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Press Release
For Immediate release
22nd Festival International de Jazz de Montréal
The General Motors Grand Prix and the
Galaxie Bursary awarded to Nick Ali & CRUZAO!

Montréal, Saturday July 7, 2001 - Today, the Festival International de Jazz de Montreal and its main sponsor, General Motors of Canada, are awarding the 2001 Grand Prix de Jazz General Motors to Nick Ali & CRUZAO, of Toronto.  Jury members made their final decision last night at 11:00pm.  The most celebrated group among the Canadian jazz groups who entered the competition and who performed as part of the free outdoor lineup of the 22nd edition of the Festival International de jazz de Montreal will also receive the Galaxie Bursary, a prize of $3000.

The Grand Prix de Jazz General Motors public award presentation takes place this event at 6:00pm on the General Motors stage.  Fans will then be treated to a special performance by the winner :

Nick Ali & CRUZAO

Trinidadian-born Nick Ali, aka "The Brownman" and his quintet push forward the frontiers of Cuban and Brazilian music through Brownman's original compositions charged with Latin rhythm, jazz harmony and very funky groove.  This young Toronto quintet, which launched its career under the name Shades Of Brown, represents the next generation of jazz musicians who show the kind of intense improvisation-interaction and raw energy that deliver irresistible, explosive music!

2001 Grand Prix de Jazz General Motors

The winner of the Grand Prix de Jazz General Motros will be this year's recipient of:

  • The Grand Prix de Jazz General Motors 2001 trophy
  • The General Motors Grand Prix de Jazz Bursary - $5,000
  • The Galaxie Bursary, a prize of $3000
  • An invitation to participate in the 2002 edition of the Festi-Jazz International de Rimouski
  • A second outdoor performance on the General Motors Bandstand, Saturday, July 7 at 6:00pm, as part of the Les Gammes General Motors Series
  • An invitation to participate in the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal 2002, all expenses paid by the Festival (transportation, hotel, and fees in effect at the Guilde des musiciens du Québec).
  • 50 hours of studio time at the acclaimed Montreal studio Karisma
  • A licensing proposal from the Justin Time record company for the production and distribution of an album
  • A $3,000 prize offered by Galaxie - as well, the winner will become a "Galaxie Star" on its non-stop music networds across Canada, along with visibility in its magazine, whose subscribers number in the thousands.



A springboard for Canadian jazz groups

Established in 1982 by the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, the Grand Prix de Jazz gives future Canadian jazz stars a genuine springboard to musical recognition.  Every summer, this Festival tradition captivates public attention as well as observers on the national and international music scene, giving the winning group the chance to launch its career thanks to the major visibility that comes with the award.

Ten Canadian groups and artists were in the running for the Grand Prix de Jazz General Motors 2001.  In accordance with the competition rules, all artists and groups had to present a repertoire primarily consisting of original material.  In addition to the winner, Nick Ali & CRUZAO, this year's short list comprised:

Francois Richard Quartette (Quebec)
Alex Cattaneo / Fractal (Quebec)
Orioxy (Quebec)
Three For All (Quebec/Ontario)
Gilles Bernard (Quebec)
Tasa (Ontario)
Downing, Turcotte, Zubot & Dawson (British Columbia/Ontario)
L.M.L. Music Factory (Quebec)
Bryn Robers (Quebec)
The 2001 edition jury members were:
Patricia Deslauriers (bass player)
Ralph Boncy (Musimax Programming Director)
Lous Bellavance (Programming Director of the Festi-Jazz Int'l de Rimouski)
Brian Coleman (Brathwaite & Katz Press Agency)
Alain Bédard (Effendi Records)
Source:
Festival International de Jazz de Montreal - Press room: 514-288-5544
Nathalie Courville, Vice-President, Communications and Advertising
     natalie.courville@equipespectra.ca

Information (media):
Myriam Achard, Senior Press Attaché: 514-288-5544
     myriam.achard@equipespectra.ca
Mari-Eve Boisvert, Press Attaché: 514-288-5544 
     marie-eve.boisvert@equipespectra.ca
Alain Des Ruisseauz, Press Attaché: 514-288-5544
     alain.desruisseaux@equipespectra.ca

Information (public):
Info-Jazz Bell Line: 514-871-1881 or toll-free 1-888-515-0515
     www.montrealjazzfest.com

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