Montreal jazz fest pick o' the day: All Canadian day! CBC Music - Free Streaming Radio, Videos, Songs, Concerts & Playlists

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Thinky, drinky or slinky? This is what I ask myself when I look at the multitudes of performers at this year's Montreal International Jazz Festival.

And since the Montreal fest holds the Guinness World Record for largest jazz festival, I thought it might be helpful to narrow down the field by sharing my pick of the day based on this question: Which artist performing today truly embodies the essence of, you guessed it, thinky, drinky or slinky? (Call it the "TDS" factor.)

Thinky jazz may be challenging to listen to, and to play. Drinky jazz is fun, toe-tapping music. And slinky? Think romance and bubbly, possibly a little candlelight.

Today’s picks are all Canadian, and there’s nothing I love more than to support Canadian talent. You have legends and lions (lionesses) that are all from right here at home. Let’s get this started.

July 5 pick #1: Remi Bolduc 50th birthday party

Remi Bolduc plays saxophone like an alligator pulling his prey into a death roll. That’s some pretty serious saxophone playing, wouldn’t you say? Bolduc is celebrating his 50th birthday during this year's Montreal Jazz Festival, with a special performance/birthday party. Since Montreal is home it should be a good party – with a lot of mean sax!

TDS: Thinky.

July 5 pick #2: Sophie Milman

Sophie Milman has easily become Canada’s favourite jazz chanteuse over the past five years. She’s what you might call a “jazz starlet” who takes jazz in an urban yet comfortable direction. Milman’s band is like a Ferrari. She’s like a mink coat. I’d say you’re in for a great evening, especially if you’re taking a date (wink).

TDS: Slinky.

July 5 pick #3: Julie Lamontagne

Julie Lamontagne has come full circle, and it’s a really cool circle. She began her musical career playing classical music on piano then, when she discovered jazz, turned towards it. Lamontagne has turned towards classical music again with her new album Opus Jazz. That’s when Lamontagne completed her cool circle. You’ll get a little bit of jazz and a little bit of classical. This, I think, is Lamontagne’s signature sound.

TDS: Thinky.

July 5 pick #4: Gypsophilia

Gypsophilia is like a gypsy-jazz milkshake. They are sweet and tasty and filling. You will not be disappointed. They will make you tap your toes and maybe even break into spontaneous dance. They are from Halifax, so how could they disappoint? Enjoy!

TDS: Drinky.

July 5 pick #5: Oliver Jones and Peter Appleyard

Oliver Jones and Peter Appleyard are two of Canada’s living national jazz treasures. They have more experience in their eyelashes than most jazzers may have in their lifetimes. Piano and vibraphone masters: this is the concert you can’t miss tonight. Pay homage.

TDS: Drinky.