Pleasure over pain.

Then again – pain may be your pleasure.

In a world where worry, atrocities and anxiety raise their ugly heads minute by minute, it is important to take time and love one another. Dim the lights and delight the mind.

Please have a listen below to songs to make love to.

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As the world is aware – Charlie Watts of The Rolling Stones has passed away.

Drummer Jeff Simon of The Destroyers is one of those guys hit hard by Charlie’s loss. Charlie Watts for Jeff – an introduction to Jeff’s passion, approach to drumming and Jeff’s eventual livelihood.

Please have a listen below to a great chat about drumming, drummers and Jeff’s ‘guy’ – Mr. Charlie Watts.

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The more things change -the more they DO NOT stay the same.

The Festival International de Jazz de Montréal presented by TD Bank Group in collaboration with Rio Tinto is proud to announce the complete line-up for its 2021 edition! From September 15 to 19, more than thirty renowned artists will once again bring the heart of the Quartier des spectacles to life. True legends of Canadian and Quebec music will occupy the TD Stage (Place des Festivals) as well as the Rio Tinto Stage (Parterre symphonique) to offer us a series of exceptional and free concerts! Here are the artists who will be part of this 41^st edition.

On Wednesday, September 15, BEYRIES, Ranee Lee, Guy Bélanger and his Blues Summit 2021 gathering the greatest artists of the local blues scene, Yannick Rieu, Flore Laurentienne and Dawn Tyler Watson will launch the festivities. On Thursday, September 16, performances by the incomparable Daniel Lanois, Plants and Animals, Teke::Teke and Théo Abellard Trio will be presented and we will celebrate both the 25th anniversary of the François Bourassa Quintet as well as the release of the album Omertà with Michel Cusson. Friday, September 17, folk, soul and blues-rock fans will enjoy a great evening with Elisapie, Basia Bulat, The Brooks, Clerel, Steve Hill & the Devil Horns, and the Emie R Roussel Trio. On Saturday, September 18, festival-goers will vibrate to the sounds of neo-soul, hip-hop and R&B thanks to performances by Charlotte Day Wilson, Shay Lia, Anachnid and Vox Sambou, while Socalled and MISC‘s exhilarating experiments will undoubtedly seduce the most avid music lovers.

The 41^st edition of the Festival de Jazz de Montréal will close on Sunday, September 19, featuring Patrick Watson, Ghostly Kisses, an exclusive show led by Modibo Keita who will pay tribute to Marvin Gaye to mark the 50th anniversary of iconic album What’s Going On, Simon Leoza, and CODE Quartet. Coral Egan, Daniel Thouin, Yannick Rieu, Alain Caron and Paul Brochu will also perform the late Chick Corea‘s album Light as a Feather.

The first four nights of the Festival will end at L’Astral and Club Soda as part of the Les Nocturnes series presented by Loto-Québec, which will allow the public to discover free and exclusive performances by Nomadic Massive, Nate Husser and Emma Beko, Fredy V & The Foundation and Snotty Nose Rez Kids.

This year, festival-goers will have to reserve their tickets online free of charge in order to have access to the outdoor stages as well as to the late nights at L’Astral and Club Soda. This new measure will allow us to keep a register of participants and ensure the safe running of the events, in accordance with the health regulations currently in effect.

Get your free tickets on September 1^st at 10am on montrealjazzfest.com

For the very first time, the Festival’s outdoor shows will be webcast live from the Place des Festivals and the Parterre symphonique. Spectators who can’t make it on site will also be able to experience these exclusive performances thanks to a real-time broadcast that will not be rebroadcast. It’s a date the same evening in your living room or even on your terrace to experience Jazz at home!

