The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion does not have an average audience. Funny thing. Jon Spencer likes it that way … ” A lot of arsonists and people with assault charges …” Explains Jon. “Nothing serious though, no murderers or anything like that. Well – maybe not … ” Jon’s band have been around for twenty years. Long enough for the band to be comfortable with … Continue reading Jon Spencer; A Blues Explosion …
The Blues Babes Guest House has a few more shows coming up this summer – all of them are at THE BEAN THERE CAFE – at the traffic lights in South River. We are always excited to bring great folks to town, but numbers are down for our shows and this is a concern when it comes to launching a new festival. Summer time is … Continue reading A Musical Trip to Ottawa …
Friday night at Cabaret Mille End – Pat Travers brought his high caliber guitar chops to Montreal. It was the first time in almost twenty years the songwriter of ‘Crash and Burn’ flicked his pick to a Montreal audience. One can only wonder why it took so long …? Travers – a transplanted Canadian. An Ottawa – raised son who has been living in Orlando, … Continue reading Concert Review; Pat Travers
Toronto – born, Ottawa – raised Pat Travers – considers himself fortunate to grow up in an era which provided so many men for him to idolize. Clapton, Hendrix, Santana, Page – so many rock Gods. So much time to learn. “I was really lucky to get started at a time when guitars ruled the airwaves. They were all original sounding players and you could … Continue reading Pat Travers – Boom Boom; On Come the Lights !
It is no coincidence Holly Cole‘s new CD is titled ‘ Night’ … ‘I am a night owl, I stay up very, very late every night …” Says Cole. ” I find it very quiet. I mean the only phone calls I get are from drunk friends. It is very mysterious and for a creative person – it is ideal. It is open at night … Continue reading Holly Cole; The ‘Night’ Started Young …
Everyone remembers the T-Shirts … The name; The Stranglers – scribbled across fabric as if a child was instructed to create merchandising. Fitting wasn’t it … ? That is exactly how Punk Rock was personified upon it’s debut in the early to mid – seventies. Punk Rockers such as The Ramones, The Dictators and The Stranglers – a bunch of late teen, early twenties people … Continue reading The Stranglers – A Time Trap but a Good One …
For Emelie – Claire Barlow, the fifth time is a charm. Following four previous Juno nominations, Barlow finally won a 2013 award for Vocal Jazz Album of the Year. The album is called ‘Seule ce Soir’ . A disc which was recorded in 2012 and was initially intended as a compilation of all her French songs she has done over the years. ‘Most of my … Continue reading Emelie – Claire Barlow; The Juno, the Duck, the Mouse and ‘Bunny’
‘Brighter than Gold’ – the first single from The Cat Empire‘s new album; Steal the Night, has exceeded expectations – according to trumpeter and vocalist Harry Angus. The song, along with the entire disc, is a throwback to the group’s roots. “The last few albums we made, we were following a very live ascetic.” Explains Harry. “Probably, the last three or four records we made … Continue reading The Cat Empire; Full Circle
At L’Astral last evening, Terez Montcalm came home and the predominant Francophone crowd – welcomed her with open ‘bras’. Why would they not …? Montcalm, in her somewhat short, six album career, has recorded mostly in French. Her sole English album? Voodoo, released in 2006. Terez is presently touring with her new album; I Know I’ll Be Allright. It is a mixture of jazzed – … Continue reading Terez Montcalm; Voice of a Ragged Angel
Tommy Falls – Derek’s father, loved rhythm and Blues. Little did he know, his son was listening to all his music. Otis Redding, Elvis Presley and all the great pioneers of soul, rock n roll and Blues. “One day, my Dad had a party and I asked him if I could play along with my guitar. My Dad asked where I got it. I told … Continue reading Derek Falls – Keepin’ the R and B Tradition Alive!
By Bianca Marques Hamilton-based band Monster Truck opened for Billy Talent last week at the Bell Center. Four hairy beasts that make up the band appeared on stage. Within seconds of starting to play – these guys were nothing short of amazing! After the show, the merch table was the place to be. The band’s EP – a must have ! The four song disc … Continue reading Bianca’s Monster Truck Review; Short and Sweet
by Bianca Marques Listening to Jon Davis’s new album; ‘ Open Shore’ – is like sinking into a big comfy chair after a long day. The overall sound washes over a person in a wave of relaxation. As the sinking sensation encases a soul to newer depths – beautiful lyrics toss one deeper into the intricate compositions. A combination of James Taylor and Kenny Rankin. … Continue reading Jon Davis – Overcoming Pain …
Rick Keene Music Scene 