Rick Keene Music Scene – Coping with Curfew; Music for Mental Health. Part Two

Art is therapy. Music is art.

During these times of uncertainty and isolation. An era where misleading headlines and news stories filled with one -sided inaccurate fear are creating mental health problems – common sense and education are needed. Relaxation and time away from information is essential.

Research shows the benefits of music therapy for various mental health conditions, including depression, trauma, and schizophrenia (to name a few). Music acts as a medium for processing emotions, trauma, and grief—but music can also be utilized as a regulating or calming agent for anxiety or for dysregulation.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

Please listen below to Part Two of the best music to calm your soul and ease your mind.

Mental Health Information and Contact

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Rick Keene Music Scene – Coping with Curfew; Music for Mental Health

Art is therapy. Music is art.

Research shows the benefits of music therapy for various mental health conditions, including depression, trauma, and schizophrenia (to name a few). Music acts as a medium for processing emotions, trauma, and grief—but music can also be utilized as a regulating or calming agent for anxiety or for dysregulation.

Please listen below to Part One of the best music to calm your soul and ease your mind.

Mental Health Information and Contact

Visit Jesse Protected.com Here

George Thorogood says; Help Rick Support Musicians and Donate Here

Rick Keene Music Scene – Ten Songs That Influenced The Rolling Stones’ Keith Richards

The human riff started somewhere.

Keith Richards is known as the man who will not die. Years of excess have not killed the man. One thing hardly mentioned however – Keith Richards’ riffs and songs will also never die.

The most prolific songwriting guitar player in Rock n Roll and perhaps all music history is schooled in music. Jazz, Country, Blues – Keith Richards (and The Stones) have been there – done that.

Please listen below to TEN of Keith Richards’ biggest musical influences. The framework for the human riff.

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Rick Keene Music Scene – New Tunes From The Guess Who, Styx, Displaced Pieces and Sass Jordan

What is with older music fans living in the past?

In any profession, the more experience you have – the more you are sought out. Sadly, unless people want to hear the early songs of an experienced musician, the new tunes go unnoticed.

Have a listen below to a couple of new Bluesy tunes and some songs that classic rock radio should be playing but do not.

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Rick Keene Music Scene – Linus Entertainment Acquires Borealis Records Catalog

Acclaimed Canadian folk label achieved success with Stan Rogers, Le Vent Du Nord, La Bottine Souriante, Michael Jerome Browne, Ron Hynes, The Fugitives, & Oliver Schroer among many others.

After 25 years of proudly putting out some of the best Canadian folk and roots music, the principles of Borealis Records – Grit Laskin and Bill Garrett – have announced that as of January 1, 2021 the Borealis catalog will shift to the management of Linus Entertainment, a leading Canadian rights management company whose portfolio of labels includes True North Records, Stony Plain Records, The Children’s Group, and Solid Gold Records.

In a joint statement, Laskin and Garrett said of the transition, “We have partnered with Linus Entertainment for some 13 years in distribution and they have been our partners in the best sense.”

Geoff Kulawick, President and CEO of Linus Entertainment, said of the transition, “It has been a joy to work with Grit and Bill and their wonderful artists. Taking on the responsibility of managing the Borealis catalog, which includes many ever-green musical gems of Canadian culture and folklore was a natural fit as we know the music well, so transition for the artists and our global distribution partners will be seamless.”

Laskin and Garrett continued, “We have been most fortunate in being able to work with a large number of very fine artists over the years. Their music has been a constant source of inspiration and the friendships made will be life-long. Although we leave the business of running a record company behind we by no means will be leaving music.”

Grit Laskin continues to craft some of the best acoustic guitars made anywhere and Bill Garrett is in demand as a producer.

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Rick Keene Music Scene – The Beatles’ Long and Winding History of ‘Borrowing’ Music

“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.”- Oscar Wilde.

If the above statement is true; The Beatles were not ‘the greatest’. So who was then?

Please listen below to some songs (or riffs) The Beatles were accused of ‘borrowing’.

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Rick Keene Music Scene – Top Ten Interviews of 2018

They say talk is cheap …

That may be the case many times yet when music is involved – talk is an education.

