Isabelle Larrivée est née sur la rive-sud de Montréal. Après une formation en piano et en théâtre, elle se tourne vers la littérature. Ses études l’amènent au Maroc où elle habitera plusieurs années. En 2009, un premier album, Télescope, nait de son attachement à la chanson française. Sélectionnée à deux reprises comme demi-finaliste pour le festival Chansons en fête à Saguenay, elle fut aussi lauréate au concours Chansons sans frontière , à Caen, pour son texte Les Anges oubliés (Télescope). Au fil du temps, son style et ses intérêts évoluent vers des rythmes et des mélodies plus jazz. C’est dans cet esprit qu’elle crée son deuxième album, Affaires de décor, dont la sortie est prévue le 21 juin 2018.

ISABELLE LARRIVÉE - VOIX

CHRISTINE TASSAN- GUITARE

JEAN-PIERRE ZANELLA - SAXOPHONE ET FLÛTE

NORMAN LACHAPELLE - BASSE

After winning several classical music competitions starting around age 16, Samuel Blais studied at the Montreal Conservatory of Music for 3 years.  Following his graduation, he studied at McGill University where he completed a bachelors degree in Jazz Performance which led him to continue his musical education at the prestigious Manhattan School of Music in New York, obtaining a Masters degree in Jazz Performance.  The 3 years he spent in New York allowed him to perfect his art and to perform with worldwide renown musicians such as Greg Osby, Jim Black, Larry Grenadier, Nate Smith, Donny McCaslin, Jamie Baum, etc. Samuel Blais performed extensivly in the USA and Canada, as well as in France, Belgium, Mexico and Hong Kong. After producing his first record in 2008, « Where to Go »(FND080), he launched a new record in September 2010 called « New Angle »(FND104).  With 10 of his compositions out of 11 tunes, this record his a tremedous proof of Samuel Blais' evolution both as an instrumentalist and as a composer, confirming him as one of the important figure of the Quebec jazz scene.

Samuel Blais - saxophone / François Bourassa - piano / Olivier Babaz - double bass / Alain Bourgeois - drum

Virtuoso Guitarist and Band leader Sylvain Provost made his first appearance at the "Festival International de Jazz de Montréal" back in 1981, at the age of 21. Since then, he has been performing live across Canada and world wise on a regular basis. Several of his recordings and concerts have been recognized at the Prix Opus as well as the ADISQ (Quebec Association of Recording, Performance, and Video).

Composer and tenor saxophonist Yannick Rieu is one of the finest musicians - in any genre of music - to have emerged from Québec, and one who’s also enjoyed an international career for many years, particularly in France. As early as 1988, Down Beat, the American bible of jazz, ranked him amongst the 20 most promising sax players in the world along side Branford Marsalis, Joe Lovano and Courtney Pine. Since then, he’s been collecting rave reviews in jazz publications in the U.S., France and Canada for his recordings and his live performances.

Yannick Rieu - saxophone / Gentiane MG - piano / Robbie Kuster - drum / Guy Boisvert - double bass

First prize winner at the Canadian Music Competition in classical piano in 2009 and having recently completed studies in Jazz Piano at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, Guillaume Martineau is a creative and versatile pianist, incorporating influences from a wide range of musical genres and styles into his playing and performances. He can be heard every week hosting a radio show dedicated entirely to the live performance of improvised music at CIBL Radio-Montréal.  Guillaume Martineau's compositions create musical experiences that invite the listener on a real journey. The rules of jazz are evolved and transformed, with the pure essence of the musical experience becoming the priority.

Guillaume Martineau - piano / Janna Kate - vocal / Lex French - trumpet / Mark Nelson - drum

Drawing from his Eastern European roots, the trumpet player and composer Jacques Kuba Seguin invite us to share his eclectic universe. Revelation jazz of Radio Canada 2012-2013, his music is tinded of folk traditions and jazz harmonies, going until the ethereal atmospheres of electronica converge.

