A favorite son returns, stunning performances

Press Release
For immediate distribution
Facts & Figures for the 26th Festival International de Jazz de Montréal
A favorite son returns, stunning performances
and a major new event!
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Montreal, Monday, July 11, 2005 – Anyone who thought this 26 edition would be a let-down after last year’s
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25 anniversary spectacular must have enjoyed hundreds of welcome surprises over the last 10 days at the
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26 Festival International de Jazz de Montréal. Because a multi-textured program that included jazz, flamenco,
Cuban, African, Hindi and electro hybrids was what awaited thousands upon thousands of music lovers at this
year’s spectacular compendium of all that’s happening in the world of jazz and its musical relatives.
It’s been years now that Montreal’s unique summertime event has been known as a locus of musical creativity like nowhere
else, but this year’s event exceeded everyone’s expectations by a very long shot. It’s the only place on Earth where a
cultural event of such dimensions occurs on a yearly basis, hosting such giants as Pat Metheny whose closing concert
Sunday night will remain emblazoned in everyone’s memory for years to come. It’s the only place where year after year
musicians from around the world appear — almost as friends dropping by — in a city that’s in perpetual celebration of their
talent. It’s an event where, for 26 years, millions of visitors have discovered the music and culture of places they’re unlikely
ever to visit — the music of master tabla player Zakir Hussain who hosted the first part of this year’s Invitation series being
but one example. That’s not to mention the dozens of other artists from India, Africa, Asia, the Mid-East and both Eastern
and Western Europe who performed at this year’s Fest. And it’s not to mention the hundreds of young musicians from
around the world who’ve over the years come to town to demonstrate the compatibility of so many musical styles and
traditions with one another, proving the universality of the one language that binds us all.
This year, the Festival was delighted to receive giants such as Toots Thielemans, Bobby McFerrin,
Mark Knopfler, Sonny Rollins, Omara Portuondo and Charles Lloyd, plus all the 2005 winner’s of the prizes
awarded yearly by the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal: Khaled (the Antonio Carlos-Jobim Award), Al Jarreau
(the Ella-Fitzgerald Award), Dave Holland (the Miles-Davis Award), Quebec’s own Bernard Primeau (the
Oscar Peterson Award) and the Alex Bellegarde Quartet (the Grand Prix de Jazz General Motors).
Because the Festival has become so well-attended by musicians and the public alike, this year we introduced an
all-new event-within-the-event: The Montreal Musician and Musical Instrument Show. In its inaugural run for this
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26 edition, the new dimension to our Festival was designed to encourage music-making by exposing the public
to instruments and accessories, further positioning Montreal as an international Mecca of musical performance.
This year a very long run of spectacularly good luck came to an end when for the first time a downpour greeted the
crowds at the first free outdoor mega-show, starring Champion & his G-strings. But the event only served to prove
Montrealers’ absolute commitment to their Festival, when they turned out and stayed in droves for the event. Although
it’s true that the poor weather probably contributed to diminished sales on the site, that was more than compensated
for by unprecedented box office sales (not including Dianna Krall’s extraordinary show last year at the Bell Centre).
We were also pleased to notice an increase in sales of the Friends of the Festival card, as well as travel packages
sold, all of which combined to help this year’s Festival balance the books, exactly as predicted by organizers.
An extremely popular new event: The Montreal Musician and Musical Instrument Show
It was a huge hit at this year’s Fest: The Montreal Musician and Musical Instrument Show. By which we mean a hit
with everyone, from debutant to professional musicians and the 41 representatives of prestigious manufacturers of
musical instruments and accessories who took part in the event. Located at the Grande-Place in the complexe
Desjardins, everyone loved the new initiative and the interactions that resulted. Here’s what just a few had to say:
“It’s hard to believe this was the very first year! The place was packed!” — Guitares XXL
“The vibe was great and everyone really enjoyed the music and the instruments!” — Marshall
“It’s amazing how many people said that the show made them want to take up music again!” — Robert Godin
In all, about 90,000 people showed up for the 2005 MMMIS. Of those, 54% were amateur musicians and 19%
professional. 24% had no musical background at all, although they declared themselves ready to pick up an
instrument once they’d stopped by. Of all respondents, a soaring 72% stated that their visit to the MMMIS had
prompted them to re-apply themselves as musicians. But it’s those two last statistics that so deeply touched
organizers of the event, because providing encouragement and getting people to take up an instrument is
exactly why we launched the event in the first place!
