Jill Barber is hard to pin down … Is she Jazz? Pop? A little of both? Judge for yourself with some songs off her latest album; Fool’s Gold. A melting pot with a sound purposely copied via The Dap Kings – Amy Winehouse’s backing group. It is no surprise Jill sounds a little like Winehouse. Please listen as Jill discusses the above topics moments before … Continue reading Jill Barber; Up Close …
Fate has it … Or – ‘Leeward Fate’ has it, sometimes things happen for a reason. Such is the case for a trio of musicians who are now based in North Carolina. A menage-a-musicians who, fate has it – met in Leeward. The math is there yet math and grids are far removed from the way their latest album was recorded. Digital bah – humbug … Continue reading Leeward Fate; No Ordinary Band …
Montrealer Hilary Jane has been singing in and around Montreal her entire life. Practically … Now, following a series of events, life-altering events – she has decided to write and record her first full length album. It is a throwback to a different time and Hilary somehow makes it fresh again … Please listen to this woman’s story and get ready to have your feet … Continue reading Hilary Jane; The Right Thing at ‘The Right Time’
Martin Goyette has a voice. An inner message which channels the Blues’ legends of the past. Too much? Too corny? Have a listen and decide with your ears … Martin? Martin is singing on Aug.9th at Festiblues Check out all the info on Martin right here! Continue reading Martin Goyette; ‘Sweet Warm Jelly’
On July 16th – head on to the St. James Church on rue Ste. Catherine in downtown Montreal. Noon is the witching hour … Norman is starting what he hopes will be a new trend. Accumulating Jazz artists to play and raise money for the poor in Montreal. Check it out – won’t ya? On Vacation! Be back soon … … Continue reading Norman Marshall Villeneuve – July 16th
How many people do you know that worked with George Clooney, Mary J. Blige, Celine Dion and Oliver Jones? Not to mention – Dr. Trevor Payne and The Montreal Jubilation Choir. Michelle Sweeney has all the ingredients of being a Diva. Nothing can be further from the truth given the negative condemnations normally associated with the term. Please listen as Michelle speaks about singing and … Continue reading Michelle Sweeney; Down-to-Earth Diva?
It goes without saying, this is one of the finest festivals I’ve ever played! Thank you Montreal for building an institution.” Ben Harper on Instagram. At least one Harper showed. Stephen Harper – our resident Prime Minister did not appear at The Jazz festival nor was his pride evident in Canada’s and the world’s biggest festival. Well – at least God appeared happy. The tunes … Continue reading Montreal International Jazz Festival 2014- Recap Part Three
It is the people of Montreal that make the Jazz Festival so good. ‘If you build it – they will come …’ Musicians from Zaire to Atlanta, each and every one of them, during the Jazz Festival or in the cold winter months, exude the same sentiment. “Montreal has the best crowds …” Maybe it is the winters which make us appreciate everything. Perhaps it … Continue reading Montreal International Jazz Festival 2014 – Recap Part Two.
In the words of Ed Robertson of The Barenaked Ladies; ‘That’s Jazz!” The front-man of Canada’s funnest band, mocking the Festival’s choice of The Barenaked Ladies as an act at Le Festival International de Jazz de Montreal. No doubt, over the years – the Festival has swayed from Jazz. For purists – something which angers them. For music fans – pure bliss. Over the … Continue reading Montreal International Jazz Festival 2014 – Recap Part One.
Previous to Diana Krall’s free show at the 2014 Montreal International Jazz Festival, the audience was treated to a surprise. The husband and wife – treated those in attendance with an impromptu sound-check. Lucky for those who happened to be taking up the sun. Enjoy! Stay tuned for all my reviews and some great photos! The Violent Femmes are appearing tonight at Metropolis. … Continue reading Diana Krall and Elvis Costello Soundcheck – Montreal International Jazz Festival
Who is Cody Chestnutt? Easy. Put Marvin Gaye, Barry White, Lionel Ritchie and practically every other R and B singer from the 1970’s into a blender, add some influence by The Roots and – TA DA! A Cody Chestnutt shake. Shake? The audience at Club Soda did just that! If anything, the man who just flew in from L.A – was a ball of energy. … Continue reading Cody Chestnutt Review – Montreal International Jazz Festival 2014
Myriam Phiro is a French Quebecer. She left for New York city to hone her acting, singing, dancing and modeling craft. Turns out – a great move on her part. Traveling the world with a major learning curve in Montreaux, Myriam’s adventures continue with a re – occurring stop back home. Performing at The House of Jazz is her way of staying in touch with … Continue reading Myriam Phiro; ‘La Maison’ is Where the Heart Is …
Rick Keene Music Scene 