Lisa Simone – Just Like Mom ! ( Sorta) Montreal International Jazz Festival Review

Lisa Simone is as famous as her last song.  The daughter of Nina Simone, the legendary singer, quickly made everyone forget who her Mom was. Place des Arts was buzzing with excitement as Lisa’s Montreal Jazz Festival two show debut came to an end on Thursday evening.  Lisa’s world was introduced with power ! ‘My World’ – Lisa’s latest album, filled the room with tenderness, … Continue reading Lisa Simone – Just Like Mom ! ( Sorta) Montreal International Jazz Festival Review

Rick Keene Music Scene – You Want a Jazz Festival Preview?

There is a lot of talent coming to the Montreal International Jazz Festival in 2016 … The Festival gets underway on June 29th with Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings doing a free blow-out show to open the Festival. Jones, one of the best performers on the scene today –promises to deliver a opening showstopper for the ages. Susie Arioli performs on July 2nd at Club … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – You Want a Jazz Festival Preview?

Dawn Tyler Watson – A ‘Jawbreaking’ Interview !

Montrealers know Dawn Tyler Watson. Or – do they … ?    Dawn Tyler – Watson has been entertaining Montrealers and Canadians for what seems like an eternity. In a good way … Hard to believe her latest release ‘JawBreaker’ is only Dawn’s fourth solo album. Her small-ish output is not for lack of talent or opportunity, it is based on … Please  listen below … Continue reading Dawn Tyler Watson – A ‘Jawbreaking’ Interview !

Dawn Tyler Watson – Experience is a ‘Jawbreaker’ ! Album Review

Montrealers know Dawn Tyler Watson very well … One of this city’s brightest diamonds has shone bright for a few decades. In her latest offering; ‘Jawbreaker’, Dawn exudes passion with experience. They say practice makes perfect yet musicians are all aware, perfection is as unattainable as The Holy Grail. Perfection is the hunger which, more times than not – sustains a career. In ‘JawBreaker’, Tyler … Continue reading Dawn Tyler Watson – Experience is a ‘Jawbreaker’ ! Album Review

Daryl Hall and John Oates – It’s As If They Never Left ! Montreal Concert Review

If Starsky and Hutch played music, they would appear as Daryl Hall and John Oates circa 2016 … For those who grew up adoring the number one Rock duo of all time (sales) and have not seen them for a while, the show last night at The Bell Center must have been shocking. Daryl Hall is a replica of David Soul merged with The Dude … Continue reading Daryl Hall and John Oates – It’s As If They Never Left ! Montreal Concert Review

Nina Simone’s Daughter Lisa Falls close to the Tree …

Lisa Simone has a hard act to follow … Her Mom was acclaimed singer and activist Nina Simone. This ‘enormous shadow’ does not bother Lisa one bit. Please listen below to my chat with Lisa about her Mom, her experiences and her new album ‘My World’.  Hear some great tunes from the album as well ! Lisa ? What’s up?   Visit Lisa Here !   … Continue reading Nina Simone’s Daughter Lisa Falls close to the Tree …

Return to Grace; Elvis Unfortunately – Has Left the Building ! Montreal Review

If attending ‘Return to Grace’ at Place des Arts over the course of the next week or so, close your eyes. Something somewhat common takes place. Steve Michaels sings and sounds just like his alter ego; Elvis Presley. Songs heard a thousand times before pierce memories from far inside brains. Transporting people to the fifties, sixties and the seventies. Elvis, audibly and with eyes closed … Continue reading Return to Grace; Elvis Unfortunately – Has Left the Building ! Montreal Review

Montreal International Jazz Festival Preview; ‘Moving Forward’ with Adam Karch

Adam Karch is a hard working guitar player. Always learning but quick to pay homage to songwriters … Karch has a new album out and unlike his last disc ‘Blueprints’ – ‘Moving Forward’ contains mostly original songs. With a few precious covers tossed into the mix. You know – to mix it up a bit … Please listen below to my chat with Adam. Find … Continue reading Montreal International Jazz Festival Preview; ‘Moving Forward’ with Adam Karch

Montreal International Jazz Festival Preview; The Paul DesLauriers Band are ‘Relentless’!

Paul DesLauriers is a relentless soul …   This Cornwall, Ontario – born guitar player is on a mission. To ensure his band plays to their utmost potential, A ‘relentless’ pursuit of all things good within the Blues. Please listen below to my chat with Paul as he explains everything about the album ‘Relentless’ and the mindset within  The Paul DesLauriers  Band. Paul? What’s Up?   … Continue reading Montreal International Jazz Festival Preview; The Paul DesLauriers Band are ‘Relentless’!

Michael Blum – A Jazzy Tribute to Oscar Peterson

Oscar Peterson is much loved in these here parts. Montreal being the parts and Peterson the sum.  Somewhat strangely – an American guitarist has taken things in his own hands. Paying homage to Peterson through his CD Chasin’ Oscar due in stores on June 17th. Strangely for two reasons. One, Michael Blum is a Jazz guitarist and two – Michael Blum is a Jazz guitarist? … Continue reading Michael Blum – A Jazzy Tribute to Oscar Peterson

Strangers in the Night 12 – A Smorgasbord of Music, Food and Randy Bachman !

Strangers in the Night is one of ‘those’ ideas …   A creation to do some good which grows until ‘more space’ is not so much an inquiry, it becomes a necessity. Such is the case with the charity event which is entering it’s 12th year.   Past headliners have been … well, why don’t you have a listen below. Larry Day, the founder of Strangers in … Continue reading Strangers in the Night 12 – A Smorgasbord of Music, Food and Randy Bachman !

Rick Keene Music Scene; A Musical Tribute to Muhammad Ali

The Champ … There are very few people who have walked this earth and were identified with one name. Not a family name, not a changed name but a name which exemplifies a characteristic. A moniker which exudes integrity. A label which personifies strength … In this case the name could be Ali. Worldwide – this name is instantaneously recognized. There are probably millions of … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene; A Musical Tribute to Muhammad Ali