The star of 20 Feet to Stardom was twenty feet away. So – it seemed …
The former back-up singer for The Rolling Stones ( just one of many acts Lisa Fischer has enhanced), was at Maison Symphonique in Montreal Saturday night with her band; Grand Baton.
What a band it was …
In a day and age of auto tune and auto – ‘everything else’, Lisa and her mates displayed real sounds in real time. Commencing with a cover of Amy Grant’s ‘ Breath of Heaven’, Lisa’s vocals filled the room with sounds that were otherworldly.
Combining angelic sweetness with Ella – viscosity, Lisa and her band Grand Baton; JC Maillard (guitars, keys), Aidan Carroll (Bass) and Thierry Arpino ( Drums) ,upped the ante in a musical world filled with bluffs.
The trio of musicians adding and subtracting vocals through their instruments. Endorsing Fischer with a mutual admiration and in turn, adorning La Maison Symphonique with golden trinkets. Songs we thought we knew …
‘Rock n Roll’ ( Page, Plant) has been heard millions of times around the world by each Rock fan individually. Multiply that by billions of people, it is one of the most globally popular Rock songs in history. On Saturday night, Lisa and the band made it instantaneously unrecognizable. No small feat. No wrong turns. No stone unturned.
The beauty of a Lisa Fischer / Grand Baton show lays in the telling of stories. Each song such as ‘Rock n Roll’ – explored profoundly. Nuances, melodies, structures, chords and lyrics. Explored in their entirety by the performers before the group hits the stage. Impeccable research and rehearsals take place in order for the songs such as David Bowie’s ‘I’m Afraid of Americans’, Little Willie John’s ‘Fever’ and The Stones’ ‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash‘ to shine like Super Novas in a universe filled with falling stars. Each song performed the way they were probably penned before record companies and radio got involved. Before big money got involved.
Each cover retaining moments of ‘face’recognition. A chorus, connotation of a lyric or a riff. The remaining ingredients – like improvised Jazz with every genre added for the perfect blend. The perfect adventure. The perfect storm.
Rarely does there exist a vocalist whose power is not in need of microphone. A singer who can have the microphone ’20 feet away ‘ and still send shock-waves to the rear of a venue. Reverberating throughout – tickling the souls and toying with the senses. Elvis Presley did it and in 2016 – Lisa Fischer is carrying the vocal ‘Grand Baton’ around the world.
In music, there are four types of musicians. Fair, good, great and exceptional.
There are also the musicians who have followed the steps and not betrayed their craft. Able, willing and curious to understand where all levels of musicianship comes from. Understanding the principles of the soul through global voyages. The real origins of music are not stationary.
Saturday night, in a day and age of uncertainty in all aspects of life including music, Lisa Fischer and Grand Baton gave Montreal shelter. War – after all, may be just a shot away and Lisa proudly reminded the crowd of the ‘global’ stage from where she came …
Following a month of rehearsals, The League of Rock Montreal and the four ‘brand spanking new bands’, introduced themselves to the rockin’ world on November 2nd at McKibbons Pointe Claire.
It was an opportunity for each member of each band to recognize their place in the world of music. There are no room for egos if improvement is on the list as ‘things to do’. Any working entity must place aside personal and technical prowess in order for grooves to take place. For unity to conquer…
On Wednesday, Nov. 9th – it was back to basics at Studio Musico Pratik in Verdun.
An occasion for ‘tails between legs’ or ‘heads up high’ to convene, reassess and imply the foibles and fables of lore into the next rung on the Rock n Roll ladder. Nuances which may have intervened with success the week before. Battles within an individual, hauntingly placed inside the treasure chest of stalemates in the ultimate game of melodic chess.
Working together like Bees in a hive, each part of each sum – striving to be heard so a sound so unique, so distinct, will be achieved and mastered.
Gary Johnston, the CEO of The League of Rock Montreal. A bass player with so many experiences within his weathered fingers; coaching – egging his students into an area they thought they knew. A place as foreign as foreigners are to an ancient place. The zone. The temple of … completeness.
The eyes of the musicians have changed in the past few weeks. Imagery replaced with concrete. Strawberry Fields nourished by the Salt of the Earth.
Playing live will do that. The energy gained by both punters and performers as magical and educational as a stint at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Confidence gained and confidence lost as musicians learn about themselves, their band-mates and the song. A tune which may be overhauled to match the limit of the music highway. No speeding tickets allowed on the Highway to Hell.
It’s go time … !
Walking on water is much different than tiptoeing on water lilies. The scenery underwater is beautiful yet the sky seems brighter when the instruments are stuck in the mud. The bottom feeders not as attractive as the pulsating ceiling lights.
General George S. Patton once forced himself to eat oranges while staring at maggots consuming oranges.
Force feeding courage so the moments of bliss will never be to complacent. Instilling a discipline as profound as the roots of music to a conductor of Jazz. Pain induces fame. Injury to the soul increases stamina. Misery loves the company of a live music crowd.
The lady and men of The League of Rock Montreal have witnessed the other side of the Camel’s hump. They have climbed the hills of uncertainty.
As they slide towards the ravine of their next public appearance, their luggage is lighter. The baggage newer. The vision brighter. Hard work pays off with Golden Rings ….
Robert Johnson sold his soul at The Crossroads to the Devil in exchange for Blues superiority. As time goes on, it appears someone else sold their souls and the Devil must have gotten a hell of a lot in return.
The Rolling Stones, created and led by Brian Jones – were originally a Blues Band. Schooled by Johnson, Elmore James, Muddy Waters and a variety of characters from America, the Stones are credited with re-introducing the Blues back from where it came. Mississippi and Chicago. The birthplace and the cradle.
Elvis Presley acted Black and the crowds loved it. The Stones were Black and the crowds have not left after fifty-four years !
Please listen below to some Blues tracks from the Rolling Stones in advance of their first full Blues album in fifty – four years !
The album, Blue and Lonesome is out in stores on Dec. 2nd
Robert Johnson sold his soul at The Crossroads to the Devil in exchange for Blues superiority. As time goes on, it appears someone else sold their souls and the Devil must have gotten a hell of a lot in return.
The Rolling Stones, created and led by Brian Jones – were originally a Blues Band. Schooled by Johnson, Elmore James, Muddy Waters and a variety of characters from America, the Stones are credited with re-introducing the Blues back from where it came. Mississippi and Chicago. The birthplace and the cradle.
Elvis Presley acted Black and the crowds loved it. The Stones were Black and the crowds have not left after fifty-four years !
Please listen below to some Blues tracks from the Rolling Stones in advance of their first full Blues album in fifty – four years !
The album, Blue and Lonesome is out in stores on Dec. 2nd
Stayed tuned for Part Three and hear two new tracks from
Robert Johnson sold his soul at The Crossroads to the Devil in exchange for Blues superiority. As time goes on, it appears someone else sold their souls and the Devil must have gotten a hell of a lot in return.
The Rolling Stones, created and led by Brian Jones – were originally a Blues Band. Schooled by Johnson, Elmore James, Muddy Waters and a variety of characters from America, the Stones are credited with re-introducing the Blues back from where it came. Mississippi and Chicago. The birthplace and the cradle.
Elvis Presley acted Black and the crowds loved it. The Stones were Black and the crowds have not left after fifty-four years !
Please listen below to some Blues tracks from the Rolling Stones in advance of their first full Blues album in fifty – four years !
The album, Blue and Lonesome is out in stores on Dec. 2nd
Stayed tuned for Part Two and hear two new tracks from
Come on in and see what’s happening
Pay the price, get your tickets for the show
The stage is set, the band starts playing
Suddenly your heart is pounding
Wishing secretly you were a star
The lyrics from Styx’s great song ‘Grand Illusion’ – never rang so true as they did on November 2nd at McKibbon’s Pub in Pte Claire.
