Written by Tim Reinert
Jazz is in a constant state of evolution, a characteristic that defines the genre. This transformation is not seen as a flaw but rather a fundamental aspect of its identity, which often leads to spirited discussions about its true nature. The lineup for this year’s Vancouver International Jazz Festival doesn’t claim to have the definitive answer to the question of what Jazz is, but it certainly aims to broaden our understanding of its possibilities.
Julian Lage
Julian Lage’s music evokes a sense of restlessness as he leaps between concepts and subgenres, making it a challenge to savor each moment. Attending his live shows is often a delight for guitar enthusiasts, who are mesmerized trying to decipher his unique techniques. This performance is a highlight of this year’s Jazz Festival, and tickets are selling fast.
June 25, 7:30 PM
Vancouver Playhouse
Tickets priced from $45-$65 plus fees are available online.
The Messthetics & James Brandon Lewis
What do you get when you combine one of Jazz’s boldest tenor saxophonists with a groundbreaking punk rhythm section? We’ll discover that on June 23rd. Their exciting new album released under Impulse Records offers a glimpse of the electrifying synergy between The Messthetics and James Brandon Lewis, making this collaboration not just a must-see for jazz lovers but also an enticing prospect for those from the rock and punk scenes still warming up to the genre.
June 23, 7:30 PM
Performance Works
Tickets are available online for $37 plus fees.
George
John Hollenbeck is renowned for his eclectic style, collaborating with artists like Bob Brookmeyer and Theo Bleckmann, as well as leading the Claudia Quintet. His latest project, George, showcases a delightful fusion of Jazz and Art Pop, crafted by Hollenbeck, Anna Webber, Sarah Rossy, and Chiquita Magic. If you’re searching for the next direction for Jazz, George may just point the way.
June 23, 3:45 PM
Downtown – Georgia Street stage
Admission is free.
Emmeluth’s Amoeba
In my previous blog, I discussed how 2024 seems to reflect an era when the Jazz Festival saw a surge of Scandinavian artists. Alto saxophonist Signe Emmeluth stands as a prime example, leading her Amoeba band comprised of talented musicians from Norway and Denmark, all eager to push the music’s boundaries.
June 26, 9:30 PM
Revue stage
Tickets are $27 plus fees, available online.
Konrad Agnas Rite of Passage
In 1997, saxophonist Per “Texas” Johansson first brought his sensational sound to the Vancouver International Jazz Festival, captivating me from that moment on. I attended all his performances and even introduced him at the festival during my early years as an MC. Now, he returns to perform with Torbjörn Zetterberg and Johan Graden as part of Konrad Agnas’ Rite of Passage project. This adds another Scandinavian element to this year’s festival.
June 27, 1:30 PM
Performance Works
Admission is free.
Bellbird
Montreal’s Bellbird made waves in 2023 with their album “Root In Tandem,” which became one of my favorites of the year. While Mili Hong and Eli Davidovici previously lived in Vancouver, this performance marks the collective’s first appearance in the city. Bellbird is quickly emerging as one of the most exciting new talents on the Canadian Jazz scene.
June 26, 8:30 PM
Ocean Artworks
Tickets are available at the door for $10.
Wayne Horvitz Electric Circus
Wayne Horvitz is a familiar figure in both Vancouver and our Jazz Festival, known for his legendary collaborations with artists like Peggy Lee and Dylan van der Schyff. This special performance will see Horvitz employing Butch Morris’s “conduction” technique to lead a band that includes artists-in-residence Sakina Abdou and Shahzad Ismaily, along with local musicians like Gordy Li, Nikko Whitworth, Shruti Ramani, and others.
June 30, 7:30 PM
Performance Works
Tickets are available online for $37 plus fees.
This year’s Contemporary Jazz segment also boasts performances by Kevin Romain’s Salience Network, guitarist Sam Wilson, and Berlin-based pianist Tyson Naylor, making his first Vancouver appearances in several years.
For more recommendations from Tim, check out the Infidels Jazz podcast episode.
