Last night, under threatening skies, the 30th edition of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal ended with a free blowout concert by Ben Harper and Relentless7 at the big outdoor stage.
Except for occasional sprinkles, the rain held off. The cool evening air was a perfect counter to the searing blasts of blues-soaked slamrock issuing pellmell from Harper's classic two-guitar-with-bass-and-drums outfit.
A dinosaur might hear underpinnings of southern-rock rootsiness in Harper's brand of rock and roll. The lapsteel was certainly a clue to his sense of history, but he brings a fresh sensibility and a soulful voice to the old traditions. The anthemic sound belongs to this century. Even the covers of Zeppelin, Hendrix and Queen felt youthful and forward-looking.
Strong musical chops? Yes. Improvisation? Yes. Jazz? Not really.
I don't think anyone cared.
More photos below:
