Montréal International Jazz Festival Day 4

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Day 4 – A Genre-Bending Sunday at the Montreal International Jazz Festival

The fourth day of the Montreal International Jazz Festival delivered a beautifully diverse lineup, weaving together soul, blues, hip-hop, and singer-songwriter intimacy across the city. From quiet, reverent performances in sacred spaces to electrifying outdoor shows that had the streets pulsing with energy, Sunday showcased just how expansive the definition of jazz can be.

Whether tucked inside a church theatre or dancing under the open sky, audiences were treated to performances that celebrated heritage, innovation, and connection.

Charlie Cunningham – A Quiet Storm at Gesù

English singer-songwriter Charlie Cunningham delivered an unforgettable, intimate set at the beautifully atmospheric Gesù theatre, tucked beneath a historic church. Known for his understated style and soft vocals, Cunningham performed solo for this first of two scheduled shows at the Montreal International Jazz Festival.

Normally backed by a full band, this stripped-down performance allowed his voice and delicate guitar work to shine. The crowd was completely captivated — you could hear a pin drop in the room. The calm reverence in the venue reflected the awe felt by the audience as they witnessed a quiet yet powerful performance from one of the UK’s best-kept secrets.

Dawn Tyler Watson – Montreal’s Jazz-Blues Powerhouse

Juno Award-winning artist Dawn Tyler Watson lit up the Rogers stage with her powerhouse blues and jazz performance on Sunday evening. Born in Manchester, England, but raised musically in Montreal, Watson studied jazz at Concordia and proudly declared the city her home.

The front of the stage was jam-packed as locals and visitors came out to see one of the city’s adopted musical daughters return in triumph. Her vocals, full of heart and grit, soared over the crowd as she delivered a soul-filled set. This show was just the first of two she’s giving at the festival — and judging by the audience reaction, they won’t want to miss the next.

NAS with Symphony Orchestra – Illmatic Elevated

Hip-hop legend NAS brought a genre-defying performance to Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, performing his landmark 1994 album Illmatic in full, backed by a symphony orchestra. Kicking off with the iconic “NY State of Mind,” the rapper was in fine form, rapping each word as the crowd — many longtime fans — mouthed the lyrics from their seats.

Songs like “The World Is Yours” took on new life with rich orchestral arrangements. With a 31-year career still going strong, NAS also referenced his recent work, including Magic 3 (2023) and his new collaboration “Documents” with Slick Rick, released just last month. This rare blend of classical and hip-hop proved to be one of the most unique and powerful sets of the festival.

PJ Morton – A Soulful Explosion Under the Open Sky

PJ Morton brought smooth soul and gospel grooves to the outdoor stage at Place des Arts, drawing one of the festival’s biggest crowds. Best known as the keyboardist for Maroon 5, Morton proved he’s a powerhouse in his own right. Seated at his keyboard but brimming with energy, he led his talented band through a high-impact set that blended jazz, R&B, gospel, and funk.

His vocals were effortlessly soulful, with each song connecting deeply with the audience. The band grooved behind him with expert precision, creating an electric vibe that lit up the summer evening. From start to finish, Morton delivered a feel-good performance that felt like both a party and a spiritual experience — a standout show under the stars at this year’s festival.

The Brooks – Montreal Funk Royalty Own Club Soda

The Brooks turned Club Soda into a full-on funk revival with their sold-out performance. The Montreal-based jazz-funk collective, known for electrifying shows, didn’t disappoint — every inch of the venue pulsed with energy. The group’s vocalist, with his unmistakable Southern soul swagger, commanded the stage with his high-pitched vocal brilliance and timeless showmanship.

But it was bassist Alex Lapointe who nearly stole the spotlight, laying down groove-heavy, technically mind-blowing basslines that had the crowd in awe. The Brooks, who also turned heads last year at FME in Northwestern Quebec, proved once again why they’re considered local legends. Don’t miss our exclusive interview with them from FME, available now on our YouTube channel.

Closing – A Night to Remember in Montreal

Day 4 served as a reminder of why Montreal’s Jazz Festival remains one of the most vital music gatherings in the world. Each artist brought something unique — a new interpretation of jazz, a personal connection to the city, or decades of legacy still unfolding in real time.

From the orchestral elegance of NAS to the hometown heat of The Brooks, it was a night that honored the past while boldly embracing the future of music.

www.montrealjazzfest.com

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