Hallowe’en isn’t always scary. Well – ok, it is always scary but some things on that evening are also fun. On October 30th – join two bands for an evening of music and dance from two very different musical acts. A pair of entertainment entities very different in the phases of their careers. Please listen below to Hayden Rabinovitch speak of his band The Record … Continue reading A Spooky Chat with The Record Breakers!
The Province of Quebec is filled with the blues. Luckily, it is also filled with The Blues. Music – that is … Come down to Bistro a Jo Jo on October 6th, 12th and 20th to cheer your favorite Blues’ singers as they compete to represent Quebec in Memphis, Tennessee. Three nights of some of the greatest artists in this Province laying their hearts out … Continue reading Quebec to Memphis Blues Challenge – Part Two
So much is going on – even the Pope is gay! As usual – Montreal has a lot to offer in the music field. Concerts, shows – if it has a groove, this city adores it ! Please listen below to what is coming music-wise and find out how to buy tickets online for most of the shows taking place in Montreal and beyond. Thanks … Continue reading What’s Happening in Montreal and On Rick Keene Music Scene – Spooky!
Blues! Blues! Blues! It is all about the Blues. Especially the next couple of weeks at Bistro a Jo Jo on St. Denis in Montreal. It is the Quebec to Memphis Blues Challenge. The winner of the eleven artists competing receive an opportunity to go to Memphis, Tennessee to test their skills there as well. Some of the best Blues artists in Quebec will give … Continue reading Quebec to Memphis Blues Challenge at Bistro a Jo Jo – Oct. 6th
To say that ex – April Wine drummer Jerry Mercer has been around is a gross understatement. Starting from scratch and working his way up from Trevor Payne and The Triangle to the wondrous sounds of the Cuban rhythms – Jerry Mercer has played a lot of percussion. He ain’t done yet … Please listen below to my chat with this legendary Canadian musician. Jerry? Continue reading Jerry Mercer; As the Years Have Gone By …
As my interview with Jerry Mercer goes on – the legendary drummer discusses the rudiments of drumming, his battle with cancer and how it brought him together with an old friend. His musical education continues as he educates us … Please stay tuned as this interview will be in five parts …. What I’d say ….? Continue reading Jerry Mercer- As The Years Go By; Part Two.
Jerry Mercer heard Ray Charles’ song ‘What I’d Say’ on the radio. His life was never the same … Starting with Trevor Payne and the Triangle, Mashmakhan and eventually April Wine – Mercer’s career has taken him on trips with Janis Joplin, Roy Buchanan, The Band and many, many others … At the young age of seventy-four, four years following his ‘retirement’ – Jerry continues … Continue reading Jerry Mercer – As the Years Go By; Part One
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
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 …
Rick Keene Music Scene 