Royal Wood has one of the coolest names in music. He also has one of the coolest back catalogues. The ‘real’ Royal is emerging. You ain’t heard nothin’ yet ! Ghost Like is the name of the new album. It is a return to basics. A ‘ for the love of music ‘ CD which evolved ‘by accident’. A superb blend of catchy Pop, nurturing … Continue reading 2016 Montreal International Jazz Festival Preview; Royal Wood
In with the old and out with the new ! These days, it seems radio has a problem with new tunes ! R &B, Blues and Jazz are ripe with talented songs which require airplay. Unfortunately – radio is mostly controlled by corporations. Unless an artist has a link to those corporate companies, radio airplay is sadly – not in the cards … Please … … Continue reading You Scream, I Scream – We all Scream for New Tunes ! Betty Bonifassi, Michael Blum, Royal Wood, Pete DuMoulin, Paul DesLauriers Band and Rob Garcia !
Jon Anderson of Yes fame is one matter. Jean -Luc Ponty is an entire different matter. Place the two together and what you receive in return – matters the most ! The pair were in Montreal last evening on the heels of their album; ‘Better Late Than Never’. An album which took thirty -odd years to come into fruition. Judging by the live versions of … Continue reading The Anderson – Ponty Band; Music’s Best Kept Secret Astounded Montreal !
There may be no smoking on terraces in Montreal anymore but there is a lot of smoking music going on ! Please listen below to some of the great acts that are coming as well as some great tunes ! Check out the video for Norman Marshall Villeneuve ! It’s his Birthday celebration on Saturday night at The House of Jazz downtown ! Going to … Continue reading What’s Shakin’ ? Some Upcoming Shows and Tunes You Won’t Hear on the Radio!
Montreal entertainment impresario Sheldon Kagan fulfilled a promise to himself. Retiring after fifty years in business. A goal fulfilled. A lifetime fulfilled. Not quite … Please listen below to discover what Sheldon has done with his immense music collection as well as what he is doing in his … er … retirement. Sheldon? Visit The Cummings Center Here ! For tickets … Continue reading Sheldon Kagan Has Retired ( Sorta – Kinda …)
Sometimes, it is – all about The Blues. Barb Diab and her Smoked Meat Trio ( a condensed version of the full band) are fairly new to the ‘Blues’ scene yet have already made an impact. Whether securing regular spots at The House of Jazz downtown and Laval, or – various other entertainment venues in Montreal and abroad, Diab and her ‘Bluesmen’ are earning their … Continue reading Barb Diab and The Smoked Meat Trio; Smokey Kind of Blues …
Drummer Rob Garcia earned his chops. The New York state native has recorded with and / or performed with some legends. He has played on over forty albums and has just finished recording his sixth album as a bandleader. Wynton Marsalis, Joseph Jarman, Anat Cohen, Sam Newsome, Diana Krall and Woody Allen. A few of the people that helped shape Rob into the drummer he … Continue reading Drummer Rob Garcia; Making a Name as a Bandleader
As usual – a lot happening in Montreal ! Blues, Jazz, Rock, Country and Pop. Jon Anderson, Justin Bieber, Florence and The Machine and a fundraiser for The West Island Palliative care. Just a few of the things coming ! Please listen below to some great tunes and some acts that are playing in Montreal ! Learn how to buy tickets as well! … Continue reading What’s Happening in Montreal?
How often does an artist come to town who auditioned for Paul McCartney and George Harrison? If your answer is never – grab a beer and go to the head of the Bell Center. One of many tales the sixty-eight year old legend regurgitated last night in Montreal. Once upon a time, Taylor was signed as the first artist to the Beatles’ label Apple … Continue reading James Taylor – Montreal Review
When people think of Canada – they think hockey. In reality, Canadian music has just a long and interesting legacy. How many times have you listened to a great song and were stunned to discover the artist was Canadian! The Stampeders, Chilliwack, A Foot in Cold Water – just a few bands that you have heard the tunes but did not know they went to … Continue reading Robert Stefan was ‘ Made in Canada!’
Victory comes in many forms … For Mr. Bolly, that form is karma. A weird chain of events which is taking the song ‘Victory’ and transporting it to all sorts of places. All – for the good of mankind. Please listen below as Mr. Bolly explains the song, the feelings and the results of hard work. Hard work with very interesting results. Mr. … Continue reading Mr. Bolly ‘s Victory ! Local Hip Hop Artist Helps Out Duffy’s Come2gether for West Island Palliative Care Residence
It took all of three minutes for George Thorogood and his Destroyers to pull Montreal out of the winter doldrums … Just when you thought Rock n Roll was dead, along comes ‘Lonesome George’ to levitate dormant goosebumps into the stratosphere. Hair-raising kind of stuff which makes the omni-present argument that ‘music ain’t what it used to be ‘ seem righteous and justified. The tune … Continue reading ‘Lonesome’ George Thorogood Does Not ‘Drink Alone’! Montreal Concert Review
Rick Keene Music Scene 