In the past year, discussions took place with eighty musicians. Add multiple chats with engineers, producers or people in the music business; the list is long and informative.

All these moments above are meant to be a platform to educate anyone who listens or reads. A chance for up and coming musicians to learn and established artists to teach.

Of all the interviews in the past year – the top ten have been chosen for different reasons. All of the interviews gave value yet below are the unique ones.

Please enjoy and check archives to listen.

Top Ten Interviews 2018

10. Colin James

The veteran Canadian Blues guitarist is always down to earth and honest. Entering into his fifties, James has a different outlook on life including the need to not ‘disguise’ anything anymore. His knowledge of The Blues’ history is vast and his energy to share is immense. A new album and a new tour are the tools James uses to carry on …

9. Dweezil Zappa

It is not often one has an opportunity to speak with Rock n Roll royalty. The offspring of Frank Zappa is just that. Listening to Dweezil speak of his late father is a privilege. Only a son can relate the musicianship and thinking process behind a legend with direct knowledge. Dweezil’s own music is also related through the lens of his Dad. Frank – the ultimate muse.

8. George Thorogood

Speaking to a man who is now a Rock n Roll legend is as advertised. Chatting with a man who learned his chops playing with the likes of Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, John Lee Hooker and Keith Richards is like earning an honorary degree. Blunt, to the point and honest – Lonesome George should not be his moniker. Long passed the days of not paying rent, Thorogood still conjures a devil-may-care attitude without the worry of going ‘out the door’. Everybody is funny and George is very funny too.

7. Kim Mitchell

The legendary musician and songwriter ( and former DJ) is a pleasure. Witty, well informed and a teenager at heart – the former front-man of Max Webster is the quintessential Canadian artist. Engaging and curious, Kim interviews back as he weaves his tales of lore. An insight into his near fatal heart attack – profound.

6. Malcolm Bruce

The son of legendary Cream bassist Jack Bruce is a chip off the bass block. Acknowledging his Father’s legacy and passing it on is first on a creative and musical list. Growing up in Rock royalty has enabled Malcolm the inside education to relive Cream’s music and add to his own. World matters? Do not get the English gentleman going. Like his Father- a lot of smarts are going on above the Bass.

5. Jean -Marc Pisapia

The front-man for The Box is animated, intelligent and appreciative of all that came his way. A unique chat which places not only The Box in perspective; the music business as well. Interesting anecdotes regarding youth, age and Fatherhood. Rarely does a man whose career hit the pinnacle faster than a speeding pick accept the equally quick demise with such happiness and distinguished responses. Part of the reason The Box has resurfaced lately with talent and songwriting that cannot be denied.

4. Andy Kim

On December 1st 2018 – Andy Kim was inducted onto Canada’s Walk of Fame. This follows his already life size presence in Canada’s Music Hall of Fame. Kim is one of few Canadians that have had nine singles in the Top Forty chart and whose music has been covered by every artist imaginable. John Lennon himself was a huge fan. Say no more …

3. Gary Petersen

The original and current drummer of The Guess Who has been drumming since the beginning of Rock n Roll in the fifties. A survivor and a man whose (of late) physical impediments do not slow him down. His band – The Guess Who rivaled The Stones and The Beatles in the late sixties and early seventies. A man who knows that ‘if it ain’t got that swing’ – it don’t mean a damn thing.

2. Myles Goodwyn

How many people do you know who front their band for over four decades? How many songwriters in Canada have carved such a unique place in music. How many people do you know who wrote a song which was the first Canadian video to be played on MTV? The multiple Juno award winner and a member of Canada’s Music Hall of Fame recently released a book and a new album which uncovers his first love The Blues.

Alan Parsons

The Beatles started it all and Alan Parsons was there. Along with Geoff Emerick and George Martin – Parsons worked on the albums Let It Be and Abbey Road. If that weren’t enough – Alan also worked on The Dark Side of The Moon by Pink Floyd. Mr. Parsons then went on to write, produce and engineer one of the top bands of the eighties – The Alan Parsons Project. One of the most sought after technicians in the music business and a man with an astute ear for music.

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Rick Keene Music Scene – Top Ten Concerts of 2018

Attending all live music in Montreal is impossible.

