Liza Minnelli and More Set for Festival International de Jazz de Montréal

More acts were today announced for the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal. Tickets for these concerts go on sale Saturday, February 11 at 10 a.m. 

Richard Galliano, From Bach to Piazzolla - June 28, 7 p.m., Maison symphonique de Montréal - One of the most important accordionists of the modern era, Richard Galliano is also renowned for having integrated the accordion into jazz, alongside saxophones and trumpets. But the heir to the immortal Astor Piazzolla loves all musical genres… and all instruments. For this unique concert, the accordionist will be accompanied by a classical string section for a stunning overview of his creative genius, from Bach (whose works he recorded for a 2010 album) to the master, Piazzolla, marking the 20th anniversary of his passing. Magic.

Jack Bruce, Cindy Blackman, John Medeski and Vernon Reid, Spectrum Road - June 28, 9:30 p.m., Théâtre Maisonneuve, PdA (Les Grands concerts Rio Tinto Alcan series) - This aptly-named All Star Band of virtuosi is, in fact, a very young group: born in 2008 in Tokyo, they took their first steps in the U.S. with a 2011 tour and dropped a debut album last spring. The “young pups”-Vernon Reid (guitar), John Medeski (keyboards) and Cindy Blackman (drums)-joined former Cream member (with Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker), Jack Bruce (bass and vocals) to form the group as a testament to their admiration for Tony Williams, perhaps the greatest drummer in history, and his group Lifetime, a revolutionary icon of the 1970s. Welcome a group of rare quality, making an exclusive visit to our Festival.

Melody Gardot Melody Gardot- June 29, 7:30 p.m., Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, PdA (Les Événements spéciaux TD series) - Rest assured, you’re not the only one whose heart skipped a beat to learn that this woman was returning to the Festival! A genuine revelation of the 2010 Festival (or anywhere she’s ever sung…), this charming 27-year-old singer, guitarist and pianist from Philadelphia returns with her incredible magnetism and magnificent voice to fire the souls and hearts of her Montreal fans. Better yet, three years after her divine sophomore album, My One And Only Thrill, Ms Melody rolls in with songs from a third album due in late May.

Lila Downs - June 30, 10 p.m., Métropolis, (Les Rythmes series) - Mexico’s Lila Downs contributed to the soundtrack of the film Frida. Whether singing in Mixtec, Zapotec, Mayan, Nahuatl, English or Spanish, performing her own songs or re-reading ranchera classics, she has built an exceptional artistic reputation. In 2009, the irresistible, incredible singer-dancer once again conquered Festival fans and packed Club Soda to the rafters. This time, she returns with another ace up her sleeve, a brand new album, Palomo Del Comalito.

The Barr Brothers - July 1, 8:30 p.m., Métropolis (Les Rythmes series) - Originally from Rhode Island, the Barr brothers, Brad and Andrew, formed a quartet with their compadres, harpist Sarah Page and multi-instrumentalist Andrés Vial. Their debut album, The Barr Brothers, swings and sways harmoniously between folk, rock and blues. After their sold-out show in La Tulipe and a concert at MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE 2012, this fave group finally Barrels into the Festival, in a cabaret format!

The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith: The Devil’s Music - July 2 to 7, 7 p.m. (July 3, 8 p.m.), Cinquième Salle, PdA - Yes, they’ve often called the blues “The Devil’s Music.” And the legendary Bessie Smith-no angel, it’s true-wore them well, working and living as an ambassadress for the music in the 1920s and 1930s. In this show, a critically-acclaimed biographical tribute halfway between one-woman show and musical, the multidisciplinary Miche Braden (pronounced “Miki”) uses her voice and presence, beautifully supported by a trio of musicians, to bring to life the woman known forever as “The Empress of the Blues.”

Liza Minnelli - July 5, 7:30 p.m., Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, PdA (Les Événements spéciaux TD series) - She is nothing short of a legend, one Festival organizers have tried to book for ages! A genuine global Superstar, she has left her mark on music, TV and film as well as, of course, Broadway, collecting an avalanche of awards: 4 Tony Awards, an Oscar, a special “Legends” Grammy, 2 Golden Globe, and Emmy… Renowned for her unforgettable concerts, Judy Garland’s daughter has been a guaranteed SRO performer for decades. After New York, New York, we finally welcome her to Montreal!