Words and Photos by Mason Marreiros
On September 10, 2025, berlioz brought his best to Toronto’s DANFORTH MUSIC HALL. Hailed as a pillar of the modern jazz scene, berlioz has been producing music since 2017, before exploding in popularity following his 2023 EP Jazz Is For Ordinary People, as well as his debut album Open This Wall in 2024.
Playing his first show in Toronto, he was nothing short of spectacular. Being accompanied by Matt Carillo on saxophone, RC Williams on keys, and Sharay Reed on bass, the quartet dominated the stage. Illuminated by Danforth Music Hall’s breathtaking lighting setup, the show was something many in the audience will revisit in their mind for years to come.
berlioz has been described as a poet of music, and the description could not be more accurate. Between sampling past greats, curating calming beats, and dramatic orchestration, his take on the jazz-house genre is something that catches the interest of listeners with multiple tastes.
Playing a selection of fan favourites, from deep in it, to ode to rahsaan, to hot slow, his set was full of mastery. Catch berlioz on the rest of his USA/Canada tour through the end of September, before he returns to Europe in November. More information on his website and Instagram.