The wait was over. No time left to fiddle with a groove or groove with a fiddle. Following four weeks of rehearsals, the men and woman who signed up for The League of Rock Montreal, dressed up and hit the stage.
Playing before a live audience for the first time in their current formations, the sets and songs could have gone three ways for the four bands. Good, bad or somewhere in the middle. Make it four ways. It may have been a complete disaster.
Nerves are a precious entity. They can propel to great heights or defeat all senses and send a person (performance ) into an early grave.
Backstage, pre-show, with the support of their own bandmates, guest coaches bass player Boogie Cindy ( Boogie Wonder Band) and vocalist Carolyn Fe, it was a mixed agenda as nerves and confidence battled for music supremacy. Those with nerves pretending to be confident and vice versa. A war of contradiction as the clock neared the starting gate.
“But don’t be fooled by the radio
The TV or the magazines
They’ll show you photographs of how your life should be
But they’re just someone else’s fantasies
So if you think your life is complete confusion
‘Cause you never win the game
Just remember that it’s a grand illusion
And deep inside we’re all the same
We’re all the same”
“So if you think your life is complete confusion
Because your neighbor’s got it made
Just remember that it’s a grand illusion
And deep inside we’re all the same”
“America spells competition
Join us in our blind ambition
Get yourself a brand new motorcar
Someday soon we’ll stop to ponder
What on earth’s this spell we’re under
We made the grade and still we wonder
Who the hell we are …”
**Well, woke up this morning with a wine glass in my hand
Whose wine? What wine?
Where the hell did I dine?
Must have been a dream
I don’t believe where I’ve been
Come on, let’s do it again
Do you…you, feel like I do?
How’d ya feel?
Do you…you, feel like I do?
My friend got busted
Just the other day
They said,”Don’t walk, don’t walk, don’t walk away.”
Drove him to a taxi
Bent the boot, hit the back
Had to play some music, otherwise he’d crack
Do you…you, feel like I do?
How’d ya feel?
Do you…you, feel like I…
Do you…you, feel like I do?
Yes ya do
Do you…you, feel like I do?
Champagne for breakfast and a Sherman in my hand
Peach coat, Peach tails., never fails
Must have been a dream I don’t believe where I’ve been
Come on, let’s do it again
Do you…you, feel like I do?
How’d ya feel?
Do you…you, feel like I…
Do you feel like we do?
Do you feel like we do?
Oh, that’s true
Do you feel like we do?
Get back
Do you feel..do you feel like we do?
Oh baby do you feel?
Oh baby do you feel, feel like we do?
Do you feel…do you feel…like we do?
I want to thank you
Do you feel like we do?
That’s alright, that’s alright to feel you’d like
Feel you’d like, a good time
We’ll goto bed for a good night
Good night, good night, good night, good night, good night
In Montreal – Cliff Stevens is known as ‘ Slowhand ‘.
Something that came as a surprise to Stevens at one point in his musical life.
” I loved Clapton and loved playing his music.” Says Cliff from his ‘home away from home’ Morocco. “Everywhere I played or went, people kept telling me I sounded like Clapton and looked like him too. It took me a while but I caught on and starting doing a tribute to him!’ He laughs.
For those who know Cliff, guitar playing and music is at the top of his priorities. A craft he works very hard at and the results are in full glossy form musically and personally on his second album; ‘Grass Won’t Grow’. A disc which combines elements of one of Clapton’s favorite songwriters – J.J. Cale.
Cale
” Writing the songs, I did not conscientiously think of Cale but there is definitely that influence in there.” Admits Cliff. “Cale was so influential on Clapton’s career with songs like ‘Cocaine’, my affection of Clapton’s music is an extension of Cale.”
