Sometimes – a second chance comes along. Some people miss it while others prosper. Toots Hibbert is a member of the latter group. Thankfully . Three years ago, in Richmond, Va, some nutcase ( a drunk nutcase), tossed a bottle of Grey Goose at Toots striking him in the head. The performance ended and memory loss, a concussion, stitches and a bout with depression started. … Continue reading ‘Toots’ and The Maytals – Montreal Concert Review
Martha and Lucy Wainright Roche are a lot of fun … Martha and her half-sister Lucy have written and performed with most of their family. Kate and Anna McGarrigle, the Roches, Victor – the list is long and musical. For reasons which are comically dark, Lucy and Martha collaborated on their first project ‘ Songs in the Dark’ in 2015. Fast forward to July 8th, 2016 au … Continue reading The Wainright Sisters; Laughing All the Way to The Jazz Festival !
Let us not forget – The Blues came before Jazz. The Jazz purists cringe at the ‘not Jazz’ genres at The Montreal International Jazz Festival. The artists who ply their crafts to be near the top of their specific genre, often shunned by the Jazz stuffy shirts. In 2016, at the 37th edition – it was The Blues stage which, night after night, attracted the … Continue reading Justin Saladino and Jamiah Rogers; The Future of the Blues !
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
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 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 !
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
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 !
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!
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 …)
Rick Keene Music Scene 