La Cancao jazz quartet

Last reviewed: July 31, 2026. Business status: Active.

Couples searching for a Montreal wedding jazz band can consider La Cançao, a vocalist-led ensemble whose official site identifies it as a Montreal quartet created in 2010. Its published repertoire covers jazz standards, bossa nova, chanson française, swing and blues. The current lineup listed by the band is Rebecca Rowley on vocals, Michael Cotnoir on guitar, Olivier Babaz on upright bass and Yannick Parent on drums.

The official booking page contains wedding-specific testimonials and answers questions about taxes for private events such as weddings, establishing a relevant wedding-service context. It also documents alternative group formats, set lengths, sound arrangements, travel and deposits. This profile was last reviewed on July 31, 2026; availability, personnel and the final scope should still be reconfirmed for a couple’s date.

Services and specialization

La Cançao presents itself primarily as a Montreal jazz band for events. Its standard identity is a quartet with vocals, guitar, upright bass and drums, although the booking page says the musicians most often perform as a quartet and that alternative formats may be available according to the event. The published starting price refers specifically to a trio, and a saxophone player can be added on request for a corresponding quote.

The booking material discusses cocktails, receptions and galas, while its wedding references show that receptions are part of its experience. Standard performance arrangements are based on two 50-minute sets, but the same 100 minutes can be divided differently, including as three shorter sets. The band says it can perform up to three sets, or 150 minutes of live music, with longer breaks required for that format.

• Vocal-led jazz quartet as the principal lineup
• Trio pricing published as an alternative format
• Saxophone available as a quoted addition
• Transition playlists can be provided during breaks
• The band’s sound equipment is included for its own performance unless another arrangement is made

Band and repertoire

The official band page names Rebecca Rowley, Michael Cotnoir, Olivier Babaz and Yannick Parent as the current members. This current first-party lineup should take precedence over older directory descriptions. Because musicians and event assignments can change, couples who care about a particular performer should identify that point in the contract rather than assume every date uses an unchanged lineup.

La Cançao’s documented styles are jazz standards, bossa nova, chanson française, swing and blues. Its published repertoire also includes selected popular songs and modern-song covers. The range may suit couples seeking vocal jazz and Latin-influenced or French-language material rather than a conventional all-night pop cover band. Specific songs should be checked against the current repertoire before booking.

• Jazz standards
• Bossa nova and Latin selections
• Chanson française
• Swing and blues
• Selected popular and modern cover material

Service area and who it may suit

La Cançao is based in Montreal and states that it does not charge transportation fees for events within the city. For events outside Montreal, the band applies a round-trip per-kilometre charge according to the number of vehicles required. Its booking FAQ says road travel may extend as far as Toronto, while journeys beyond seven hours by car require air travel.

This may be a relevant option for Montreal couples planning jazz-focused reception or cocktail music, particularly when vocals, bossa nova or French repertoire matter. Out-of-town couples should request a complete travel estimate. If distance or the event’s ending time prevents a reasonable return to Montreal, organizers may need to provide hotel accommodation.

• Montreal events have no stated transportation fee
• Mileage charges apply outside Montreal
• Parking or parking reimbursement is required where parking is not free
• A meal, water and, where possible, private storage space are requested
• Accommodation may be required for a distant or late-ending event

Confirmed strengths and practical limitations

A documented strength is the level of logistical detail available before inquiry. The official FAQ explains set structures, breaks, sound equipment, arrival timing, deposits, travel and special-song requests. The band also says it uses contracts and invoicing and maintains substitute-musician contacts. These are confirmed operational features, not independent endorsements of performance quality.

The practical limitation is that the website does not publish a complete wedding package table or a separate price for every lineup. The stated minimum is for a trio, while the band’s main identity is a quartet. The repertoire PDF is labelled 2018, so couples should not treat it as a guarantee that every listed song remains available. No official street address is published on the pages reviewed.