Which is to say you can bet we’ll be doing it again next year. We’ve already marked down a number of physical
improvements on our agendas (not least of which is that visitors to the event raised such a din in the Grande-Place
that a few artists performing on stages outside the hall lost their beat.) Also, many exhibitors at the event found
themselves competing for floor space, not just among themselves but also with the Petite École du Jazz and the
musical youth who defended their turf so valiantly. What’s for sure is that the event is going to grow and that there will
be a diversification of activities, so we’ll be bringing in a lot of new ideas to ensure everything comes off even better
next year and that musical horizons will continue to expand.
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Favorites at the 26 edition of the Festival
Two acts particularly charmed Festival programmers, who unanimously voted Ojos de Brujo and the duo of
Paolo Fresu and Uri Caine among their very favorites for 2005.
But President and Founder of the Festival Alain Simard will not soon forget several others, especially the
spectacular performance of Champion & his G-strings for the Grand Événement General Motors, plus their
surprise appearance at the Métropolis Sunday night to close this year’s event. Because Champion and the gang
managed to transform that rainy Tuesday night into a magic moment befitting of our collective memory. (Our
heartfelt congratulations to Laurent Saulnier and François Bérubé for dreaming up such an evening to begin
with.) Thanks are also due to the special effects magicians and to Zïlon for his on-the-spot designs (and who
also offered an original work, Spirit, to the Festival’s art Gallery this year). To the dancers who braved it out on
the rooftops. And, of course, to the public who didn’t let a little rain spoil the party.
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Where everyone certainly agrees is that Pat Metheny was the shining light of this 26 year’s Festival, serving up
an extraordinarily 6-concert series marked by virtuous and inspired performances by himself and everyone he
played with. It was Pat’s extreme generosity that’s left its mark, too, giving us many hours of pleasure above and
beyond the call of duty. Sunday night’s marathon closing concert was particularly gratifying, because it was,
above all, a true jazz performance, delivered as authentically as if he were playing in a smoky club.
A number of shows made a vivid impression on First Vice President and Artistic Director of the Festival
André Ménard. His picks were Pink Martini, Enrico Rava and Pat Metheny, Paul Anka, Eric Truffaz,
Sophie Milman, Geri Allen and Randy Weston. The Invitation series with Zakir Hussain; Tango Flamenco,
Mark Knopfler. And the outdoor show by Quadro Nuevo was particularly appreciated by André, one Montreal’s
premier jazz aficionados.
Fine musical moments were also supplied by Samina, who settled into the Savoy of the Métropolis with her
musicians for the yearly Night Cap, two very popular parties presented by Couleur Jazz 91,9, as well as
Tango Flamenco, who became a true phenomenon when pressed to double the number of performances
originally announced, each of which was sold out at the Théâtre Jean-Duceppe.
Vice President of Programming Laurent Saulnier pronounced himself blown away by Erik Truffaz,
Annie Sellick, Bonobo, The Herbaliser, D.J. Food, Pink Martini and Champion & his G-strings.
Johanne Bougie — in charge of indoor programming — was most moved by Charles Lloyd, Ron Sexsmith,
Ramachandra Borcar, Lizz Wright, Omara Portuondo, Paul Anka, Pat Metheny and Friends, the Bill Frisell
Quintet, Eric Bibb, Julie C and the interview sessions of Pat Metheny and John Mclaughlin at the MMMIS.
Caroline Johnson, programming coordinator, got her best kicks from Bugge Wesseltoft, Sage Reynolds, the
Gangbé Brass Band, Champion & his G-Strings, King Sunshine, Tortured Soul, the Montreal Big Band,
The Bomb Squad, Quadro Nuevo, Ramachandra Borcar, Ba Cissoko and Frederick Lundin.
An ever-growing international reach
Beside journalists and cameramen covering the event for local and national media, the Festival this year enjoyed the keen
attention of an impressive number of international media organizations, including a large delegation from Switzerland
(RSR La Première radio and Le Temps daily). We also received surprise visits from Greece (TO VIMA); El Salvador
(Stereo Club 91.3 FM), Chile (Santiago Times); and KOMPAS, from Indonesia! There was heavy coverage by the U.S.
media, too (NY1 Television, PBS, NPR, XM Satellite Radio); France (Agence France-Presse, Canal Plus/I-TV, Libération
and TF1); Belgium (Le Soir); and Italy (Corriere della Serra and Unita). Naturally, Canadian coverage was thorough
(Billboard Magazine, Bravo!, The National Post &, The Globe and Mail). But we also received visits from organizations as
widespread as Algeria, Germany, England, Bulgaria, Denmark, India, Japan, Mexico, Peru and Russia, too!
