The honour of giving the very first concert in the Festival’s history goes
to Ray Charles. The
event took place on Wednesday, July 2 at Place des Nations. For the occasion,
the great musician was accompanied onstage by the Ray Charles Orchestra and its
choir, the Raelettes. Charles made the trip to Montreal in his private plane, accompanied
by an impressive entourage.
In 1983, the Festival had the privilege of hosting two of the greatest singers
in the history of jazz: In addition to applauding Ella Fitzgerald, who closed
the event, music lovers had the chance to see the divine
Sarah Vaughan on Friday, July 1 at Théâtre
St-Denis. With her deep and sensual voice, Vaughan performed the most important
works from her repertoire. The artist was, of course, given a standing ovation by
festival-goers.
To launch its 19th edition, the Festival paid tribute to the Montreal record label,
Justin Time. The gala
concert gave audiences a chance to experience a variety of high calibre Quebecois
musicians. On the bill: the great pianist from Little Burgundy,
Oliver Jones, and the remarkable voice and bass duo
of Karen Young and
Michel Donato. The
Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir
opened the second part of the show, accompanied by Mr. Jones, who this time played
the organ. Ontario guitarist Sonny Greenwich
was also in attendance. The Gala guest artists gathered on stage to deliver a memorable
finale.
That year, the most famous pianist in Montreal returned to the Festival’s
stage for the first time since 1989. Throughout his distinguished career,
Oscar Peterson has collaborated with eminent jazz
musicians, taken home numerous honours and, of course, kept crowds enraptured. For
the opening concert in 1995, he was accompanied by Danish bassist Niels Henning
Ørsted Pedersen, guitarist Lorne Lofsky and drummer Martin Drew.
The pianist and singer Diana Krall
has always had an impressive showing at the Festival. She first performed in 1995
and since then, each of her appearances has been unforgettable. In 2001, the
Canadian queen of jazz presented an exclusive selection of songs that would make
up her sixth album, The Look of Love, which came out a few months later.
In 2004, Tony Bennett
returned to the Festival for the first time since 1997. The American crooner
with Italian roots gave the opening concert for the 25th edition. The event
took place at the Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier. For the occasion, Mr. Bennett interpreted
popular songs by the likes of Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan
and Billie Holiday. Once again, the singer demonstrated his immense talent.