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

The ‘ Songs of Life ‘ As Told by Scott Morgan

Vocalist Scott Morgan did not start out that way. Or – perhaps he did … Starting with a background in musical theatre, interrupted by a corporate gig and interrupted once more by a social conscience, Morgan’s return to music is a long and winding one. Egged on by his partner ( musically and romantically) Fred Hersch, Scott’s debut CD is a journey through the past … Continue reading The ‘ Songs of Life ‘ As Told by Scott Morgan

In the Words of a Jealous Spouse; ‘ What’s Going On ‘ ?

A lot happened in music the past few days and a lot more will be happening! The ‘Hip’ and Gord Downie put on a show for the ages on Saturday evening before 11.7 million Canadians. To put that into perspective, that’s approximately 11.7 million more than Justin Bieber has of stable relationships. At least – some Canadians act Canadian ! Eh? What’s going on in … Continue reading In the Words of a Jealous Spouse; ‘ What’s Going On ‘ ?

Trois Rivieres En Blues – From Local Star Justin Saladino to Colin James and Steppenwolf, This Festival is a Must Hear !

          The Blues are a community … Following a brief hiatus – Trois Rivieres en Blues is back once more for it’s eight session in it’s current format. Local Montreal stars such as Angel Forrest, Pat Loiselle and Justin Saladino will grace the stages along with Trois Rivieres-boy-done-good; Mr. Steve Hill. Please listen below as the artistic director for the Festival … Continue reading Trois Rivieres En Blues – From Local Star Justin Saladino to Colin James and Steppenwolf, This Festival is a Must Hear !

Rick Keene Music Scene – Messin’ with Paul Arthur and Raisin’ Cain !

Paul Arthur and Raisin’ Cain make their long awaited debut at The House of Jazz  Paul Arthur has long been a staple in the montreal Blues scene going back to the days of the Rising Sun. Originally from Boston but raised in Montreal – Paul and his band recently won a contest as best Blues band which saw the group head to New Orleans during … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – Messin’ with Paul Arthur and Raisin’ Cain !

Rick Keene Music Scene – Hey Montreal? What’s the Word on the Street and The Talk on the Turnpike?

Face it – Montreal always has a lot of live music going on … Jazz, Blues, Rock, Reggae … and somewhere, someone – is playing along with spoons. Please listen below to some of these shows, some great tunes and get an idea on how to buy tickets! Whether it be local musicians or visitors from afar – music fans are always smiling in Montreal ! … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – Hey Montreal? What’s the Word on the Street and The Talk on the Turnpike?

Rick Keene Music Scene – The League of Rock Has Arrived in Montreal and Why This is Important !

There are many reasons why The League of Rock arriving in Montreal is important and none of them have anything to do with Jack Black. In fact – a school of Rock could not be further from the reality of The League of Rock. Two different animals – one musical head ( so to speak). League of Rock is an opportunity for musicians who normally don’t play … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – The League of Rock Has Arrived in Montreal and Why This is Important !

Rick Keene Music Scene – League of Rock Montreal, A Tribute to Jimmy Van Heusen, Pat Loiselle and Pete Dumoulin

In the summertime, where the weather is fine … Summer time in Montreal. Musically – a great place to be! Jazz Festivals, Rock Festivals and for the first time in Montreal; A League of Rock ! League of Rock is an opportunity for musicians who normally don’t play in venues –  to rehearse, get coached by professional Rock stars, record a song, join a band … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – League of Rock Montreal, A Tribute to Jimmy Van Heusen, Pat Loiselle and Pete Dumoulin

Rick Keene Music Scene – Francisco Pais’ Lotus Project, Derek Falls’ New Track and Ranee Lee

It’s hot, humid and sweaty.  Then, there is the weather … Summer time in Montreal is filled with tunes and tans. Water and waves. Sunshine and soothing sounds. Nothing like some cool rhythms to ease the heat while sippin’ a drink by the water or on a patio. Please listen below to some great tunes and some events coming up in Montreal ! Thanks for … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – Francisco Pais’ Lotus Project, Derek Falls’ New Track and Ranee Lee

Susie Arioli; Montreal’s ‘Dearest Darlin’. 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

Rick Keene Music Scene – You Want a Jazz Festival Preview?

There is a lot of talent coming to the Montreal International Jazz Festival in 2016 … The Festival gets underway on June 29th with Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings doing a free blow-out show to open the Festival. Jones, one of the best performers on the scene today –promises to deliver a opening showstopper for the ages. Susie Arioli performs on July 2nd at Club … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – You Want a Jazz Festival Preview?

Dawn Tyler Watson – A ‘Jawbreaking’ Interview !

Montrealers know Dawn Tyler Watson. Or – do they … ?    Dawn Tyler – Watson has been entertaining Montrealers and Canadians for what seems like an eternity. In a good way … Hard to believe her latest release ‘JawBreaker’ is only Dawn’s fourth solo album. Her small-ish output is not for lack of talent or opportunity, it is based on … Please  listen below … Continue reading Dawn Tyler Watson – A ‘Jawbreaking’ Interview !