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

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

Strangers in the Night 12 – A Smorgasbord of Music, Food and Randy Bachman !

Strangers in the Night is one of ‘those’ ideas …   A creation to do some good which grows until ‘more space’ is not so much an inquiry, it becomes a necessity. Such is the case with the charity event which is entering it’s 12th year.   Past headliners have been … well, why don’t you have a listen below. Larry Day, the founder of Strangers in … Continue reading Strangers in the Night 12 – A Smorgasbord of Music, Food and Randy Bachman !

David Bowie Impersonates David Brighton – Art Imitating Life

Just because something appears as a flower – it doesn’t mean it smells good. This is the danger lurking behind every riff within a tribute act. The costumes may be sound. The choreography may be delightful. The entire production team may be dedicated to perfection. ‘It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing!’ David Brighton is brave. Brave or one of these … Continue reading David Bowie Impersonates David Brighton – Art Imitating Life

The Anderson – Ponty Band; Music’s Best Kept Secret Astounded Montreal !

Jon Anderson of Yes fame is one matter. Jean -Luc Ponty is an entire different matter. Place the two together and what you receive in return – matters the most ! The pair were in Montreal last evening on the heels of their album; ‘Better Late Than Never’. An album which took thirty -odd years to come into fruition. Judging by the live versions of … Continue reading The Anderson – Ponty Band; Music’s Best Kept Secret Astounded Montreal !

What’s Shakin’ ? Some Upcoming Shows and Tunes You Won’t Hear on the Radio!

There may be no smoking on terraces in Montreal anymore but there is a lot of smoking music going on ! Please listen below to some of the great acts that are coming as well as some great tunes ! Check out the video for Norman Marshall Villeneuve ! It’s his Birthday celebration on Saturday night at The House of Jazz downtown ! Going to … Continue reading What’s Shakin’ ? Some Upcoming Shows and Tunes You Won’t Hear on the Radio!

Sheldon Kagan Has Retired ( Sorta – Kinda …)

 Montreal entertainment impresario Sheldon Kagan fulfilled a promise to himself. Retiring after fifty years in business. A goal fulfilled. A lifetime fulfilled.   Not quite …   Please listen below to discover what Sheldon has done with his immense music collection as well as what he is doing in his … er … retirement.  Sheldon?     Visit The Cummings Center Here ! For tickets … Continue reading Sheldon Kagan Has Retired ( Sorta – Kinda …)

Barb Diab and The Smoked Meat Trio; Smokey Kind of Blues …

Sometimes, it is – all about The Blues. Barb Diab and her Smoked Meat Trio ( a condensed version of the full band) are fairly new to the ‘Blues’ scene yet have already made an impact. Whether securing regular spots at The House of Jazz downtown and Laval, or – various other entertainment venues in Montreal and abroad, Diab and her ‘Bluesmen’ are earning their … Continue reading Barb Diab and The Smoked Meat Trio; Smokey Kind of Blues …

Rick Keene Music Scene – ‘Music DVD Pick of The Week ‘

It’s nice to discover stuff you thought you knew … That is the case with the DVD; Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers: Runnin’ Down a Dream (2007) Everyone knows the hits. ‘Breakdown’, ‘Here Comes my Girl’, ‘Refugee’, ‘Freefallin’. etc etc … Tom Petty ( in case addition is not your strongpoint) has more hits and has been around longer than any band since the mid-seventies except for … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – ‘Music DVD Pick of The Week ‘

James Taylor – Montreal Review

How often does an artist come to town who auditioned for Paul McCartney and George Harrison? If your answer is never – grab a beer and go to the head of the Bell Center.   One of many tales the sixty-eight year old legend regurgitated last night in Montreal. Once upon a time, Taylor was signed as the first artist to the Beatles’ label Apple … Continue reading James Taylor – Montreal Review

Robert Stefan was ‘ Made in Canada!’

When people think of Canada – they think hockey. In reality, Canadian music has just a long and interesting legacy. How many times have you listened to a great song and were stunned to discover the artist was Canadian! The Stampeders, Chilliwack, A Foot in Cold Water – just a few bands that you have heard the tunes but did not know they went to … Continue reading Robert Stefan was ‘ Made in Canada!’

Mr. Bolly ‘s Victory ! Local Hip Hop Artist Helps Out Duffy’s Come2gether for West Island Palliative Care Residence

 Victory comes in many forms …   For Mr. Bolly, that form is karma. A weird chain of events which is taking the song ‘Victory’ and transporting it to all sorts of places. All – for the good of mankind.   Please listen below as Mr. Bolly explains the song, the feelings and the results of hard work.   Hard work with very interesting results.   Mr. … Continue reading Mr. Bolly ‘s Victory ! Local Hip Hop Artist Helps Out Duffy’s Come2gether for West Island Palliative Care Residence