Jazz and Montreal have a long-standing love affair. From the 1920s to the 1950s, it was the nerve center of jazz in North America, with the United States in the throes of Prohibition. And while the Festival de Jazz perpetuates this heritage, the spirit of this iconic musical genre also comes alive in Montreal’s The Jazz Room concerts, which bring together the best tunes and the intimate ambience of a New Orleans club.
It’s in the intimate Piccolo, in the basement of the Théâtre Rialto, that this show will come to life. With its hushed space, corner bar and jazz tunes, you’ll almost think you’re in the middle of Prohibition. It’s the ideal place to welcome the madness of this musical genre for a groovy concert.
What is “The Jazz Room”?
“The Jazz Room offers you a 60-minute escape into the atmosphere of a typical New Orleans street bar of the 1920s, hosted by talented musicians. Illuminated by a floor lamp typical of the period, the stage lights up, and a carefully chosen selection of jazz classics, featuring such iconic tunes as Fats Waller ‘s“Ain’t Misbehavin“, will seduce you a little more with every note.
Jazz, its history and the show
Born in New Orleans among African-American communities, jazz blends African, European and Caribbean musical traditions. Its distinctive characteristics include syncopated rhythms, individual expressiveness and, above all, improvisation, which were already present in blues and ragtime, the precursor genres of jazz.
The Jazz Room captures this authenticity, combining classics such as Fly Me To The Moon, Georgia On My Mind and Summertime with improvisation and instrumental solos. The New Orleans ambience, with its subdued lighting and the possibility of enjoying a drink while listening to the concert, will offer you a unique immersive experience.
There’s plenty to do in Montreal, We call it Ballet but this time it’s The Jazz Room that completes the musical offering with concerts that will plunge you into the atmosphere of New Orleans jazz clubs of the 20s. Treat yourself to the evening you deserve, and arrive early to get a good seat, as doors open 30 minutes before the concert starts.