Lists are difficult … Especially when it comes to something as unique and divers as music. One person’s junk is another man’s treasure. Human nature. Human choice. Human ears … The Blues are an integral part of so many forms of music. Arguably – the single most used genre in every genre known. Rock n Roll … the Blues. Country … the Blues. Jazz … … Continue reading Top Ten Blues Guitarists – Part One
How can you not like a guy who wants to burn down a Walmart …? This is the legacy and mindset which Steve Earle – composer of ‘Copperhead Road‘ and ‘ Guitar Town‘, carried into Montreal last night at The Virgin Corona Theater. An arsenal of soul-defining songs? Not the only baggage which arrived on stage in the form of a fifty-eight year old Texan. … Continue reading Steve Earle; The Voice of Reason …
The Beach Boys are in Montreal Aug.10th at Maddie’s Place in Kanawake, Qc. as part of their never-ending 50th Anniversary tour. This stop is one of two in Quebec as the band continues on to Rouyn Noranda on Sunday the 11th of August. This incarnation of the band – will be performing a two hour plus set containing a lot of their best loved songs. … Continue reading The Beach Boys; What to Expect …
Underground Piano Legend Connie Crothers continues her creative tear with Live At the Freight; a Thrilling Duo Encounter With Tenor Saxophonist Jessica Jones The history of jazz is replete with visionary improvisers possessing wholly original sounds who have gone largely unsung by the music’s mainstream chroniclers. Pianist Connie Crothers, a brilliant player championed by jazz giants such as Lennie Tristano, Max Roach and Jemeel Moondoc, … Continue reading Connie Crothers; A Hidden Legend
Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone … – Bill Withers The above lyrics could not be more suited when a summation of the 34th Annual Montreal International Jazz Festival is complete. Musically and weather – wise … Mother Nature appeared to be somewhat undecided with her decision to join the festivities. For many tourists and locals – a moot point. The sights and sounds of … Continue reading The 34th Edition of The Montreal International Jazz Festival – Part One
The Rolling Stones are arriving in Montreal for their ’50 and Counting Tour’ amid all sorts of controversy … What else is new? The World’s Oldest and Greatest Rock n Roll band have made a career out of making people uneasy, ‘out of their heads’ or just plain upset. Whether it is urinating on a gas station wall in the sixties, erecting a giant billboard … Continue reading Would You Let Your Daughter Marry a Rolling Stone?
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 …
‘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
Really, winning a Juno award for ‘Inner Ninja’ – a collaboration with Classified, comes as no surprise for New Brunswick native David Myles. After all, good things come when you get along with someone so well … “We have known each other for quite a while and we really see eye to eye. He has this amazing ear. He performs music by feel which is … Continue reading David Myles; Dreams Come True
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
Seriously … When is the last time you heard the Flintstones theme played out with drums alone? For that matter, has anyone ever performed the iconic song with percussion alone? Vinny Appice, drummer for John Lennon, Derringer, Black Sabbath and Dio, along with his older brother Carmine (Vaniila Fudge, Cactus, Rod Stewart and Ozzy Osbourne), ventured into the land of Bedrock last night as the … Continue reading Drum Wars; The Beat Goes On …
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!
Rick Keene Music Scene 