reviews

Joëlle Léandre, Mat Maneri and Craig Taborn Were a Force at FIMAV

Carré 150, May 18

PUBLISHED May 21, 2024

There are a couple of clear ways to impress in the world of improvised music, especially in the context of a festival where a large portion...

The Bill Orcutt Guitar Quartet Brought Total Unity to FIMAV

Centre des Congrès, May 18

PUBLISHED May 21, 2024

Saturday's schedule at FIMAV leaned toward an extensive suite of improvised musical forms. At the hinge point of the day came the Bill Orcu...

'Stax: Soulsville, U.S.A.' Is More Than Just a Music History Lesson

Directed by Jamila Wignot

PUBLISHED May 21, 2024

The history of American music cannot be told without Memphis, TN. The likes of B.B. King, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley could all be found...

Billie Eilish's 'HIT ME HARD AND SOFT' Pulls No Punches

PUBLISHED May 21, 2024

In today's sound-bite-driven music landscape, releasing an album without singles is a swing that only the industry's heaviest hitters will...

Splendide Abysse Made a Big Splash at FIMAV

Carré 150, May 17

PUBLISHED May 20, 2024

On a day that saw splashy and attention-grabbing shows by international veterans like Joshua Abrams's Natural Information Society from Chic...

Laura Jane Grace Brought Sweat and Energy to Ottawa

Brass Monkey, May 18

PUBLISHED May 20, 2024

After playing the 1,000-person capacity Bronson Centre in 2022, Laura Jane Grace returned to the nation's capital for an intimate performan...

'Hit Man' Oughta Be a Hit, Man

Directed by Richard Linklater

PUBLISHED May 20, 2024

I had mixed feelings after hearing that Netflix had purchased Richard Linklater's 'Hit Man' coming out of TIFF last year: thrilled that a...

'Saturday Night Live' Ended Season 49 Energetically, Despite Sabrina Carpenter's Decaf Performance

May 18, 2024

PUBLISHED May 19, 2024

A strong and memorable Saturday Night Live season ended with a funny and solid finale. Jake Gyllenhaal was a dedicated and great host, whil...