As the people behind Jazz Sudbury prepare to release the full festival lineup next week, they've leaked a few of the great acts that will be on stage at the the 2019 edition of the festival this September.
The festival will include 2019 Juno award-winner for Jazz Album of the Year (solo) Robi Botos, charismatic French-Canadian artist, backed by a 10-piece ensemble, Rebecca Noelle, and 2019 Emerging Artist Showcase winners, the Ian McGimpsey Quartet, to name a few, said a press release.
Robit Botos has been hailed as one of the most diverse multi-instrumentalists of this generation.
From the hard-bop style of Bill Evans and Herbie Hancock, to the swing of Oscar Peterson and the heartfelt melodic expression of Mulgrew Miller and Cedar Walton, Robi has managed to master the technique of his idols, all while showcasing his musical expressions in a voice that is purely his own. Robi is joined by some familiar faces such as long-time collaborators Mike Downes on bass and Larnell Lewis (Snarky Puppy) on drums, as well as Seamus Blake on saxophone.
His most recent album “Old Soul” (Jazz Album of the Year) pays tribute to his homeland in Hungary as he takes you down memory lane with visions of his childhood neighbourhood and through some of his favourite spots.
This record makes you feel like you have a personal connection with one of the most diverse and eclectic artists of our time.
Rebecca Noelle has been blessed with a searing three octave vocal range. But it’s her natural affinity for soul, that has set this stunning singer apart.
With a velvety voice that is simply unforgettable, Noelle brings to mind some of the artists of whom she has been influenced by over the years – Etta James, Jamiroquai and K.D. Lang.
After making waves as the 1st runner-up on TVA's La Voix (The Voice: Canada), Noelle was invited by The Jacksons to make a guest appearance at their sold-out Canadian date in Montreal. Now, backed by her 10-piece ensemble, Rebecca brings you on an honest lyrical journey, infectious bass lines, sizzling brass, and flawless harmonies that will conjure up memories of Motown, while the subject matter reflects an honesty that nurtures the connection between audience and artist.
Recent winners of Jazz Sudbury’s Emerging Artist Showcase, the Ian McGimpsey Quartet is a collaboration between some of the most swinging and energetic players in Toronto’s young, up and coming generation of jazz musicians, and consists of Ian McGimpsey, Ben Isenstein, Thomas Hainbuch and Even Ng.
Collectively, the members cite hard bop and post bop influences from the 50’s through today. With four unique musical voices, the group tackles quintessential standards, bluesy grooves, and inspired originals with an unmistakably hard-hitting attitude.
The 2019 Jazz Sudbury Festival takes place Sept. 4-8 on the shores of Ramsey Lake, with main-stage performances at Grace Hartman Amphitheatre, and downtown establishments serving as off-site venues hosting performances as smaller, more unique parts of the experience.
The festival's full lineup is set to be released at Science North June 20.
