is that the best place to go see Jazz in Montreal, and what's their food & bar selection like? I've tried Diese Onze on St. Denis a few times lately, but the atmosphere is pretty austere, the acts are hit and miss and they don't really serve food.
ReplyDeleteLove the atmosphere and music at House of Jazz on Aylmer, but for some reason never get the motivation to go there.
Well, I try to divorce my eating habits from the jazz -- I really think that if you go you should "Forego" . . . after all, these are young people serving pub grub, probably shaky at best, and for me I just go for the jazz and a bottle of wine. That keeps me supremely happy.
ReplyDeleteAs for the jazz -- it truly varies. There is no mistaking the talent -- almost all of them know each other and have played together, but one night maybe some bandleader will be playing his own tunes and you might not like the style.
I get the impression that everyone is trying new styles, trying to stand out from the pack. But what I meant to say is, generally, the caliber of the musicianship is astonishing.
To answer your question, I've never eaten at Upstairs or Diese Onze -- I always eat before (or after) I go to save myself some cash! This from a food reviewer!