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

Gordon Gano of the Violent Femmes Speaks to Rick Keene

The Violent Femmes are one of the most popular ‘alternative’  bands of all time. ‘Blister in the Sun’ is a staple in pubs and bars across the universe. Gordon Gano – the composer of the song, cannot grasp the hugeness and impact his riff has. Please listen to part one of my interview with Gordon. A lot of interesting tidbits including … Gordon?   Visit … Continue reading Gordon Gano of the Violent Femmes Speaks to Rick Keene

Ranee … ‘What’s Going on?’

Brooklyn- born Ranee Lee is a student. What makes her unique, is she teaches what she learns. Then – she sings about it.  Full circle for a lady who was inspired by Dinah Washington. Please listen as this actor, producer, writer, songwriter and singer ( not to mention a wife, Mother and Grandmother), speaks about life, music, her new album and an upcoming show at … Continue reading Ranee … ‘What’s Going on?’

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

Matthew Barber; A ‘Big Romance’ with Songwriting …

Matthew Barber considers himself to be a romantic … A lover and observer of all things in the universe. A songwriter. A modern day poet.  In his latest album; ‘Big Romance‘, this Juno Award nominee – places his heart on the line and finishes first. A blend of old school Blues, Folk and Country – blended purposely with a Pop / Rock mentality. Surrounding himself … Continue reading Matthew Barber; A ‘Big Romance’ with Songwriting …

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’ ….

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’

Next Week on Rick Keene Music Scene

Looking for stuff to do ….? Angel Forrest has a CD launch at Bistro a Jo Jo tonight. Monkey Junk are playing at L’Astral. John Beaudine is at The House of Jazz tomorrow night and Monday. Just a couple of things to hear in the next couple of days. Please listen to a couple of tracks from some of these people as well as a … Continue reading Next Week on Rick Keene Music Scene

Alex Cross and his Rise to Fame

Would you sell your soul for fame?  Sex, Drugs and Rock N’ Roll! A talentless loser’s drive to be famous leads him to naively making a deal with the devil for his soul. Follow Alex’s journey during his rise to fame until he learns the truth from a conspiracy theorist who exposes the hidden satanic agenda behind the music industry. Medulla Oblongata Productions is happy … Continue reading Alex Cross and his Rise to Fame

Pat Travers – Boom Boom; On Come the Lights !

Toronto – born, Ottawa – raised Pat Travers – considers himself fortunate to grow up in an era which provided so many men for him to idolize. Clapton, Hendrix, Santana, Page – so many rock Gods. So much time to learn. “I was really lucky to get started at a time when guitars ruled the airwaves. They were all original sounding players and you could … Continue reading Pat Travers – Boom Boom; On Come the Lights !