Friday, July 07, 2006

Lorraine Demarais Big Band

Spectrum de Montréal
10:00pm

The legendary Spectrum theatre has hosted an incredible variety of acts with everyone from the Afro-Celt Sound System, U2, Miles Davis, Céline Dion, to Weird Al Yankovic gracing the stage. The caberet style seating on the main and mezzanine level means you have to come early for a good spot, and you'll probably be meeting some new people. The bar seating on the sides is not bad either with good sight lines and quick service. The right side bar is better than the left because you are very close to the sound console and are hearing the intended mix.

The Lorraine Demarais Big Band is sounding hot! The large stage easily holds the group consisting of 4 trumpets of various sizes, 4 trombones of various sizes, 5 saxophones of various sizes, bass, drums, and Lorraine on piano. I think it was all original tunes. My limited French combined with my limited knowledge of Chick Corea tunes meant I couldn't determine if Demarais' mention of Chick Corea refered to one of his tunes or if it was her tribute tune to him. Despite the language barrier it was a great two sets of music.

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