Serena Ryder, hot off the heels of a MMVA for ‘Rock/ Alternative Video of the Year for her new song; ‘Stompa‘- considers the success of her new album; ‘Harmony’, somewhat home -based. “The entire album was recorded in L.A.”‘ Says Ryder.’”After almost ridding myself of sixty songs which were penned for the sessions, I decided to simplify everything. ‘Stompa’ took just three hours to record … Continue reading Serena Ryder – Feels Like Home
It is no coincidence Holly Cole‘s new CD is titled ‘ Night’ … ‘I am a night owl, I stay up very, very late every night …” Says Cole. ” I find it very quiet. I mean the only phone calls I get are from drunk friends. It is very mysterious and for a creative person – it is ideal. It is open at night … Continue reading Holly Cole; The ‘Night’ Started Young …
For Emelie – Claire Barlow, the fifth time is a charm. Following four previous Juno nominations, Barlow finally won a 2013 award for Vocal Jazz Album of the Year. The album is called ‘Seule ce Soir’ . A disc which was recorded in 2012 and was initially intended as a compilation of all her French songs she has done over the years. ‘Most of my … Continue reading Emelie – Claire Barlow; The Juno, the Duck, the Mouse and ‘Bunny’
It is almost that time of year … The grass is getting greener, the trees are overflowing with growth and City Hall smells like … well, never mind … The Montreal International Jazz Festival is around the corner and people in the city of Montreal are bracing themselves for a ten day onslaught of foreigners. Yes – many West Islanders will be venturing to the … Continue reading Top Ten Signs the Jazz Festival is Coming Soon!
‘Brighter than Gold’ – the first single from The Cat Empire‘s new album; Steal the Night, has exceeded expectations – according to trumpeter and vocalist Harry Angus. The song, along with the entire disc, is a throwback to the group’s roots. “The last few albums we made, we were following a very live ascetic.” Explains Harry. “Probably, the last three or four records we made … Continue reading The Cat Empire; Full Circle
Really, winning a Juno award for ‘Inner Ninja’ – a collaboration with Classified, comes as no surprise for New Brunswick native David Myles. After all, good things come when you get along with someone so well … “We have known each other for quite a while and we really see eye to eye. He has this amazing ear. He performs music by feel which is … Continue reading David Myles; Dreams Come True
At L’Astral last evening, Terez Montcalm came home and the predominant Francophone crowd – welcomed her with open ‘bras’. Why would they not …? Montcalm, in her somewhat short, six album career, has recorded mostly in French. Her sole English album? Voodoo, released in 2006. Terez is presently touring with her new album; I Know I’ll Be Allright. It is a mixture of jazzed – … Continue reading Terez Montcalm; Voice of a Ragged Angel
Jill Barber, according to Jill Barber, took a big chance recording an album in French. Judging by the response in Canada so far – that chance appears to be being paying off. The album is aptly titled “Chansons’. Released in January and inspired by Barber’s performance of a French song at the 2009 Festival International de Jazz in Montreal, it is a wonderful surprise to … Continue reading Jill Barber – ‘In Amour’
Drummer Ian Mosley joined Marillion in 1984, it was the group’s second album. His journey to that point – a learning curve. Mosley started playing drums when he was eight years old – officially. ” I have been told that I received a toy drum when I was three and I drove everyone mad banging it all over the house …” He laughs. ” … Continue reading Ian Mosley: Walk This Way!
Life imitates art … On Thursday night at The Metropolis it did! The Zombies, the band which were part of the British Invasion, arrived in Montreal for the first time since 1965. Known for their pre – progrock sounds and somewhat haunting jazzy psychedelic melodies, seemingly brought some sort of Voodoo with them … At 7:30pm – the concert venue lost power. The Zombies indeed … Continue reading Night of The Zombies!
Jazz legend John Scofield is leaving his home and the ‘warmer’ climate of New York State. He is bringing his trio to Quebec as part of the Jazz All Year Round series. A veteran of many Montreal International Jazz Festivals, this will be the first time the guitarist sees other parts of the Province. ‘Sco’ – as he is known, is very excited … “I … Continue reading John Scofield
Rick Keene Music Scene 