‘Grass Won’t Grow’ is a record which Stevens is extremely fond of and the album has hard work combined with personal lyrics. In short, an accumulation of Steven’s life so far. Any artist whose passion for music leads them into romantic troubles will identify immediately with the album’s theme and the album’s second song ‘Price You Pay’
” It’s my life …” chuckles Cliff. ” I’ve had a few relationships over the years which don’t work out because of my lifestyle as a working musician. It isn’t easy being on the road and committing to a union of two people. The end of some were my fault and some were because of my unwillingness to ‘stay home’ The lyrics are all about my feelings, thoughts and emotions.”
Stevens’ ‘unwillingness ‘ to stay home is somewhat reflective of the live music scene in Montreal. Something which has sadly diminished in the past few years.
” Doing my music or the Clapton tribute, the scene in Montreal was not enough to make a living.” Explains Cliff.
” There are places I play and continually get work when I am Montreal but it is just not enough to pay the bills. I have come to Morocco for a few years now and it is a great place for travelling musicians. My expenses are small in Morocco and there is enough work to keep coming back.”
‘Grass Won’t Grow’ is a love affair for Stevens with a combination of Blues, Country and a small dose of Rock n Roll. Catchy choruses and clever riffs enhance Stevens’ solos with a genuine feeling of togetherness. A feeling Stevens contributes to the musicians playing on the album.
” I could not have done it without them” Admits Cliff.” I was so lucky these guys had time to help me out. ”
Stevens explains.
“Sam Harrisson ( Paul Deslauriers Band) is on drums, Alec McElcheran (one of Montreal’s most sought after session players) is on Bass and Eric Sauve adds Piano and Organ. The professionalism and experience these guys added were unbelievable. Their advice on arrangements – just enough to make the songs work that much better. It sounds clichéd but I really don’t think it ( the album) would have that continuous feel without them. Simon ( Jodoin) and Marc ( Theriault) engineered and mastered the album and without them, none of us are very good …”
‘Grass Won’t Grow’ opens with an easy-going flare. Unlike some ‘Blues’ albums, there is nothing repetitive to the senses.
‘The track that seems to be getting a lot of airplay is ‘Runnin’.” Explains Stevens. “It is more Rock and Pop than the others and it surprised me a bit. I’m just happy people like it. Of course – there is a Blues foundation within the song which most Rock n Roll has. “
“Don’t You Say’ – the opening track and the second tune ‘Price You Pay’, both contain a Stevie Ray Vaughn ‘Coldshot ‘ kinda feel. A tune custom-made for having a drinkafter a hard day’s work. The theme of a disenchanted female, absorbed by Stevens’ relaxing riffs and raspy vocals. Company for the misunderstood musician.
The’pearl’ of the album, a song which everyone should be singing along to once the chorus is embedded in their earphones is the title track; ‘Grass won’t Grow’. An infectious upbeat number destined for a movie soundtrack. A feel good upbeat number which, at the very least – leaves the listener humming all day.
‘Cryin’ My Heart Out’ is the aw shucks tune. The song which lyrically would make any woman forgive Cliff. With a touch of an eighties Colin James , the song remains distinctively Stevens. Something about the voice on this song and the album which arrives as pure and unadulterated. The powerful lead in by the band and more powerful solo is a must listen for any fan of the Blues ballad.
‘All Through the Night’ , should have been on The Beatles’ Abbey road album. A dark feel grounded by menacing riffs and an eerie solo. Blood curling stuff which grabs by the guitar neck and chokes you into the Blues-y Rock feeling of early seventies California. Spine – chillin’.
Please listen below to sample some of the songs on
The Marsalis clan are considered to be building blocks and messengers for the great tradition of New Orleans music. Carrying the torch and integrity of great American Jazz.
Delfeayo Marsalis, perhaps more than his brothers Wynton and Branford, or – in a different way, is educating the folks in real time. Adorning the American landscape with words and music, profound in history and poignant at a time when America is wounded.
