Don Henley – That’s Why You Pay the Big Bucks ! Montreal Concert Review

 Welcome to the Hotel Bell Center… It took the entire show and practically Henley’s entire back catalog to arrive at Hotel California. Don’s and his former band – The Eagles, piece de la resistance ( music by Don Felder). Luckily for the punters, it was not the final nail in the coffin at Le Centre Bell. After all – ‘ you can check out any time … Continue reading Don Henley – That’s Why You Pay the Big Bucks ! Montreal Concert Review

Mike Jones – Penn and Teller’s Pianist Explains the ‘Magic’ Of His New Record

Pianist Mike Jones has spent the past fifteen years playing magic. Sorta … Jones is the pianist for the Las Vegas magic act of acclaimed magicians Penn and Teller. A gig which Mike would not change for the world. Not only does he choose the music, Mike also enjoys a stationary existence. No ‘on the road’ gigs or – very few. Please listen below to … Continue reading Mike Jones – Penn and Teller’s Pianist Explains the ‘Magic’ Of His New Record

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 – 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

The Wainright Sisters; Laughing All the Way to The Jazz Festival !

Martha and Lucy Wainright Roche are a lot of fun …  Martha and her half-sister Lucy have written and performed with most of their family. Kate and Anna McGarrigle, the Roches, Victor – the list is long and musical.  For reasons which are comically dark, Lucy and Martha collaborated on their first project ‘ Songs in the Dark’ in 2015. Fast forward to July 8th, 2016 au … Continue reading The Wainright Sisters; Laughing All the Way to The Jazz Festival !

Justin Saladino and Jamiah Rogers; The Future of the Blues !

Let us not forget – The Blues came before Jazz. The Jazz purists cringe at the ‘not Jazz’ genres at The Montreal International Jazz Festival. The artists who ply their crafts to be near the top of their specific genre, often shunned by the Jazz stuffy shirts.  In 2016, at the 37th edition – it was The Blues stage which, night after night, attracted the … Continue reading Justin Saladino and Jamiah Rogers; The Future of the Blues !

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 !

Dawn Tyler Watson – Experience is a ‘Jawbreaker’ ! Album Review

Montrealers know Dawn Tyler Watson very well … One of this city’s brightest diamonds has shone bright for a few decades. In her latest offering; ‘Jawbreaker’, Dawn exudes passion with experience. They say practice makes perfect yet musicians are all aware, perfection is as unattainable as The Holy Grail. Perfection is the hunger which, more times than not – sustains a career. In ‘JawBreaker’, Tyler … Continue reading Dawn Tyler Watson – Experience is a ‘Jawbreaker’ ! Album Review