Rock

Toronto Blues Society – The Maple Blues Awards

The Toronto Blues Society will be celebrating its 16 th annual Maple Blues Awards by honouring nationally and internationally recognized Canadian Blues artists from across the country on January 21, 2013. The nominees are recognized both for their talent as well as their contribution to the growing Canadian blues music scene. Hamilton’s Steve Strongman leads the way with nominations in six categories, Toronto’s Shakura S’Aida … Continue reading Toronto Blues Society – The Maple Blues Awards

Unknown's avatarRick KeeneLeave a comment
Concert Review

Air Supply; Making ‘Money’ Out of Nothing at All …

Not sure what happened last night … Air Supply played before an almost sold out crowd at Metropolis and it wasn’t pretty. Sure, some of the mostly forty ( + ) year old women in attendance were pretty. Sure some of the mostly twenty (+) year old barmaids were pretty – heck, even one bouncer was kinda cute .. Following that – pure ugliness; musically. … Continue reading Air Supply; Making ‘Money’ Out of Nothing at All …

Unknown's avatarRick KeeneLeave a comment
Uncategorized

Ben ‘Racine’ – Roots Music is ‘One of a Kind’

‘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’

Unknown's avatarRick KeeneLeave a comment
Rock

Top Ten Greatest Solo Artists

For every bunch of guitar – toting, ripped – jean wearing, bad – ass drum keepers and platinum blonde – haired  singers who called themselves a band; there were solitary men / women who crooned their way into the hearts of millions … There are many talented singers who have been omitted from this list. James Brown and Michael Jackson to name two.This list is … Continue reading Top Ten Greatest Solo Artists

Unknown's avatarRick KeeneLeave a comment
Concert Review

Zachary Richard ; Zydeco comes Home

Are stories your thing …? If so – a Zachary Richard concert is the place to be. Historically, musically and most importantly; emotionally. Last night at L’Astral, as part of the Jazz All Year Long series, M. Richard of New Yorek, Louisiana – utilized numerous skills to pulverize a sold out crowd into submission. A happy submission … ‘Le Fou ‘ is Richard’s 20th studio … Continue reading Zachary Richard ; Zydeco comes Home

Unknown's avatarRick KeeneLeave a comment
Uncategorized

Old ( er ) Musicians Never Die – They Play with their Sons …

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 …

Unknown's avatarRick KeeneLeave a comment
Blues, Cd Review, Concert Review, Rock, Uncategorized

Thrill Me Up; Dawn Tyler Watson and Paul Deslauriers both Nominated for A Maple Blues Award!

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!

Unknown's avatarRick KeeneLeave a comment
Rock

S.U.N ( SOMETHING UNTO NOTHING )

S.U.N. (SOMETHING UNTO NOTHING) have signed a deal with record company Robo Records (a division of Waterfront Ent. Group), distributed through Fontana / Universal Music Distribution and home to such illustrious artists as John Waite, The Bangles, Brian Ray, Orianthi and Mickey Dolenz.  S.U.N.’s first single “I’m The One” is impacting radio throughout October, 2012…with the full CD release later in the Fall.  Legendary multi-platinum … Continue reading S.U.N ( SOMETHING UNTO NOTHING )

Unknown's avatarRick KeeneLeave a comment
Rock

Sass Jordan; Transplanted Montreal Girl Does Good – Part One

Remember the band – The Pinups? A Montreal group which did the nightclub circuit in the late seventies – early eighties? Clubs such as the Maples, the Moustache and the Pioneer evolving into the band members’ second homes. In that band was a female bass player who went on to become a Juno award winner and a multi- platinum selling artist. Her name is Sass Jordan … Continue reading Sass Jordan; Transplanted Montreal Girl Does Good – Part One

Unknown's avatarRick Keene2 Comments
Concert Review

Colin James in Concert

Suddenly – it was 1988. Just like that, Colin James transported a mostly middle-aged audience to the days when mortgages were something their parents understood … It was as effortless for the current British Columbian native as his guitar playing. Times may have changed yet James remains the same – physically and musically. ” It’s great to be back in Montreal!” Shouted James a quarter … Continue reading Colin James in Concert

Unknown's avatarRick KeeneLeave a comment
Uncategorized

Brie Nielson and Cecile Doo- Kinogue in Concert

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

Unknown's avatarRick KeeneLeave a comment