Wanda Jackson – A Legend; Pure and Simple. Part One

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

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 !

Emelie – Claire Barlow; The Juno, the Duck, the Mouse and ‘Bunny’

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’

Celine Dion; Part Deux

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

No Pain – No Gain. A Salvation …

By Bianca Marques Daniel Gildenlöw’s (lead singer/guitarist) voice filled the room and the audience fell silent. His oral presence –  strong yet soothing. Ensuring  every member of the audience stood entranced … Ladies and Gentlemen – Pain of Salvation were in the house! The band took the stage at Cabaret Miles End Wednesday night with Gildenlöw’s powerful voice pairing perfectly with the melodic undertones of … Continue reading No Pain – No Gain. A Salvation …

SCREAM for Montreal! Concert Review

by Bianca Marques “Scream for me Montreal!” The line of the night for the small, dedicated crowd gathered at Olympia to hear Made In Iron play. The Iron Maiden cover band made every effort to duplicate Iron Maiden’s World Slavery Tour of 1984. Before the band even set foot on stage, the audience was drawn in by a trio of fire dancers (the troop is … Continue reading SCREAM for Montreal! Concert Review

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’

Buddy Guy! Live and Alive with Energy!

How can words describe it? It’s not everyday a living legend takes the stage. A man who learned his guitar – playing craft, not by playing, by listening to the masters of the Blues  themselves. Think of J.K Rowling sitting next to John Steinbeck or Ernest Hemingway and learning how to write. That is exactly what Buddy Guy lived. In lieu of these famous authors, … Continue reading Buddy Guy! Live and Alive with Energy!

Bianca’s Monster Truck Review; Short and Sweet

By Bianca Marques Hamilton-based band Monster Truck opened for Billy Talent last week at the Bell Center. Four hairy beasts that make up the band appeared on stage. Within  seconds of starting to play – these guys were nothing short of amazing! After the show, the merch table was the place to be. The band’s EP – a must have ! The four song disc … Continue reading Bianca’s Monster Truck Review; Short and Sweet