You Can Call Me Ray … You Can Call Me Jay – Or you Can Call Me ‘Snooksta’; Part Two

Wednesday is the night to be downtown … Why? That is the evening ‘Snooksta and the Gangstas’ take to the stage at The House of Jazz. They provide rhythm, Blues and Jazz. Combined with a battery section of two old friends, a young and upcoming saxophone player and a beautiful pianist – the band leaves no one empty. Especially the house which George Durst built. … Continue reading You Can Call Me Ray … You Can Call Me Jay – Or you Can Call Me ‘Snooksta’; Part Two

You Can Call Me Ray …You Can Call Me Jay – Or You Can Call Me ‘Snooksta’

Leslie ‘Snooksta’ Alston is a schooled drummer. Not a classroom aficionado but a sidewalk one … On the ‘streets’, paying attention to other musicians is what makes the former ‘Snooky’ great. Playing with Freddie James or singing and drumming on a cruise ship – Leslie is an act worth writing home to … Leslie …?   Visit ‘Snooksta’ Right here!     Continue reading You Can Call Me Ray …You Can Call Me Jay – Or You Can Call Me ‘Snooksta’

John Beaudine – Livin’ the Blues and All That Jazz; Part Two

In part two of my interview with this tremendous Saxophone player – John explains his experiences and thoughts pertaining to a life-long journey through the world of music … Sometimes – legends are not always in the public eye! John?   Please visit The House of Jazz and John Here!   Continue reading John Beaudine – Livin’ the Blues and All That Jazz; Part Two

John Beaudine – Livin’ the Blues and All That Jazz!

Imagine … Being a huge Blues’ fan and obtaining an apprenticeship from some of the greats. Legends such as Junior Wells, Buddy Guy and James Cotton. They were the ones who taught Johnny Beaudine his craft and toughness to survive in the music business. Please listen to Part One as Johnny explains his great career. Please visit Johnny and The House of Jazz Here!   Continue reading John Beaudine – Livin’ the Blues and All That Jazz!

Joe Louis Walker; Hornet’s Nest – A ‘Feel Good’ Record

Blues guitarist Joe Louis Walker has been around more than most. Rooming with legend Mike Bloomfield or hanging around with Jimi Hendrix and Ron Wood, let us say; Joe knows the Blues. Hornet’s Nest is his latest labor of love and it will be released on the 25th of February. A fun-filled addition to his vast catalog. A blend of Blues, Gospel and …? Joe? … Continue reading Joe Louis Walker; Hornet’s Nest – A ‘Feel Good’ Record

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

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

Bonnie Raitt; A Flower in the Mud

Imagine laying by the ocean on a warm summer day. The mist – soothing the aches caused by the immense heat of the sun … Think of a child appearing with a toothless grin amid the staunchest boors at a dinner party from Hell. Place the pair of scenarios together like two wine glasses connecting in front of a fire on a cold winter’s eve. This … Continue reading Bonnie Raitt; A Flower in the Mud

Angel Forrest; Reborn and Lovin’ It!

Angel Forrest has been singing around Montreal and abroad for many years. Days and nights spent on the road – honing a voice which balances between Jazz, Blues and almost anything else … She has just recently released an album which, surprisingly – is her first Blues one with all original material in English.  It has been a long time coming and for once – … Continue reading Angel Forrest; Reborn and Lovin’ It!