Michel Pagliaro; Quebec’s Greatest Songwriter?

 Michel Pagliaro is a legend in Quebec … Anglophone artists, Francophone artists – any genre, unconsciously or consciously affected  by ‘Pag’. Rarely do artists create such a vast ‘society affecting’ songbook in a quick period of time. The Guess Who, Dylan,The Beatles, The Stones,Elvis and Pag. For this reason, it is fitting after all these years for a tribute album. Eleven of Pagliaro’s songs performed … Continue reading Michel Pagliaro; Quebec’s Greatest Songwriter?

Rick Keene Music Scene – Arcaydium; A Breath of Fresh Musical Montreal Air

To make it in this business – bands must have that ‘thing’.  Any experienced DJ will tell you, all it takes is a three minute listen to separate the ‘men’ from ‘the boys’. The ‘it’ in question is many times not explainable. A unique sound, voice or chemistry. It is basically magic. A wondrous thing found at Hogwarts. Please listen below to my chat with … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – Arcaydium; A Breath of Fresh Musical Montreal Air

Rick Keene Music Scene – Elizabeth Shepherd Loves Montreal on Her New Record

Once a Montrealer – always a Montrealer … Elizabeth Shepherd is a traveler. Physically and spiritually. Searching for new within herself and within the world of music. Her latest release brings her back to Montreal to discover things that were always under her nose. In the album Montreal – Shepherd brings the listener on a trip through her hometown. Please listen below to my chat … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – Elizabeth Shepherd Loves Montreal on Her New Record

Rick Keene Music Scene – The Sheepdogs Take Montreal On a Ride

It is not easy ‘riding’ global accolades … For the Western Canadian band The Sheepdogs – that is precisely what they are doing. And – doing it well. When Rolling Stone magazine proclaims you as the band to watch out for, that is a lot of pressure. Judging from their performance at MTelus on a double bill with Montreal’s own The Damn Truth, the pressure … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – The Sheepdogs Take Montreal On a Ride

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

Rick Keene Music Scene – Montreal Jazz Festival Preview. Men without Hats

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 every song released by ‘Men without Hats’.  Ivan? What’s up?       … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – Montreal Jazz Festival Preview. Men without Hats

Rick Keene Music Scene – What’s Going On ?

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 !     Visit Cliff Here !   The Montreal International Jazz Festival  … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – What’s Going On ?

Cliff Stevens – The Prodigal Guitarist Returns to Montreal to Prove ‘Grass Won’t Grow’.

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 as Cliff reaches into his soul to evoke feelings which … Continue reading Cliff Stevens – The Prodigal Guitarist Returns to Montreal to Prove ‘Grass Won’t Grow’.

Rick Keene Music Scene Jazz Festival Preview – An Extensive Chat with Dr. Trevor Payne

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 great angst inside him. Please listen below to my extensive … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene Jazz Festival Preview – An Extensive Chat with Dr. Trevor Payne

Bonnie Raitt in Montreal – Like a Fine Wine …

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 for the record) kicked off it’s Canadian leg in Montreal. … Continue reading Bonnie Raitt in Montreal – Like a Fine Wine …

Matt Dusk – Bringing Back Christmas in a Big Way !

There is nothing like the good ol’ days.   Especially when Christmas comes to mind. Most people have fond memories of the Holiday Season and Matt Dusk is one of them. In fact – Matt’s memories are so great, he decided to put together a Christmas album with a couple of guests. Traditional combined with new. A love affair with the past … Trust me … Continue reading Matt Dusk – Bringing Back Christmas in a Big Way !

Simon Daigle – Quebec’s Premiere Bass Player Talks Groove

Bass players unite ! Rarely are Bass players featured prominently on albums for promo. Once in a while – their pictures are front and center, on the back cover of CDs. Simon Daigle – a Granby, Qc. resident, is shaking the normal world to it’s preconceived core. Daigle is one of Quebec’s and Canada’s premiere Bass players. Collaborating with the likes of Victor Wooten, among … Continue reading Simon Daigle – Quebec’s Premiere Bass Player Talks Groove