Jacques Kuba Séguin - trumpet / Olivier Salazar - vibraphone / Fred Pauze - bass / Al Bourgeois - drum

La musique rassemble et nous ouvre sur un monde de moments uniques et spontanés. Un langage universel qui donne lieu à toutes sortes de converses musicales et le jazz s’y prête particulièrement bien! C’est dans cet esprit que Kim Richardson, John Sadowy et Karl Surprenant souhaitent échanger pour les soirées « Jam Vocal Jazz ». Que de la musique, sans frontière, entre amis, tout ça dans l’atmosphère chaleureuse qu’offre le Dièse Onze. On vous attend tous les dimanches, pour un standard ou deux. Apportez vos partitions ou votre tonalité.

Kim Richardson - voix / John Sadowy - piano / Karl Surprenant - contrebasse

Entrée: contribution volontaire

Montalvo Flamenko Jazz (formerly Pachuco Flamenko Jazz) is a project led by Jheinsen Montalvo (El Pachuco), Montreal guitarist, of Salvadorian origin, having learned Flamenco Guitar in Andalusia (Spain) and from international masters. It is a group of variable ensembles: quintet, quartet, trio or duo. Inspired by the flamenco/jazz movement, it features original music after his self-titled EP. The repertoire consists of bulerías, alegrías, tangos and other ''palos flamenco'' with jazzy arrangements which allow the remarkable improvisation of high caliber musicians. We find the spirit and rhythm of flamenco alongside the sophisticated jazz harmony. Set as a duo, guitar-piano, for this occasion.

Cover Charge: voluntary contribution

‘Mondays’ heat up at Dièse Onze jazz club in the company of an all-star lineup, featuring virtuosos from Montreal’s Latin jazz scene. Son, rumba, timba and salsa rhythms drive and an exciting repertoire of original compositions as well as some innovative arrangements of traditional themes drawn from the very heart of Cuba.

Alex Bellegarde’s dynamic Tuesday jam session has become one of Montreal’s hippest weekly jazz events. The first set fires up with Bellegarde and his trio, playing host to a range of well known talents from the Montreal scene as well as musicians from out of town. The jam opens in the second set, to any jazz musician with the confidence to step up and play…there’s an unspoken rule though: “If you can’t keep up, you shouldn’t be on stage”. A great place to play and chill…. the jam continues on into the early hours!

Alex Bellegarde Trio and guest: Roberto Murray - saxophone

Cover Charge: voluntary contribution

If you’re a fan of the acoustic sound of guitars, saxophone and upright bass, then you’re in for a treat. On the menu, authentic swing and a few seldomly heard classic songs. Eclectic Django (for the great Django Reinhardt) perform an American and European repertoire of pre-war jazz, but don’t be surprised if you recognize a classic French tune or two - jazz music permitting all incursions. This early evening event has been animating the Wednesdays of the Dièse Onze for six years already - and there’s no signs of quitting! A friendly Atmosphere, great music and solid musicians are guaranteed - welcome!

François Rousseau - guitar / Alex Leblanc - double bass / Jody Golick - saxophone

Cover Charge: voluntary contribution

"Soul Therapy" nights, hosted by the collective known as "The Brooks" are being fuelled by groove and improvisation. Standing on some original music and some chosen covers, prepare for a mixture of styles.


Marie-Christine Depestre - vocals / Alexandre Lapointe - bass / Maxime Bellavance - drums / Philippe Beaudin - percussions / Philippe Look - guitar / Sebastien Grenier - saxophone / Hichem Khalfa - trumpet / Daniel Thouin - keys

Christine Tassan was born in France but emigrated to Quebec in 1994. Her musical migration led from her first love, singing, through classical guitar and songwriting before bringing her to a serious study of Swing guitar à la Django. You can recognize and enjoy all these influences in the music she plays.

