For those who follow my escapades (both online and in attempting to promote local music), five words may come to mind;
It ain’t easy being green.
Competing against the corporate machine is not something that comes easy. Ringo Starr was dead on.
For six years, I’ve accomplished more than I thought possible as one guy. Bringing record reviews , concert reviews and interviews to homes. Stuff that corporate may cover but on Rick Keene Music Scene – more extensive and personal. More attune to the man on the musical street.
Sifting through the 2017 interviews I undertook, it is not fair to narrow down to the top ten. It’s not fair to remove ten from all the hard working musicians attempting to make the world a better place.
Let’s call it my Top Ten Favorite Interviews. For whatever reason , the ten below stand out in my mind.
Thanks for listening. Talk soon !
2017 Top Ten Favorite Interviews
10. Chris White – The Zombies
The original bass player in The Zombies, one of the iconic British Invasion bands of the sixties , both educational and pleasant. Chris very fortright in his opinions of putting the Zombies and their tales into perspective.
9. Darryl James – The Strumbellas
The Strumbellas are possibly the biggest Canadian band at the moment. Check that , Canada’s youngest biggest band right now. In the middle of a tour , Darryl took time to provide an insight into the day-to-day goings on in a band on the verge of global success.
8. Anthony Gomes
Anthony is originally Canadian but currently resides in St. Louis. Not only is Anthony one of the best Blues guitarists on the circuit , he is also one of the purest songwriters. He combines all the ingredients that make up music into his tunes. Gospel, Country , Blues , Soul and Folk. Aside from all that , Anthony constantly raises money for mental health facilities.
7. Sass Jordan
Canada’s sweetheart and foremost carrier of the Rockin torch is always a pleasure. No holds barred , no bs with Sass. The truth about herself and anything else that comes up – Sass is an interviewer’s dream.
6. Sheldon Kagan
One of Montreal’s original concert promoters retired and is writing a book about his experiences. Hearing how a young man left home ( against the advice of his parents ) to become a DJ and parlay that into a hugely successful commodity, a learning curve more acute than most. Lots of tales.
5. Lawrence Gowan
The front man for Styx since 1999 is always Canadian. Honest , funny, polite and extremely intelligent. Providing insightful musical antedotes and life lessons – Lawrence is a walking encyclopedia about Canadian music.
4. Dr. Jarrett Lobley
The Jarret Lobley Project is a band ripe with inspiring lyrics. Lobley, a physician full time, instilling hope to the listener. He does house calls on his motorcycle and treats aboriginal addicts on his own time as he flies his plane to the north. Compelling.
3. Dr. Trevor Payne
The doctor was head of and founder of The Montreal Jubilation Choir for thirty five years. He decided to step aside and I was the first media guy to help him get the message out. Dr. Trevor Payne ‘s thoughts and experiences – second to none. Working with Stevie Wonder and Dr. Oliver Jones. Tales come from wide and far.
2. Garland Jeffries
One of music’s unsung heroes. One of the first African American musicians to address the racial strife South of the Border. From hanging out with Lou Reed to Bruce Springsteen , Garland remains an every man. True , down to earth and one of the most entertaining singers live in the past fifty years.
1. Melissa Etheridge
Melissa Etheridge was the voice of Rock n Roll for women. Arriving at the perfect time (videos taking over ), Melissa not only shot to the top with songwriting and performance , she gave attention to the many females who came before. A cancer survivor, a Rock n Roll survivor and a spokesperson for the LGBT community and any cause that benefits the underprivileged
Stay tuned for
The Top Ten Concerts of 2017 !
Rick Keene Music Scene 