Jill Barber, according to Jill Barber, took a big chance recording an album in French. Judging by the response in Canada so far – that chance appears to be being paying off. The album is aptly titled “Chansons’. Released in January and inspired by Barber’s performance of a French song at the 2009 Festival International de Jazz in Montreal, it is a wonderful surprise to … Continue reading Jill Barber – ‘In Amour’
” Where’s your wine …? I told ya I’m going to give you a glass of wine so you can tell me if I play bad …” Those were the words that greeted me as I entered a room to meet a living legend. Seated, sporting a black and white shirt, khaki pants and a white hat – the man, the carrier of the Blues’ … Continue reading Buddy Guy; Up Close and Personal
Maurice Raymond has been the lead singer for one of the greatest Rolling Stones’ cover bands for thirty – three years. ‘Mick Jagger’, lets us in on a few secrets as he prepares for The Blushing Brides’ show Friday night at Club Soda … It’s only ‘Rock n Roll’ but … Q; Did you work at Mick or is it part of you? A; “Hmmmmm, … Continue reading Maurice Raymond; Being Mick
All photos and Graphic Design by Rick Keene Continue reading A Legend and His Protege – In Concert
How can words describe it? It’s not everyday a living legend takes the stage. A man who learned his guitar – playing craft, not by playing, by listening to the masters of the Blues themselves. Think of J.K Rowling sitting next to John Steinbeck or Ernest Hemingway and learning how to write. That is exactly what Buddy Guy lived. In lieu of these famous authors, … Continue reading Buddy Guy! Live and Alive with Energy!
By Bianca Marques Hamilton-based band Monster Truck opened for Billy Talent last week at the Bell Center. Four hairy beasts that make up the band appeared on stage. Within seconds of starting to play – these guys were nothing short of amazing! After the show, the merch table was the place to be. The band’s EP – a must have ! The four song disc … Continue reading Bianca’s Monster Truck Review; Short and Sweet
By Bianca Marques Standing in the jam-packed Bell Center waiting for Billy Talent to come on stage was like being inside a shaken can of soda. You could feel the excitement building, the crowd getting antsy and the chants getting louder. Finally, after all that build-up, a part in the curtain, and Ben Kowalewicz (vocals) and Ian D’Sa stroll on stage playing “Lonely Road to … Continue reading Billy Talent – Canadian Thru and Thru
Three hundred and sixty – five days before Mick Jagger first opened his mouth and cried;” I Can’t Get No Satisfaction …” , the Fab Four touched down at what was formerly known as the Dorval Airport in the western suburbs of Montreal. Forty – eight years later, the Beatles are back in town and the songwriters of ‘Satisfaction’ are embarking on a tour. The … Continue reading The Beatles in Montreal
The crowd that waited knew not what to expect … Outside it was cold. Inside – a slight draft tickled the observer’s noses like a feather floating on a bare leg. Anticipation remained even though the performance risked cancellation due to the unplanned tardiness on the part of the blonde – haired singer. As the crowd thinned, thickened and thinned once more – the petite … Continue reading A Concert Review
Sure as Spring ( except in Montreal), the Rolling Stones dust off their instruments every couple of years and prepare for a tour. Unlike their mammoth ‘A Bigger Bang‘ tour in 2006 which saw the legendary English group play before 1.5 million people in Brazil alone – this time around, it appears that age has finally caught up to them. A little bit anyways. Thus … Continue reading Top Ten Signs The Rolling Stones are Going on Tour
by Bianca Marques Listening to Jon Davis’s new album; ‘ Open Shore’ – is like sinking into a big comfy chair after a long day. The overall sound washes over a person in a wave of relaxation. As the sinking sensation encases a soul to newer depths – beautiful lyrics toss one deeper into the intricate compositions. A combination of James Taylor and Kenny Rankin. … Continue reading Jon Davis – Overcoming Pain …
Starting with Muddy Waters all the way to Stevie Ray Vaughn – there are not too many guitar players that have escaped Buddy Guy‘s grasp … Or – is it the other way around? Eric Clapton, considered a rock God by millions of fans around the globe, had this to say about the man who grew up pickin’ cotton in Lettsworth, Louisiana; “Buddy Guy was … Continue reading The Blues Had a Baby and They Named it ‘Buddy Guy’
Rick Keene Music Scene 