Editor’s Note: I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing Holly twice. Each time our scheduled 20 minutes extended to the better part of an hour. This is a testament to her down-to-earth personality and genuine curiosity. Holly on stage is Holly in real life. Her shows at the intimate and vintage Lion D’Or with Aaron Davis, David Piltch and Davide Direnzo will be a unique opportunity to see one of the world’s great jazz singers performing with outstanding musicians. …Peter Kerr

Holly Cole, in recognition and celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the Le Festival International de Jazz de Montréal decided to reform the original Holly Cole Trio, including David Piltch on Bass and Aaron Davis on Piano. They will perform in the cabaret space of Lion D’Or, July 2 through 5. It’s been over 25 years since the band performed live as the Holly Cole Trio and these very special performances will bring back memories of superlative Trio performances in Montreal in the 90’s at the old Club Soda or Spectrum.

Due to the intimacy of the performance space this will be a once in a lifetime musical event. The Holly Cole Trio recorded together under that name starting in 1986 and by 1990 through to 1996 made the international best selling recordings and toured the world with Girl Talk, Blame It On My Youth, Don’t Smoke in Bed, and the recording that was responsible for the international hit recording and video of I Can See Clearly Now.

Since that time Holly has gone on to record numerous successful solo recordings, including 2018’s HOLLY, all with Aaron Davis on piano and often with David Piltch playing bass. However they never toured or played live together as a unit again.

In 2013, Ms. Cole became the 15th winner of the highly prestigious Ella Fitzgerald Award. Bestowed on her by Le Festival International de Jazz de Montreal, the award is annually conferred upon “A jazz singer whose talents have had a major impact and influence on the international scene”. Holly is one of only two Canadians to ever receive this prestigious award. Other winners include Sade, Aretha Franklin, Harry Connick, Jr. and Etta James.

David Piltch, post Trio touring, became one of the most in demand bass players in the business, playing live and recording with as acclaimed and as varied a group of amazing musicians such as k d lang, Bill Frisell and Madeleine Peyroux.

When not performing with Ms Cole, Aaron Davis exists as a wonderfully creative and eclectic composer, orchestral arranger and keyboardist including music director for and collaborator with singer Measha Brueggergosman. Joining the Trio will be the multi-talented Davide Direnzo on drums and percussion. Watch out for the possibility of some interesting special guest soloists.

When asked why Holly believes the Trio to be so special she responds; “What compels me about our Trio is the chemistry and the intimacy of the music and the performance. What confronts me is the silence within it.”

This unique musical event will be four nights of magic and it’s not one to be missed!

Lion D’Or is at 1676 Ontario East, Montreal, H2L 1S7. Tickets are available at: www.cabaretliondor.com  You can also check out the photos of this very cool venue.