Our growing international reputation will doubtless be enhanced by the TV broadcasts of several concerts that were filmed,
including Voices of Soul, Paul Anka and the two unforgettable outdoor shows slated for TV5 on July 17 at 8:30 p.m.
(Champion’s) and July 24 (Pat Metheny’s). Both will also be seen on Radio-Canada and subsequently on CBC Television.
As for tourism: the sustained efforts of the Festival in developing, marketing and promoting the Festival as a tourist
destination have largely borne fruit, contributing to an increased number of tourists and day-trippers who annually inject
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about $100 million into the local economy. Celebrations surrounding the 25 anniversary of the Festival were very helpful
in increasing Montreal’s visibility in international markets, too, with the result of an increase in à la carte travel packages
for 2005 over last year. The Festival would like to acknowledge the strong collaborative spirit of Montreal’s big hotels and
their management for their efforts in bringing live jazz into their own establishments, for selling concert tickets and
Friends of the Festival cards, and for providing their own jazz travel packages for the event. Two Learning Travel groups
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participated in this 26 edition of the Festival, as well, one to establish a program that will return every year and the other
a French agency studying the possibility of creating a corporate program for the French market.
Keeping our competitive edge
The health and longevity of such events as ours — whether big or small — still depend on attentive financing
mechanisms, which despite the success of such massive happenings remain fragile. The Festival shares the view
of event organizers across the country that it befalls the federal government to establish a permanent support
program for our major festivals that will commit at least as much as the province. This is most especially imperative
since the federal government enjoys an enormous return on its usual investment. Such a program must be created
if we want events like the Jazz Festival to maintain their position of leadership on the national and international
scenes and to continue to generate such significant economic and cultural benefits for the entire community.
In a similar vein, while the Festival does indeed owe its international reputation to the excellent quality of its
programming, it’s also due to its unique concept of “urban animation” and its free, secure outdoor site right in the
heart of a traffic-free downtown, close to all major concert halls. It’s up to public authorities to ensure the survival
and integrity of such an urban location where we can gather a sufficient mass of tourists to fill our hotels and
continue to generate the economic benefits merchants and employers presently enjoy. We believe that it’s
absolutely essential to plan a future Quartier des Spectacles that includes as much open space as we have at
present to allow us to continue to hold and develop such major events as the jazz festival on a perennial basis.
Festival organizers take this opportunity to once again thank those artists whose creative energy is at the root of
our international success. We remain deeply grateful, as well, to our partners for their indispensable support —
all members of the Festival team for their outstanding work. We’d also like to remind everyone that until the next
summertime music celebration, they can remain firmly rooted in the spirit of jazz by listening to
Couleur Jazz 91,9 or any of the terrific jazz presentations of Radio-Canada and CBC Stereo. For live shows,
there’s also the Jazz All Year-round series, of which the programming will be revealed in just a few weeks and
include Wynton Marsalis (October 2005) and Cesaria Evora (April of 2006).
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We look forward to seeing everyone at the 27 edition of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal,
to take place in 2006 from June 29 until July 9!