Practically every crook and nook contains rhythms and vibes. World music, Blues, Rock – you name it, music is alive and well in the city .

Not all live music is performed by local musicians. Regularly – like pirates from a distant land; musicians arrive. They rape and pillage the souls of Montrealers and then they are gone. Gold pieces filling their guitar cases.

Arriving with a Top Ten Concerts List is not possible if integrity is involved. The simple fact that many live shows were missed adds to the incomplete puzzle. The most beautiful woman in the world, after all – is a choice ripe in location.

Please dissect the Top Ten Concerts of 2018 below with the knowledge they have been chosen from a well of sixty. Deep enough to siphon an amount comparable to the elite.

Top Ten Concerts of 2018

10. Steve Hackett

The former guitar player from Genesis loves playing in Montreal and Montreal loves having him. There are few guitar players in the world that play better than their glory years. Age is not kind to many. Hackett’s playing filled with an ever – growing knowledge and his touring band; second to none. Within the realm of Place des Arts, perfection is continually aimed for and forever obtained. A must see every time Steve is here.

9. Kim Churchill

The multi-talented singer/ songwriter from Down Under is ( for the most part) under the radar. Such is the sad state of mass media when artists that possess more talent than Boy George, scrape and claw to make a living. Kim’s live show is filled with musical and physical energy as Churchill trades keys, guitars, beat boxes and dancing with himself. The tunes are filled with Kim’s vocals emerging from his soul. Ballads mirror the journey of an artist in search of knowledge as he travels the globe.

8. Dr. Lonnie Smith

How many artists have mastered their craft for fifty years as a live performer? How many have mastered their instrument and continue to gain praise and achievements into their golden age? Dr. Lonnie Smith is the most sought after Hammond B3 player on the planet. Mostly due to not only hard work, Smith maintains an ability to grow by reaching into multiple genres and artists. Dr. Smith put on a Jazz clinic at Le Gesu as part of The Montreal International Jazz Festival. Every great commercial keyboard player on a Rock n Roll / Pop / Blues list will be erased following a performance by Dr. Lonnie Smith.

7. Jack Broadbent

Broadbent contains no bells nor whistles. A man, a chair, a guitar and a beer. Witnessing a live show by Broadbent conjures images of the old Delta Blues guys who laid down the framework for all music today. Bottleneck slide, a raspy voice and tunes dark like the night and crisp like a cold grey dawn. Songwriting combined with acute covers to remind everyone where Jack came from and at the same time – evolving into the future based on the past.

6. Jim Cuddy Band

Canadian music is filled with roots. Country, Folk and Blues intertwined with the vast landscape of Canada looming in the background like a canvas painted by the Group of Seven. Add Jim Cuddy, Barney Bentall and Jim’s two up and coming sons – the evening was as pure as pure could be. Every artist on stage taking turns in the spotlight showcasing their ability to headline on their own. Jim Cuddy has assembled a dream band to distract from his Blue Rodeo job. Not a bad side gig.

5. Jordan Officer

Quebec’s own Jordan Officer has made the leap. Opening up for one of his boyhood idols, Officer more than held his own as the opener for George Thorogood. Those in attendance unfamiliar with the most talented guitar player in Quebec and student of the Blues left with a deer-in-the-headlights look on their faces.The trio combined with Officer’s ability to play guitar unlike all Blues players in the province ( fiddle as well), elevated music to an entire different level. Rarely does an opening act place immense pressure on the headliner. Thorogood and his Destroyers must have been shaking in their boots.

4. Steven Wilson

Cut from the Prog Rock cloth – Wilson (known mainly for his band Porcupine Tree) is a man who makes Dave Grohl appear talent-less. Mainstream gravitates towards the flavor of the moment and those willing to sell their souls. Wilson is a true artist along the lines of Brian Wilson (albeit in a different genre). An Engineer, a producer, a multi instrumentalist and a premiere songwriter who avoids the fame. His band – oozing musical integrity like a bleeding Van Gogh. Balladry interrupting perfectly crafted instrumental based high caliber Rock with a toe inside the Prog. A must see for all music fans.