Watch on the Festival’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/montjazzfest

At Dièse Onze, don’t miss:  Emile Farley / Taurey Butler Trio / Marc Copeland Trio / Kim Richardson Quintet

For the show schedule and to buy your tickets:  www.dieseonze.com

Upstairs Jazz will present:  Laura Anglade Quartet / Fuel Junkie Blues Band / Ron Di Lauro Sextet: Kind of Blue / Nomad / Simon Denizart + Eli Miller Maboungou / Peter Berstein / Larry Goldings / Bill Stewart Trio

For the show schedule and to buy your tickets:  www.upstairsjazz.com

Concerts at the Festival will be presented in compliance with the health measures currently in effect for outdoor events. In addition, as announced by Quebec Government, the vaccination passport will be required for access to the shows. 

Of course, we will follow the evolution of the health situation closely to ensure the safety of the public, artists and employees.

For more details, please visit: montrealjazzfest.com/en-CA/Infos

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Starting your time off with music is psychologically proven to be great for mental health.

Please have a listen below to some music news and some new and old tunes.

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As the world is aware – Charlie Watts of The Rolling Stones has passed away.

Please have a listen below to Part Two of some of Charlie Watts‘ best work within The Rolling Stones. Music is more powerful than words.

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As the world is aware – Charlie Watts of The Rolling Stones has passed away.

Please have a listen below to some of Charlie Watts‘ best work within and outside of The Rolling Stones. Music is more powerful than words.

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One of the most musically educated and unique drummers in the history of music has passed away at the age of eighty.

When I was eleven years of age, my Father passed away suddenly. A year later – my Mother was diagnosed with cancer. For a young man discovering the world around him, it was a time when insecurity replaced comfort.

Each day was filled with cooking, cleaning and homework. In between, watching my Mom vomit as chemotherapy raised it’s ugly head became my reality while friends were hanging out. The night ended with a quick visit to Mom’s bedroom and my head to her chest to feel some breath. To feel some life.

A year earlier, my much older sister who was married and had kids of her own – had given me all her old records. At the time of the gift, I never put much thought into music. It was something that was all around yet something which did not require my time. Taking care of my Mom and still saddened by the departure of my Dad – time suddenly was all I had. Time to pass, time to be sad and time to think. Time was my enemy and my friend.

One night as a combination of boredom and depression entered my room, I took out those old records my sister had given me. Most were torn and battered around the edges and many were in Black and White in lieu of the colored albums that were the fabric of my generation . A guy named Dylan peered at me from behind a bunch of guys who apparently loved Beetles enough to name their band after the crawling insects. Record after record – names foreign to me appeared and seemingly (artwork -wise) blended together as one. Then – as if someone from above turned on the light, there was a colored album. A ‘double’ colored disc with a bunch of ‘thugs’dressed in medieval costumes. This album caught my eye. Little did I realize -this album would catch my ear and provide comfort for years to come.

The Rolling Stones became my friends. Within their music on the two albums I discovered in my closet (Hot Rocks and The Rolling Stones Now), I found everything I needed to make me happy. The Blues were there, Rock n Roll was there and soft ballads were there. This was something I never heard before and I wanted to learn all about these ‘people’ and the music they played. My world -in an instant went from black and white to color.

Presumably for being a good son – an allowance of twenty dollars was my reward. It may have been monthly or bi – monthly. 1977 is a long time ago and many recent memories have replaced the old.

Four, five or six Rolling Stones albums came home with me as soon as I could visit the local record store. There was one with goat’s head in the title, one with two figures staring at each on the cover (who looked nothing like the fellas on Hot Rocks) and then there was a cartoon -ish looking cover with a bunch of guys coming down stairs and women bowing down to them as if they were Gods. Musically – I had no idea what I just bought yet the images alone were enough to make the vacant spot in my wallet ‘mentally’ okay.

Anyone reading this may be thinking ‘ya ya – so you became a big fan of The Rolling Stones’. Me too. So what?

The Stones engulfed my world and I surrounded myself with all the music and all the newspaper clippings I could. The articles in Cream magazine, in Rolling Stone magazine and even a publication called Circus became words of Gospel to me. Many fans of many bands ( including The Stones) can relate the exact same tale about falling in love with a sound. I am not special. What was special is one individual within the band. Here is why.

