Black History Month is Human History Month – Musically

Akilah Newton and Jonathan Emile are doing their part to make the world a better place … Akilah ( the organizer) and Jonathan ( the performer) are travelling many places to spread the word about peace and love. They are doing it through music and other elements which may catch the ignorant eyes in the audience. The best thing? They are educating the young and … Continue reading Black History Month is Human History Month – Musically

Top Ten All Time Grammy Moments!

Another year – another Grammy Award show … Ho – hum. But wait! There have been some great moments over the years in music’s equivalent of the Oscars. Not many yet enough to compile a Top Ten List … Without further ado, here is that list which has been sealed in a milk carton on Quincy Jones’ porch since eight o’clock AM on Saturday the … Continue reading Top Ten All Time Grammy Moments!

Jerry Mercer- AsThe Years Go By; Part Six

In this final segment of my interview with Mr. Mercer – the drummer discusses working with Trevor Payne in this summer’s upcoming version of Porgy and Bess. He also speaks of his legacy, his integrity and what he has learned over the years about life. Oh ya – he will also tell you his favorite April Wine songs! Thanks to Jerry for taking the time … Continue reading Jerry Mercer- AsThe Years Go By; Part Six

Jerry Mercer – As The Years Go By; Part Five

In this segment of my interview with Jerry Mercer – the drummer discusses opening up for the Rolling Stones, hearing Janis Joplin sing from the heart and thoughts on April Wine’s late great bass player; Jimmy Clench. He also talks about the downside of being a performer and the loneliness that sometimes comes with it … Please enjoy this latest installment. Very insightful and poignant … Continue reading Jerry Mercer – As The Years Go By; Part Five

Jerry Mercer – As the Years Go By; Part One

Jerry Mercer heard Ray Charles’ song ‘What I’d Say’ on the radio. His life was never the same … Starting with Trevor Payne and the Triangle, Mashmakhan and eventually April Wine – Mercer’s career has taken him on trips with Janis Joplin, Roy Buchanan, The Band and many, many others … At the young age of seventy-four, four years following his ‘retirement’ – Jerry continues … Continue reading Jerry Mercer – As the Years Go By; Part One

Rick Keene Music Scene- 2013 Top Ten Interviews

I have been blessed … Combined with a little bit of elbow grease and in the pathway of many talented artists who make their way into Montreal – I was fortunate to have many insightful conversations this past year. Far too many to put a list together as the best. Each one of my talks – informative about music, the music business or the character … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene- 2013 Top Ten Interviews

Rick Keene Music Scene – Top Ten Concerts of 2013

Obviously – I cannot be everywhere. If that were the case, my shoe bill would be sky high! Seriously folks  –  it is difficult enough to choose ten shows as the best in Montreal during the course of a year. If I could be everywhere, the list would consist of the top one hundred. I would be deaf and broke. Thankfully, I am not deaf. Realistically … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – Top Ten Concerts of 2013

The Killing of Rod Stewart; Part ( Oh Never Mind)

Every music fan tells a story … A young bluesman with a voice as scratchy as a Bluesman’s old amplifier, so full of promise as the greatest vocalist in Blues / Rock history – sells his ‘Sam Cooke’ soul at the Kmart crossroads for corporate longevity. Blah, blah, blah … Yes it happened. Yes it is sad. Yes the year is 2013 and all that … Continue reading The Killing of Rod Stewart; Part ( Oh Never Mind)