3. Cecile Mclorin Salvant

If Cecile had arrived on the scene forty or fifty years ago, she would be revered like Etta James, Billie Holiday and Etta James (to name a few). Blessed with the voice of several angels – Salvant’s range is second to none. A no frills performer who sings for the right reasons. Combining the sweetness of honey and the strength of a whiskey straight up,Cecile’s performance as part of the Jazz Festival was an evening for purists. Salvant did not disappoint.

2. Beth Hart

Honesty is the best policy. Beth Hart is the most down to Earth raw female performer on the planet. Then she takes that integrity and sings with the same convictions. Listening to Hart is almost like witnessing an accident on the side of the road that never happens. Akin to Keith Richards’ about to fall down walk – Hart invites concern. Once she stops running and drops the scissors – the most natural voice in the universe becomes the star. Blues, Rock and Jazz-inspired tunes fill the night with wonderment. Talent oozes down the aisles as Hart follows the notes into the audience with love and appreciation. An interactive experience with Hart’s vulnerabilities as the headliner.

1.Ranee Lee

Montreal’s Queen of Jazz put on the most memorable performance this city has maybe ever seen. The day before her appearance at the Montreal international Jazz Festival – Ranee lost her musical muse and husband. A devastating moment for anyone and a life altering moment.

Under extreme emotional circumstances – Ranee decided the show must go on as her husband Richard would have wanted.

Any show completed would have gained a standing ovation due to the circumstances. Heartbreak on the sleeves and a hole in the heart can be the wind that pushes the tightrope walker off the thin line. A musical death would have been accepted without critique.

Ranee reached deep. Ranee reached long. Ranee reached hard. As if Richard was seated next to her – Lee put on the performance of a lifetime. Holiday, James, Washington – the ladies of Lee’s youth appeared live through Ranee’s vocals. The strength and the power increasing as the night went on. Lee’s passion for the history and the music growing stronger as the mountain of grief lay before her. The stamina not giving in to the tiredness she felt. The glow of her husband leading the way like the star of a musical Bethlehem guiding Ranee’s soul through the dark.

One evening when the realities of life could not be avoided changed The Montreal International Jazz Festival into a mystical place. One woman who took on the realities of life with courage transformed The Montreal International Jazz festival into Magic.

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Rick Keene Music Scene – A Musical Chat by ‘Christmas’ Candlelight with The Lyric Theater Singers

Face it – Christmas is special …

Every year in December, the Lyric Theater Singers get to work. They rehearse and practice new and old arrangements of Christmas tunes.

This year is no different.

Please listen below to my chat with Chris Barillaro – a lifelong employee of music and second banana to the musical director of The Lyric Theater Singers – Bob Bachelor.

Chris? What’s up?

Visit The Lyric Theater Singers Here !

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Rick Keene Music Scene – An ‘Engineered’ Discussion with Alan Parsons.

Alan Parsons got his start working with George Martin and Geoff Emerick. Not too shabby eh?

Learning from the likes of Martin and Emerick – gifted Parsons with a foundation. One that has made him one of the most sought after engineers and producers in music.

Please listen below to my chat with Alan Parsons about Geoff Emerick, sound recording and Alan’s new album – his first in fifteen years.

It was a ‘rushed’ album.

Genesis’ landmark record was in fruition before it was in fruition. Several of the songs were thoughts in the heads of Peter Gabriel,Tony Banks, Phil Collins, Mike Rutherford and Steve Hackett.

It was guitarist Hackett who came up with the idea for perhaps what was the deciding song in Genesis’ soon-to-be upcoming superstar status. It was also an album where Steve Hackett made his mark as a guitar player.

Please listen below to Part Two of my chat with Steve about Selling England By The Pound.

It was a ‘rushed’ album.

Genesis’ landmark record was in fruition before it was in fruition. Several of the songs were thoughts in the heads of Peter Gabriel,Tony Banks, Phil Collins, Mike Rutherford and Steve Hackett.

It was guitarist Hackett who came up with the idea for perhaps what was the deciding song in Genesis’ soon-to-be upcoming superstar status. It was also an album where Steve Hackett made his mark as a guitar player.

Please listen below to Part One of my chat with Steve about Selling England By The Pound.

