As International Jazz Day 2025 swings into action, the global stage is set ablaze with the soulful sounds of jazz. From the vibrant streets of Rio de Janeiro to the eclectic venues of Washington, D.C., and the historic stages of Montreal, jazz aficionados are in for a treat.
Hyldon & Adrian Younge: A Psychedelic Soul Revival
Brazilian soul legend Hyldon teams up with American producer Adrian Younge to deliver HYLDON JID023, a psychedelic soul masterpiece. This album, released on April 4, 2025, pays homage to the “Black Rio” movement, blending MPB, Tropicália, and American R&B. Notably, it features the late Ivan “Mamão” Conti of Azymuth, adding a layer of historical depth and rhythmic complexity. Tracks like “Olhos Castanhos” and “Nhanderuvucu (The Creator God)” showcase the duo’s ability to merge vintage vibes with modern flair.
Seventh Stanine Festival: D.C.’s Experimental Soundscape
On June 15, 2025, Washington, D.C.’s Rhizome will pulse with the avant-garde energy of the Seventh Stanine Festival. Curated by local experimental pop icons The Caribbean and NPR’s Essential Tremors, this year’s lineup is a sonic feast. Performers include Tyondai Braxton, Ben Vida, Lucy Liyou, Wendy Eisenberg, and Deakin of Animal Collective, alongside The Caribbean themselves, who have been described as “minimalist/drone/Philip Jeck by way of Carole King.” It’s not just a festival; it’s a living mixtape of experimental brilliance tucked into one of the District’s most eclectic venues.
Dominique Fils-Aimé: Live at the Montreal International Jazz Festival
Montreal’s own Dominique Fils-Aimé is set to release her live album, Live At The Montreal International Jazz Festival, on June 6 via Ensoul Records. Known for her soulful interpretations and powerful vocals, Dominique’s performance captures the essence of jazz’s emotional depth. This release follows her acclaimed album Our Roots Run Deep, which won the 2024 JUNO Award for Vocal Jazz Album of the Year.
Final Recap: Get in the Groove for International Jazz Day
International Jazz Day 2025 is more than just a celebration, it’s a global jam session that pulses from Rio to D.C. to Montreal. Whether you’re vibing with Hyldon and Adrian Younge’s psych-soul revival, diving into the sonic wilds of the Seventh Stanine Festival, or letting Dominique Fils-Aimé’s vocals carry you through the Montreal night, there’s a rhythm for every soul this year.
So turn up the volume, grab your coolest shades, and let jazz be your passport. The world’s got the groove, you just need to step in.
