The jazzfest in 10 originals: 2026
Tomoki Sanders, The Ex, Leenalchi, Missy D, Étran de l'Aïr, Jillian Lebeck, Brad Turner Quartet, Wendy Eisenberg & more
Here is original music by 10 artists I heard live at the 2026 Vancouver International Jazz Festival:
1
"The Third Eye"
Tomoki Sanders Quartet, June 25
Tomoki Sanders electrified a fresh venue for the festival, playing the Birdhouse with keyboardist Ian Finkelstein (who came up in Detroit under Geri Allen), bassist Paul "Papa Bear" Johnson, and drummer Christian Napoleon. Their performance could be club music, it could be heady modern jazz, and it could also come down to levels where the key-presses on Sanders' saxophone become sound effects at close proximity to the mic. This single from Sanders' coming debut album is more of the first two things.
2
"Beat Beat Drums"
The Ex, June 26
As soon as the Dutch band opened their Hollywood Theatre set with this track from a recent album, I knew that The Ex were going to be a lot more fun (and less noisy or angry) than I expected. Among the three guitarists, one had crazy dance moves and a penchant to put his gear into the crowd, one had a crazy tuning, and one held it down in his own odd vocal charisma while playing rhythm parts. Drummer Katherina Bornefeld kept it moving brilliantly and came up to perform an intricate double-shaker pattern, too. Every song was an unpretentious invitation to rock out in a jazzfest way.
3
"Ultimate Prescription"
Leenalchi, June 27
With four vocalists, two electric bassists, and a drummer, Leenalchi are one of the most different bands I've heard in a long time. The Korean vocals overlapped in rhythmic rap and folk-chanting. The grinding of the rhythm section, combined with the new-wave outfits, transcended decades of art-pop. Despite an overlong soundcheck that delayed the start, none of it was too weird to engage a crowd in the art gallery plaza, even those of us who didn't understand the lyrics. The above video documents the same show I heard, so you can see for yourself.
4
"Yes Mama"
Missy D, June 28
Missy D played her downtown set with a band of Nebyu Yohannes, Dave Taylor, Feven Kidane (on bass), and Yato Noukoussi, but for this song – when she either videocalls or takes an on-stage video for her mother – she welcomed up ten additional horn players who had performed earlier with Space Elevator. Her party moment was the response to a less obvious invitation: Missy had been a featured guest for Space Elevator at prior shows by Mike WT Allen's prog-metal big band. The crowd-pleaser status of "Yes Mama" in the sunshine wasn't matched at the plaza throughout the weekend.