Please listen below to part three of my chat as Delfeayo explains Jazz in New Orleans and the message of pure spiritual sounds which are integral to the past and future of great music in America and around the world.
Well – to coin the name of a recent video title, this is it …
The League of Rock Montreal, following four weeks of rehearsals, is showcasing the results on November 2nd at McKibbons West Island.
The first step towards the bands recording their songs on to CD at a professional studio in Showcase Number One.
It has been an interesting journey thus far. All these musical men and woman meeting for the first time a month ago. Drummers, singers, bass players, guitar players and a keyboardist. Each with specific styles. Each with different tastes in music. Each with one goal. To learn, grow and become better musicians.
On November 2nd, the results will be known to each performer. They will discover, how much they have improved and – how much they have not. So far, they have been practicing in a studio with their backs to where the audience will be on Tuesday. On the second day in November, they’ll be performing on stage. A different animal. A completely different ‘tune’.
Thankfully, the groups have had some help along the way.
Montreal chapter president Gary Johnston has not only ‘ barked’ instructions to the would be ‘rock stars’ , he has also recruited some very knowledgeable musicians to encourage and teach the League of Rock bands.
In order, Brian Greenway ( April Wine), Corey Diabo ( Jonas and The Massive Attraction), Warwick artist Simon Daigle and Roy Nichol (April Wine) have ‘lent’ their experience to the aspiring musicians.
Last Wednesday, Roy Nichol ( above picture) was very instrumental in shaping a somewhat anxious bunch of previous ‘clay’ into magnificent sculptures of Rock.
The current April Wine drummer – explaining things that only an experienced musician could. Initiating talks on how a successful band operates. Something not known to the ‘naked ear’. After all, most fans of any type of music, show up and enjoy the show. Not much thought is put into the behind-the-scenes work and discipline required to make a functioning band function.
The interesting thing about the four bands participating in The League of Rock Montreal is the short period of time they had to choose three songs and tighten them into form.
Remember, not everyone in each band may like a song choice. Not everyone in each band knew the chosen song a month ago. This is where the League of Rock coaches helped.
Nichol, last week, explaining to a vocalist, not to ‘read the words’. Explaining how the vocalist rides the foundation of a song which is led by a drummer ( usually) . Trusting the musicians and learning to ride the wave.
Once the bands became aware that even experienced musicians must shove trepidation to the side, it facilitated the process for The League of Rock bands and aided in the transformation of creating a full sound . A tight sound. A cohesive sound. A unit …
The League of Rock coaches ease the nerves. The League of Rock coaches simplify things.
Brian Greenway
Wednesday Nov. 2nd at McKibbons Pointe Claire will be a test. A test of nerves, an exam of technique and a result to head back to the studio with to work on. New knowledge to return to the studio and tamper and fiddle with anything or everything that went wrong.
The Marsalis clan are considered to be building blocks and messengers for the great tradition of New Orleans music. Carrying the torch and integrity of great American Jazz.
Delfeayo Marsalis, perhaps more than his brothers Wynton and Branford, or – in a different way, is educating the folks in real time. Adorning the American landscape with words and music, profound in history and poignant at a time when America is wounded.
Please listen below to part two of my chat as Delfeayo explains Jazz in New Orleans and the message of pure spiritual sounds which are integral to the past and future of great music in America and around the world.
The Marsalis clan are considered to be building blocks and messengers for the great tradition of New Orleans music. Carrying the torch and integrity of great American Jazz.
Delfeayo Marsalis, perhaps more than his brothers Wynton and Branford, or – in a different way, is educating the folks in real time. Adorning the American landscape with words and music, profound in history and poignant at a time when America is wounded.
Please listen below to part one of my chat as Delfeayo explains Jazz in New Orleans and the message of pure spiritual sounds which are integral to the past and future of great music in America and around the world.
