Joe Louis Walker could have easily ended up like several of his friends … Dead. Passed on to that musical graveyard in the sky. A place which houses so many of not only his contemporaries – some of his closest pals. Jimi Hendrix and Mike Bloomfield to name but two. Musicians who – according to Joe, were tempted by the excesses of the music business … Continue reading Joe Louis Walker Knows The Blues! Part One
YUK YUK’S CABARET OPENS Oct. 3, 4 & 5 – YUK YUK’S CABARET: Renowned Canadian comic, Dave (Kids in the Hall) Foley headlines the inaugural week of Montreal’s newest stand-up comedy club. English shows Thursday through Saturday (2 on Sat.) with an all-French line-up every Sunday. $25. Doors open at 7pm; show time 8pm. Saturday shows at 8 & 10:30pm.514-770-7773 or http://www.ticketpro.ca MUSIC Oct. 5 … Continue reading The Rialto Theater – Upcoming Events
Ontario-born Natalie Renee is one smart girl … “I am in school right now for Occupational Physiotherapy.” Explains Natalie from her home near Niagra Falls. ” I am doing the music on the side because it is a safe bet to have a back up plan. My plan is to continue to go to school and do music on the side and whichever one flourishes … Continue reading Natalie Renee; Just Like Everyone Else …
Gino Vannelli had a lot of ambition as a young man growing up in Montreal. According to him – you have to have that fire to succeed. “I was filled with fire as a kid. I moved to New York when I was young and signed a record deal by the time I was twenty-one, which was fairly young for even today’s standards. None of … Continue reading Gino Vannelli; All Those Nights in Montreal. Part Two
The kids’ hearts are in the proper place … That was the feeling jumping around The Rialto Theater on Friday in Montreal. The children of Duke Ellington – April and Edward Jr., suspended in time. Starting with their clothes, the duo transcended time and place right back to the era of the Big Band prominence of the 1940’s. With the big band boppin’ behind them, … Continue reading Savvy with The Savoy Ellingtons
Underground Piano Legend Connie Crothers continues her creative tear with Live At the Freight; a Thrilling Duo Encounter With Tenor Saxophonist Jessica Jones The history of jazz is replete with visionary improvisers possessing wholly original sounds who have gone largely unsung by the music’s mainstream chroniclers. Pianist Connie Crothers, a brilliant player championed by jazz giants such as Lennie Tristano, Max Roach and Jemeel Moondoc, … Continue reading Connie Crothers; A Hidden Legend
If a person passes away, a famous person such as an actor or musician – their death is considered a tragedy. A loss which sends ripples across the global seas at breath – taking speeds through the countless media outlets positioned to do – just that. Everyday, thousands perish by way of disease, accidents,criminal behavior, war or plain old age. Everyday people whose lives may have been … Continue reading Death in Music; Two Very Different Levels …
Elvis … Gladys and Vernon Presley‘s son had many monikers. Movie star, Elvis ‘the Pelvis’ and ‘The King of Rock n Roll’ – to name but three very important ones. ‘Wanda Jackson‘s boyfriend’ was also a name Elvis toted for a while. Few know it – everyone is impressed when it is discovered… For Wanda Lavonne Jackson of Maud, Oklahoma – it was a special … Continue reading Wanda Jackson – A Legend; Pure and Simple. Part One
Kristina Maria has just finished headlining Pride Winnipeg. The city’s Gay and Lesbian Festival. It was the first time she was part of both the festival and Manitoba’s hospitality. “It was such a great time being part of the atmosphere. I got to do seven of my songs and the entire thing was great. The audience and I were feeding off one another and it … Continue reading Kristina Maria – Up Close
It is no coincidence Holly Cole‘s new CD is titled ‘ Night’ … ‘I am a night owl, I stay up very, very late every night …” Says Cole. ” I find it very quiet. I mean the only phone calls I get are from drunk friends. It is very mysterious and for a creative person – it is ideal. It is open at night … Continue reading Holly Cole; The ‘Night’ Started Young …
For Emelie – Claire Barlow, the fifth time is a charm. Following four previous Juno nominations, Barlow finally won a 2013 award for Vocal Jazz Album of the Year. The album is called ‘Seule ce Soir’ . A disc which was recorded in 2012 and was initially intended as a compilation of all her French songs she has done over the years. ‘Most of my … Continue reading Emelie – Claire Barlow; The Juno, the Duck, the Mouse and ‘Bunny’
Kristina Maria may not come from a Francophone family consisting of three thousand brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles and a dog named Charlemagne … That does not mean the Ottawa born singer does not have high connections to Celine Dion. Number one; the girl cutely and absolutely adored Celine from the time she (Maria) was young (er). Two; her manager, with the full blessings of her … Continue reading Celine Dion; Part Deux
Rick Keene Music Scene 