Tag: jazz

Blues, Cd Review, Concert Review, Jazz, Rock

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

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Blues, Cd Review, Concert Review, Jazz, Rock

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’

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Blues, Concert Review, Jazz, Rock

John Beaudine – Livin’ the Blues and All That Jazz; Part Two

In part two of my interview with this tremendous Saxophone player – John explains his experiences and thoughts pertaining to a life-long journey through the world of music … Sometimes – legends are not always in the public eye! John?   Please visit The House of Jazz and John Here!   Continue reading John Beaudine – Livin’ the Blues and All That Jazz; Part Two

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John Beaudine – Livin’ the Blues and All That Jazz!

Imagine … Being a huge Blues’ fan and obtaining an apprenticeship from some of the greats. Legends such as Junior Wells, Buddy Guy and James Cotton. They were the ones who taught Johnny Beaudine his craft and toughness to survive in the music business. Please listen to Part One as Johnny explains his great career. Please visit Johnny and The House of Jazz Here!   Continue reading John Beaudine – Livin’ the Blues and All That Jazz!

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Blues, Jazz, Rock

Angel Forrest; Reborn and Lovin’ It!

Angel Forrest has been singing around Montreal and abroad for many years. Days and nights spent on the road – honing a voice which balances between Jazz, Blues and almost anything else … She has just recently released an album which, surprisingly – is her first Blues one with all original material in English.  It has been a long time coming and for once – … Continue reading Angel Forrest; Reborn and Lovin’ It!

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Jazz, Uncategorized

Christine Jensen – It’s All About the Sax …( Sorta )

Christine Jensen has a new album out. Habitat will be released on October 1st in stores near you. This release will be followed by a live show on October 3rd at Lion D’Or as part of the Off Festival. Christine’s latest ‘opus’ is a labor of love … ” Every time I do a large ensemble thing like this, it’s not a short event.” Explains … Continue reading Christine Jensen – It’s All About the Sax …( Sorta )

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Concert Review, Jazz, Uncategorized

Top Ten Oddest Things Overheard at The House of Jazz

Hier soir – a la Maison du Jazz, there were two pianos … Not one, not three – two. A pair of grand pianos taking center stage in the house that George Durst built. All week long, an event titled Piano Cameleons is taking place. An event hosted by John Roney and Matt Herskowitz which will offer a fresh take on old favorites. Special guests scheduled … Continue reading Top Ten Oddest Things Overheard at The House of Jazz

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Jazz, Rock, Uncategorized

Gino Vannelli; All Those Nights in Montreal. Part Two

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

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Jazz, Uncategorized

The Ellingtons; The Kids are Alright …

‘ I just thought that every Father did what my Father did …” Says Edward Ellington Jr. ” It was only years later, I realized the magnitude of what my father accomplished. For a long time, I thought he was a travelling salesman.” Edward Ellington Jr. and his sister April, are the duo responsible for The Savoy Ellingtons. A group that has been together for twenty … Continue reading The Ellingtons; The Kids are Alright …

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Concert Review, Jazz, Rock

The 34th Annual Montreal International Jazz Festival – Part Two

In a way – the 2013 Festival, with it’s humbled beginnings on rue St. Denis back in 1979 , belonged to the ladies. For different reasons and sounds … Holly Cole, Emelie-Claire Barlowe, Tia Fuller, Sharon Jones, Youn Sun Nah, Madelaine Peyroux, Martha Wainright, Christine Tassan and her Imposters, Alexandra Streliski, Sarah Slean, Julie Lamontagne, Christine Jensen, Sienna Dahlen, Elizabeth Shepherd, Serena Ryder and Marian … Continue reading The 34th Annual Montreal International Jazz Festival – Part Two

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Concert Review, Jazz, Rock

The 34th Edition of The Montreal International Jazz Festival – Part One

Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone … – Bill Withers The above lyrics could not be more suited when a summation of the 34th Annual Montreal International Jazz Festival is complete. Musically and weather – wise … Mother Nature appeared to be somewhat undecided  with her decision to join the festivities. For many tourists and locals  – a moot point.  The sights and sounds of … Continue reading The 34th Edition of The Montreal International Jazz Festival – Part One

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Concert Review, Jazz

Top Ten Signs the Jazz Festival is Coming Soon!

It is almost that time of year … The grass is getting greener, the trees are overflowing with growth and City Hall smells like … well, never mind … The Montreal International Jazz Festival is around the corner and people in the city of Montreal are bracing themselves for a ten day onslaught of foreigners. Yes – many West Islanders will be venturing to the … Continue reading Top Ten Signs the Jazz Festival is Coming Soon!

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