Additional Information
Rachel Therrien, a Quebec-born trumpeter, flugelhornist, and composer, is a constant presence at this year’s Montreal International Jazz Festival. She is overseeing the “Jazz Composers” series, which takes place every evening at Cabaret L’Entracte. Our contributor Michel Labrecque spoke with her about it.
PANM360: Rachel Therrien, you’ve revived the “Jazz Composers” series at the FIJM—is this something that’s really close to your heart?
Rachel Therrien: This series was launched in 2013 at the now-defunct Bleury Bar à Vinyle, which was right nearby. It ran for eight years. The concept behind the series is to form bands with musicians who have never played together before—groups of five musicians each night. It’s quite an experience!
PANM360: So it’s completely improvised?
Rachel Therrien: Not exactly. Each musician brings two compositions. They have three hours to choose and rehearse. It takes place at the new jazz club called L’Entracte (1112 Ste-Catherine West), from June 28 to July 3 at 10 p.m.
PANM360: We’ll be hearing from musicians both local and from elsewhere. Did you help choose them?
Rachel Therrien: With the help of a good friend, Simone Leblanc, who is a saxophonist herself. The idea is to bring together musicians from different backgrounds—as well as different generations, English-speakers, and French-speakers—and see what happens. In previous editions, these unlikely concerts have built bridges and fostered collaborations among musicians.
PANM360: Which of these thirty musicians will we hear? Six concerts times five musicians equals thirty, right?
Rachel Therrien: The first two concerts have already taken place. On the 30th, we’ll hear from Quebec singer Marie-Jeanne Paquet; two trombonists from New York, Matt De Leon and Trevor Turla; Jean-Philippe Grégoire on guitar; drummer Aaron Dolman, who works with both rock and jazz artists; and bassist Dave Watts.
PANM360: Just this lineup looks enticing. And it’s going to continue for four more nights. Without naming them all, tell us about some of the highlights.
Rachel Therrien: For example, we have Karina Colis and Dan Martinez, two musicians of Mexican descent based in New York, who are members of the cumbia band Chicha Libre, among other groups. We’ll also have Christine Jensen and Bill Mahar, two veterans of the Montreal music scene—and such brilliant artists.
PANM360: What about you—are you going to play on July 1?
Rachel Therrien:Absolutely, and I’m really looking forward to it. I can’t stress enough how much I encourage people to come see the concerts in this series. Because these are one-of-a-kind concerts that will never be repeated. With musicians from truly diverse backgrounds and different origins. You’re going to hear something special.
PANM360: Rachel, you have other concerts lined up for this festival and some other projects. We’ll talk more about that soon. In the meantime, to learn more: Jazz Composers Series – June 29, 2026 – L’Entracte Jazz Club
