If you do not know the name Rob Lutes, shame on you … There are songwriters and there are songwriters. The latter being students. Pupils of Dylan, Guthrie and all the Country and Blues’ artists who laid the foundation for all music. Lutes is a form of all the above and with his seventh album […]
Sass Jordan is a one of a kind performer. Twenty-five years ago, Sass’ biggest selling album Racine hit the radio and the charts. Songs that catapulted her to higher levels both inside and outside of Canada. Fast forward a decade and a half and the ‘kids’ are all grown up. […]
Sgt. Pepper ? Familiar ? Chances are the guys above know him well. It’s been fifty years since the four headed monster known as The Beatles recorded an album that forever changed popular music. ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’ altered the way people sang, recorded and marketed their music. A feather in […]
Once upon a time, in a bar far far away … Strangers in the Night – an idea born in the parking lot of a bar named The Firm, featured one band. The Boogie Wonder Band were the event’s initial entertainment and from that point on; founder Larry Day never looked back. Fast forward twelve […]
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 […]
Ground control to Maj … Oops! Wrong space journey … Styx has returned to Earth momentarily with their first new album in 14 years ! One can say they are on a ‘mission’. A trip to insert a seamless album into the vast and historic Styx catalog. A recording that will not ‘skip’ the pure […]
Festival International Nuits D’Afrique. Be there ! In the 31st year – the Festival International Nuits D’Afrique is necessary. The ingredients; the pre -cursor to all popular music today. No African rhythms? No Jazz Festival. It is – that easy … Please listen below to some tunes from some of the artists performing as well […]
Legendary is an understatement. Buddy Guy is the last Blues guy. Last meaning one of very few who learned from the masters firsthand. Crafting his skills from the likes of B.B. King, T Bone Walker, Junior Wells, Willie Dixon, Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters. Live and in person. Live in studio. Buddy will be […]
What is there to be said about Melissa Etheridge that has not been said before? Melissa is a poster woman for so many causes and inspirational platforms; to list them here would be unfair to the ones we don’t know about. A woman of song and a woman with song. A marriage profound in […]
It ain’t easy being green. It ain’t easy being a Whitehorse in what can sometimes be – a muddy puddle. Melissa and Luke have conquered the beginnings of a music career. Their outfit – Whitehorse, have gained critical success in a few short years. Stagnation can be anyone’s enemy, especially artists. The need to […]
One day you are just a ‘guitar player’ trying to get work and the next day – your entire life changes. Playing with Bryan Ferry will do that sorta thing … ‘Quist’ is living the dream as he is learning something everyday that he is on tour with Ferry – the master of creating spaces. […]
You can dance if you want to … How many songs in Canadian music are recognizable by a few words? How many Canadian tunes are responsible for creating a non – dance dance craze? Say what? Please listen below to my chat with Ivan Doroschuk – the writer and composer of ‘The Safety Dance’ and […]
As usual – a lot going on … From 80’s Pop to R&B and Soul – Montreal and The Montreal Jazz Festival has a lot to offer. Please listen below for some upcoming shows and some great tunes. Thank You ! Listen to my interview with Cliff Stevens Here ! […]
Cliff Stevens’ hands aren’t slow. Despite many years portraying Eric Clapton as means to meet the ends, Stevens’ is on his way to ‘bucking’ the label. ‘Grass Wont Grow’ – Stevens’ new album, is an accumulation of years of practice and years of being on the road. Easy going riffs compliment easier going melodies […]
Dr. Trevor Payne is a Montreal institution. He may only be realizing it now. Dr. Payne and his Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir have soared to heights not imagined by anyone. Considered to be one of the top choirs in the world, Trevor Payne is ending his tenure as their leader. Something which is causing […]
Sometimes – people require a good slap in the face. A shock to make them understand what is purposeful and what is not. Bonnie Raitt, her music and her band are purposeful. And then some … Raitt was in town last night in support of her new disc; ‘Dig in Deep‘. The tour ( named […]
King Crimson are one of ‘those‘ bands … Several short stints in several increments have survived since 1969. Starting with ‘The Court of The Crimson King’ until their upcoming appearance on July 3rd in Montreal – this band is still cutting edge. Please listen below to my chat with Gavin Harrison, one of three drummers […]
Michael Kaeshammer has been here -done that. The Montreal Jazz Festival? Second nature for him … Before setting out on an European tour and then China – Michael’s upcoming appearance at The Montreal International Jazz Festival on July 6th is just one of very few gigs this summer. Michael is taking the time to prepare for […]
Steve Hill has opened for Buddy Guy a few times. Meeting him – an entirely different tale … Steve will be opening up for Buddy once more on June 30th as part of Le Festival International de Jazz a Montreal. It is part of a triple bill including; Guy, Charlie Musslewhite and Matt Andersen. A […]
Sometimes, the Blues is in you for a lifetime. It just takes a while to come out . Bruce ‘ Mississippi’ Johnson has been involved in music for a very long time. Playing and performing ‘other people’s’ songs. Now – it’s his turn to perform his own. Please listen below to my chat with Bruce […]