- 30 Source:
Festival International de Jazz de Montréal – (514) 523-3378
Media Information:
Myriam Achard, Media Relations Director - (514) 523-3378, ext. 535 ; [email protected]
Marie-Eve Boisvert, Press Attachée - (514) 523-3378, ext. 666 ; [email protected]
Sophie Desbiens, International and Travel Media Relations – (514) 523-3378, ext. 613 ; [email protected]
Alain Des Ruisseaux, Press Attaché – (514) 523-3378, ext. 534 ; [email protected]
Public Information:
Bell Info-Jazz Line – (514) 871-1881 or toll free 1-888-515-0515 ; www.montrealjazzfest.com
Quotes
“… the success of this venture is guaranteed for at least another two decades.” – Anne Sutherland, The Gazette
« Pat Metheny nous aura offert la totale. Certes le plus long et l’un des plus riches événements gratuits en 26
ans de jazz estival à Montréal [ ] » – Alain Brunet, La Presse
« …la plus considérable des manifestations culturelles au Québec… » – Alain Brunet La Presse
« …la plus fréquentée des fêtes du jazz de la planète bleue. » – radio-canada.ca
« Des festivals de jazz, il y en a partout dans le monde, mais on n’en a aucun où, comme à Montréal, le public
s’approprie une partie du centre-ville … Le festival de jazz est l’évènement qui voit défiler les foules les plus
importantes, au Québec . » – André Désiront, La Presse
« …le plus important festival du genre sur la planète. » – Louise Dussault, 24 heures
« Hip-hop, world, blues, électronique : le Festival de jazz appelle au métissage des genres. » –
Marie-Eve Morasse, La Presse
« S’il y a un événement qui se passe de présentation, c’est bien le Festival international de jazz de Montréal, qui
fait rayonner la métropole dans le monde depuis plusieurs années déjà. » – Star Inc
« …le Festival International de Jazz de Montréal génère des retombées massives pour la ville. » – Journal de Montréal
« C’est le meilleur et je ne suis pas le seul à le dire. Je crois que ça tient au sérieux musical de l’organisation,
aux salles et à la qualité d’écoute du public qui a maintenant tout vu en 25 ans. » –Pat Metheny cité dans le
Journal de Montréal
« …l’événement a servi de locomotive pour faire de Montréal la Ville des festivals. » – Paul Simier,
Le Journal de Montréal
« L’impact positif qu’a le Festival International de Jazz de Montréal sur l’ensemble de la communauté ne cesse
de croître à chacune de ses éditions. » – Paul Simier, Journal de Montréal
« De plus, avec son Festival de Jazz, Montréal donne à des créateurs… une tribune pour communiquer leurs
œuvres au grand public. Des oeuvres trop souvent boudées par les médias ou les néophytes. » – Métro
« À l’image de la métropole, le festival nous concocte chaque année un amalgame de concerts avec des artistes
provenant de différentes cultures et d’origines, mais aussi d’une variété musicale incomparable. » – Métro
« …un exemple en matière de recyclage depuis plus de 15 ans. » – Infoculture.ca
"It'
s busier than Christmas, our busiest time of the year … the planet’s biggest jazz festival", Ann Sutherland
citing Christina Fegitis, manager of Baton Rouge, The Gazette
“What makes Canada cool? Enjoy 350 free performances at the world’s biggest jazz festival (according to
Guinness World Records), in Montreal.” – The Ottawa Citizen
“…in Canada, there’s no better place to find [cool jazz] than the Montreal International Jazz Festival.” – Canadascope
“…the single biggest factor in developing the Canadian jazz festival culture that exist now.” – CODA
“…the festival is a jazz lover’s paradise for people from across the globe.” – Odyssey Couleur
International Quotes
“In addition to being one of the largest jazz festivals in the world, the Festival International de Jazz de Montreal is
one of the safest and most friendly.” – John Kelman, All About Jazz
“It is the one by which all city’s other festivals are measured, and it should be the one by which every North
American music festival is measured...” – Peter Crescenti, Car & Travel
“It’s officially the largest jazz festival in the world… according to Guinness World Records and this year looks to
be just as popular. With more than 500 concerts and nearly 2,000 international jazz musicians, the festival brings
together the best in the world of jazz.” – Motorhome
“…the international aspect of the Montreal Jazz Festival is something to be treasured …the city of Montreal is an
inspiring example of a modern society that respects peace, freedom and civil rights. Is it any wonder that
musicians from all over the world returns to the festival year after year ?” – Stop Smiling – Issue 19, Montreal
Jazz Festival: A reflection
« …le festival de Montréal ne cesse d’innover. » – Serge Loupien, Libération
« Un festival qui ne peut se comparer à aucun autre, puisqu’il est le seul à bénéficier d’une situation
économico-géographique unique qui le place à la croisée du savoir-faire américain et de l’esprit européen. » –
Serge Loupien, Libération
« Conséquence : pas un incident, pas une once d’agressivité, pas même un papier gras sur la chaussée, en
somme, c’est le rêve de Delanoë …le Festival de jazz réussit ainsi l’exploit de réunir toutes les communautés
culturelles de la ville dans un vaste rassemblement populaire…. » – Serge Loupien, Libération
« Dans la ville, partout, le jazz se donne en spectacle avec un casting toujours aussi étonnant. » – Les Inrockuptibles
“One of the first things you notice about the Montreal Jazz festival is its inescapability.” – John Murph, BETjazz.com
“We know it’s right around the corner, but if you can make the drive (or fly), the festival promises to be well worth
the trip for jazz aficionados.” – Boston Sunday Globe
“Attracting more and more visitors each year thanks to its worldwide reputation, the Montreal International Jazz
Festival is the premiere North American Jazz event.” – Passport Magazine
“One key element of the festival is the chance to hear musicians from around the world that you’d otherwise
never experience.” – Richard Frost, Press-Republican, Plattsburgh, New York
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“The festival is celebrating its 26 anniversary this year. During those years, it has become the premier jazz
destination in North America…” – Andrey Henkin, All about Jazz
“Apart from New Orleans, no other city puts so much of its weight behind a jazz festival.” – Andrey Henkin, All about Jazz
“By far the most important of the lot is the Montreal International Jazz Festival” – 1000 Places to see before you die.
