Andria Simone and Those Guys – Raising It Up a Notch. Jazz Festival Review

To get an idea of what type of personality Andria Simone is – one does not have to look past the name of her band. ‘Those Guys’. The guys are – Mark Wilson on Bass, Brian Dihari on Sax, George Nikolov on drums and Dave Kirby on guitar. ‘Those Guys’ and Simone delivered a monstrous set of Soul, R&B, Blues and Rock n Roll to … Continue reading Andria Simone and Those Guys – Raising It Up a Notch. Jazz Festival Review

Susie Arioli; Montreal’s ‘Dearest Darlin’. Jazz Festival Review

Susie Arioli ain’t new to these parts … From her humble beginnings jammin’ with The Stephen Barry Band to her meteoric rise with Jordan Officer, Susie has earned her place in Montrealers hearts. Susie took her ‘ new ‘ act to the stage of Club Soda Friday evening as part of The Montreal International Jazz Festival. New meaning – sans Officer et avec Jim Bland. … Continue reading Susie Arioli; Montreal’s ‘Dearest Darlin’. Jazz Festival Review

Rick Keene Music Scene – You Want a Jazz Festival Preview?

There is a lot of talent coming to the Montreal International Jazz Festival in 2016 … The Festival gets underway on June 29th with Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings doing a free blow-out show to open the Festival. Jones, one of the best performers on the scene today –promises to deliver a opening showstopper for the ages. Susie Arioli performs on July 2nd at Club … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – You Want a Jazz Festival Preview?

Dawn Tyler Watson – A ‘Jawbreaking’ Interview !

Montrealers know Dawn Tyler Watson. Or – do they … ?    Dawn Tyler – Watson has been entertaining Montrealers and Canadians for what seems like an eternity. In a good way … Hard to believe her latest release ‘JawBreaker’ is only Dawn’s fourth solo album. Her small-ish output is not for lack of talent or opportunity, it is based on … Please  listen below … Continue reading Dawn Tyler Watson – A ‘Jawbreaking’ Interview !

Dawn Tyler Watson – Experience is a ‘Jawbreaker’ ! Album Review

Montrealers know Dawn Tyler Watson very well … One of this city’s brightest diamonds has shone bright for a few decades. In her latest offering; ‘Jawbreaker’, Dawn exudes passion with experience. They say practice makes perfect yet musicians are all aware, perfection is as unattainable as The Holy Grail. Perfection is the hunger which, more times than not – sustains a career. In ‘JawBreaker’, Tyler … Continue reading Dawn Tyler Watson – Experience is a ‘Jawbreaker’ ! Album Review

Pete Dumoulin – Owner of The Catchiest Song ‘Not on Radio’.

Sometimes – it takes a while.   For Chateauguay – born Pete Dumoulin, now is now. Following years of writing and performing song, Pete has finally released an album. It’s a good one ! Pete has No Regrets … ‘Things I’d Change’; the Dire Straits performance enhancing first song, is a hit – in – waiting. The catchiest tune this side of the pond. Every … Continue reading Pete Dumoulin – Owner of The Catchiest Song ‘Not on Radio’.

The Anderson – Ponty Band; Music’s Best Kept Secret Astounded Montreal !

Jon Anderson of Yes fame is one matter. Jean -Luc Ponty is an entire different matter. Place the two together and what you receive in return – matters the most ! The pair were in Montreal last evening on the heels of their album; ‘Better Late Than Never’. An album which took thirty -odd years to come into fruition. Judging by the live versions of … Continue reading The Anderson – Ponty Band; Music’s Best Kept Secret Astounded Montreal !

Sheldon Kagan Has Retired ( Sorta – Kinda …)

 Montreal entertainment impresario Sheldon Kagan fulfilled a promise to himself. Retiring after fifty years in business. A goal fulfilled. A lifetime fulfilled.   Not quite …   Please listen below to discover what Sheldon has done with his immense music collection as well as what he is doing in his … er … retirement.  Sheldon?     Visit The Cummings Center Here ! For tickets … Continue reading Sheldon Kagan Has Retired ( Sorta – Kinda …)

The Flying Joes – Old School Rock n’ Roll !

The lead singer of The Flying Joes – Syd Bedard, is having fun ! His band has a new album titled ‘Let It Out !’ and they are commencing their first tour … Please listen below as Syd explains his band, the album, the tour and why it may not be such a good idea to be a drummer in his band. Syd?     Visit … Continue reading The Flying Joes – Old School Rock n’ Roll !

Robert Stefan was ‘ Made in Canada!’

When people think of Canada – they think hockey. In reality, Canadian music has just a long and interesting legacy. How many times have you listened to a great song and were stunned to discover the artist was Canadian! The Stampeders, Chilliwack, A Foot in Cold Water – just a few bands that you have heard the tunes but did not know they went to … Continue reading Robert Stefan was ‘ Made in Canada!’

Mr. Bolly ‘s Victory ! Local Hip Hop Artist Helps Out Duffy’s Come2gether for West Island Palliative Care Residence

 Victory comes in many forms …   For Mr. Bolly, that form is karma. A weird chain of events which is taking the song ‘Victory’ and transporting it to all sorts of places. All – for the good of mankind.   Please listen below as Mr. Bolly explains the song, the feelings and the results of hard work.   Hard work with very interesting results.   Mr. … Continue reading Mr. Bolly ‘s Victory ! Local Hip Hop Artist Helps Out Duffy’s Come2gether for West Island Palliative Care Residence

Alain Simard and Andre Menard To Be Honoured by Canadian Music & Broadcast Indsustry

Alain Simard and André Ménard, co-founders of L’Équipe Spectra, will be inducted into the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame during the next Canadian Music & Broadcast Industry Awards Gala in the Toronto Sheraton Centre. Co-founders of L’Équipe Spectra—and, of course, the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal—Alain Simard and André Ménard have strongly influenced the cultural life of the country over almost four decades and have contributed to developing … Continue reading Alain Simard and Andre Menard To Be Honoured by Canadian Music & Broadcast Indsustry