By Tim Reinert
For many years, Downbeat Magazine has embraced the tagline “Jazz, Blues & Beyond,” which serves as a broad descriptor for music that eludes traditional classifications. Today, we explore the diverse sounds featured at this year’s Vancouver International Jazz Festival, highlighting artists whose work transcends typical genres and challenges conventional explanations.
Irreversible Entanglements
Irreversible Entanglements represents one of the most remarkable phenomena in the contemporary music scene, known for their distinctive fusion of spoken word and free jazz that resonates globally. Their performances often evoke a near-spiritual experience, making them a must-see for avid music fans. The last time they graced the Jazz Festival, they performed in an intimate venue; however, their latest release on Impulse Records has garnered significant attention, leading them to larger venues like Performance Works. Additionally, band member Moor Mother will be performing as an opener for SUMAC on June 21 at Fortune Sound Club, and after their show on June 22, Navarro and Holmes will deliver an exclusive duo performance at Frankie’s After Dark for only $10 at 11 PM!
Date: Saturday, June 22, 2024
Location: Performance Works
Time: 7:30 PM
Tickets: Available online for $37 plus fees
Horse Lords
The anticipation surrounding Horse Lords’ performance at the Revue Stage is palpable, marking their debut in Vancouver, and expectations are high for a sold-out show. Instead of trying to box them into a specific genre, it’s best to say that Horse Lords sound uniquely like themselves. They weave post-punk minimalism with Krautrock rhythms, seamless transitions into Appalachian polyrhythms and Mauritanian guitar influences, creating a sound that feels both familiar and groundbreaking. This is not something you encounter regularly, but it certainly should be.
Date: Sunday, June 30, 2024
Location: Revue Stage
Time: 9:30 PM
Tickets: Available online for $27 plus fees
Peregrine Falls & Shazad Ismaily
Peregrine Falls, comprising Gordon Grdina and Kenton Loewen, is one of Vancouver’s most electrifying bands, despite being relatively inactive for the past six years. However, a recent sold-out Infidels Jazz show and a successful opening act for Kamasi Washington at the Vogue have reignited their momentum. They are ready to make a strong return to the Jazz Festival, joined by longtime collaborator Shazad Ismaily, who is also an artist in residence this year and has previously played with Grdina as well as renowned musicians like Arooj Aftab and Vijay Iyer.
Date: Thursday, June 27, 2024
Location: Revue Stage
Time: 9:30 PM
Tickets: Available online for $27 plus fees
Laraaji
Laraaji is undoubtedly a pioneer in the realms of ambient and new age music since the 1970s. His transformative contributions make it difficult to overlook his impact on the genre. With his electric zither featured prominently across more than forty albums and extensive touring worldwide, Laraaji is finally receiving the recognition he deserves as the music industry catches up to his visionary work.
Date: Wednesday, June 26, 2024
Location: Performance Works
Time: 7:30 PM
Tickets: Available online for $40-46 plus fees
aja monet
aja monet’s debut album, What the Poems Do What They Do, was one of my standout picks of 2023. With excitement to see her perform at this year’s Jazz Festival, I anticipate that her show will undoubtedly be a highlight. Her contemporary and surreal poetry evokes connections to icons like Jayne Cortez and Amiri Baraka, and she will be supported by an exceptional band, including Logan Richardson on alto saxophone.
Date: Wednesday, June 26, 2024
Location: Performance Works
Time: 7:30 PM
Tickets: Available online for $37 plus fees
Additionally, don’t miss other genre-defying artists at this year’s Jazz Festival, including drummer Kassa Overall, local pedal steel virtuoso Scott Smith, and oud player Emad Armoush, who has captivated audiences for years.
For more of Tim’s recommendations, check out this Infidels Jazz podcast episode.
