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

Rick Keene Music Scene; A Musical Tribute to Muhammad Ali

The Champ … There are very few people who have walked this earth and were identified with one name. Not a family name, not a changed name but a name which exemplifies a characteristic. A moniker which exudes integrity. A label which personifies strength … In this case the name could be Ali. Worldwide – this name is instantaneously recognized. There are probably millions of … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene; A Musical Tribute to Muhammad Ali

Chaim Tannenbaum; His First Album and It’s a Beauty !

Chaim Tannenbaum has done many things in life. Releasing an album is not one of them. Until now … Informally, he is known as the Godfather of Canadian Folk music. Having co-produced Loudon Wainwright and worked on practically every album the McGarrigle Sisters and Loudon delivered. Keeping it among the family, Tannenbaum has also worked with Rufus and Martha Wainwright.  Following a thirty-five year career as … Continue reading Chaim Tannenbaum; His First Album and It’s a Beauty !

Sheldon Kagan Has Retired ( Sorta – Kinda …)

 Montreal entertainment impresario Sheldon Kagan fulfilled a promise to himself. Retiring after fifty years in business. A goal fulfilled. A lifetime fulfilled.   Not quite …   Please listen below to discover what Sheldon has done with his immense music collection as well as what he is doing in his … er … retirement.  Sheldon?     Visit The Cummings Center Here ! For tickets … Continue reading Sheldon Kagan Has Retired ( Sorta – Kinda …)

Rick Keene Music Scene – ‘Music DVD Pick of The Week ‘

It’s nice to discover stuff you thought you knew … That is the case with the DVD; Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers: Runnin’ Down a Dream (2007) Everyone knows the hits. ‘Breakdown’, ‘Here Comes my Girl’, ‘Refugee’, ‘Freefallin’. etc etc … Tom Petty ( in case addition is not your strongpoint) has more hits and has been around longer than any band since the mid-seventies except for … Continue reading Rick Keene Music Scene – ‘Music DVD Pick of The Week ‘

The Flying Joes – Old School Rock n’ Roll !

The lead singer of The Flying Joes – Syd Bedard, is having fun ! His band has a new album titled ‘Let It Out !’ and they are commencing their first tour … Please listen below as Syd explains his band, the album, the tour and why it may not be such a good idea to be a drummer in his band. Syd?     Visit … Continue reading The Flying Joes – Old School Rock n’ Roll !

Mr. Bolly ‘s Victory ! Local Hip Hop Artist Helps Out Duffy’s Come2gether for West Island Palliative Care Residence

 Victory comes in many forms …   For Mr. Bolly, that form is karma. A weird chain of events which is taking the song ‘Victory’ and transporting it to all sorts of places. All – for the good of mankind.   Please listen below as Mr. Bolly explains the song, the feelings and the results of hard work.   Hard work with very interesting results.   Mr. … Continue reading Mr. Bolly ‘s Victory ! Local Hip Hop Artist Helps Out Duffy’s Come2gether for West Island Palliative Care Residence

‘Lonesome’ George Thorogood Does Not ‘Drink Alone’! Montreal Concert Review

It took all of three minutes for George Thorogood and his Destroyers to pull Montreal out of the winter doldrums … Just when you thought Rock n Roll was dead, along comes ‘Lonesome George’ to levitate dormant goosebumps into the stratosphere. Hair-raising kind of stuff which makes the omni-present argument that ‘music ain’t what it used to be ‘ seem righteous and justified. The tune … Continue reading ‘Lonesome’ George Thorogood Does Not ‘Drink Alone’! Montreal Concert Review

Jean-Luc Ponty; Coltrane to Zappa to Jon Anderson.

THE ANDERSON-PONTY BAND Jean-Luc Ponty and Jon Anderson Thursday, May 26th 8 pm @ Theatre St.-Denis Buy Tickets Here !   Jean – Luc Ponty is an innovator … Credited as one of the first musicians to implement the violin within Jazz music, Ponty has not stopped there. A musical thirst has carried the seventy-one year old native of France through a long, creative and … Continue reading Jean-Luc Ponty; Coltrane to Zappa to Jon Anderson.

Noah Preminger – A ‘ Bluesy ‘ Kinda Sax Player …

 Noah Preminger is not your average run-of-the-mill saxophone player … A native of Connecticut, currently dividing his time between Boston and New York – Noah has released a very interesting album. ‘Dark Was the Night, Cold Was the Ground’ brings the listener on a history lesson which revolves around Mississippi. In music language, Mississippi means the Delta Blues and the Delta Blues are the backbone of most … Continue reading Noah Preminger – A ‘ Bluesy ‘ Kinda Sax Player …

2016 Montreal International Jazz Festival Indoor Shows Preview – aka Great Tunes!

The Jazz Festival is fast approaching. This week, the indoor schedule was announced. Some great names will pay Montreal a visit this summer both in music and in soul.   Please listen below to some artists that will be playing as well as where you can go to buy tickets !   Thanks for listening ! Talk soon !   Visit Jazz Festival and Buy … Continue reading 2016 Montreal International Jazz Festival Indoor Shows Preview – aka Great Tunes!

The 2016 Edition of The Montreal International Jazz Festival

37th edition of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal Tickets on sale this Friday, April 29, at noon Exclusive pre-sale for Spectra Newsletter subscribers: Wednesday, April 27 and Thursday, April 28, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.! (free subscription at infolettrespectra.ca)   Montreal, Tuesday April 26, 2016 — It’s an indoor program that combines quality, abundance and diversity! The 37th edition of the Festival International … Continue reading The 2016 Edition of The Montreal International Jazz Festival