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Halifax JazzFest preview

By | May 30, 2012

Blogger Megan Couture picks her favourite shows from the 2012 Halifax Jazz Festival lineup. 

Jazzfest is an institution in Halifax. Every year, you can count on the festival to be varied, unpredictable and fun (Just like jazz! See what I did there?). This year is no exception. There really is something for everyone.

It’s hard to pick a few shining stars out of the line-up. With the announcement of new partner stages at hip spots like the Carleton, La Trinidade and Obladee, a whole new vibe surrounds the fest. Below, I’ve given you my personal must-sees after attending the launch Wednesday morning at La Trindidade:

Deltron 3030: One of several supergroups performing for 2012, Deltron 3030 is atmospheric, concept hip-hop from the minds of Dan the Automator, Del the Funky Homosapien, and DJ Kid Koala. Likely, you’d recognize Del’s unique voice and hip-hop stylings from the Gorillaz first album and most famous single “Clint Eastwood”. To top things off, Deltron 3030 will be performing with a full orchestra. Personally, this is my cannot-miss of the festival.

Maestro Fresh Wes: A Canadian hip-hop powerhouse with International, crossover appeal, you know Maestro from his 90’s essential hit “Let Your Backbone Slide”. But since then, Maestro has been constantly evolving and working alongside RunDMC, Alanis Morrissette and Kardinall Offishall.

My Brightest Diamond: Her vocal stylings are unique and experimental and have caught the attention of such acts as Bon Iver and the Decemberists. A classically trained musician, opera singer and composer, her voice can be heard on Sufjan Steven’s Illnoisemakers album.

Osaka Monaurail: An intriguing funk group that likely wins the award for most distance travelled to perform (from Osaka, Japan). Keeping it real here, I don’t know much about them, but I’m most definitely intrigued as they have played festivals the world over.

Sophie Milman: Russian-born and Toronto-based, Milman is a complex and varied songstress. Capable of holding down romantic, vast, orchestral tracks and unpredictable jazz tunes, her emotional connection to each song should make for an outstanding performance.

Gypsophilia: Local love to this charming jazz/indie fusion septet. Really looking forward to seeing them do their thing live, they’ve been crossing our fine country and causing a quite commotion with their blend of humour and pure talent at their live shows.

Grupo Fantasma: Garnering both critical acclaim and several awards, this Latin group has appeal that reaches far beyond the genres of world and latin music. Their live show, as I’ve heard, has an energy and soul about it that’s not to be missed.

But to be honest, (and believe me when I say) it’s all good. My preferences lean more towards the hip-hop side of jazz, but there is something for everyone and anyone looking for live music in July.

What are your can’t-miss shows?

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  1. Aaron McKenzie Fraser Says:
    May 30, 2012 at 4:23 pm

    “CHARLES BRADLEY AND HIS EXTRAORDINAIRES ”
    Definitely a night not to miss!

    http://halifaxjazzfestival.ca/charles-bradley-and-his-extraordinaires-cyndi-cain