“The festival creates the summer beat in the heart of one of North America’s unique cities…” –
Christopher Quinn, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“…Grab you partner, best friend or entire family for what Boston calls the best family event in North America.” –
John Miller Machias Valley News Observer
“…the world’s largest celebration of jazz… – Arthur Frommer’s budget
“…it’s one of the most (if not the most) approachable festivals in the world, despite it’s large attendance.” –
John Kelman, All About Jazz
“I love you, Pat loves you, we love you — this is the best jazz festival in the world.” – John Kelman, propos sur
scène de Charlie Haden cité dans All About Jazz
“…definitely worth the trip” – Jennifer Roes, BostonHerald.com
“…the Montreal Jazz Festival has it all. Nothing beats the cool sounds of jazz on a hot summer night in
Montreal.” – ticketsmontreal.com
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Media from outside Quebec that covered the 26 edition
of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal
ENGLISH SPEAKING CANADA
EUROPE – SOUTH AMERICA (suite)
Billboard Magazine
Bravo!
Canada Scope Magazine
CHUO FM 89.1
CIUT
EnRoute Magazine
Jazz FM 91
National Post
Northstar Travel Media
Radio-Canada (Ontario)
The Canadian Jewish News
The Caribbean Camera Newspaper
The Epoch Times
The Globe and Mail
The Score Television Network
TV Ontario
Radio Horizonte 108 (Mexico)
Radio Popolare (Italy)
RTVI (Russia)
Santiago Times (Chile)
Soir, Le (Belgium)
Sosialurin (Danmark)
Stereo Club 91.3 FM (El Salvador)
Süddeutsche Zeitung (Germany)
Temps, Le (Switzerland)
TF1 (France)
To Vima (Greece)
Unita (Italy)
ASIA – AFRICA
Jazznin Magazine (Japan)
KOMPAS (Indonesia)
La Tribune (Algeria)
Rave Magazine (India)
Radio algérienne chaine 3
Tokyo FM/ FM Yokohama (Japan)
EUROPE – SOUTH AMERICA
Agence France-Presse (France)
ARD (Germany)
Bayerrischer RundFunk (Germany)
Bulgarian private television “The Other Bulgaria”
(Bulgaria)
Cadena Rasa 6.20 AM (Mexico)
Canal Plus/ I-TV (France)
Corriere Della Sera (Italy)
Dimmalaetting (Danmark)
Excelsior (Mexico)
France Culture (France)
Guitarist Magazine (France)
Jazz Hot Magazine (France)
Jazzthetik (Germany)
Jazzwise Magazine (UK)
L’Humanité (France)
RSR La Première (Switzerland)
La Reforma (Mexico)
Le Mouv'radio (France)
Libération (France)
L'
illustré (Switzerland)
Nuovo Corriere Barisera (Italy)
Orbita popular (Peru)
Radio Campus Grenoble (France)
Radio Ferarock (France)
Radio Formula 103.3 FM (Mexico)
UNITED STATES
90.3 FM WRIU
Allaboutjazz
BETjazz.com
Bloomberg News
Boston Globe
Boston Herald
Charlie Rose
City Universtiy Television Channel
Downbeat Magazine
HighTimes.com
Jazz Improv Magazine
Jazz Journalists Association /Jazz Notes
Jazz Times Magazine
Jazz Week
Jazzhouse.org
Jazziz Magazine
Jazz Variations
New York Resident Weekly
NPR
NY1 Television
Orlando Style Magazine
PBS
Primetime Weekly
Sounds of timelessjazz.com
Stop Smiling Magazine
The Daily Item
The Star-Ledger
Travel Weekly
Vermont Guardian
WBGO 88.3 FM
WCBS News Radio
WFDU 89.1 FM
WGBH Radio
WICN 90.5 FM
WJDR/91.1FM
Woodstock Times
WWPV 88.7 FM
XM Satellite Radio