Let ‘s get one thing straight. Kool and The Gang put on a tremendous show at Place des Arts as part of The Montreal Jazz Festival. Tremendous – if you are Caucasian. Once upon a time, in a Disco Ball far, far away – Kool and The Gang were filled with soul. As were most of the Funk ( then Disco ) bands of the … Continue reading Kool and ‘ The Corporate’ Gang. Montreal Jazz Festival Review.
The Jazz Festival of Montreal is now an opera house. Well, not really. Rufus Wainright’s house may be operatic and he has moved out to annoy / please the neighbors.Not once – twice. Both nights at Salle Wilfred Pelletier at Place des Arts. Wainwright – he of McGarrigle genetics, delivered his rookie opera Prima Donna straight down the middle of home plate. Critics ( aka … Continue reading Rufus Wainright – Something Different Yet The Same. Jazz Festival Review.
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?
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 !
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
Every year, as sure as Grandma serves pie, The Montreal International Jazz Festival rears it’s musical head. For some purists, cringes replace enthusiasm. Huey Lewis isn’t exactly ‘Jazz news'( as was the case last year) and The Barr Brothers ain”t even close to The Smothers Brothers. Other Jazz lovers embrace the exposure for it’s ability to turn people on to Jazz who previously may have … Continue reading Top Ten Signs The Montreal Jazz Festival is Coming !
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 …
Pat Loiselle did his homework … Like most great musicians – Loiselle was schooled in the Blues. The cornerstone of popular music. The blueprints for everything with soul. Please listen below to my chat with Pat about the Blues, his album, his appearance at The West Island Blues Festival and The Rolling Stones ! Pat? What’s Up? Visit Pat Here ! Visit West … Continue reading Pat Loiselle – Talking the Stones and The West Island Blues Festival !
Strangers in the Night 12 is an institution. In it’s 12th year, the charity event has raised over three million dollars. On top of that, it has also attracted some pretty big names in music. April Wine, The Pointer Sisters, KC and The Sunshine Band and Blue Rodeo twice ! This year’s event features Randy Bachman headlining! Bachman is one of the most historic figures in … Continue reading The Theme Song of Strangers in the Night – As Beautiful as It’s Intent !
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’!
Rick Keene Music Scene 