Cover Charge: voluntary contribution

Al McLean is recognised as one of the most inspired and developed tenor sax player and musician of our city. His knowledge and dedication to the works of Coltrane is unequalled. Stepping in this evening to help him pay homage to the 1962 classic “Coltrane plays the blues” are Paul Shrofel on piano, Al Bourgeois on drums and Remi-Jean Leblanc on bass.

Al McLean - saxophone / Paul Shrofel - piano / Rémi-Jean Leblanc - bass / Al Bourgeois - drum

Known for her soft, warm and soothing vocals, Susie will woo your soul, singing authentic arrangements of a fine selection of jazz standards and classic popular songs. Don’t miss this chance to here her in an intimate setting. She will be leading a quartet form of Paul Shrofel on piano, Jim Bland on guitar and Mike DeMassi on upright bass.

Susie Arioli - vocal / Paul Shrofel - piano / Jim Bland - guitar / Mike DeMassi - double bass

Initié par Frank Bones en 2006, et sous sa nouvelle mouture depuis 2015, composé de Nora Toutain, Melissa Pacifico, Frank O’Sullivan et Gabriel Forget, le Elektrik Jam est une occasion en or pour des musiciens amateurs et professionnels d’échanger des « grooves » et des « licks » devant un public connaisseur et appréciatif. Ce jam mensuel à depuis peu déménagé au Dièse Onze, le dernier vendredi de chaque mois. Les sons de R&B, Soul, Hip Hop, Funk, Raregroove Jazz, Afrobeats et autres se mélanges tout au long de la nuit pour faire vibrer musiciens et amateurs d’improvisation et de spontanéité

Nora Toutain - voix / Melissa Pacifico - voix / Frank O'Sullivan - guitare / Gabriel Forget - contrebasse / Frank Bones - batterie

Ben Charest is an Oscar nominee composer from Montreal. He has written over 20 film scores. He is mostly known for his 2004 Triplets of Belleville score that has earned him many awards. Besides being a versatile composer, Ben is an accomplished jazz guitarist and performs regularly with some of Montreal's finest musicians. He will showcase his very ambitious and new project called “Polipo”, which means octopus in Italian. So, you guest it, an octet of outstanding local musicians: Charest on guitar, Kevin Warren on drums, Morgan Moore on bass, Dan Thouin on piano, Bruno Lamarche on sax, Max St-Pierre on trumpet, Erik Hove on alto sax, and Jean-Nicolas Trottier on trombone. New compositions and arrangements only… all’s left is to figure out where to fit everyone on-stage!

Benoît Charest - guitar / Kevin Warren - drum / Morgan Moore - bass / Dan Thouin - piano / Bruno Lamarche - saxophone / Maxime St-Pierre - trumpet / Erik Hove - alto saxophone / Jean-Nicolas Trottier - trombone

Musician Joe Sullivan is known as one ofthis city’s best trumpeter, composer, arranger and orchestra conductor. He proposes here a sextet form by himself, Jean Fréchette, Al McLean, Andre White (piano), Alec Walkington and Dave Laing. We will get to hear some new and older compositions and arrangements of his, and maybe a few from his band mates.

Joe Sullivan - trumpet / Jean Fréchette - saxophone / Al McLean - saxophone / André White - piano / Alec Walkington - double bass / Dave Laing - drum

Since 1980, the Dixieband has succeeded in reviving New-Orleans traditional jazz, combining harmonious and warm sounds with the explosive rhythms of this colorful music. This dynamic and seasoned group distinguishes itself by its masterful fluency of this unique repertoire, executed in the pure tradition of the genre. Add to that very generous and tasty plates, and a remarkable family ambiance, and you’ve got a perfect food & music combination.

Cover Charge: voluntary contribution

The singer, leader of what is usually vocal jam Sundays at the Dièse Onze, will totally take over the stage on this occasion to bring us a fine selection of her favorite standards. Kim is recognised as having one of the most beautiful voices in this town. She will be joined by her usual bandmates: John Sadowy on piano and Karl Surprenant on the upright bass.

