Friday night, I stepped out of my comfort zone by checking out two artists I’d never heard of before. And that’s the beauty of the Montreal Jazz Fest, discovering new music from a great variety of styles and genres. I honestly had no idea of what to expect and was pleasantly surprised when Montreal’s own Magi Merlin appeared on the scene. Illuminating the dark and crowded Club Soda with her raw energy and sultry vibe, she immediately captivated us with a warm smile.
Talking to the audience casually, like we all knew each other, she complained about her new neighbour and then dropped some new music on us…just like that.
Her latest album “Gone Girl” was released May 27th 2022 and her excitement to share it was more infectious than Covid as hundreds of people crowded around the stage and swayed to her funky/soulful grooves.
Her performance was electric on so many levels. With a unique combination of salty and sweet, Magi rapped with a fierce growl and then sang softly, teasing us with her sensuality, her long and colourful braids springing around her head as she danced was like watching fireworks.
I enjoyed “Free Grillz”
When Brittney Denise Parks aka Sudan Archives hit the stage, she knew damn well how to build up the excitement. She took her sweet time, radiating a great sense of stillness and control as we waited eagerly, almost hypnotized while she gently plucked the strings of her violin.
Striking a fabulous pose, from her head down to her toes, Sudan Archives was a sight to behold. In a barely there denim micro mini skirt and tube top, with knee-high black wedge-heeled boots. Her long glossy black hair was partially up, like an Amy Winehouse beehive, revealing huge gold hoop earrings and when she smiled Miss Parks had grillz.
Luring us into a trance with her dreamy vocals and stream-of-consciousness lyrics in “Confessions.”
And then being playful while giggling when she described “NBPQ” as a song about “titties”.
When she boldly repeated the line “Cause I’m not average” a dozen times, you had to believe it.
The haunting intro to “Nont For Sale” (my favourite) showcased her mad musical skills. I never considered the violin as an R&B instrument, but in the magical hands of Sudan Archives it felt almost punk, plucking her violin strings with a speed and tenderness that both shocked and soothed, her Pizzicato was flawless.
She ended her set with dramatic flair, kneeling down at the edge of the stage and handing out roses to some lucky audience members. There was no encore. We were left hanging, wanting more.
Annette Aghazarian
July 8,2022
