Jazz festival breaks records

Cuban star Ibrahim Ferrer's concert sold out

The annual Montreal Jazz Festival has set new records of popularity and confirmed its place as the leading jazz gathering in the world, organisers have claimed.

More than 1.7 million people watched 2,500 musicians during the 11-day event, which ended on Sunday, with ticket sales up 50% on last year.

Krall: Praised for "naturally disarming charm"

Musicians including Buena Vista Social Club singer Ibrahim Ferrer, Prince, George Benson, and Latin alternative star Manu Chao gave performances.

The 22nd annual event honoured musicians Diana Krall and Michael Brecker with its Ella Fitzgerald and Miles Davis prizes for their contributions to jazz.

Grammy-winning Canadian pianist and singer Krall was praised for her "suave voice, the quality of her interpretation and her naturally disarming charm".

Brecker, the American tenor sax player, has also been the winner of Grammy awards, and was awarded the prestigious Miles Davis prize for his "stunning agility, fine precision playing and versatility".

Brecker: Added award to two Grammys

The Oscar Peterson Prize, awarded to the late Canadian musician Moe Koffman, was accepted on his behalf by his son during the festival's closing concert.

That concert was performed by 75-year-old piano legend Oscar Peterson.

The programme did not stick to traditional jazz, but also included concerts from Algerian singer Rachid Taha, British electronic band Stereolab and Austrian DJs Kruder and Dorfmeister.

Free outdoor events accounted for 350 gigs, with 109,000 people buying tickets to the remaining 150 indoor concerts.

The festival has grown since the first event, in 1980, which took place at the former Expo '67 world's fair site and attracted 12,000 fans.

Past performers have included Tony Bennett, BB King, Herbie Hancock and Ray Charles.