Montreal Jazz Fest 2006
The indoor lineup for the Montreal Jazz Festival came out yesterday. I wasn't planning on going this year (still probably can't afford it). Last year was awesome. But this year's indoor lineup is incredible. There is jazz and then so much more. Some of the performers are Tony Bennett, Elvis Costello, Baaba Maal, Dave Brubeck, Wayne Shorter, McCoy Tyner with all star septet, Seu Jorge, DJ Shadow, The Roots, Pharaoh Sanders, Yusef Lateef, Bauchklang (Austrian acapella group worth the drive by themselves), Brazilian Girls. No one could afford to go to all these shows, but there's free music on six stages from noon until midnight and they sell beer (it's so unlike puritan Boston).
http://www.montrealjazzfest.com/fijm2006/accueil_en.asp
Any possibility of getting The Roots to guest with <a href="http://www.montrealjazzfest.com/fijm2006/programmation/fiche_en.asp?artId=1273">These guys?</a>
looks like an awesome fest...
Most of the time I agree with you about unexciting good Boston jazz programming (or at least the really good events seem way too sporadic), however In Boston's defense (from a musical stance - not an alcohol provision stance), there are a few bright lights in Boston: obviously Boston is the home of the New England consevatory and Berklee and that will draw quality musicians frequently.
Also, the ICA shows through the Boston Creative Musicians Alliance (BCMA) - Most of their gigs are listed at Twisted Village's <a href="http://twistedvillage.com/bostonimprov.asp">website</a> under Boston Improv list and have included gigs from Cecil Taylor, Tim Berne, Instant Composers Pool, Han Bennik, Peter Brotzmann, Ken Vandermark, Dave Douglas etc.
In addition, there is an insanely good Boston group called the Fringe that plays every Monday (I think it used to be @ the Cantab lounge, but I cant remember if they are still there or at a different Boston club.) The sax player who played at my wedding studies with the Fringe's George Garzone...
Also, I did see The Art Ensemble Of Chicago as a part of the Boston Globe Jazz Festival @ Berklee in 1999. (Although its 2006 now folks - time to step it up!) Lester Bowie had taken ill and was unable to perform, but it was still a motherfucker of a show...
<a href = "http://wiki.killuglyradio.com/index.php/Boston_Globe_Jazz_Festival">Back in the day</a>...
Is there a Boston Globe Jazzfest this year? I looked online and could find nothing suggesting that there is one. Was there even one last year? If there was, I wasn't aware of of it. The BeanTown Jazz Festival happens on Columbus Street in late September - I read an item saying that Berklee is taking over the reins of that this year. It's too bad that it only lasts one night and one day.
Years ago I saw a monster of a show on the Esplanade - Dave Holland, Jack DeJohnette, Pat Metheny, Herbie Hancock. Holy crap, one of the best ever.