2014 Montreal International Jazz Festival Preview; Texarillo – Hometown Boys Done Good!

Black Satin Blues is the name of Texarillo‘s first album. It won’t’ be their last. Talent does not disappear that quickly … Please listen as Dwane Dixon explains his excitement for what has been a short but successful jaunt into the Canadian Blues scene. Dwane …?   Visit Dwane and Texarillo Here!   Visit Jazz Festival Here!   Visit Strangers in the Night 10     … Continue reading 2014 Montreal International Jazz Festival Preview; Texarillo – Hometown Boys Done Good!

Montreal International Jazz Festival – 2014 Outdoor Shows

Free outdoor program of the 35th edition of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal A 35th anniversary for the Festival: everyone is invited to the party! Montreal, Tuesday, June 3, 2014 – Thirty-five years-already! Well, for an occasion like this, it’ll be Party Time every day from June 26 to July 6 during the 35th edition of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, presented by TD in collaboration with Rio Tinto Alcan! The … Continue reading Montreal International Jazz Festival – 2014 Outdoor Shows

Gordon Gano of the Violent Femmes Speaks to Rick Keene; Part Two

In the second installment of my interview with Gordon Gano ( one of the founding members of the Violent Femmes), he speaks of many things … How they achieved their name, how they feel about being back together again, who is playing with them in Montreal and his favorite song. He also speaks of writing the riff for one of the most popular songs played … Continue reading Gordon Gano of the Violent Femmes Speaks to Rick Keene; Part Two

Ranee … ‘What’s Going On’? Part Two

In part two of my interview with the great Ranee Lee – the singer, songwriter, actress, producer and teacher talks about her latest album; ‘What’s Going On’. It is the first time she has worked with strings on an album. She has been changed by this experience. Changed for the better. Please listen to Ranee. Her students do. Her husband does. Her kids do. Her … Continue reading Ranee … ‘What’s Going On’? Part Two

Montreal International Jazz Festival 2014 – Preview; Jordan Officer

Jordan Officer has come full circle … He started his musical life with a love for the Blues. Following a very successful career working with Jazz crooner Susie Arioli; the guitarist has decided to start anew. A return to his roots. Please listen as Jordan talks about his upcoming Jazz Festival shows as well as his feelings about the Blues. He is a little more … Continue reading Montreal International Jazz Festival 2014 – Preview; Jordan Officer

Rick Keene Music Scene Presents; What’s New?

New York … New Jersey … New Guinea … not the only things that are new … In Canada and around the world – musicians are releasing new music every second. That is an alarming amount of tun-age being made available . Here below are just a few samples of new songs by Montreal artists, Canadians and ( because we are polite ) one American … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene Presents; What’s New?

Juno Award Winner Steve Strongman ‘Proves it To Us’ ….

It is a ‘Natural Fact’. Steve Strongman’s 2013 was a tremendous success! One Juno and three Maple Blues Awards later; Strongman passed ‘hump-day in his musical career . Natural Fact was Steve’s fourth album and an acoustic goldmine of Blues’ tunes. Fast forward to May 13th 2014. ‘Let Me Prove It To You’ now becomes his latest album and not the follow up most of … Continue reading Juno Award Winner Steve Strongman ‘Proves it To Us’ ….

Taurey Butler; Making His Way – Oscar Peterson Style; Part Two

In the conclusion of my talk with Taurey Butler – the talented pianist discusses what made Oscar Peterson so good. He also praises Oliver Jones and explains the difference between the two men … Enjoy some music, some talk and … some funny moments as Polka leads into ‘dangerous’ territory. Taurey …?   Visit Taurey and The House of Jazz Here!     Continue reading Taurey Butler; Making His Way – Oscar Peterson Style; Part Two

Taurey Butler; Making His Way – Oscar Peterson Style …Part one

Taurey Butler is a funny guy … He just happens to be one of the best piano players in Montreal and North America. No wonder. He discovered a bond with Oscar Peterson the very first time he listened to one of Peterson’s CDs. A feeling which changed his life. A feeling which is currently changing many people’s lives who have had the pleasure of seeing Taurey Butler … Continue reading Taurey Butler; Making His Way – Oscar Peterson Style …Part one

You Can Call Me Ray … You Can Call Me Jay – Or you Can Call Me ‘Snooksta’; Part Two

Wednesday is the night to be downtown … Why? That is the evening ‘Snooksta and the Gangstas’ take to the stage at The House of Jazz. They provide rhythm, Blues and Jazz. Combined with a battery section of two old friends, a young and upcoming saxophone player and a beautiful pianist – the band leaves no one empty. Especially the house which George Durst built. … Continue reading You Can Call Me Ray … You Can Call Me Jay – Or you Can Call Me ‘Snooksta’; Part Two

You Can Call Me Ray …You Can Call Me Jay – Or You Can Call Me ‘Snooksta’

Leslie ‘Snooksta’ Alston is a schooled drummer. Not a classroom aficionado but a sidewalk one … On the ‘streets’, paying attention to other musicians is what makes the former ‘Snooky’ great. Playing with Freddie James or singing and drumming on a cruise ship – Leslie is an act worth writing home to … Leslie …?   Visit ‘Snooksta’ Right here!     Continue reading You Can Call Me Ray …You Can Call Me Jay – Or You Can Call Me ‘Snooksta’

Edwin Brownell – ‘Classical’ Rock Part One

Edwin Orion Brownell is no ordinary pianist … Classically-raised, classically -trained and a connoisseur of music. The guy exudes passion and love for music done right. Whether he is performing at Place des Arts or before a dozen seniors – Edwin is a pure entertainer. Please listen to part one of my interview as Edwin explains the beginnings of a musical adventure far from complete. … Continue reading Edwin Brownell – ‘Classical’ Rock Part One