Ten + 1 Must See Shows

Here is my top ten (+1) must see shows for the 31st annual Festival International De Jazz De Montreal.

It was very difficult to cut it down to eleven, but here they are, in no particular order.

Richard Bona: Catch this Camaroonian bass prodigy playing his new album The Ten Shades of Blues (July 2) or as a sideman with Manu Katche and Sylvain Luc (June 30) or with Katche, Fresu, and Molvaer (June 27)

Herbie Hancock: One of the most creative, versatile, and prolific jazz pianists of the post bop era, enough said.  Catch Herbie June 27.

Sonny Rollins: Another absolute legend gracing the stage at this year's festival. Catch this 80 year old Saxophone Colossus June 27.

Mike Stern: Drew the short stick playing at the same time as Sonny Rollins.  If you can't see Sonny, make sure you check out the always exciting Stern with special guest Alain Caron June 27.

Bobby McFerrin: An unparalleled talent in the vocal realm.  Bobby is joined by the choir from the Collège Vocal de Laval.  Catch this vocal gymnast June 30.

Ahmad Jamal: Admired by Miles Davis, and legendary for his use of dynamics and space.  Join Ahmad on his 80th birthday July 2.

Dave Brubeck: A true living legend in jazz, Brubeck continues to inspire awe. Catch this brilliant composer/performer as he closes out the festival on July 5.

Tigran Hamasyan: A young star quickly on the rise. This Armenian prodigy has the potential to steal the spotlight at this year's festival. Catch Tigran alone during the piano solo series (July 2 and 3)  or with Ari Hoenig, Matt Penman, and Gilad Hekselman July 1.

Francois Bourassa: A festival regular and mainstay on the Canadian jazz scene, check out Francois solo (June 30)  or with the impressive Franco-Canadian cast of Michel Donato, Frank Lozano, and Pierre Tanguay, as they play the music of Bill Evans July 6.

Charlie Hunter: An absolute freak of nature! Playing his hybrid guitar/bass, Hunter stuns audiences with his dextrous playing.  Don't miss this virtuoso in action July 4.

Victor Wooten: Longtime member of Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, this prolific bassist visits the festival as a headliner for the first time.  A real treat to see live, catch this incredible talent June 26.

Check out www.Montrealjazzfest.com for full program and schedule.