by SCOTT C

As we all know, a little bit of Jazz Festival navigation never hurt anyone, and if used properly, can save you from wandering aimlessly through a sea of tourists for an entire week. No offense to Michael Bublé or Blind Boys of Alabama, but some of us are looking for the hot shit, having been subjected to years of Jazz Fest mediocrity. Me? I'm in love with the sultry, soulful, folk-pop stylings of Feist, who brings her warm and original sound to the Spectrum stage tonight at 6 p.m. That's a good start to the night, but if you hang around, you can check out Roy Hargrove's tighter than tight RH Factor at 9 p.m., also at the Spectrum. This is a band of seasoned jazz musicians who understand the nuance of hip hop swing and its power when combined with serious chops.

I can't think of a better Canada Day plan than checking out Detroit's Amp Fiddler at the Scène Stella Artois at 10 p.m. Having seen him live before, I know Montreal is in for some super soul, Detroit style. And this one's on the house, kids. Can't forget my man on the keys Bugge Wesseltoft as he moves into Club Soda, also on Friday, July 1. He makes short work of combining electronic music innovations and sublime, jazzy compositions. He's joined by local hero Vince "the Prince" Lemieux.

Moving on to Saturday, July 2, you might want to check out the Hammond B-3 organ styles of local artist Vanessa Rodrigues and her Soul Project, playing at the Club Jazz TD Canada Trust at 7 and 10 p.m. Channelling Groove Holmes, Jimmy Smith and Soulive, she can definitely hang with the big boys. Also at 7 p.m. on July 2, check out the deep and delicious voice of Lizz Wright when she plays Club Soda, her second Jazz Fest appearance. Medeski, Martin & Wood do their thing at Metropolis on July 2 as well, with opening acts Young Philadelphians warming things up. That show starts at 9 p.m.

Make room for another Metropolis biggie on Sunday, July 3, as Ninja Tune artists Bonobo, Herbaliser and DJ Food come back in a big way to satisfy longtime Montreal fans. Six hours of the best that the U.K. has to offer, all starting at 9 p.m. If you're not ready to shell out the bucks for that show, you can also check out the amazing live house music of Tortured Soul, who play Scene Stella Artois for free at 10 p.m. You'll lose it when you hear drummer/vocalist John-Christian Urich do double duty behind his capable bandmates. Truly, big and soulful sounds coming from this three-man crew. Lastly, don't forget Platinum Pied Pipers' blend of next-level hip hop and soul at Scène Stella Artois on July 7 at 10 p.m. One of my personal favourites in this year's lineup, you just can't miss this live, free, outdoor show.

Jazz what? There's also the Zulu Nation's Afrika Bambaataa at Living on July 2, for those of you looking for the perfect beat.

OKAY, BUBLE GETS THE BOZACK... fathead@videotron.ca

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