Every year someone heads to Memphis ... This year is no different. Five bands have been chosen as the finalists in 2018. Five different sounds all within the confines of the Blues formula. Different but with the very familiar sound which propelled the legends of Rock n Roll to super-stardom. Have a listen below to … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – The Five Finalists for The Quebec to Memphis Blues Challenge 2018
Montreal
Rick Keene Music Scene – Joe Louis Walker; Every True Bluesman Tells a Story …
Joe Louis Walker understands the Blues ... The guitar player was around to witness the Blues being introduced to California in the late sixties and the early seventies. Being privy to guys like Mike Bloomfield and Paul Butterfield. Please listen below to my chat with Joe about Mike Bloomfield's influence on The Blues scene and … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – Joe Louis Walker; Every True Bluesman Tells a Story …
Share this:
Rick Keene Music Scene – Kyra Shaughnessy; A Breath of Fresh Music Air …
Sit back and escape ... Leaving the fast paced digital age behind is something Kyra Shaughnessy wants to pass on to listeners through her music. On her fifth release - the (now) resident of the Eastern Townships has matured into a comfortable artistic place. Combining all previous learning curves into a beautiful arc. Please listen … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – Kyra Shaughnessy; A Breath of Fresh Music Air …
Share this:
Rick Keene Music Scene – Max Parker; Do Not Call Him the Next Justin Bieber …
Max Parker is young, Canadian and a songwriter. That is where the comparison with Justin Bieber ends. Max is his own person. Something he wants to make clear as his single makes it's way into the charts. 'Out of the Blue' is the first single released with more on the way in the coming months. … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – Max Parker; Do Not Call Him the Next Justin Bieber …
Share this:
Rick Keene Music Scene – Andy Kim to Be Inducted Onto Canada’s Walk of Fame; Part Two
Andy Kim is a songwriter. He found fame in New York City at just 16 years old when he wrote How’d We Ever Get This Way?- the first of nine Billboard Top 40 hits. Those hits included #1 songs Rock Me Gently and Sugar, Sugar, the latter being one of Billboard's "Greatest Songs of All Time. … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – Andy Kim to Be Inducted Onto Canada’s Walk of Fame; Part Two
Share this:
Rick Keene Music Scene – Andy Kim to Be Inducted Onto Canada’s Walk of Fame; Part One
Andy Kim is a songwriter. He found fame in New York City at just 16 years old when he wrote How’d We Ever Get This Way?- the first of nine Billboard Top 40 hits. Those hits included #1 songs Rock Me Gently and Sugar, Sugar, the latter being one of Billboard's "Greatest Songs of All … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – Andy Kim to Be Inducted Onto Canada’s Walk of Fame; Part One
Share this:
Rick Keene Music Scene – Cream’s Legacy Lives on Through the Kids of It’s Members
Cream are legendary ... Ginger Baker, Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce created something that no one had heard before. A hybrid of Classical, Jazz and Blues music. Cutting edge kinda stuff that to this day - remains magical and untouched. Fifty years later, the prodigal sons (and nephew) are hitting the road to pay homage … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – Cream’s Legacy Lives on Through the Kids of It’s Members
Share this:
Rick Keene Music Scene – The Proclaimers Stun Montreal
In an odd way, it's a shame The Proclaimers had a huge hit with I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles). The 1988 tune from the album Sunshine on Leith distracts audiences from the truth. Veritably - the Scotland raised duo / band are far better than the song which put them on the global map. Much … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – The Proclaimers Stun Montreal
Share this:
Rick Keene Music Scene – Lindsay Beaver; The Real Deal !
Lindsay Beaver is the real thing ... Thus far , it has been a lifetime of discoveries for the native of Nova Scotia. Singing, drumming and a love of all genres of music starting with Jazz. Yet it was Billie Holiday that sealed the deal and inspired Lindsay to pack up and head to Texas … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – Lindsay Beaver; The Real Deal !
