Montreal singer and songwriter Chris Velan has it right. His latest album contains lyrics so human, so profound and so unique – the only thing missing is an old landline telephone. Please listen below as Chris explains ‘Amateur Hour’ among other things. Chris? What’s up? Visit Chris Here ! Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – Chris Velan is No ‘Amateur’ on Latest Album
Every year someone heads to Memphis … This year is no different. Five bands have been chosen as the finalists in 2018. Five different sounds all within the confines of the Blues formula. Different but with the very familiar sound which propelled the legends of Rock n Roll to super-stardom. Have a listen below to five songs from five artists. Can you choose a winner? … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – The Five Finalists for The Quebec to Memphis Blues Challenge 2018
Joe Louis Walker understands the Blues … The guitar player was around to witness the Blues being introduced to California in the late sixties and the early seventies. Being privy to guys like Mike Bloomfield and Paul Butterfield. Please listen below to my chat with Joe about Mike Bloomfield’s influence on The Blues scene and Joe’s new record; JourneysTo The Heart Of The Blues Joe? What’s … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – Joe Louis Walker; Every True Bluesman Tells a Story …
Sit back and escape … Leaving the fast paced digital age behind is something Kyra Shaughnessy wants to pass on to listeners through her music. On her fifth release – the (now) resident of the Eastern Townships has matured into a comfortable artistic place. Combining all previous learning curves into a beautiful arc. Please listen below to my chat with Kyra about her new album … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – Kyra Shaughnessy; A Breath of Fresh Music Air …
Montreal’s music festi – ganza has come to an end. Summer and all it’s rhythmic get togethers have ended quicker than a Bill Cosby guilty verdict. Fall has arrived and with it – an ‘orange is the new black’ list of musical events. Montreal is filled with live music right up to Hallowe’en. A music lover is no short of CDs to buy either. Something … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – Top Concerts To See in October and Some of the Best CDs …
Lindsay Beaver is the real thing … Thus far , it has been a lifetime of discoveries for the native of Nova Scotia. Singing, drumming and a love of all genres of music starting with Jazz. Yet it was Billie Holiday that sealed the deal and inspired Lindsay to pack up and head to Texas and make music her full time ‘job’. Please listen below … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – Lindsay Beaver; The Real Deal !
It’s been a while since Jack DeKeyzer first heard the Blues … The Stones and Led Zeppelin – just two of the bands who parlayed American Blues into the heart and then hands of Jack. Spanning a career that has seen Jack open up for the likes of B.B. King, Jack pays homage to the men who inspired him. Otis Rush, Elmore James and Muddy … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – Jack DeKeyzer; Remaining True to Himself on The Album Checkmate
Jazz is everywhere – even in J-Pop music … Senri Oe was one of the biggest Pop stars in Japan. When one of his band mates died unexpected, Senri decided life was short. He turned his attention to Jazz and moved to New York to become a student. A move that was not as simple as he thought it would be. Please listen below … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – Senri Oe Makes the Successful Transition from Pop to Jazz
It ain’t easy being grey … Colin James has a new album due out on September 21st. No more hair dye as the fifty-three year old Canadian music legend embraces the present, the future and the past. On the new record – Colin pays homage to the men ( and women) who inspired him and helped him to hone his skills as a young guitar … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – Colin James Has ‘Miles to Go’ In His Music Career
The word legendary. Tossed around like a flea – bit peanut monkey sometimes. In the case of Dr. Lonnie Smith – it is he who is tossing the primate around … Commencing his career in the late fifties alongside George Benson – Smith used his knowledge as a multi-instrumentalist and student of Jazz, Blues, Gospel and R&B to rise to the top of the Jazz world … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene; Jazz Festival Review – Dr. Lonnie Smith; Doin’ Only What He Can Do
There are so many female vocalists on the planet. Great ones, good ones, average ones and yes – bad ones. Beth Hart is in a class all by herself. Think of the soul of Joss Stone. The power and rawness of Janis Joplin. The sweetness and velour of Adele. The danger of Amy Winehouse. Add the above together and Beth Hart is the sum of … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene; Jazz Festival Review – Beth Hart’s Dynamite Show Steals the Jazz Festival
Ranee Lee has endured some tough gigs in her time yet nothing like the one last night at L’Astral. Earlier in the day – Lee’s husband Richard Ring ( Tony Bennett, Sammy Davis Jr., Ed Thigpen, Ray Brown, Michel LeGrand, Oliver Jones ) passed away following a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Ring was not only her husband but her longtime guitar player and mentor. … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene; Jazz Festival Review – Ranee Lee Delivers A Performance For The Ages Despite Sadness
Rick Keene Music Scene 