The 44th edition of the Montreal International Jazz Festival (FIJM), presented by TD Bank Group in collaboration with Rio Tinto, promises to be a celebration of genre-bending music from around the world. Running from June 27th to July 6th, the festival will feature over 350 concerts, two-thirds of which are free.
Curating a Global Soundscape
This year’s programming reflects the increasingly borderless nature of jazz, according to FIJM’s head of programming, Maurin Auxéméry. “Jazz is constantly in conversation with contemporary music styles, and it in turn influences rock, pop and hip-hop,” he says. This cross-pollination is evident throughout the festival, with established jazz artists like Preservation Hall Jazz Band and Marcus Miller sharing the stage with performers from other scenes.
Big Names and Local Gems
Festival favourites Norah Jones and Jesse Cook return this year, alongside local talents like Alexandra Stréliski, Elisapie, and Geoffroy. Kid Koala is back for an encore performance of his popular “Storyville Mosquito” show, while the hip-hop scene is represented by artists like Killer Mike and Erick The Architect.
Africa and the World Stage
The FIJM 2024 shines a spotlight on African and global music, featuring artists like Etran de l’Aïr, The Brother Moves On, and Vieux Farka Touré. There’s also a strong showing of flutists, with SHABAKA, Chief Adjuah (Christian Scott), and André 3000 using the instrument in unexpected ways.
André 3000’s “New Blue Sun”: A Flute Odyssey
One of the festival’s biggest draws is sure to be André 3000’s performance of his latest album, “New Blue Sun.” A surprising departure for the Outkast rapper, the album features him playing the flute instead of rapping. Described as a blend of new age, jazz, and ambient music, “New Blue Sun” promises to be a unique and captivating live experience.
Watch highlights of the 2023 edition below:
Other Must-Sees
The festival boasts an impressive array of other performers across various genres. Here are a few to keep on your radar:
- Hiatus Kaiyote: The Australian funk-jazz outfit brings their electrifying energy to the free outdoor stage.
- Ana Moura: The fado superstar presents her critically acclaimed album “Casa Guilhermina.”
- Al Di Meola: The legendary guitarist showcases his virtuosity and genre-blending compositions.
- Cortex: This influential French jazz-funk band is enjoying a resurgence and ready to show why they’re considered innovators.
- Keyon Harrold Trumpet Summit: A gathering of young trumpet stars, including Harrold, Theo Croker, Maurice Brown, and Rémi Cormier.
- Ambrose Akinmusire Duo with Dave Holland: A meeting of generations, featuring a rising star trumpet player and a legendary bassist.
- Thee Sacred Souls: Bringing back the soulful vibes of the late 1950s and early 1960s.
- Charlotte Day Wilson: The Canadian R&B artist returns to the FIJM stage.
- Medicine Singers: A powerful collaboration between an Israeli guitarist, an American rock icon, and a Canadian Indigenous musician, blending traditions and genres.
More to Come
The FIJM promises a few surprises yet to be announced, so stay tuned for more exciting additions to the already impressive lineup. With its commitment to artistic exploration and global sounds, the 2024 Montreal Jazz Festival promises to be an unforgettable celebration of music.
See the full lineup below:
