‘Modus Operandi’ … The mission or a song? Both for The Ben Racine Band on their debut album; One of a Kind. ‘Modus Operandi’ is the third track on an album which has just been released through Iguane Records in Montreal. As with every other track on the disc – the standout is Racine’s voice. Not seeing who you are listening to may come as … Continue reading Ben ‘Racine’ – Roots Music is ‘One of a Kind’
The above photo was sent to me by Mr. Wayne Cullen. Wayne – along with Ritchie Henman ( the original drummer in April Wine), were the two drummers in The Dudes, one of the best bands to play in Montreal in the 1970’s. The group included David Henman and Brian Greenway of past and future April Wine fame respectively. Wayne is pictured above in his … Continue reading Old ( er ) Musicians Never Die – They Play with their Sons …
Last year, there was a duel at L’Astral Theater on Ste. Catherine St. East. A venue on the cusp of downtown Montreal. In the right corner, wearing a brown top and jeans – Dawn Tyler Watson. A woman who posesses the voice of an angel. Vocal chords blessed from deep within … On the left, bearded and loaded with guitar fingers talented beyond comprehension – … Continue reading Thrill Me Up; Dawn Tyler Watson and Paul Deslauriers both Nominated for A Maple Blues Award!
Two ladies – two cd launches … Brie Nielson and her Othermen performed before a packed house at La Salla Rossa in support of Brie’s first full length disc; Picture Show. It was a phenomenal success and afterward – a happy and somewhat overwhelmed Nielson danced the wee hours away with friends and fans. A great night for everyone …! On another evening, in a … Continue reading Brie Nielson and Cecile Doo- Kinogue in Concert
For singer and songwriter; Cecile Doo – Kinogue, an awkward moment containing a blatant racist remark turned into an opportunity. ” I had finished a show in Montreal. ” Says the resident of the Plateau. ” This guy walks up to me and tells me how much he loved my music. Then he says – you remind me of Aunt Jemima. At first, I wasn’t … Continue reading Racism Puts a Chill in the Air
Once upon a time … There was a girl living in Oregon. Eugene,Oregon to be precise. It was a town filled with hippies. A real – peace and love kind of town. This young lady adored music. She played piano growing up for her Dad. A man who loved the Beatles and at the same time, was very proud of her daughter’s singing and keyboard … Continue reading The Darling DeMaes.
Martha Wainwright’s latest offering, Come Home To Mama will be released October 16, 2012 through MapleMusic Recordings. Produced with Yuka Honda of Cibo Matto, the album is a collection of 10 reflective songs that see Martha taking stock of her life. With Come Home To Mama’s release just around the corner, Martha will be on the road to visit select cities in Canada. Martha will … Continue reading Martha Wainwright – Come Home to Mama
Tune in at 5:15 and listen to me and Sean Mckeogh, the afternoon host on k103.7fm. We will discuss the people I have interviewed, the cd’s I have reviewed and the upcoming shows in Montreal. It will also give an opportunity for the station and I to play and promote a song from a new artist and album. Please contact me if you would like … Continue reading Tune in at 5:15 on K103.7fm
On this day in 1970, Janis Joplin was found dead at the Landmark Hotel in Hollywood. A heroin overdose is suspected. In an interview I conducted with Jerry Mercer, the iconic drummer for the Triangle, Mashmaakan, April Wine and the Buzz Band – Mercer relayed this tale of a sad encounter with Janis Joplin … Mercer and his band at the time – Mashmaakan, were … Continue reading Janis Joplin – Found Dead Oct.4 1970
An Irishman and Polishman walk into a kitchen … Sounds like a joke doesn’t it? Sounds like two people doesn’t it? In this case, the Polishman and the Irishman are the same person and the things that happened in the kitchen are no joke. Freeman Dre of Toronto,Ontario – explains the origins of the name of his group. “I’m born and raised in Toronto, from … Continue reading Come on to the Kitchen Party!
“I guess I write simple songs …” It is no wonder. Brie Nielson, originally from Vancouver and a current Montrealer – comes from a simple place. “I grew up singing in church, loved musicals, acted and sang in them then started listening to old jazz singers in my teens.” Says Brie as she prepares for her Thursday night album launch at La Salla Rossa.” I … Continue reading A Conversation with Brie Nielson
Rick Keene Music Scene 