Kim Richardson - vocal / John Sadowy - piano / Karl Surprenant - double bass

Montalvo Flamenko Jazz is a project led by Jheinsen Montalvo (El Pachuco), Montreal guitarist, of Salvadorian origin, having learned Flamenco Guitar in Andalusia (Spain) and from international masters. Inspired by the flamenco/jazz movement, the repertoire consists of bulerías, alegrías, tangos and other ''palos flamenco'' with jazzy arrangements which allow the remarkable improvisation of high caliber musicians. We find the spirit and rhythm of flamenco alongside the sophistication of jazz harmony.

Cover Charge: voluntary contribution

Mondays’ heat up at Dièse Onze jazz club in the company of an all-star lineup, featuring virtuosos from Montreal’s Latin jazz scene. Son, rumba, timba and salsa rhythms drive and an exciting repertoire of original compositions as well as some innovative arrangements of traditional themes drawn from the very heart of Cuba.

Uniquely combining the superlative technique of a classical virtuoso with his prowess in jazz, world music and free improvisation, pianist, composer and arranger Matt Herskowitz has carved out a unique and personal voice in music. Over the course of the last decade, Matt has produced a series of critically-acclaimed recordings, premiered his works in settings from New York’s Central Park to Germany’s Köln Philharmonie, collaborated with top classical, jazz and pop artists, and has performed at music festivals across the globe. For this occasion, Matt will explore the little-known musical connection between Ravel and Gershwin, who met in New York in 1929 and shared a mutual admiration and respect for each other's work.

Matt Herskowitz - piano

Cover Charge: voluntary contribution

Alex Bellegarde’s dynamic Tuesday jam session has become one of Montreal’s hippest weekly jazz events. The first set fires up with Bellegarde and his trio, playing host to a range of well known talents from the Montreal scene as well as musicians from out of town. The jam opens in the second set, to any jazz musician with the confidence to step up and play…there’s an unspoken rule though: “If you can’t keep up, you shouldn’t be on stage”. A great place to play and chill…. the jam continues on into the early hours!

Alex Bellegarde Trio and guest: Lex French - trumpet

Cover Charge: voluntary contribution

If you’re a fan of the acoustic sound of guitars, saxophone and upright bass, then you’re in for a treat. On the menu, authentic swing and a few seldomly heard classic songs. Eclectic Django (for the great Django Reinhardt) perform an American and European repertoire of pre-war jazz, but don’t be surprised if you recognize a classic French tune or two - jazz music permitting all incursions. This early evening event has been animating the Wednesdays of the Dièse Onze for six years already - and there’s no signs of quitting! A friendly Atmosphere, great music and solid musicians are guaranteed - welcome!

François Rousseau - guitar / Alex Leblanc - double bass / Jody Golick - saxophone

Cover Charge: voluntary contribution

With its high-energy afro-funk fusion influenced by Fela Kuti’s politicized afrobeat, Parliament’s clever groovy funk, James Brown’s passionate soul flavour, Bruno Mars’ bubbly pop sound and Jimi Hendrix’s rock intensity, Papagroove — easily recognizable on stage by its raw spirit, its mastery of improvisation and its explosive presence — has performed at Montreal Jazz Fest, Calgary Folk Music Festival, Calgary International Blues Festival, Hornby Festival, SunFest, Festival international des rythmes du monde, Festival d’été de Québec, Rimouski Jazz Fest, Woodstock en Beauce, Ottawa Jazz Fest (opening for Medeski, Martin & Wood), Maximum Blues, Festif (opening for Cat Empire) and Global Groove since its beginning in 2006. Born to be wild and free, the band is yet again ready to surprise us.

Christine Tassan was born in France, but emigrated to Quebec in 1994. Her musical migration led from her first love, singing, through classical guitar and songwriting before bringing her to a serious study of Swing guitar à la Django. You can recognize and enjoy all these influences in the music she plays.

