Nanette Workman – ‘You Can Always Get What You Want ‘ – Part Two

Nanette Workman is real …   A singer who has been there – done that. A seasoned professional who has not lost her ability to know the true reasons behind music. Passion and integrity, beauty and soul. ASIDE FROM HER EXPERIENCE AS A BACK – UP SINGER, A BROADWAY PERFORMER, AN ACTRESS AND A HEADLINING SINGER, NANETTE IS BRINGING HER ” STREET ” EDUCATION TO THE … Continue reading Nanette Workman – ‘You Can Always Get What You Want ‘ – Part Two

Nanette Workman – ‘You Can Always Get What You Want ‘ …

Nanette Workman is not a born Quebecer. A fact which some people know …   Nanette was born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in Jackson, Mississippi. She was inducted into The Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame in 2000. Not bad for a Quebecer … eh ? The now 70 year old singer / musician / composer and actress moved to Montreal with her Pop Idol … Continue reading Nanette Workman – ‘You Can Always Get What You Want ‘ …

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

‘Tragically’ … Hip. A Farewell to Gord Downie.

What could possibly be be going through Gord Downie’s diseased head tonight as he prepares to take his final curtain call as the frontman for Canada in front of the ‘ home crowd’ ? Downie – and his band, The Tragically Hip, are closing out a career prematurely due to Downie’s incurable brain cancer. The show ( broadcast nationwide at 8:30pm est on CBC)  will … Continue reading ‘Tragically’ … Hip. A Farewell to Gord Downie.

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 !

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 !

Andria Simone and Those Guys – Raising It Up a Notch. Jazz Festival Review

To get an idea of what type of personality Andria Simone is – one does not have to look past the name of her band. ‘Those Guys’. The guys are – Mark Wilson on Bass, Brian Dihari on Sax, George Nikolov on drums and Dave Kirby on guitar. ‘Those Guys’ and Simone delivered a monstrous set of Soul, R&B, Blues and Rock n Roll to … Continue reading Andria Simone and Those Guys – Raising It Up a Notch. Jazz Festival Review

Susie Arioli; Montreal’s ‘Dearest Darlin’. Jazz Festival Review

Susie Arioli ain’t new to these parts … From her humble beginnings jammin’ with The Stephen Barry Band to her meteoric rise with Jordan Officer, Susie has earned her place in Montrealers hearts. Susie took her ‘ new ‘ act to the stage of Club Soda Friday evening as part of The Montreal International Jazz Festival. New meaning – sans Officer et avec Jim Bland. … Continue reading Susie Arioli; Montreal’s ‘Dearest Darlin’. Jazz Festival Review

Lisa Simone – Just Like Mom ! ( Sorta) Montreal International Jazz Festival Review

Lisa Simone is as famous as her last song.  The daughter of Nina Simone, the legendary singer, quickly made everyone forget who her Mom was. Place des Arts was buzzing with excitement as Lisa’s Montreal Jazz Festival two show debut came to an end on Thursday evening.  Lisa’s world was introduced with power ! ‘My World’ – Lisa’s latest album, filled the room with tenderness, … Continue reading Lisa Simone – Just Like Mom ! ( Sorta) Montreal International Jazz Festival Review

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’!