Jam Session at the Hyatt

I came in just after 11:00pm to hear the jam in the Salon Jeanne-Mance. With the recent change in Quebec smoking regulations it's now a pleasantly smoke-free environment. The space is a bit cavernous with the stage at the end of a long room. It's quite a professional set up with a raised stage, lighting, monitors, microphones, and a sound man on the console. Dozens of tables are set up cabaret style.

I can't find a seat at the tables, but there are empty seats by the side of the stage so I snag one. This area turns out to be where the musicians congregate. Unlike the jam in Vancouver at O'Doul's, I don't know a single musician in this crowd.

The jam is hosted every night by the John Roney Trio. Roney is a pianist originally from Mississauga. They play for a one hour set. There is a half hour break as Roney chats with musicians and writes the ones who will play into his little black book.

So things don't really get interesting until after 12:30am. Canadian folk great Ron Sexsmith made an appearance and got all Buble on us (his words) and sang two tunes—But Not For Me and Witchcraft.

A young woman from Australia named Christina did her best Etta James impression on At Last.

Kenney Garrett's rhythm section (bass, drums) played with another pianist. They were hot. Just incredible!

Unfortunately it's been a long day and I can't stay awake until 3:00am. Will have to catch the jam another night.