Category: Cd Review

Blues, Cd Review, Concert Review, Rock

2014 Montreal International Jazz Festival Preview; Texarillo – Hometown Boys Done Good!

Black Satin Blues is the name of Texarillo‘s first album. It won’t’ be their last. Talent does not disappear that quickly … Please listen as Dwane Dixon explains his excitement for what has been a short but successful jaunt into the Canadian Blues scene. Dwane …?   Visit Dwane and Texarillo Here!   Visit Jazz Festival Here!   Visit Strangers in the Night 10     … Continue reading 2014 Montreal International Jazz Festival Preview; Texarillo – Hometown Boys Done Good!

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Blues, Cd Review, Concert Review, Jazz, Rock

Montreal International Jazz Festival – 2014 Outdoor Shows

Free outdoor program of the 35th edition of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal A 35th anniversary for the Festival: everyone is invited to the party! Montreal, Tuesday, June 3, 2014 – Thirty-five years-already! Well, for an occasion like this, it’ll be Party Time every day from June 26 to July 6 during the 35th edition of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, presented by TD in collaboration with Rio Tinto Alcan! The … Continue reading Montreal International Jazz Festival – 2014 Outdoor Shows

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Blues, Cd Review, Concert Review, Jazz, Rock

Gordon Gano of the Violent Femmes Speaks to Rick Keene; Part Two

In the second installment of my interview with Gordon Gano ( one of the founding members of the Violent Femmes), he speaks of many things … How they achieved their name, how they feel about being back together again, who is playing with them in Montreal and his favorite song. He also speaks of writing the riff for one of the most popular songs played … Continue reading Gordon Gano of the Violent Femmes Speaks to Rick Keene; Part Two

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Blues, Cd Review, Concert Review, Jazz, Uncategorized

Ranee … ‘What’s Going On’? Part Two

In part two of my interview with the great Ranee Lee – the singer, songwriter, actress, producer and teacher talks about her latest album; ‘What’s Going On’. It is the first time she has worked with strings on an album. She has been changed by this experience. Changed for the better. Please listen to Ranee. Her students do. Her husband does. Her kids do. Her … Continue reading Ranee … ‘What’s Going On’? Part Two

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Blues, Cd Review, Concert Review, Jazz, Rock

Gordon Gano of the Violent Femmes Speaks to Rick Keene

The Violent Femmes are one of the most popular ‘alternative’  bands of all time. ‘Blister in the Sun’ is a staple in pubs and bars across the universe. Gordon Gano – the composer of the song, cannot grasp the hugeness and impact his riff has. Please listen to part one of my interview with Gordon. A lot of interesting tidbits including … Gordon?   Visit … Continue reading Gordon Gano of the Violent Femmes Speaks to Rick Keene

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Blues, Cd Review, Concert Review, Jazz

Ranee … ‘What’s Going on?’

Brooklyn- born Ranee Lee is a student. What makes her unique, is she teaches what she learns. Then – she sings about it.  Full circle for a lady who was inspired by Dinah Washington. Please listen as this actor, producer, writer, songwriter and singer ( not to mention a wife, Mother and Grandmother), speaks about life, music, her new album and an upcoming show at … Continue reading Ranee … ‘What’s Going on?’

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Blues, Cd Review, Concert Review, Jazz, Rock

Montreal International Jazz Festival 2014 – Preview; Jordan Officer

Jordan Officer has come full circle … He started his musical life with a love for the Blues. Following a very successful career working with Jazz crooner Susie Arioli; the guitarist has decided to start anew. A return to his roots. Please listen as Jordan talks about his upcoming Jazz Festival shows as well as his feelings about the Blues. He is a little more … Continue reading Montreal International Jazz Festival 2014 – Preview; Jordan Officer

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Blues, Cd Review, Jazz, Rock

Matthew Barber; A ‘Big Romance’ with Songwriting …

Matthew Barber considers himself to be a romantic … A lover and observer of all things in the universe. A songwriter. A modern day poet.  In his latest album; ‘Big Romance‘, this Juno Award nominee – places his heart on the line and finishes first. A blend of old school Blues, Folk and Country – blended purposely with a Pop / Rock mentality. Surrounding himself … Continue reading Matthew Barber; A ‘Big Romance’ with Songwriting …

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

Rick Keene Music Scene Presents; What’s New?

New York … New Jersey … New Guinea … not the only things that are new … In Canada and around the world – musicians are releasing new music every second. That is an alarming amount of tun-age being made available . Here below are just a few samples of new songs by Montreal artists, Canadians and ( because we are polite ) one American … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene Presents; What’s New?

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Blues, Cd Review, Concert Review, Rock, Uncategorized

Juno Award Winner Steve Strongman ‘Proves it To Us’ ….

It is a ‘Natural Fact’. Steve Strongman’s 2013 was a tremendous success! One Juno and three Maple Blues Awards later; Strongman passed ‘hump-day in his musical career . Natural Fact was Steve’s fourth album and an acoustic goldmine of Blues’ tunes. Fast forward to May 13th 2014. ‘Let Me Prove It To You’ now becomes his latest album and not the follow up most of … Continue reading Juno Award Winner Steve Strongman ‘Proves it To Us’ ….

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Blues, Cd Review, Rock, Uncategorized

Haymaker; A Real Rock n Roll Band!

Apparently – swatting mosquitoes and braving – 40 temperatures; has no negative effects on playing Rock n Roll. How else can you explain The Guess Who and  ‘ Haymaker’? Two Rock bands who have been spawned in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Sure – two of Haymaker’s members were originally from Montreal yet it is in their adopted hometown when the musical chops appeared. Canada should be thankful.  … Continue reading Haymaker; A Real Rock n Roll Band!

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