Share this:
Rick Keene Music Scene – Jack DeKeyzer; Remaining True to Himself on The Album Checkmate
It's been a while since Jack DeKeyzer first heard the Blues ... The Stones and Led Zeppelin - just two of the bands who parlayed American Blues into the heart and then hands of Jack. Spanning a career that has seen Jack open up for the likes of B.B. King, Jack pays homage to the … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – Jack DeKeyzer; Remaining True to Himself on The Album Checkmate
Share this:
Rick Keene Music Scene – Senri Oe Makes the Successful Transition from Pop to Jazz
Jazz is everywhere - even in J-Pop music ... Senri Oe was one of the biggest Pop stars in Japan. When one of his band mates died unexpected, Senri decided life was short. He turned his attention to Jazz and moved to New York to become a student. A move that was not as … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – Senri Oe Makes the Successful Transition from Pop to Jazz
Share this:
Rick Keene Music Scene – Colin James Has ‘Miles to Go’ In His Music Career
It ain't easy being grey ... Colin James has a new album due out on September 21st. No more hair dye as the fifty-three year old Canadian music legend embraces the present, the future and the past. On the new record - Colin pays homage to the men ( and women) who inspired him and … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – Colin James Has ‘Miles to Go’ In His Music Career
Share this:
Rick Keene Music Scene – Black Mountain Whiskey Rebellion; Making Music the Muscle Shoals Way
It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing ... Black Mountain Whiskey Rebellion are poised to take North America by storm. Much like the English re-introducing The Blues back to the States, BMWR are re-introducing the Muscle Shoals sound back to musicians. With only one single officially released, the band has already … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – Black Mountain Whiskey Rebellion; Making Music the Muscle Shoals Way
Share this:
Rick Keene Music Scene – Harry Manx Teaming Up with Steve Marriner On New Album and A Quebec Tour
Harry Manx doesn't sit still for very long. A world traveler, a student of spiritualism and a man of good nature. All these sums make Harry into a well rounded person and musician. Manx will be in Quebec for a mini -tour and then it's back to the studio to place finishing touches on his … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – Harry Manx Teaming Up with Steve Marriner On New Album and A Quebec Tour
Share this:
Rick Keene Music Scene – George Thorogood Throws A ‘Rock Party’ in Trois Rivieres !
George Thorogood may drink alone but he certainly doesn't put on a show alone. On Thursday night, George was in the Province of Quebec for the second time this summer. In July, he received the B.B. King Award as part of the lineup of The Montreal International Jazz Festival. This time- Trois Rivieres en Blues … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – George Thorogood Throws A ‘Rock Party’ in Trois Rivieres !
Share this:
Rick Keene Music Scene – ‘Survivorman’ Les Stroud Places Enviromental Consciousness Into His Music
Living with nature opens the mind. Best known as Survivorman in the extremely popular TV docu-series, Les Stroud has always had an affinity for music. His latest release Bittern Lake is an example of how earthy sounds can touch the soul and inspire people to change. Combining poignant lyrics with even more poignant musicianship, Stroud … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – ‘Survivorman’ Les Stroud Places Enviromental Consciousness Into His Music
Share this:
Rick Keene Music Scene – Will Evankovich; Keeping The Guess Who Fresh in The Past
Writing, playing and producing - not easy to do while keeping an album fluid. Guitarist / songwriter and producer Will Evankovich juggles all duties while keeping an eye to the future and with the past. Say what? The Guess Who have a catalog of hits dating back to the sixties and Will's ( and … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – Will Evankovich; Keeping The Guess Who Fresh in The Past
Share this:
Rick Keene Music Scene – A Candid Chat with the Singer of The Guess Who; Derek Sharp
It's not easy being a Hobbit ... Lead singer and principal songwriter of the new Guess Who album Derek Sharp, is filled with energy. Perhaps enthusiasm is a better adjective as the band are on the brink of introducing the new album and tunes to the world. Please listen below to my chat … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – A Candid Chat with the Singer of The Guess Who; Derek Sharp
Share this:
Rick Keene Music Scene – Spencer MacKenzie ; Canada’s Next Guitar Great?
Hard to have the Blues when you are nineteen years of age. Sometimes - the classroom is all around and unless you are paying attention; the teacher remains invisible. That is not the case with Spencer MacKenzie as he makes his way up the musical ladder. Already winning the best new artist at The Maple … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – Spencer MacKenzie ; Canada’s Next Guitar Great?