Lindsay Beaver is the real thing …

Thus far , it has been a lifetime of discoveries for the native of Nova Scotia. Singing, drumming and a love of all genres of music starting with Jazz.

Yet it was Billie Holiday that sealed the deal and inspired Lindsay to pack up and head to Texas and make music her full time ‘job’.

Please listen below to my chat with Lindsay – a musician who has been referred to as a cross between Amy Winehouse and Little Richard.

Lindsay? What’s up?

Visit Lindsay Here !

Rick Keene Music Scene – Jack DeKeyzer; Remaining True to Himself on The Album Checkmate

It’s been a while since Jack DeKeyzer first heard the Blues …

The Stones and Led Zeppelin – just two of the bands who parlayed American Blues into the heart and then hands of Jack.

Spanning a career that has seen Jack open up for the likes of B.B. King, Jack pays homage to the men who inspired him. Otis Rush, Elmore James and Muddy Waters to name a few.

Please listen below to my chat with Jack about the new album Checkmate. Hear some of the tunes as well !

Jack? What’s up?

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Rick Keene Music Scene – Senri Oe Makes the Successful Transition from Pop to Jazz

Jazz is everywhere – even in J-Pop music …

Senri Oe was one of the biggest Pop stars in Japan. When one of his band mates died unexpected, Senri decided life was short.

He turned his attention to Jazz and moved to New York to become a student. A move that was not as simple as he thought it would be.

Please listen below as Senri explains it all and hear some great tunes from his new album.

Senri? What’s up?

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Rick Keene Music Scene – Colin James Has ‘Miles to Go’ In His Music Career

It ain’t easy being grey …

Colin James has a new album due out on September 21st. No more hair dye as the fifty-three year old Canadian music legend embraces the present, the future and the past.

On the new record – Colin pays homage to the men ( and women) who inspired him and helped him to hone his skills as a young guitar player busking on the streets of Montreal and Toronto.

Two new songs on the disc also allow James the opportunity to gently give a nod to the licks of B.B. King.

Please listen below to my chat with Colin about the new disc and hear Colin’s thoughts about the late great Jeff Healey.

Colin? What’s up?

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Rick Keene Music Scene – Black Mountain Whiskey Rebellion; Making Music the Muscle Shoals Way

It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing …

Black Mountain Whiskey Rebellion are poised to take North America by storm. Much like the English re-introducing The Blues back to the States, BMWR are re-introducing the Muscle Shoals sound back to musicians.

With only one single officially released, the band has already made Rolling Stone magazine’s ‘best bands to lookout for’ in 2018. The song Holy Smoke is a tongue in cheek look at the hypocrisy of religion without taking literary licence.

Please listen below to my chat with Mitch and hear the Montreal debut of Black Mountain Whiskey Rebellion’s first single; Holy Smoke.

Mitch? What’s up?

Visit the Band Here !

Rick Keene Music Scene – Harry Manx Teaming Up with Steve Marriner On New Album and A Quebec Tour

Harry Manx doesn’t sit still for very long.

A world traveler, a student of spiritualism and a man of good nature. All these sums make Harry into a well rounded person and musician.

Manx will be in Quebec for a mini -tour and then it’s back to the studio to place finishing touches on his upcoming album ( due out January?) with Steve Marriner of Monkey Junk fame.

Please listen below to my chat with Harry about all the above. Hear some great tunes off Harry’s last album; Faith Lift.

Harry ? What’s up?

Visit Harry Here !

Rick Keene Music Scene – George Thorogood Throws A ‘Rock Party’ in Trois Rivieres !

George Thorogood may drink alone but he certainly doesn’t put on a show alone.

On Thursday night, George was in the Province of Quebec for the second time this summer. In July, he received the B.B. King Award as part of the lineup of The Montreal International Jazz Festival. This time– Trois Rivieres en Blues were the hosts and the difference between the two performances was apparent.

George Thorogood and his band; The Destroyers – are fit more for an outdoor venue then the safe confines of Place des Arts. No disrespect to George or the band yet face it, Rock n Roll is dangerous and a stadium / amphitheater breeds danger.

