Pizzarelli respects the classics
The Russell Malone Quartet (7 and 9:45 p.m., Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill, 1254 Mackay St., $41.97). You have probably heard this wonderful bebop and swing guitar man playing behind Diana Krall, Harry Connick Jr. or Sonny Rollins. This is also an excellent chance to wander off the site and hang out in the perfect atmosphere of Upstairs. Malone, too, returns tomorrow — same times and place. Phone 931-6808 for reservations
John Pizzarelli: McCartney and More (8 p.m., Salle Ludger-Duvernay, Monument National, 1182 St-Laurent Blvd., $45 to $60.90). The singer-guitarist’s 1998 Beatles tribute album featured mostly Paul McCartney compositions.
This time, the festival favourite makes it official: after playing on Sir Paul’s Kisses on the Bottom album in 2012, he’s focusing on selections from rock’s richest catalogue.
Philip Sayce (9 and 11 p.m., CBC/ Radio-Canada Sony Stage, free). There is serious buzz around this Welsh-born, Toronto-raised guitar god, a disciple of Jimi and Stevie Ray. Check him out on YouTube and be persuaded: it will be loud and it will rock.
The Mavericks (9 and 11 p.m., TD Stage, free). The reunited countryrockers are on the road again, and seeing them in the open air at the Place des Festivals might be the perfect way to end what is clearly a superior day for free outdoor shows. The Christine Jensen Quartet Fea
turing Ben Monder (Dièse Onze, 4115A St-Denis St., $15). Barely taking a breather from touring with her 20-piece orchestra, sax player Jensen strips it down to a quartet, with guitarist Monder, drummer Jon Wikan and bassist Fraser Hollins.
The growing acclaim that surrounds her—not only as a musician but as a composer and bandleader — is steadily spreading outside the country, so the prospect of seeing her in a jazz club setting should be more than tempting.