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 …
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
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
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’!
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 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 !
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
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 …)
