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
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
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
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?
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 !
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
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
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 …
Pat Loiselle did his homework … Like most great musicians – Loiselle was schooled in the Blues. The cornerstone of popular music. The blueprints for everything with soul. Please listen below to my chat with Pat about the Blues, his album, his appearance at The West Island Blues Festival and The Rolling Stones ! Pat? What’s Up? Visit Pat Here ! Visit West … Continue reading Pat Loiselle – Talking the Stones and The West Island Blues Festival !
If attending ‘Return to Grace’ at Place des Arts over the course of the next week or so, close your eyes. Something somewhat common takes place. Steve Michaels sings and sounds just like his alter ego; Elvis Presley. Songs heard a thousand times before pierce memories from far inside brains. Transporting people to the fifties, sixties and the seventies. Elvis, audibly and with eyes closed … Continue reading Return to Grace; Elvis Unfortunately – Has Left the Building ! Montreal Review
Adam Karch is a hard working guitar player. Always learning but quick to pay homage to songwriters … Karch has a new album out and unlike his last disc ‘Blueprints’ – ‘Moving Forward’ contains mostly original songs. With a few precious covers tossed into the mix. You know – to mix it up a bit … Please listen below to my chat with Adam. Find … Continue reading Montreal International Jazz Festival Preview; ‘Moving Forward’ with Adam Karch
Paul DesLauriers is a relentless soul … This Cornwall, Ontario – born guitar player is on a mission. To ensure his band plays to their utmost potential, A ‘relentless’ pursuit of all things good within the Blues. Please listen below to my chat with Paul as he explains everything about the album ‘Relentless’ and the mindset within The Paul DesLauriers Band. Paul? What’s Up? … Continue reading Montreal International Jazz Festival Preview; The Paul DesLauriers Band are ‘Relentless’!
Rick Keene Music Scene 