There is something in the air when that air is at the mercy of Mother Nature. At any given moment the wind could change and the rain could enter a roofed venue sideways. Music is the same thing when it is played live properly.

In Montreal – the show was safe. George et al played that way. Comfy, cozy and familiar. Way too familiar for a ‘Rock Party’. Having sex evolved into making love. Condoms replaced drunken tomfoolery. Condoms replaced the very essence of Rock n Roll.

In Trois Rivieres – every song ran with scissors. Every note in ‘Move It On Over’ and ‘Bad to the Bone’ teetered on the same sloppiness which The Rolling Stones own. Swaggering attitude and swaggering chords complimented Thorogood’s organized chaos.

The immense catalog of Bluesy riffs-turned-Rock were charged with Thorogood energy. A lightning bolt which can only be charged by a live audience. Unlike Place des Arts where the suits outnumbered the fans – the Trois Rivieres audience had a Jack Sparrow in every fifth seat. Thorogood ( the ultimate pirate) grabbed that vibe and slowly became younger as the night progressed. Raping and pillaging his guitar; Thorogood left no prisoners or witnesses as his black flag flew above the corporate mutineers.

One Bourbon (as usual) the defining moment. John Lee Hooker’s original masterpiece was performed at a bar. George – the drunken, dejected and unwanted character looking for rent. Searching for booze. Desperate for love.

A little tea and sympathy … ?

Throughout the night the chords were crisp. The three chords acute. The drummer dynamite. It was about the singer not the song as only George could conduct such an orchestra. Command attention and attend the commands from the Blues-gone-by.

The Destroyers and Thorogood. Links to the past along with the Stones, Buddy Guy, Taj Mahal and very few others. Survivors of the crossroads deal and makers of their own style within a Diddley beat.

Drinking alone with nobody else …

Rick Keene Music Scene – ‘Survivorman’ Les Stroud Places Enviromental Consciousness Into His Music

Living with nature opens the mind.

Best known as Survivorman in the extremely popular TV docu-series, Les Stroud has always had an affinity for music.

His latest release Bittern Lake is an example of how earthy sounds can touch the soul and inspire people to change. Combining poignant lyrics with even more poignant musicianship, Stroud and his mates kidnap listeners into their world.

Please listen below to my chat with Les and discover tunes to expand your education and decrease ignorance.

Les? What’s up?

Visit Les Here !

Rick Keene Music Scene – Will Evankovich; Keeping The Guess Who Fresh in The Past

Writing, playing and producing – not easy to do while keeping an album fluid.

Guitarist / songwriter and producer Will Evankovich juggles all duties while keeping an eye to the future and with the past.

Say what?

The Guess Who have a catalog of hits dating back to the sixties and Will’s ( and the band’s) job was too keep the new songs current while fitting them into the highly recognizable hits of days gone by.

Please listen below to my chat with Will about many things and hear the first two singles from the upcoming disc; ‘THE FUTURE IS WHAT IT USED TO BE

Will? What’s up?

Visit The Guess Who Here !

Rick Keene Music Scene – A Candid Chat with the Singer of The Guess Who; Derek Sharp

It’s not easy being a Hobbit …

Lead singer and principal songwriter of the new Guess Who album Derek Sharp, is filled with energy.

Perhaps enthusiasm is a better adjective as the band are on the brink of introducing the new album and tunes to the world.

Please listen below to my chat with Derek about many things including one tune from the upcoming disc.

Derek? What’s up?

Visit The Guess Who Here !

Rick Keene Music Scene – George Thorogood Isn’t ‘Lonesome’ on His First Solo Record

Bad to The Bone …

Who on this planet does not know that opening riff followed by the words in the song ‘Bad To The Bone’? Chances are – aliens circling overhead in their spacecraft hear it every time George Thorogood and his Destroyers play it live.

It has been a long and storied career for Thorogood – starting as a hard working solo act making a name for himself on the club scene. John Lee Hooker, Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, The Rolling Stones and Howlin’ Wolf – just a few of the men who influenced George to pick up a guitar and start playing.

15 million albums sales and more than 8,000 live shows later – George has released his first solo record paying respect to all the Blues guys that influenced hm.

