The Cedars Cancer Institute is pleased to announce that celebrated Montreal musician Trevor W. Payne, C.M. will spearhead a new men’s cancer fund in support of the Cedars Best Care for Life Campaign of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC). “Prostate cancer kills more men every year than any other form of cancer. It will afflict one in eight men in their lifetimes, striking approximately 22,300 men … Continue reading Trevor Payne Raises Money for Cancer
On this day in 1970, Janis Joplin was found dead at the Landmark Hotel in Hollywood. A heroin overdose is suspected. In an interview I conducted with Jerry Mercer, the iconic drummer for the Triangle, Mashmaakan, April Wine and the Buzz Band – Mercer relayed this tale of a sad encounter with Janis Joplin … Mercer and his band at the time – Mashmaakan, were … Continue reading Janis Joplin – Found Dead Oct.4 1970
If you want to make it as a Canadian rock star – Upper Canada Village is the place to be … At least that was what April Wine co – founder Jim Henman thought in 1969. ” I do recall wanting to quit university and approaching my cousin David with the idea of starting a band and try to make it.” Says Jim from his … Continue reading Jim Henman – The Man who Placed Myles Goodwyn in April Wine
The saga of April Wine commenced with great songwriting. Something that sets Myles Goodwyn apart from most of his Canadian contemporaries except for The Guess Who, Neil Young and Rush. Early songs such as `You Won`t Dance with Me` and `Bad Side of the Moon` led to bigger hits such as `Roller`, Ì Like to Rock` and `Just Between You and Me`. A legacy of linguistic … Continue reading Just Between Jerry Mercer and Me – Part Three
Pierre Senecal, Brian Edwards and Rayburn Blake first met in 1960 in Montreal. Their drummer did not show up one night for a gig, so Jerry Mercer was brought in and ended up joining the band. Brian Edwards quit the band and they continued playing under the names; the Phantoms, Ray Blake’s Combo and the Dominoes. By 1965 they were calling themselves The Triangle. R&B singer Trevor Payne was the singer and … Continue reading Just Between Jerry Mercer and Me – Part Two
It may have been a Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday. Do the days of the week matter when the phone rings and a Canadian rock legend is waiting on the other end of the call? The bruises linger from the self – inflicted pinching that took place on my right arm as I took the receiver from my ex and spoke to April Wine’s drummer. I arrived at Mr. Mercer’s home the … Continue reading Just Between Jerry Mercer and Me
So there I was… As I stood in front of a mahogany bar that was painted ever so slightly by the morning sunlight, a smile appeared on my face. I had met some of my childhood idols, enjoyed a lustful evening of rock n roll and was pumped to enjoy a day of waitering. A few dollars in my pocket followed by an evening of blues … what … Continue reading Just Between You and Me – Part Three and a Bit …
‘Say Hello …’ This was not my first venture into the decadent world of groupies, hangers – on and various forms of life. I have been to a Toronto Maple Leaf game after all … I have been fortunate to go backstage at a Jeff Healy, Luba, Offenbach and Michel Pagliaro concert prior to this. Although the above foursome are not exactly the Who , … Continue reading Just Between You and Me – Part Two
Rick Keene Music Scene 