Sass Jordan; Transplanted Montreal Girl Does Good – Part Three

Sass Jordan does not sit still … “I just got back from Las Vegas …” She says. ” I was helping out Jake. E. Lee on his new album. He is such a fantastic player who has massive legions of rabid fans! It was an honor to sing with him!” Who is Jake E. Lee? Sass explains… ” Jake was in a band in the … Continue reading Sass Jordan; Transplanted Montreal Girl Does Good – Part Three

Sass Jordan; Transplanted Montreal Girl Does Good – Part Two

Sass Jordan has been on her own since she was fourteen. If her fifteen year old daughter tries the same thing – God help her … ” The world is a different place than the 1970’s.” Says Sass. ” I moved out, wanted to be a singer and I never thought about asking my parents if they agreed on my decision. We all had our … Continue reading Sass Jordan; Transplanted Montreal Girl Does Good – Part Two

Rick’s Rockin’ Hallowe’en Bash (or How I Met Mick Jagger )

The scene …? Brutopia. The place …? Downtown Montreal. The feeling in the air …? General malaise and spookiness. The reason …? Hallowe’en! A shiek on drums, a nun on bass, a conehead on guitar, a giant – sized man of Haitian  descent on vocals and a straight – unabashed Mexican on the congas … The name of the band? Kebeko … The type of … Continue reading Rick’s Rockin’ Hallowe’en Bash (or How I Met Mick Jagger )

Toronto Blues Society – The Maple Blues Awards

The Toronto Blues Society will be celebrating its 16 th annual Maple Blues Awards by honouring nationally and internationally recognized Canadian Blues artists from across the country on January 21, 2013. The nominees are recognized both for their talent as well as their contribution to the growing Canadian blues music scene. Hamilton’s Steve Strongman leads the way with nominations in six categories, Toronto’s Shakura S’Aida … Continue reading Toronto Blues Society – The Maple Blues Awards

Air Supply; Making ‘Money’ Out of Nothing at All …

Not sure what happened last night … Air Supply played before an almost sold out crowd at Metropolis and it wasn’t pretty. Sure, some of the mostly forty ( + ) year old women in attendance were pretty. Sure some of the mostly twenty (+) year old barmaids were pretty – heck, even one bouncer was kinda cute .. Following that – pure ugliness; musically. … Continue reading Air Supply; Making ‘Money’ Out of Nothing at All …

Ben ‘Racine’ – Roots Music is ‘One of a Kind’

‘Modus Operandi’ … The mission or a song? Both for The Ben Racine Band on their debut album; One of a Kind. ‘Modus Operandi’ is the third track on an album which has just been released through Iguane Records in Montreal. As with every other track on the disc – the standout is Racine’s voice. Not seeing who you are listening to may come as … Continue reading Ben ‘Racine’ – Roots Music is ‘One of a Kind’

Top Ten Greatest Solo Artists

For every bunch of guitar – toting, ripped – jean wearing, bad – ass drum keepers and platinum blonde – haired  singers who called themselves a band; there were solitary men / women who crooned their way into the hearts of millions … There are many talented singers who have been omitted from this list. James Brown and Michael Jackson to name two.This list is … Continue reading Top Ten Greatest Solo Artists

Zachary Richard ; Zydeco comes Home

Are stories your thing …? If so – a Zachary Richard concert is the place to be. Historically, musically and most importantly; emotionally. Last night at L’Astral, as part of the Jazz All Year Long series, M. Richard of New Yorek, Louisiana – utilized numerous skills to pulverize a sold out crowd into submission. A happy submission … ‘Le Fou ‘ is Richard’s 20th studio … Continue reading Zachary Richard ; Zydeco comes Home

Old ( er ) Musicians Never Die – They Play with their Sons …

The above photo was sent to me by Mr. Wayne Cullen. Wayne – along with Ritchie Henman ( the original drummer in April Wine), were the two drummers in The Dudes, one of the best bands to play in Montreal in the 1970’s. The group included David Henman and Brian Greenway of past and future April Wine fame respectively. Wayne is pictured above in his … Continue reading Old ( er ) Musicians Never Die – They Play with their Sons …

Thrill Me Up; Dawn Tyler Watson and Paul Deslauriers both Nominated for A Maple Blues Award!

Last year, there was a duel at L’Astral Theater on Ste. Catherine St. East. A venue on the cusp of downtown Montreal. In the right corner, wearing a brown top and jeans – Dawn Tyler Watson. A woman who posesses the voice of an angel. Vocal chords blessed from deep within … On the left, bearded and loaded with guitar fingers talented beyond comprehension – … Continue reading Thrill Me Up; Dawn Tyler Watson and Paul Deslauriers both Nominated for A Maple Blues Award!

S.U.N ( SOMETHING UNTO NOTHING )

S.U.N. (SOMETHING UNTO NOTHING) have signed a deal with record company Robo Records (a division of Waterfront Ent. Group), distributed through Fontana / Universal Music Distribution and home to such illustrious artists as John Waite, The Bangles, Brian Ray, Orianthi and Mickey Dolenz.  S.U.N.’s first single “I’m The One” is impacting radio throughout October, 2012…with the full CD release later in the Fall.  Legendary multi-platinum … Continue reading S.U.N ( SOMETHING UNTO NOTHING )