Indoor Program – Montreal Jazzfest 2014

Indoor program of the 35th edition 35 candlesŠ and a thousand musical fireworks! Tickets go on sale Saturday at noon Exclusive pre-sale for Infolettre Spectra subscriber startstomorrow! (subscription is free at infolettrespectra.ca) Montréal, Wednesday, April 23, 2014 – And yes, sparks will fly during the indoor program of this 35th edition of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, presented by TD in collaboration with Rio Tinto Alcan! Sparks will light up our eyes and our … Continue reading Indoor Program – Montreal Jazzfest 2014

You Can Call Me Ray … You Can Call Me Jay – Or you Can Call Me ‘Snooksta’; Part Two

Wednesday is the night to be downtown … Why? That is the evening ‘Snooksta and the Gangstas’ take to the stage at The House of Jazz. They provide rhythm, Blues and Jazz. Combined with a battery section of two old friends, a young and upcoming saxophone player and a beautiful pianist – the band leaves no one empty. Especially the house which George Durst built. … Continue reading You Can Call Me Ray … You Can Call Me Jay – Or you Can Call Me ‘Snooksta’; Part Two

You Can Call Me Ray …You Can Call Me Jay – Or You Can Call Me ‘Snooksta’

Leslie ‘Snooksta’ Alston is a schooled drummer. Not a classroom aficionado but a sidewalk one … On the ‘streets’, paying attention to other musicians is what makes the former ‘Snooky’ great. Playing with Freddie James or singing and drumming on a cruise ship – Leslie is an act worth writing home to … Leslie …?   Visit ‘Snooksta’ Right here!     Continue reading You Can Call Me Ray …You Can Call Me Jay – Or You Can Call Me ‘Snooksta’

Edwin Brownell – ‘Classical’ Rock; Part Three

In the conclusion (for now) of my talk with Edwin – the pianist discusses his upcoming album launch at Place des Arts as well as working with Jerry Mercer of April Wine fame. His new album is titled; Forever Laughter. A concept not too far removed from Edwin’s personality. Take it away Mr. Brownell …   Visit Edwin Here Here Too!       Continue reading Edwin Brownell – ‘Classical’ Rock; Part Three

Edwin Brownell – ‘Classical’ Rock Part One

Edwin Orion Brownell is no ordinary pianist … Classically-raised, classically -trained and a connoisseur of music. The guy exudes passion and love for music done right. Whether he is performing at Place des Arts or before a dozen seniors – Edwin is a pure entertainer. Please listen to part one of my interview as Edwin explains the beginnings of a musical adventure far from complete. … Continue reading Edwin Brownell – ‘Classical’ Rock Part One

John Beaudine – Livin’ the Blues and All That Jazz; Part Two

In part two of my interview with this tremendous Saxophone player – John explains his experiences and thoughts pertaining to a life-long journey through the world of music … Sometimes – legends are not always in the public eye! John?   Please visit The House of Jazz and John Here!   Continue reading John Beaudine – Livin’ the Blues and All That Jazz; Part Two

Next Week on Rick Keene Music Scene

Looking for stuff to do ….? Angel Forrest has a CD launch at Bistro a Jo Jo tonight. Monkey Junk are playing at L’Astral. John Beaudine is at The House of Jazz tomorrow night and Monday. Just a couple of things to hear in the next couple of days. Please listen to a couple of tracks from some of these people as well as a … Continue reading Next Week on Rick Keene Music Scene

NEeMA; Leaving the Light On …

Talk about friends in high places … The Dalai Lama? Mother Teresa? Leonard Cohen …? Three highly influential and spiritual people NEeMA has rubbed shoulders with in her relatively  short life. Jealous yet …? Please listen as NEeMA explains how she met Mr. Cohen and what type of individual he really is. Then, this Egyptian / Lebanese beauty enlightens us on her live album due … Continue reading NEeMA; Leaving the Light On …

9th Edition of The Blues Camp

9th edition of the Free Blues Camp The Blues Camp presented by TDlaunches a new website for its 9th edition! And here’s the perfect reason to head there right away: it’s time for all young Québec musicians aged 13-17 to register for auditions for the chance to participate in our renownedfree once-in-a-lifetime week-long musical project! The day camp,presented as part of the Festival international de Jazz de Montréal, once again welcomes about fifty teens who will have the opportunity to revel in and refine their … Continue reading 9th Edition of The Blues Camp

The Stone Doctors Fight Autism; Part One

The Stone Doctors – led by Ian Dickey, take one charity at a time … This Rolling Stones cover band never play unless it is for a cause. Made up of doctors, lawyers and other professionals – the band use their love of the Stones to earn money for causes such as Chords for Cure. A benefit in the States which raises money for Cancer … Continue reading The Stone Doctors Fight Autism; Part One

Jordan Officer; Free For a While …

Jordan Officer has got the blues.That’s a good thing! Following a career that has seen him be the producer, arranger and guitar player within the Suzie Arioli Band – Jordan has returned to his first love; The Blues … Off he went to New York City where – in two days, he recorded what may be the best Blues album to come from a Montrealer … Continue reading Jordan Officer; Free For a While …