All about that Jazz: Last night’s rap-up & what’s hot today

A review of Danny Brown with Husser and our recommendations for what to see at the festival on July 6.

DannyBrown2

Danny Brown last night at Metropolis. Photo by Cindy Lopez

Detroit hip hop wild child Danny Brown raps like it’s his damn job.

Playing to a half-capacity crowd of true believers at Metropolis last night, Brown bounced his dreads, flashed his trademark grin, replete with twinkling gold fronts, runnin’ like an antelope across the stage and spitting his hyperactive brand of party rap without barely taking a break.

The set erred a little on the short side, and what the crowd maybe lacked in numbers it made up for with energy, dancing non-stop and shouting back every hook with fan gusto. It would be pretty hard to be dissatisfied by a pro like Brown.

Husser

Husser at Metropolis. Photo by Cindy Lopez

An opening set from local talent Husser gave him a shot to showcase some new solo material, backed by live players from another Montreal crew on the rise, Ragers. Toward the end of the set Huss brought out his brother Posterz for a coupla jams, and ended it off with a powerful new song that showcased the rapper’s melodic side. I’m excited for all of these dudes, frankly. Their showmanship matches their creative talent and their star quality is almost tangible.

Here’s what’s good for you today:

Roy Hargrove

Roy Hargrove

Here’s what’s hot at the Jazz Fest today:

Wednesday, July 6

3 p.m.: Jazz Kartel Communautaire Verdun sounds like a nice way to start the day. It’s got all my favourites: jazz, community, Verdun and cartels. (Rio Tinto stage, btwn Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier & the MSO building within Place des Arts, free, outdoor)

5 p.m.: Human beatbox/guitar combo Heymoonshaker take a second stand at Place Heineken. (Ste-Catherine & Bleury, free, outdoor)

7 p.m. & 9:45 p.m.: Jazz/funk trumpet phenom and elder statesman of groove Roy Hargrove and his quintet perform twice tonight and twice again tomorrow (Thursday, July 7), in an intimate setting off-site, a little further west downtown at Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill. If you’re looking for something really special this fest, look no further. (1254 Mackay, $55, call 514-931-6808 for reservations)

7:30 p.m.: Tonight, it’s back to Place des Arts for a date with Ms. Lauryn Hill.  From what I understand last night’s show was fantastic, despite being a bit behind schedule. I look forward to bringing you my thoughts on night two. Ms.Hill can do very little wrong in my eyes, so I’m pretty hyped, truth be told. She plays Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier with opener Jalen N’Gonda. Check out my interview with her guitarist, Montrealer Jordan Peters, here, and watch for a review tomorrow. (175 Ste-Catherine W., $93.75–$118.75, indoor)

8 p.m.: Theatre Maisonneuve hosts bass powerhouse Marcus Miller (175 Ste-Catherine W., $60.25–$68.75, indoor)

9 p.m.: Nigerian saxophonist Orlando Julius & the Afrosoundz sounds like a good bet for a hot dance party as tonight’s TD stage headliners. They play again at 11 p.m. (de Maisonneuve & Jeanne-Mance, free, outdoor)

10 p.m.: Bilal, he of the silken pipes on many, many, many high-profile hip hop collabs, breathes pure sex at Club Soda (1225 St-Laurent, indoor, $32.50)

11:59 p.m.: Hometown heroes Nomadic Massive close night two of their Savoy late night series. (59 Ste-Catherine E., free, indoor)

For a detailed site map, ticket info and the complete schedule, please consult the official Montreal International Jazz Festival website