Share this:
Rick Keene Music Scene – Trois Rivieres en Blues 2018
No Blues - no popular music. That is the fact. Men like Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson and Elmore James - the framework for what we now know as 'auto-tune'. These men would be rolling in their graves if they knew how their hard work has been destroyed by computers. That is the great thing … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – Trois Rivieres en Blues 2018
Share this:
Rick Keene Music Scene – George Thorogood Isn’t ‘Lonesome’ on His First Solo Record
Bad to The Bone ... Who on this planet does not know that opening riff followed by the words in the song 'Bad To The Bone'? Chances are - aliens circling overhead in their spacecraft hear it every time George Thorogood and his Destroyers play it live. It has been a long and storied career … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – George Thorogood Isn’t ‘Lonesome’ on His First Solo Record
Share this:
Rick Keene Music Scene – The Guess Who’s Original Drummer Garry Petersen Talks Music and The New Guess Who Album
Garry Petersen knows good music. Aside from the fact Garry started drumming before Rock n Roll was a 'thing' - Petersen also was part of one of the biggest selling Rock bands of all time. The Guess Who,at one point, were outselling The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Not bad for a guy (and band) … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – The Guess Who’s Original Drummer Garry Petersen Talks Music and The New Guess Who Album
Share this:
Rick Keene Music Scene – ‘ Wave 21’ Adding a Much Needed Country Element to the Montreal Music Scene
Every musician is - a little bit Country ... Following in the true vain of the roots of popular music, Mary-Lynn Doroschuk ( daughter of Stefan Doroschuk of Men Without Hats fame) is bursting on to the music scene with fresh and creative Country / Rockabilly / Pop songs. Poignant lyrics with crisp riffs and … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – ‘ Wave 21’ Adding a Much Needed Country Element to the Montreal Music Scene
Share this:
Rick Keene Music Scene; Jazz Festival Review – Dr. Lonnie Smith; Doin’ Only What He Can Do
The word legendary. Tossed around like a flea - bit peanut monkey sometimes. In the case of Dr. Lonnie Smith - it is he who is tossing the primate around ... Commencing his career in the late fifties alongside George Benson - Smith used his knowledge as a multi-instrumentalist and student of Jazz, Blues, Gospel and … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene; Jazz Festival Review – Dr. Lonnie Smith; Doin’ Only What He Can Do
Share this:
Rick Keene Music Scene; Jazz Festival Review – Beth Hart’s Dynamite Show Steals the Jazz Festival
There are so many female vocalists on the planet. Great ones, good ones, average ones and yes - bad ones. Beth Hart is in a class all by herself. Think of the soul of Joss Stone. The power and rawness of Janis Joplin. The sweetness and velour of Adele. The danger of Amy Winehouse. Add … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene; Jazz Festival Review – Beth Hart’s Dynamite Show Steals the Jazz Festival
Share this:
Rick Keene Music Scene; Jazz Festival Review – Ranee Lee Delivers A Performance For The Ages Despite Sadness
Ranee Lee has endured some tough gigs in her time yet nothing like the one last night at L'Astral. Earlier in the day - Lee's husband Richard Ring ( Tony Bennett, Sammy Davis Jr., Ed Thigpen, Ray Brown, Michel LeGrand, Oliver Jones ) passed away following a battle with Alzheimer's disease. Ring was not … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene; Jazz Festival Review – Ranee Lee Delivers A Performance For The Ages Despite Sadness
Share this:
Rick Keene Music Scene; Jazz Festival Review – Boz Scaggs Redefines His ‘Public’ Image
Admit it. Lido Shuffle is all you know ... Boz Scaggs is that type of artist. The masses think that if an artist is outta sight - outta mind, they must be dead or their career is. True fans know - artists such as Scaggs do not care about hits. William Royce "Boz" Scaggs - … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene; Jazz Festival Review – Boz Scaggs Redefines His ‘Public’ Image
Share this:
Rick Keene Music Scene; Jazz Festival Interview – Jordan Officer Blows the Roof Off Place des Arts !
Jordan Officer is a groundbreaking artist. Kinda ... Groundbreaking in a way that combines his talent with old school tools and old school sounds. You see - Jordan is a scholar. A student of where music comes from. Blending Dick Dale with Joe Bonamassa. Bob Wills with Stevie Ray Vaughn. Guitar with the fiddle. All … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene; Jazz Festival Interview – Jordan Officer Blows the Roof Off Place des Arts !
Share this:
Rick Keene Music Scene; Jazz Festival Review – George Thorogood ‘Destroys’ The Jazz Festival ( for a few hours).
What is there to say about George Thorogood that hasn't been said before ? Electrifying ! Exciting ! Raw energy ! Just some of the adjectives used to describe Lonesome George and his music ensemble The Destroyers. Okay - so those words were utilized by George himself. So what ? One of the reasons George … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene; Jazz Festival Review – George Thorogood ‘Destroys’ The Jazz Festival ( for a few hours).
Share this:
Rick Keene Music Scene – Montreal Jazz Festival Review; Jann Arden Keeps Them Laughing
Variety shows once ruled television ... Music, comedy and drama - all inclusive in an hour long Sunday night program. A Jann Arden concert is a one woman variation on the above formula as all the aforementioned elements shine within. From the get - go, Arden is a joker in a self depreciating kinda … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – Montreal Jazz Festival Review; Jann Arden Keeps Them Laughing