Please listen below to my chat with Lonesome George about the new album and his upcoming show with The Destroyers Aug.23rd at

Trois Rivieres En Blues.

Garry Petersen knows good music.

Aside from the fact Garry started drumming before Rock n Roll was a ‘thing’ – Petersen also was part of one of the biggest selling Rock bands of all time.

The Guess Who,at one point, were outselling The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Not bad for a guy (and band) from Winnipeg Manitoba.

Fast forward to 2018 and Garry ( who – along with original bassist Jim Kale own the rights to the Guess Who name) is hoping to grab North America by storm once again.

The current line-up of The Guess Who (a non-stop touring unit who have never ceased playing ) are poised to release a brand new album in September.

Please listen below to part one of my chat with Garry and stay tuned for part two along with my chat with lead singer and guitarist Derek Sharp.

Garry? What’s up?

Visit The Guess Who Here !

Rick Keene Music Scene – ‘ Wave 21’ Adding a Much Needed Country Element to the Montreal Music Scene

Every musician is – a little bit Country …

Following in the true vain of the roots of popular music, Mary-Lynn Doroschuk ( daughter of Stefan Doroschuk of Men Without Hats fame) is bursting on to the music scene with fresh and creative Country / Rockabilly / Pop songs.

Poignant lyrics with crisp riffs and energetic upbeat tempos are balanced nicely with the touching tones of melancholy within the album’s balladry.

Please listen below to my chat with Mary-Lynn and hear some great tunes from

Wave 21.

Visit Wave 21 here !

Rick Keene Music Scene – Selling Steve Hackett by the Pound

Once upon a time, Genesis was not a Pop band.

Cutting edge songs in the prog Rock vein was what made Genesis into one of the biggest selling commercial bands of all time. Lyricist and singer Peter Gabriel and guitar player Steve Hackett were a huge part of that equation. Upon their departure – something was missing ..

Please have a listen below to one of their best albums and hear some of the behind the scenes nuances which took place.

Steve Hackett.com

Rick Keene Music Scene – Kate McGarry; A Loving Trio Just in Time for Valentine’s Day

Kate McGarry has one of the greatest voices in music.

One Grammy nomination under her belt later, Kate has hooked up with two of her favorite fellows to record an album fitting for not just a Grammy award – an Oscar award as well.

Combining Jazz sensibilities with soundtrack mentalities is a coup for music lovers of all genres.

Please listen below as Kate explains the thinking, the process and her thoughts about working with Keith Ganz and Gary Versace

Kate? What’s up?

Visit Kate Here !

Rick Keene Music Scene – Mike Goudreau; Making a Name for His Music in Hollywood!

One man’s junk is another man’s treasure.

Sometimes, artists do not get their just due. Instead of rolling over and crying into their old Blues records, craftsmen must think outside the box. They look for avenues to not only make money – to also earn the respect they deserve for quality art

Mike Goudreau is one of those guys.

Inadvertently stumbling into a lucrative licensing career which has seen his songs played in many TV shows and Hollywood films. CSI Los Angeles and Netflix’ Bloodline to name two.

Please have a listen below to my chat with Mike about licensing music for visual media South of the Border and other tales related to his career. Listen to some great tunes which are being released for the first time commercially on Alternate Takes Volume One.

Sometimes, music needs to be injected with the past.

Danielle Duval, a former Montrealer now living in Toronto, appears to have accomplished the large task of injecting some fresh blood into Rock n Roll.

Not inventing the wheel but incorporating sounds she heard from a band which were rather large in the late 70’s and eighties.

Please listen below to some tracks from Danielle’s new album Lose It and find out what rare pieces of musical equipment were used in the recording of the album.

Danielle? What’s up?

Visit Danielle Here !

Rick Keene Music Scene – Quite Simply, Some of the Best Female Vocalists and What’s Coming !

Angels are among us …

Their voices as forceful and as soft as need be. Sounds of the souls drifting into the air and pollinating those who pay attention.

Please have a listen below to some great new tunes and a new / old song from one of Montreal’s wayward daughters. Find out what is coming up on

Rick Keene Music Scene

Talk soon !

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Art is therapy. Music is art.

Please listen below to Part Two of the best music to calm your soul and ease your mind.

