Portugal has a great music scene. Guitarist Francisco Pais did not abandon his country of birth and move to Boston, Ma. for lack of music. Or – did he ? Please listen below as Francisco explains his life thus far, his guitar influences and the thinking behind his new album ; Verde. Stay tuned for Part Two of my chat ! Thanks for Listening ! … Continue reading Guitarist ‘Franciso Pais’ Blends Blues and Rock Influences Into Jazz
Nanette Workman is real … A singer who has been there – done that. A seasoned professional who has not lost her ability to know the true reasons behind music. Passion and integrity, beauty and soul. ASIDE FROM HER EXPERIENCE AS A BACK – UP SINGER, A BROADWAY PERFORMER, AN ACTRESS AND A HEADLINING SINGER, NANETTE IS BRINGING HER ” STREET ” EDUCATION TO THE … Continue reading Nanette Workman – ‘You Can Always Get What You Want ‘ – Part Two
Nanette Workman is not a born Quebecer. A fact which some people know … Nanette was born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in Jackson, Mississippi. She was inducted into The Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame in 2000. Not bad for a Quebecer … eh ? The now 70 year old singer / musician / composer and actress moved to Montreal with her Pop Idol … Continue reading Nanette Workman – ‘You Can Always Get What You Want ‘ …
Pianist Mike Jones has spent the past fifteen years playing magic. Sorta … Jones is the pianist for the Las Vegas magic act of acclaimed magicians Penn and Teller. A gig which Mike would not change for the world. Not only does he choose the music, Mike also enjoys a stationary existence. No ‘on the road’ gigs or – very few. Please listen below to … Continue reading Mike Jones – Penn and Teller’s Pianist Explains the ‘Magic’ Of His New Record
Sometimes we hear music composed by a name we do not know. That music is adored globally, wins awards and yet the composer goes relatively unnoticed in everyday life. Such is the case with Jimmy Van Heusen. Van Heusen was instrumental ( no pun intended) in the career of Frank Sinatra. Penning ( among other songs) ‘Come Fly with Me’, a huge success for Ol’ … Continue reading Singer and Pianist Daniela Schachter Suffers a ‘ Vanheusinism’ With Latest Record
Vocalist Scott Morgan did not start out that way. Or – perhaps he did … Starting with a background in musical theatre, interrupted by a corporate gig and interrupted once more by a social conscience, Morgan’s return to music is a long and winding one. Egged on by his partner ( musically and romantically) Fred Hersch, Scott’s debut CD is a journey through the past … Continue reading The ‘ Songs of Life ‘ As Told by Scott Morgan
A lot happened in music the past few days and a lot more will be happening! The ‘Hip’ and Gord Downie put on a show for the ages on Saturday evening before 11.7 million Canadians. To put that into perspective, that’s approximately 11.7 million more than Justin Bieber has of stable relationships. At least – some Canadians act Canadian ! Eh? What’s going on in … Continue reading In the Words of a Jealous Spouse; ‘ What’s Going On ‘ ?
In the summertime, where the weather is fine … Summer time in Montreal. Musically – a great place to be! Jazz Festivals, Rock Festivals and for the first time in Montreal; A League of Rock ! League of Rock is an opportunity for musicians who normally don’t play in venues – to rehearse, get coached by professional Rock stars, record a song, join a band … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – League of Rock Montreal, A Tribute to Jimmy Van Heusen, Pat Loiselle and Pete Dumoulin
It’s hot, humid and sweaty. Then, there is the weather … Summer time in Montreal is filled with tunes and tans. Water and waves. Sunshine and soothing sounds. Nothing like some cool rhythms to ease the heat while sippin’ a drink by the water or on a patio. Please listen below to some great tunes and some events coming up in Montreal ! Thanks for … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – Francisco Pais’ Lotus Project, Derek Falls’ New Track and Ranee Lee
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 !
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
Rick Keene Music Scene 