Montreal International Jazz Festival Preview; The Paul DesLauriers Band are ‘Relentless’!

Paul DesLauriers is a relentless soul …   This Cornwall, Ontario – born guitar player is on a mission. To ensure his band plays to their utmost potential, A ‘relentless’ pursuit of all things good within the Blues. Please listen below to my chat with Paul as he explains everything about the album ‘Relentless’ and the mindset within  The Paul DesLauriers  Band. Paul? What’s Up?   … Continue reading Montreal International Jazz Festival Preview; The Paul DesLauriers Band are ‘Relentless’!

Michael Blum – A Jazzy Tribute to Oscar Peterson

Oscar Peterson is much loved in these here parts. Montreal being the parts and Peterson the sum.  Somewhat strangely – an American guitarist has taken things in his own hands. Paying homage to Peterson through his CD Chasin’ Oscar due in stores on June 17th. Strangely for two reasons. One, Michael Blum is a Jazz guitarist and two – Michael Blum is a Jazz guitarist? … Continue reading Michael Blum – A Jazzy Tribute to Oscar Peterson

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’.

Watch Elvis Leave the Building !

Presented for the first time in Montreal! RETURN TO GRACE Premiere on June 15  8 p.m.  Place des Arts evenko presents for the first time in Montreal, RETURN TO GRACE from June 15 to June 19, at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier. A  glorious, heartfelt tribute to Elvis Presley’ s music featuring Steve Michaels,  and over 30 singers, dancers and musicians on stage, RETURN TO GRACE flawlessly delivers … Continue reading Watch Elvis Leave the Building !

Chaim Tannenbaum; His First Album and It’s a Beauty !

Chaim Tannenbaum has done many things in life. Releasing an album is not one of them. Until now … Informally, he is known as the Godfather of Canadian Folk music. Having co-produced Loudon Wainwright and worked on practically every album the McGarrigle Sisters and Loudon delivered. Keeping it among the family, Tannenbaum has also worked with Rufus and Martha Wainwright.  Following a thirty-five year career as … Continue reading Chaim Tannenbaum; His First Album and It’s a Beauty !

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 !

What’s Shakin’ ? Some Upcoming Shows and Tunes You Won’t Hear on the Radio!

There may be no smoking on terraces in Montreal anymore but there is a lot of smoking music going on ! Please listen below to some of the great acts that are coming as well as some great tunes ! Check out the video for Norman Marshall Villeneuve ! It’s his Birthday celebration on Saturday night at The House of Jazz downtown ! Going to … Continue reading What’s Shakin’ ? Some Upcoming Shows and Tunes You Won’t Hear on the Radio!

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 …)

Barb Diab and The Smoked Meat Trio; Smokey Kind of Blues …

Sometimes, it is – all about The Blues. Barb Diab and her Smoked Meat Trio ( a condensed version of the full band) are fairly new to the ‘Blues’ scene yet have already made an impact. Whether securing regular spots at The House of Jazz downtown and Laval, or – various other entertainment venues in Montreal and abroad, Diab and her ‘Bluesmen’ are earning their … Continue reading Barb Diab and The Smoked Meat Trio; Smokey Kind of Blues …

Rick Keene Music Scene – ‘Music DVD Pick of The Week ‘

It’s nice to discover stuff you thought you knew … That is the case with the DVD; Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers: Runnin’ Down a Dream (2007) Everyone knows the hits. ‘Breakdown’, ‘Here Comes my Girl’, ‘Refugee’, ‘Freefallin’. etc etc … Tom Petty ( in case addition is not your strongpoint) has more hits and has been around longer than any band since the mid-seventies except for … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – ‘Music DVD Pick of The Week ‘

What’s Happening in Montreal?

As usual – a lot happening in Montreal ! Blues, Jazz, Rock, Country and Pop.  Jon Anderson, Justin Bieber, Florence and The Machine and a fundraiser for The West Island Palliative care. Just a few of the things coming !   Please listen below to some great tunes and some acts that are playing in Montreal ! Learn how to buy tickets as well!   … Continue reading What’s Happening in Montreal?

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 !