Rick Keene Music Scene – Emma Frank Recruits Top Musicians for Her New Disc; Ocean Av.

Emma Frank came and went … The Bostonian -turned-Montrealer-turned New Yorker was a rose in Montreal’s flower garden the brief time she lived here. One of those voices that could place an infant to sleep or raise the hairs on the back of Nina Simone’s neck. Emma has turned her career towards the Big Apple with a new life, new / old friends and a … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – Emma Frank Recruits Top Musicians for Her New Disc; Ocean Av.

Rick Keene Music Scene – A Song for Markov, The ‘Mooch’ and Jack Black Recites Carl Sandburg

Everyone needs a break once in a while. Noise pollution is not good for the musical soul.       Please enjoy some real tunes in the meantime. Rick Keene Music Scene will be back before you can say Andrei Markov !       Listen to my interview with Lawrence Gowan of Styx below !       Visit Styx Here ! Visit Strangers … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – A Song for Markov, The ‘Mooch’ and Jack Black Recites Carl Sandburg

Mike Jones – Penn and Teller’s Pianist Explains the ‘Magic’ Of His New Record

Pianist Mike Jones has spent the past fifteen years playing magic. Sorta … Jones is the pianist for the Las Vegas magic act of acclaimed magicians Penn and Teller. A gig which Mike would not change for the world. Not only does he choose the music, Mike also enjoys a stationary existence. No ‘on the road’ gigs or – very few. Please listen below to … Continue reading Mike Jones – Penn and Teller’s Pianist Explains the ‘Magic’ Of His New Record

Singer and Pianist Daniela Schachter Suffers a ‘ Vanheusinism’ With Latest Record

Sometimes we hear music composed by a name we do not know. That music is adored globally, wins awards and yet the composer goes relatively unnoticed in everyday life. Such is the case with Jimmy Van Heusen. Van Heusen was instrumental ( no pun intended) in the career of Frank Sinatra. Penning ( among other songs) ‘Come Fly with Me’, a huge success for Ol’ … Continue reading Singer and Pianist Daniela Schachter Suffers a ‘ Vanheusinism’ With Latest Record

Laila Biali – From Sting to Bowie and Lisa Fischer; A House of Many Rooms

Laila Biali is not a household name. She should be. This talented singer and songwriter has rubbed microphones with the likes of Sting and more recently with Lisa Fischer ( Rolling Stones, 20 Feet to Stardom). Please listen below as Laila speaks of her new album ‘ House of many Rooms’ (feat.Lisa Fischer), her upcoming show in Montreal on February 28th and her THOUGHTS on … Continue reading Laila Biali – From Sting to Bowie and Lisa Fischer; A House of Many Rooms

Laura Perlman, Andrea Simone, Emilie-Claire Barlow and Barb Diab Sings the Stones !

Women … ! Women … ! Women !   They are all over the place in Montreal these days. The Bell Center, the House of Jazz, Upstairs Bar and Grill – just a few of the venues housing such amazing talent.   Please listen below to hear some tunes from some gals and discover where you can buy tickets! Right here on …. Rick Keene … Continue reading Laura Perlman, Andrea Simone, Emilie-Claire Barlow and Barb Diab Sings the Stones !

Gary Moffet – Full Circle in His Musical Tastes …

Gary Moffet of April Wine fame did not ‘like to Rock’ as a teenager. Although the now sixty – six year old guitar player is better known as a Rock n Roll guitarist, his true passion shines through in his most recent endeavors. Moffet is a producer, arranger, composer and songwriter. A student of music and a player who has an ear to draw the … Continue reading Gary Moffet – Full Circle in His Musical Tastes …

The ‘Two Yoots ‘ Ain’t Bad .​.​.​.

Sometimes – kids can lead by example. Such is the case with The Record Breakers. A bunch of teens with so much devotion to their craft, it makes adults appear lazy. This is probably one of the reasons The Record Breakers have played more gigs than most Montreal bands this past year. Please listen to a couple of songs from two of the members as … Continue reading The ‘Two Yoots ‘ Ain’t Bad .​.​.​.

Taurey Butler; Making His Way – Oscar Peterson Style; Part Two

In the conclusion of my talk with Taurey Butler – the talented pianist discusses what made Oscar Peterson so good. He also praises Oliver Jones and explains the difference between the two men … Enjoy some music, some talk and … some funny moments as Polka leads into ‘dangerous’ territory. Taurey …?   Visit Taurey and The House of Jazz Here!     Continue reading Taurey Butler; Making His Way – Oscar Peterson Style; Part Two

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’