When a seventy year old man is able to lift people from their seats – over and over and over again … A flip of the fedora in his direction is not just necessary – it is required. Gilberto Passos Gil Moreira, born in 1942, is the man responsible for a love – in at Theatre Maisonneuve at Place des Arts last night. Who knew … Continue reading Gilberto Gil; A Brazilian Mick Jagger?
Sometimes, poems are written in the dark … Thoughts and feelings piercing the blackness like a knife profound with emotion. Last night at Place Des Arts – Susie Arioli and her excellent group of musicians delivered lines on a platter spun with golden oldies. The patrons or as the English say; the punters – recipients of a catalog smitten by the Great America Songbook. Who … Continue reading Susie Arioli; Concert Review
Jazz crooner Susie Arioli did not plan on being a singer… Art – or rather drawing, was her thing. In fact , she even enrolled in a four year Fine Arts program at Dawson College in Montreal. Something she did not finish because it was too confining for her free – spirited ways. ‘It is a lot of work being an artist.” Says Susie. ” … Continue reading Susie Arioli; Changes are Standard
The men behind the scenes. The backbone of most bands. The guys whose mistakes can nullify anything in a heartbeat … To narrow down a list of the best drummers is next to impossible – here is a (rim) shot at just that … Ginger Baker Stewart Copeland Jimmy Chamberlain Terry Bozzio Keith Moon Mike Portnoy Neil Peart John Bonham Gene Krupa Buddy Rich Related … Continue reading Top Ten Drummers
The beat goes on … Especially for drummer Leslie ‘Snooky’ Alston. Kicking the bass peddle, cracking the snare or shuffling on the high hat- this American – born keeper of all things rythym, feels as if he has something to say … Musically anyways. “I always thought I was a drummer.” Says Snooky. ” Recently, my 86 year old Mother tells me I was a … Continue reading ‘Snooky’ Stuck in Music School
Friday the 28th of September will be my debut on air at k103.7fm at 5 :15 pm. This will be a regular feature every Friday on the station. Sean Mckeogh, the afternoon host and I – will discuss the people I have interviewed, the cd’s I have reviewed and the upcoming shows in Montreal. It will also give an opportunity for the station and I … Continue reading Tune in to Rick Keene on K103.7 fm
Outside, it was chilly. The rain came and went like an unwanted vagrant who has pressed his luck panhandling once too often … Inside – the House of Jazz welcomed one and all with it’ s fiery ambiance. A band of bluesmen providing the engine for a warm evening’s jaunt. Drinks were flowing as smiles accompanied the delicious food. Ladies and Gentlemen … I give … Continue reading Carolyn Fe Blues Collective at the House of Jazz
‘Sweet hot chocolate and one hand in my pocket …’ These are some of the lyrics included in Brie Nielson’s ‘ Happy Song’, a tune which is a small part of a bigger ‘ Picture Show’. An album which will be officially launched on October 4 at Sala Rossa – 4848 blvd St. Laurent in Montreal. Alannis Morisette had one hand in her pocket while … Continue reading Brie Neilson – A Happy Song at the ‘Picture Show’
It was at the height of his popularity. I was a roadie for a summer. My cousin’s group; Sleight of Hand, put me through the rigors of Rock n Roll. The girls and drugs completed my basic training. Sleight of Hand was the opening act for Jeff Healey in Lindsay,Ont . It was exciting for everyone in the band. The Canadian blues-based guitarist was a … Continue reading Jeff Healey meets Rick Keene
It was all about the music. Women and even drugs tossed aside if it interfered with the tunes. Their founder; Brian Jones, cast from the love of his life as drugs and erratic playing interrupted the Stones’ legacy. A premature death in life – a fitting death for a rock n roll figure. Hunt, Faithful, Bianca and Pallenberg. Add Jones’ many conauests. The damsels in … Continue reading I Think I Busted a Button on my Trousers … Hope they don’ t fall down; Part Two
First things first. What is witnessed in this documentary/ concert film, is not for the faint – hearted. In other words; Justin Bieber fans stay away. ‘Make it Funky‘ tells the tale of New Orleans music. A combination of blues, jazz, rhythm and blues, gospel, soul and funk. Rock n roll? You bet … According to one of the performers in the almost three hour … Continue reading Make it FUNKY – CONCERT DVD
Sometimes – it is not about the money. Such is this case with a bunch of blues musicians who have come together from different areas of the globe. According to bassist Oisin Little of London, England; no matter how much he loves the blues – it would not be the same if he did not also love his bandmates. “They are truly great people …!” … Continue reading Carolyn Fe – Blues Collective; Collectively Yours …
Rick Keene Music Scene 