A sold-out audience gathered last week at the intimate Salle Claude-Léveillée inside Place des Arts to witness a performance that confirmed what many music lovers have already begun to recognize: young crooner David Marino possesses a truly unique, golden voice that stands out in today’s musical landscape.
Between performances in the 2025–2026 run of Les Demoiselles de Rochefort in France, David Marino returned home to Montreal for his concert “Entre jazz et chanson (Between Jazz and Song),” that offered a warm and elegant evening of timeless repertoire, blending French chanson, jazz standards, and classic melodies with remarkable ease.
The setting of the intimate Salle Claude-Léveillée proved the perfect space for Marino’s rich tone and expressive delivery, backed by an equally excellent trio ( Piano: John Gilbert, Double Bass: Frédéric Alarie and Drums: Jacob Wutzke ) allowing every nuance of his voice to resonate with the audience.
From the opening medley of “C’est si bon / I Love Being Here With You” through the sparkling “S’Wonderful,” Marino demonstrated both stylistic versatility and natural stage presence. His interpretations carried a freshness that felt youthful yet deeply respectful of the tradition from which the songs originate.
The evening was also filled with touching personal moments. David demonstrated some tap dancing skills and In the audience were Marino’s parents and grandparents, who watched proudly as the young singer dedicated two particularly emotional performances to his family.
He performed “Not While I’m Around” from Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street as a heartfelt tribute to his mother, delivering the tender ballad with striking sincerity. Later in the concert, Marino honored his Italian grandfather with a stirring rendition of “Caruso,” the beloved song made famous by Lucio Dalla. The dedication carried special meaning: Marino shared that as a child he spent countless hours with his grandfather listening to old records, experiences that helped shape his musical sensibility.
Backed by an outstanding trio — pianist John Gilbert, bassist Frédéric Alarie, and drummer Jacob Wutzke , Marino navigated a diverse program with remarkable confidence. Highlights included “Beyond the Sea / Boum!”, the poetic “Les Moulins de mon cœur,” the nostalgic “Les Parapluies de Cherbourg,” and the dramatic “Quand on n’a que l’amour.”
The chemistry between Marino and his musicians gave the concert an effortless flow, shifting gracefully between swinging jazz rhythms and the emotional storytelling of French chanson.
The audience responded enthusiastically throughout the night, culminating in a standing ovation that brought Marino back to the stage for two encore performances including the hit : “For Me Formidable.” It was a fitting finale to an evening that celebrated not only classic repertoire, but also the beauty of a remarkable young voice.
With his distinctive golden tone, musical sensitivity, and deep connection to the songs he performs, David Marino is quickly establishing himself as one of the most compelling young crooners to watch.
If this sold-out concert at Place des Arts is any indication, Montreal audiences will be hearing much more from him in the years to come.
