Author: Rick Keene

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Dawn Tyler Watson – On Top of the World! Jazz Festival Review 

Dawn Tyler Watson does not enjoy studio work. Preferring instead the spontaneity of live music. The feel. The energy of audience – singer interaction. Last night at L’Astral as part of The Montreal International Jazz Festival – Dawn displayed her true colors. On the heels of her magnificent album ‘JawBreaker ‘, Tyler-Watson was in the form of a much younger singer. ‘Shine On’ ( Jawbreaker) … Continue reading Dawn Tyler Watson – On Top of the World! Jazz Festival Review 

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Blues, Concert Review, Review, Rock

Andria Simone and Those Guys – Raising It Up a Notch. Jazz Festival Review

To get an idea of what type of personality Andria Simone is – one does not have to look past the name of her band. ‘Those Guys’. The guys are – Mark Wilson on Bass, Brian Dihari on Sax, George Nikolov on drums and Dave Kirby on guitar. ‘Those Guys’ and Simone delivered a monstrous set of Soul, R&B, Blues and Rock n Roll to … Continue reading Andria Simone and Those Guys – Raising It Up a Notch. Jazz Festival Review

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Kool and ‘ The Corporate’ Gang. Montreal Jazz Festival Review. 

Let ‘s get one thing straight. Kool and The Gang put on a tremendous show at Place des Arts as part of The Montreal Jazz Festival. Tremendous – if you are Caucasian.  Once upon a time, in a Disco Ball far, far away – Kool and The Gang were filled with soul. As were most of the Funk ( then Disco ) bands of the … Continue reading Kool and ‘ The Corporate’ Gang. Montreal Jazz Festival Review. 

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Rufus Wainright – Something Different Yet The Same. Jazz Festival Review.

​The Jazz Festival of Montreal is now an opera house. Well, not really. Rufus Wainright’s house may be operatic and he has moved out to annoy / please the neighbors.Not once – twice. Both nights at Salle Wilfred Pelletier at Place des Arts.  Wainwright – he of McGarrigle genetics,  delivered his rookie opera Prima Donna straight down the middle of home plate. Critics ( aka … Continue reading Rufus Wainright – Something Different Yet The Same. Jazz Festival Review.

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Blues, Concert Review, Jazz, Review, Rock

Susie Arioli; Montreal’s ‘Dearest Darlin’. Jazz Festival Review

Susie Arioli ain’t new to these parts … From her humble beginnings jammin’ with The Stephen Barry Band to her meteoric rise with Jordan Officer, Susie has earned her place in Montrealers hearts. Susie took her ‘ new ‘ act to the stage of Club Soda Friday evening as part of The Montreal International Jazz Festival. New meaning – sans Officer et avec Jim Bland. … Continue reading Susie Arioli; Montreal’s ‘Dearest Darlin’. Jazz Festival Review

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Blues, Concert Review, Jazz, Review, Rock

Lisa Simone – Just Like Mom ! ( Sorta) Montreal International Jazz Festival Review

Lisa Simone is as famous as her last song.  The daughter of Nina Simone, the legendary singer, quickly made everyone forget who her Mom was. Place des Arts was buzzing with excitement as Lisa’s Montreal Jazz Festival two show debut came to an end on Thursday evening.  Lisa’s world was introduced with power ! ‘My World’ – Lisa’s latest album, filled the room with tenderness, … Continue reading Lisa Simone – Just Like Mom ! ( Sorta) Montreal International Jazz Festival Review

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Blues, Cd Review, Jazz, Review, Rock, Uncategorized

Rick Keene Music Scene – You Want a Jazz Festival Preview?

There is a lot of talent coming to the Montreal International Jazz Festival in 2016 … The Festival gets underway on June 29th with Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings doing a free blow-out show to open the Festival. Jones, one of the best performers on the scene today –promises to deliver a opening showstopper for the ages. Susie Arioli performs on July 2nd at Club … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – You Want a Jazz Festival Preview?

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Blues, Cd Review, Jazz, Review, Rock, Uncategorized

Dawn Tyler Watson – A ‘Jawbreaking’ Interview !

Montrealers know Dawn Tyler Watson. Or – do they … ?    Dawn Tyler – Watson has been entertaining Montrealers and Canadians for what seems like an eternity. In a good way … Hard to believe her latest release ‘JawBreaker’ is only Dawn’s fourth solo album. Her small-ish output is not for lack of talent or opportunity, it is based on … Please  listen below … Continue reading Dawn Tyler Watson – A ‘Jawbreaking’ Interview !

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Blues, Cd Review, Jazz, Review, Rock, Uncategorized

Dawn Tyler Watson – Experience is a ‘Jawbreaker’ ! Album Review

Montrealers know Dawn Tyler Watson very well … One of this city’s brightest diamonds has shone bright for a few decades. In her latest offering; ‘Jawbreaker’, Dawn exudes passion with experience. They say practice makes perfect yet musicians are all aware, perfection is as unattainable as The Holy Grail. Perfection is the hunger which, more times than not – sustains a career. In ‘JawBreaker’, Tyler … Continue reading Dawn Tyler Watson – Experience is a ‘Jawbreaker’ ! Album Review

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Top Ten Signs The Montreal Jazz Festival is Coming !

Every year, as sure as Grandma serves pie, The Montreal International Jazz Festival rears it’s musical head. For some purists, cringes replace enthusiasm. Huey Lewis isn’t exactly ‘Jazz news'( as was the case last year) and The Barr Brothers ain”t even close to The Smothers Brothers. Other Jazz lovers embrace the exposure for it’s ability to turn people on to Jazz who previously may have … Continue reading Top Ten Signs The Montreal Jazz Festival is Coming !

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Blues, Concert Review, Interview, Jazz, Review

Daryl Hall and John Oates – It’s As If They Never Left ! Montreal Concert Review

If Starsky and Hutch played music, they would appear as Daryl Hall and John Oates circa 2016 … For those who grew up adoring the number one Rock duo of all time (sales) and have not seen them for a while, the show last night at The Bell Center must have been shocking. Daryl Hall is a replica of David Soul merged with The Dude … Continue reading Daryl Hall and John Oates – It’s As If They Never Left ! Montreal Concert Review

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Blues, Cd Review, Interview, Jazz, Review, Rock, Uncategorized

Nina Simone’s Daughter Lisa Falls close to the Tree …

Lisa Simone has a hard act to follow … Her Mom was acclaimed singer and activist Nina Simone. This ‘enormous shadow’ does not bother Lisa one bit. Please listen below to my chat with Lisa about her Mom, her experiences and her new album ‘My World’.  Hear some great tunes from the album as well ! Lisa ? What’s up?   Visit Lisa Here !   … Continue reading Nina Simone’s Daughter Lisa Falls close to the Tree …

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