The 34th Edition of The Montreal International Jazz Festival – Part One

Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone … – Bill Withers The above lyrics could not be more suited when a summation of the 34th Annual Montreal International Jazz Festival is complete. Musically and weather – wise … Mother Nature appeared to be somewhat undecided  with her decision to join the festivities. For many tourists and locals  – a moot point.  The sights and sounds of … Continue reading The 34th Edition of The Montreal International Jazz Festival – Part One

Alex Cross and his Rise to Fame

Would you sell your soul for fame?  Sex, Drugs and Rock N’ Roll! A talentless loser’s drive to be famous leads him to naively making a deal with the devil for his soul. Follow Alex’s journey during his rise to fame until he learns the truth from a conspiracy theorist who exposes the hidden satanic agenda behind the music industry. Medulla Oblongata Productions is happy … Continue reading Alex Cross and his Rise to Fame

Pat Travers – Boom Boom; On Come the Lights !

Toronto – born, Ottawa – raised Pat Travers – considers himself fortunate to grow up in an era which provided so many men for him to idolize. Clapton, Hendrix, Santana, Page – so many rock Gods. So much time to learn. “I was really lucky to get started at a time when guitars ruled the airwaves. They were all original sounding players and you could … Continue reading Pat Travers – Boom Boom; On Come the Lights !

The Cat Empire; Full Circle

‘Brighter than Gold’ – the first single from The Cat Empire‘s new album; Steal the Night, has exceeded expectations – according to trumpeter and vocalist Harry Angus. The song, along with the entire disc, is a throwback to the group’s roots. “The last few albums we made, we were following a very live ascetic.” Explains Harry. “Probably, the last three or four records we made … Continue reading The Cat Empire; Full Circle

Terez Montcalm; Voice of a Ragged Angel

At L’Astral last evening, Terez Montcalm came home and the predominant Francophone crowd – welcomed her with open ‘bras’. Why would they not …? Montcalm, in her somewhat short, six album career, has recorded mostly in French. Her sole English album? Voodoo, released in 2006. Terez is presently touring with her new album; I Know I’ll Be Allright. It is a mixture of jazzed – … Continue reading Terez Montcalm; Voice of a Ragged Angel

Jill Barber – ‘In Amour’

Jill Barber, according to Jill Barber,  took a big chance recording an album in French. Judging by the response in Canada so far – that chance appears to be being paying off. The album is aptly titled “Chansons’. Released in January and inspired by Barber’s performance of a French  song at the 2009 Festival International de Jazz in Montreal, it is a wonderful surprise to … Continue reading Jill Barber – ‘In Amour’

Billy Talent – Canadian Thru and Thru

By Bianca Marques Standing in the jam-packed Bell Center waiting for Billy Talent to come on stage was like being inside a shaken can of soda. You could feel the excitement building, the crowd getting antsy and the chants getting louder. Finally, after all that build-up, a part in the curtain, and Ben Kowalewicz (vocals) and Ian D’Sa stroll on stage playing “Lonely Road to … Continue reading Billy Talent – Canadian Thru and Thru

March 9 – BLANKFEST QUEBEC V – It’s About The Homeless; Nothing More, Nothing Less

March 9 – BLANKFEST QUEBEC V – It’s About The Homeless; Nothing More, Nothing Less Montreal is known for having one of Canada’s harshest and coldest winters, and every year it’s unfortunate that those who are homeless must endure the reality of living on the street. Since its conception, Blankfest Quebec has been raising awareness and clothing (over 2,500 items to date) for Montreal’s homeless and shelter the Old Brewery … Continue reading March 9 – BLANKFEST QUEBEC V – It’s About The Homeless; Nothing More, Nothing Less

Long Before American Idol – Tchukon!

Tchukon is a five-man band of immense talent: Slim Williams, Harold Fisher, Kat Dyson, Eric Roberts and Ingrid Stitt who joined the band in 1983. In 1985 the band won CBC’s Rock Wars and then went on to do the opening show of Star Search, hosted by Ed McMahon. Over the years, Tchukon has dazzled fans of soul, jazz and rhythm and blues, and delighted … Continue reading Long Before American Idol – Tchukon!

Jim Henman Still Has That ‘Same Old Feeling ‘ …

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 ‘ …