The Art of Jazz:
70 Years of Blue Note Album Covers

presented by Archambault

As part of the 30th anniversary of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal and the 70th anniversary of the prestigious Blue Note label, Archambault presents the original exhibition The Art of Jazz: 70 Years of Blue Note Album Covers. This interesting retrospective offers a pictorial overview of the legendary label's 70 years of musical history. Don't miss this exciting exhibition, presented in collaboration with the Festival and Blue Note.

A legendary label

Blue Note Records, now part of the EMI Group, was founded in New York in 1939 by Alfred Lion (1909-1987) and Max Margulis (1907-1996). The label recorded virtually every important postwar jazzman, including the likes of Clifford Brown, Miles Davis, Lou Donaldson, Dexter Gordon, Johnny Griffin, Herbie Hancock, Freddie Hubbard and Thelonious Monk. With its name inspired by the “blue note” so characteristic of jazz and blues, the famed label has broadened its repertoire in recent years, welcoming soul and folk artists into the fold.

70 years of history in pictures

Located in the Village de la musique on the Festival site, the exhibition The Art of Jazz: 70 Years of Blue Note Album Covers features three stages. First, pick up a little of the great label's history through a visual presentation. Then, proceed to the 70 photographic reproductions of vintage album sleeves and covers from its legendary collection. Finally, the journey ends with Blue Note material from the current era: album covers, photos, etc. Celebrate the 70th anniversary of the world's greatest jazz label with a visit to this dynamic graphic exhibition!

Festival fans can also revisit the greatest moments in jazz by picking up albums from the impressive Blue Note collection in the Archambault tent-boutique specially erected for the occasion.

Bruce Lundvall, president of Blue Note, came to accept the Festival’s new prize established in his name. He talks about some of his favourite artists and touches on the exhibition dedicated to the famed label’s 70 years.