Country music is alive and well in Montreal … According to the genre’s rising star in this province – ‘Lil Andy would not like to play anywhere else – for long … Listen as Andy explains many things including his latest CD, his influences and how he surprised his Mom! Andy …? Continue reading ‘Lil Andy – Up Close and Personal
Sometimes … things are meant to be. That appears the case with two talented young ladies currently residing in Toronto. A pair of souls joined at the songwriting hip. A duo destined for stardom along the lines of any great Folk tandem or person. Please listen as Andrea and Cindy explain everything needed to know of their alter-ego; Scarlett Jane. Enjoy … Please visit Scarlett … Continue reading Scarlett Jane – A ‘Stranger’ In Our Midst …
Sheldon Kagan has been around … From his humble beginnings in a bachelor apartment at the age of fifteen to introducing Jazz legend Miles Davis on stage – Mr. Kagan has a few stories to tell. Please listen to his tales of playing cards at his home with Artie Shaw and how he feels about Miles Davis – all these years later … A true … Continue reading Sheldon Kagan; Memories of a Concert Promoter
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
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
In this ongoing saga which is known as the Jerry Mercer story – the drummer discusses the differences between the days of yesteryear and today when it comes to ‘the life of a musician’ in Montreal. He also talks about some of his memorable moments including opening up for Steppenwolf at the Montreal Forum … Please enjoy the interview and come back for more. Thank … Continue reading Jerry Mercer – As The Years Go By; Part Four
Jerry Mercer – the drummer who had the opportunity to play drums for Roy Buchanan, retired as the drummer for April Wine four years ago … In that time, along with his wife – Jerry has been travelling the globe and enjoying his ‘Golden Years’. Does this mean drumming is not part of his life anymore? Au contraire … Listen as Mr. Mercer explains his … Continue reading Jerry Mercer – As The Years Go By; Part Three
As my interview with Jerry Mercer goes on – the legendary drummer discusses the rudiments of drumming, his battle with cancer and how it brought him together with an old friend. His musical education continues as he educates us … Please stay tuned as this interview will be in five parts …. What I’d say ….? Continue reading Jerry Mercer- As The Years Go By; Part Two.
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
Since Buddy Guy was number one on my list of Top Ten Interviews of 2013 – here is the interview I conducted with Mr. Guy fresh off his appearance at the Kennedy Center Honors last year. A track by Guy’s prodigy – Quinn Sullivan, can also be heard … Enjoy the voice of a Blues legend … I know I did! Continue reading Live Audio Buddy Guy and Rick Keene
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
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
Rick Keene Music Scene 