Cover Charge: voluntary contribution

Marianne Trudel is a multi-talented pianist, composer, improvisor, and arranger. At once energetic and passionate, her music cross-cuts a wide swath of musical interests. As a performer, she pursues an active career in a variety of settings ranging from solo performances to large ensembles. In this particular setting, Marianne will be playing with John Hollenbeck on drums and Remi-Jean Leblanc on bass.

Marianne Trudel - piano / John Hollenbeck - drum / Rémi-Jean Leblanc - double bass

Saxophonist, composer and arranger, Jean-Pierre is very much in demand on Quebec’s music scene. After finishing his Masters degree in Jazz at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester N.Y., Zanella then played the Montreux Jazz Festival and the Saxophone International Congress in Nuremberg in 1982. That same year he recorded with the Eastman Jazz Ensemble and Saxology which won the « Downbeat Recording Award » for the best jazz group of the year. The show featured here, the Rio/Minas project, has for premise of adapting for a jazz quartet the music of prominent popular Brazilian composers. This time around we will be focussing on the music of Milton Nascimento and Chico Buarque.

After several concerts across Canada and Europe, Misc (formerly known as Trio Jérôme Beaulieu, Radio-Canada's 2013-2014 Jazz Revelation) launched their third album in early 2016. If the trio of Quebec-based musicians hail from the jazz tradition considering their vocabulary and the importance of improvisation throughout their music, they are clearly not limited to it with regards to their artistic direction, flirting mainly with pop and rock music and using a wide range of dynamics and effects throughout their work. For their self-titled show, the band keeps pushing the envelope and turns to electronic music for inspiration to create new hybrid sounds in an acoustic setting. Last summer, as a special order of the Montreal International Jazz Festival, they covered UK electronica artist James Blake for a show; this material is now part of their repertoire and will be joined by older compositions as well as newer electronic-inspired material.

Jérôme Beaulieu - piano / William Côté - drum / Philippe Leduc - double bass

To celebrate what would have been Ella Fitzgerald’s one hundredth birthday, Sonia Johnson along with her accomplices Stephen Johnston, Adrian Vedady, Marianne Trudel and Pierre Tanguay, pay tribute in drawing from the mythical music made in duo by her and guitarist Joe Pass from 1973 to 1986. With this concert, rediscover some inescapable melodies, musical comedy themes and beautiful Brazilian breezes that are interpreted with candor and sensibility by these very talented musicians such as: : Lush Life, A Foggy Day, Once I loved, Cry Me A River, You Are The Sunshine Of My Life, How High The Moon, My Man, One Note Samba, Why don’t you do right, Tennessee Waltz or Georgia on My Mind.

Sonia Johnson - vocal / Stephen Johnston - guitar / Marianne Trudel - piano / Adrian Vedady - double bass / Pierre Tanguay - drum

With his associates Francois Bourassa, Guy Boisvert and Andre White, Yannick Rieu wants to explore and propose music drawn from the repertoire of these 2 great composers, and also introduce his own work inspired by there legacy.

Yannick Rieu - saxophone / François Bourassa - piano / Guy Boisvert - double bass / Andre White - drum

Montalvo Flamenko Jazz (formerly Pachuco Flamenko Jazz) is a project led by Jheinsen Montalvo (El Pachuco), Montreal guitarist, of Salvadorian origin, having learned Flamenco Guitar in Andalusia (Spain) and from international masters. It is a group of variable ensembles: quintet, quartet, trio or duo. Inspired by the flamenco/jazz movement, it features original music after his self-titled EP. The repertoire consists of bulerías, alegrías, tangos and other ''palos flamenco'' with jazzy arrangements which allow the remarkable improvisation of high caliber musicians. We find the spirit and rhythm of flamenco alongside the sophisticated jazz harmony. Set as a duo, guitar-piano, for this occasion.

Cover Charge: voluntary contribution