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Art is therapy. Music is art.

Please listen below to Part One of the best music to calm your soul and ease your mind.

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Like this:

The human riff started somewhere.

The most prolific songwriting guitar player in Rock n Roll and perhaps all music history is schooled in music. Jazz, Country, Blues – Keith Richards (and The Stones) have been there – done that.

Please listen below to TEN of Keith Richards’ biggest musical influences. The framework for the human riff.

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What is with older music fans living in the past?

Have a listen below to a couple of new Bluesy tunes and some songs that classic rock radio should be playing but do not.

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Acclaimed Canadian folk label achieved success with Stan Rogers, Le Vent Du Nord, La Bottine Souriante, Michael Jerome Browne, Ron Hynes, The Fugitives, & Oliver Schroer among many others.

Grit Laskin continues to craft some of the best acoustic guitars made anywhere and Bill Garrett is in demand as a producer.

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“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.”- Oscar Wilde.

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They say talk is cheap …

That may be the case many times yet when music is involved – talk is an education.

In the past year, discussions took place with eighty musicians. Add multiple chats with engineers, producers or people in the music business; the list is long and informative.

All these moments above are meant to be a platform to educate anyone who listens or reads. A chance for up and coming musicians to learn and established artists to teach.

Of all the interviews in the past year – the top ten have been chosen for different reasons. All of the interviews gave value yet below are the unique ones.

Please enjoy and check archives to listen.

Top Ten Interviews 2018

10. Colin James

9. Dweezil Zappa

8. George Thorogood

7. Kim Mitchell

6. Malcolm Bruce

5. Jean -Marc Pisapia

4. Andy Kim

3. Gary Petersen

2. Myles Goodwyn

Alan Parsons

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Attending all live music in Montreal is impossible.

Practically every crook and nook contains rhythms and vibes. World music, Blues, Rock – you name it, music is alive and well in the city .

Not all live music is performed by local musicians. Regularly – like pirates from a distant land; musicians arrive. They rape and pillage the souls of Montrealers and then they are gone. Gold pieces filling their guitar cases.

Arriving with a Top Ten Concerts List is not possible if integrity is involved. The simple fact that many live shows were missed adds to the incomplete puzzle. The most beautiful woman in the world, after all – is a choice ripe in location.

Please dissect the Top Ten Concerts of 2018 below with the knowledge they have been chosen from a well of sixty. Deep enough to siphon an amount comparable to the elite.

Top Ten Concerts of 2018

10. Steve Hackett

9. Kim Churchill

8. Dr. Lonnie Smith

7. Jack Broadbent

6. Jim Cuddy Band

5. Jordan Officer

4. Steven Wilson

3. Cecile Mclorin Salvant

2. Beth Hart

1.Ranee Lee

Montreal’s Queen of Jazz put on the most memorable performance this city has maybe ever seen. The day before her appearance at the Montreal international Jazz Festival – Ranee lost her musical muse and husband. A devastating moment for anyone and a life altering moment.

Under extreme emotional circumstances – Ranee decided the show must go on as her husband Richard would have wanted.

Any show completed would have gained a standing ovation due to the circumstances. Heartbreak on the sleeves and a hole in the heart can be the wind that pushes the tightrope walker off the thin line. A musical death would have been accepted without critique.

One evening when the realities of life could not be avoided changed The Montreal International Jazz Festival into a mystical place. One woman who took on the realities of life with courage transformed The Montreal International Jazz festival into Magic.

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Face it – Christmas is special …

Every year in December, the Lyric Theater Singers get to work. They rehearse and practice new and old arrangements of Christmas tunes.

This year is no different.

Please listen below to my chat with Chris Barillaro – a lifelong employee of music and second banana to the musical director of The Lyric Theater Singers – Bob Bachelor.

Chris? What’s up?

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Alan Parsons got his start working with George Martin and Geoff Emerick. Not too shabby eh?

Learning from the likes of Martin and Emerick – gifted Parsons with a foundation. One that has made him one of the most sought after engineers and producers in music.

Please listen below to my chat with Alan Parsons about Geoff Emerick, sound recording and Alan’s new album – his first in fifteen years.

Alan? What’s up?