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
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
The final segment in my interview with Jim Henman … Jim speaks of his son, the music business and what advice he would give to a youngster starting out in music. A gentleman, a musician and someone to take notice of. Jim Henman … Visit Jim’s Site here …! Continue reading Jim Henman; Co-Founder of April Wine Part Three
Mr. Henman – and that IS MR. Henman, recently toured for the first time in a long time … Along the way, he played with his cousin David and hooked up with Myles Goodwyn for a listen to Myles’ soon-to-be-released C.D. It has been a long journey for Jim, a musical man whose knowledge and love of ‘old school music’ – just may make the … Continue reading Jim Henman; Co- Founder of April Wine Part Two
Jim Henman is very happy with the way his life turned out … Considering some people would have regrets for leaving a rock band that would go on to become one of Canada’s largest, Mr. Henman went on to a very productive life with nothing but feelings of pride for his old mate; Myles Goodwyn. A life that is more productive than ever. Musically and … Continue reading Jim Henman – Co-Founder of April Wine. Part One
The year was 1981 … Hockey’s New York Islanders won their second of what would become four Stanley Cups. Actress Natalie Wood died in what was an ‘apparent’ and questionable drowning. The film ‘Cannonball Run‘ – starring Burt Reynolds, was enticing people everywhere to race the world disregarding rules and general etiquette. On the music front – MTV began its sucessful run giving music another … Continue reading Pssst! April Wine Rocks! (Just Between You and Me)
The Cedars Cancer Institute is pleased to announce that celebrated Montreal musician Trevor W. Payne, C.M. will spearhead a new men’s cancer fund in support of the Cedars Best Care for Life Campaign of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC). “Prostate cancer kills more men every year than any other form of cancer. It will afflict one in eight men in their lifetimes, striking approximately 22,300 men … Continue reading Trevor Payne Raises Money for Cancer
It has been a long time since Jim Henman recruited Myles Goodwyn to play in a band which became known as April Wine … All these years later, Mr. Henman – a pioneer in Canadian music, has a new album and it is a return to his roots. All the music he loved growing up – returns to haunt the musician along with his many … Continue reading Jim Henman Still Has That ‘Same Old Feeling ‘ …
Top Ten interviews of 2012 … 10. Lee Mellor 9.Jason Rockman 8. Susie Arioli 7. Cecile Doo Kingue 6. Roger Walls 5. Randy Bowen 4. Sass Jordan 3 .Frank Marino The last two are from the same group – at different times … 2. Jerry Mercer Although Jerry’s interview(the main one) was not carried out in 2012, it was the beginning of the popularity to … Continue reading Top Ten Interviews of 2012
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 …
Rick Keene Music Scene 