Let us not forget – The Blues came before Jazz. The Jazz purists cringe at the ‘not Jazz’ genres at The Montreal International Jazz Festival. The artists who ply their crafts to be near the top of their specific genre, often shunned by the Jazz stuffy shirts. In 2016, at the 37th edition – it was The Blues stage which, night after night, attracted the … Continue reading Justin Saladino and Jamiah Rogers; The Future of the Blues !
To get an idea of what type of personality Andria Simone is – one does not have to look past the name of her band. ‘Those Guys’. The guys are – Mark Wilson on Bass, Brian Dihari on Sax, George Nikolov on drums and Dave Kirby on guitar. ‘Those Guys’ and Simone delivered a monstrous set of Soul, R&B, Blues and Rock n Roll to … Continue reading Andria Simone and Those Guys – Raising It Up a Notch. Jazz Festival Review
Susie Arioli ain’t new to these parts … From her humble beginnings jammin’ with The Stephen Barry Band to her meteoric rise with Jordan Officer, Susie has earned her place in Montrealers hearts. Susie took her ‘ new ‘ act to the stage of Club Soda Friday evening as part of The Montreal International Jazz Festival. New meaning – sans Officer et avec Jim Bland. … Continue reading Susie Arioli; Montreal’s ‘Dearest Darlin’. Jazz Festival Review
Presented for the first time in Montreal! RETURN TO GRACE Premiere on June 15 8 p.m. Place des Arts evenko presents for the first time in Montreal, RETURN TO GRACE from June 15 to June 19, at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier. A glorious, heartfelt tribute to Elvis Presley’ s music featuring Steve Michaels, and over 30 singers, dancers and musicians on stage, RETURN TO GRACE flawlessly delivers … Continue reading Watch Elvis Leave the Building !
Just because something appears as a flower – it doesn’t mean it smells good. This is the danger lurking behind every riff within a tribute act. The costumes may be sound. The choreography may be delightful. The entire production team may be dedicated to perfection. ‘It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing!’ David Brighton is brave. Brave or one of these … Continue reading David Bowie Impersonates David Brighton – Art Imitating Life
Royal Wood has one of the coolest names in music. He also has one of the coolest back catalogues. The ‘real’ Royal is emerging. You ain’t heard nothin’ yet ! Ghost Like is the name of the new album. It is a return to basics. A ‘ for the love of music ‘ CD which evolved ‘by accident’. A superb blend of catchy Pop, nurturing … Continue reading 2016 Montreal International Jazz Festival Preview; Royal Wood
In with the old and out with the new ! These days, it seems radio has a problem with new tunes ! R &B, Blues and Jazz are ripe with talented songs which require airplay. Unfortunately – radio is mostly controlled by corporations. Unless an artist has a link to those corporate companies, radio airplay is sadly – not in the cards … Please … … Continue reading You Scream, I Scream – We all Scream for New Tunes ! Betty Bonifassi, Michael Blum, Royal Wood, Pete DuMoulin, Paul DesLauriers Band and Rob Garcia !
Jon Anderson of Yes fame is one matter. Jean -Luc Ponty is an entire different matter. Place the two together and what you receive in return – matters the most ! The pair were in Montreal last evening on the heels of their album; ‘Better Late Than Never’. An album which took thirty -odd years to come into fruition. Judging by the live versions of … Continue reading The Anderson – Ponty Band; Music’s Best Kept Secret Astounded Montreal !
Montreal entertainment impresario Sheldon Kagan fulfilled a promise to himself. Retiring after fifty years in business. A goal fulfilled. A lifetime fulfilled. Not quite … Please listen below to discover what Sheldon has done with his immense music collection as well as what he is doing in his … er … retirement. Sheldon? Visit The Cummings Center Here ! For tickets … Continue reading Sheldon Kagan Has Retired ( Sorta – Kinda …)
It’s nice to discover stuff you thought you knew … That is the case with the DVD; Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers: Runnin’ Down a Dream (2007) Everyone knows the hits. ‘Breakdown’, ‘Here Comes my Girl’, ‘Refugee’, ‘Freefallin’. etc etc … Tom Petty ( in case addition is not your strongpoint) has more hits and has been around longer than any band since the mid-seventies except for … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – ‘Music DVD Pick of The Week ‘
As usual – a lot happening in Montreal ! Blues, Jazz, Rock, Country and Pop. Jon Anderson, Justin Bieber, Florence and The Machine and a fundraiser for The West Island Palliative care. Just a few of the things coming ! Please listen below to some great tunes and some acts that are playing in Montreal ! Learn how to buy tickets as well! … Continue reading What’s Happening in Montreal?
The lead singer of The Flying Joes – Syd Bedard, is having fun ! His band has a new album titled ‘Let It Out !’ and they are commencing their first tour … Please listen below as Syd explains his band, the album, the tour and why it may not be such a good idea to be a drummer in his band. Syd? Visit … Continue reading The Flying Joes – Old School Rock n’ Roll !
Rick Keene Music Scene 