Duke's Picks: 5 acts to catch at Montreal Jazz fest this year

The complete schedule of indoor shows at the 39th Montreal International Jazz Festivalwas announced today andCBC Homerun music columnist Duke Eatmonhas the top picks for must-see acts this year.

• Seal, Herbie Hancock among performers at 2018 Montreal Jazz Fest

Eatmon'stop pick of the whole programis a double bill performance byBen Harper and CharlieMusselwhite.

The two recently collaborated on a new albumtogether,No Mercy In This Land.

"Their music is just an incredible combination of blues and folk. Very soulful pick. And that would probably be my top concert pick out of all the artists this year," he said.

Duke Eatmon on his jazz fest picks

7 years ago

Duration 3:49

CBC's music columnist lists the must-see indoor concerts at the 2018 jazz fest.

The festivalfeatures 150 concertsand runs from June 28 to July 7. Seal is one of the biggest names slated to perform, with a festival-opening show scheduled at Place desArts on the 28.

"His music cannot be pigeonholed," said Eatmon. "Even though he's not what you would call a jazz musician so to speak, he's an incredible addition to the festival this year. And I'm really excited that he's coming to the city."

Eatmonalso gave the nod toAmerican jazz saxophonistKamasiWashington, who ismaking his debut at the festival.

He described Washington as an artist who isn't afraid to mix it up and is a front runner in a new wave of jazz musicians who integrate hip hop elements into their performance.

"We are talking about a man who has been on the jazz scene since the 1960s. Broke into it as part of Miles Davis' quintet," said Eatmon. "He was probably the first jazz artist to incorporate computers and technology into his music."

Hancock andThundercatwill perform at Place desArts July 2.

Eatmon highlighted Montreal-based vocalist Ranee Lee as a must-see, calling her an incredible vocalist,"our own Billie Holiday."

"Ranee Lee is one of those singers that knows no bounds. Her voice is never flat. And she always puts on an incredible performance."

Find the complete indoor schedulehere. The full program will be announced May 30.