I’ve already spoken to you about Kallisto, a klezmer yiddish-folk Anatolian-psychedelic-rock meets balkanic-swing quintet that tickled my ears at the Sylis d’or 2023 at the Balattou club (READ THE INTERVIEW I DID HERE – in French), here in Montreal. I had the chance to see them live again on Sunday evening, 18 May 2025 at Balattou, and the initial impression remains the same: this is a very solid band, aesthetically and musically, built on the foundations of Jewish music but blending multiple influences that blend organically and very festively. The sub-genres mentioned above can all be found, to a greater or lesser extent, in one of the band’s pieces, whether standard or original composition.
That said, the group is not the same as it was in 2023, except for leader Jossée McInnis (clearly the creative soul of the ensemble), who is also a clarinettist. The Montrealer (formerly from London, ON) is an instrumentalist with a rock-solid musical science, classic technique and tonal precision, to be sure. But she swings well and handles the colours and inflections of klezmer music with perfect ease. The lady has surrounded herself with other top names, perhaps even better than in the Sylis 2023 version: Antoine Bensoussan on guitar (a skilful surf-styler, among others), Jefferson Perez on cello (brilliant in both his tonal beauty and his improvisational skills), Patrick Lebrun on bass and Edward Scrimger on drums.
Kallisto play regular gigs in good small venues, from Montreal to Sherbrooke to Toronto, so keep an eye on the agenda of your favourite live music bars. If they happen to be in your area, be sure to give them a listen. It’s a great way to spend the evening.
Next official gig dates:
9 July 2025 – Quai des brumes, Montreal
July 19, 2025 – Duluth en Arts, Duluth Street, Montreal
