Return to Grace; Elvis Unfortunately – Has Left the Building ! Montreal Review

If attending ‘Return to Grace’ at Place des Arts over the course of the next week or so, close your eyes. Something somewhat common takes place. Steve Michaels sings and sounds just like his alter ego; Elvis Presley. Songs heard a thousand times before pierce memories from far inside brains. Transporting people to the fifties, sixties and the seventies. Elvis, audibly and with eyes closed … Continue reading Return to Grace; Elvis Unfortunately – Has Left the Building ! Montreal Review

Montreal International Jazz Festival Preview; ‘Moving Forward’ with Adam Karch

Adam Karch is a hard working guitar player. Always learning but quick to pay homage to songwriters … Karch has a new album out and unlike his last disc ‘Blueprints’ – ‘Moving Forward’ contains mostly original songs. With a few precious covers tossed into the mix. You know – to mix it up a bit … Please listen below to my chat with Adam. Find … Continue reading Montreal International Jazz Festival Preview; ‘Moving Forward’ with Adam Karch

Montreal International Jazz Festival Preview; The Paul DesLauriers Band are ‘Relentless’!

Paul DesLauriers is a relentless soul …   This Cornwall, Ontario – born guitar player is on a mission. To ensure his band plays to their utmost potential, A ‘relentless’ pursuit of all things good within the Blues. Please listen below to my chat with Paul as he explains everything about the album ‘Relentless’ and the mindset within  The Paul DesLauriers  Band. Paul? What’s Up?   … Continue reading Montreal International Jazz Festival Preview; The Paul DesLauriers Band are ‘Relentless’!

Michael Blum – A Jazzy Tribute to Oscar Peterson

Oscar Peterson is much loved in these here parts. Montreal being the parts and Peterson the sum.  Somewhat strangely – an American guitarist has taken things in his own hands. Paying homage to Peterson through his CD Chasin’ Oscar due in stores on June 17th. Strangely for two reasons. One, Michael Blum is a Jazz guitarist and two – Michael Blum is a Jazz guitarist? … Continue reading Michael Blum – A Jazzy Tribute to Oscar Peterson

Robi Botos; Good Things Come To Those Who Wait .​.​.

Jazz pianist Robi Botos has come a long way. Literally. This Hungarian refugee, currently living in Toronto, had a dream. To play music and make people happy. He arrived in Canada with family in tow and – following tutelages with the likes of Oscar Peterson, his dream is closer than before. Please listen as Robi explains mostly everything. Robi? Continue reading Robi Botos; Good Things Come To Those Who Wait .​.​.

Pat Metheny; Returning to his Montreal ‘Roots’

It’s been coming for a while … The occasion when Montrealers can reflect on a career in Jazz. Not a career from a local boy such as Oscar Peterson or Dr. Oliver Jones, a career which harks back  to the beginnings of the Montreal International Jazz Festival. The career of Pat Metheny. Twenty Grammy Awards later – Kansas -born Metheny is returning to Montreal on … Continue reading Pat Metheny; Returning to his Montreal ‘Roots’

Taurey Butler; Making His Way – Oscar Peterson Style; Part Two

In the conclusion of my talk with Taurey Butler – the talented pianist discusses what made Oscar Peterson so good. He also praises Oliver Jones and explains the difference between the two men … Enjoy some music, some talk and … some funny moments as Polka leads into ‘dangerous’ territory. Taurey …?   Visit Taurey and The House of Jazz Here!     Continue reading Taurey Butler; Making His Way – Oscar Peterson Style; Part Two

Taurey Butler; Making His Way – Oscar Peterson Style …Part one

Taurey Butler is a funny guy … He just happens to be one of the best piano players in Montreal and North America. No wonder. He discovered a bond with Oscar Peterson the very first time he listened to one of Peterson’s CDs. A feeling which changed his life. A feeling which is currently changing many people’s lives who have had the pleasure of seeing Taurey Butler … Continue reading Taurey Butler; Making His Way – Oscar Peterson Style …Part one