• Detailed booking FAQ and stated contract process
• Flexible distribution of the standard 100-minute performance time
• Sound equipment included for the band’s use, subject to venue requirements
• Large venues may require an outside sound company
• Exact quartet, saxophone, travel and extended-wait pricing requires a quote

Pricing

The official booking page currently states that pricing begins at $1,550 plus tax for a trio performing two 50-minute sets. It also says the amount varies with the type and size of event. This is a starting point, not a confirmed wedding total or a quartet price. Couples should request a written quotation for their date, venue, lineup and schedule.

Special songs outside the repertoire are listed at $50 per song. Additional sets requested on location cost more than sets agreed to in the contract, and waiting fees may apply when the performance is spread over a long part of the day. Travel outside Montreal, extra musicians and any accommodation requirements can also affect the total. The band states that Quebec taxes apply to private events, including weddings.

• Published starting price: $1,550 plus tax
• Starting format: trio with two 50-minute sets
• Out-of-repertoire song preparation: $50 per song
• Final price varies by event type, size, lineup, travel and timing
• A current written quote is required

Contact and booking

Couples can call the band’s booker at 514-862-2577 or use the inquiry form on the official booking page. The form requests contact details, event date, event type, location or city, approximate attendance, preferred format and a message. Providing the venue, desired lineup, schedule and key repertoire questions should make the initial quote more useful.

The published process says inquiries are typically answered within 48 hours. After a client expresses an intention to hire the band, La Cançao sends a contract and places a soft hold on the date. A 50% deposit is then required to lock the date. Remaining logistics are reviewed one or two weeks before the event, and the balance is expected no later than the business day following the performance.

• Official booking form: https://lacancao.com/booking/
• Telephone: 514-862-2577
• Soft hold follows confirmation of interest
• A 50% deposit locks the date
• The band states that it usually arrives 90 minutes before the first performance

What couples should confirm

Ask for one written proposal that separates the musicians’ format, number and division of sets, taxes, travel, waiting time, song preparation and any sound-company requirements. Confirm whether the quoted lineup is a trio, quartet or quartet with saxophone and identify the instruments included. Couples should also establish how transition music will work during breaks and whether the venue’s sound system must be used.

Before signing, confirm the current repertoire, pronunciation and language requirements for important songs, the policy for substitutions, setup space, meal and parking arrangements, attire, cancellation terms and payment deadlines. For an outdoor wedding, ask about shelter, electrical power and a weather backup because these details are not specified on the reviewed official pages.

• Exact musicians and instruments for the date
• Current availability and final all-in price
• Ceremony, cocktail or reception portion being covered
• Approved special songs and preparation fees
• Set timing, breaks and transition music
• Venue sound, power, setup and weather requirements
• Travel, parking, meals and possible accommodation

Continue planning

• Canada wedding vendor directory
• wedding bridal guide

Frequently asked questions

Does La Cançao perform at weddings?

Yes. The official booking page includes wedding-client material and wedding-specific booking information. Couples should confirm which part of the celebration the quoted performance covers.

What music does La Cançao play?

Its official site lists jazz standards, bossa nova, chanson française, swing and blues. A published repertoire also contains selected popular songs and modern covers, but couples should request the current song list.

How much does La Cançao cost?

The official booking page states that pricing starts at $1,550 plus tax for a trio playing two 50-minute sets. Quartet, saxophone, travel, waiting-time and other event-specific costs require a quote.

Can couples request a song that is not in the repertoire?

Yes. The booking FAQ lists a $50 preparation charge for each requested song outside the repertoire. Confirm feasibility and the arrangement in writing.

Does La Cançao travel outside Montreal?

Yes. The band states that mileage charges apply outside Montreal, road travel can extend as far as Toronto depending on the event, and travel beyond seven hours by car requires flying. Accommodation may be required for some distant or late events.

Sources checked

• La Cançao, The Official Website of La Cançao Jazz Band — Le site officiel du groupe jazz La Cançao — Montréal, Québec
• The Band — La Cançao, The Official Website of La Cançao Jazz Band — Le site officiel du groupe jazz La Cançao — Montréal, Québec
• Booking — La Cançao, The Official Website of La Cançao Jazz Band — Le site officiel du groupe jazz La Cançao — Montréal, Québec

Phone: 514-862-2577

Website: https://lacancao.com/