Choose the best drummer from any band. Pick out the best musician in any band. More times than not – that individual’s skills and knowledge remain close to what music their bands play. Need someone to play for Black Sabbath? Here is a list of one thousand drummers. Take your pick. What is that you say? The Dave Mathews Band needs a replacement to pound the skins? Here is another list of one thousand drummers. Good luck ! What’s that? The Rolling Stones need a drummer? Sorry – that man is now dead.

The Rolling Stones collectively and individually were and are a walking talking music encyclopedia. The Great American Songbook. Jazz. Country. Reggae. Soul. R&B. Disco. Ask anyone within The Stones camp what makes the band so special – they will all tell you; their knowledge of music is unmatched. Jagger and his unquenchable thirst for something new and Richards’ stubbornness to maintain the ‘Blues and Country’ core have sent The Stones on many magical journeys. Many musical trips captured (thankfully) on record. Take any drummer and they can sit in and play all the genres in which The Stones have had success. Country, Blues, Rock n Roll, Soul, Gospel, Disco, Reggae, Pop and Punk. Every drummer can play most well or pass through without too much damage to an audience’s ears and the band’s pocket book.

Darryl Jones, The Stones’ current bassist sums it up best.

‘I have seen many Rolling Stones cover bands and they sounded great. Great singer, great guitars and great sound. Great chemistry. Bands that know their stuff. As good as they are – something is always missing. Somehow – they never sound like The Stones. The Beatles’ cover bands sound like The Beatles, The Eagles’cover bands sound like The Eagles -you name the cover band’; chances are someone sounds exactly like the original. One day it hit me. Nobody sounds like The Stones because there is only one Charlie Watts. ‘

Schooled with his love of Charlie Parker and the world of Jazz – Watts was a student of all music. Armed with an artistic ear and artistic touch – Charlie Watts was a fish out of water within a Stones band and their version of The Blues back in 1963. The combination of Watts not knowing Chicago, Delta or whatever Blues The Stones were experimenting with at any given time and his and Jazz’s special timing created a rhythm section unmatched in all genres. No matter where and how Jagger and Richards took the music – Watts’ Jazz mentality never strayed too far. Some tunes it was JazzBlues. Some songs featured JazzCountry.

Disco? Don’t you mean Jazzco?

Watts’sensibility and Richards following that sensibility created the sloppiness and ‘the train wreck that never happened’ which The Stones became known for. The sound which is the engine that made The Stones and their legacy – not feasible without Watts’ love of Jazz and Watts’ very unique personality.

The Rolling Stones were / are The Bad Boys of Rock n Roll. The Beatles wore the white hats and the Stones wore the black ones. Brian Jones, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards were the three guys you kept away from your daughter. Bill Wyman was more discreet but became known for someone you really kept away from your daughter. Charlie Watts looked like the guy the band kidnapped and wouldn’t let go. His look of indifference and boredom could have been read two ways; ‘help me’ or ‘I am the cat who swallowed the canary.’ Turns out – the world’s canary population thinned immensely while Charlie Watts sat on his stool ( on guard?) for almost sixty years.

Many Stones fans and most music fans never knew the real Charlie. Few did. He never offered many interviews and when he did – his disgust for the stupidity of many journalists cut the chats short. In later years – with the Stones more and more obtaining Regal status as the statesmen of Rock n Roll and rebellion – Watts did parlay his wisdom of Jazz and music to the masses more and more. If Keith Richards is the ultimate pirate – Charlie Watts was the ultimate navigator.

To be the Captain of your own ship in a world of Rock n Roll and Sex and drugs is no easy task. Especially when the group you are in are the poster boys for Sex, Drugs and Rock n Roll. If you look up sex, drugs and Rock n Roll in the dictionary -you may find Jagger, Richards, Wyman and Jones’ photos but not Mr. Charlie Watts. Married since 1964 to Shirley – Watts was the ultimate contrast to what his band represented. The ultimate contrast to what his profession and fame represented. Originally a graphic designer – Charlie over the years, instrumental along with Jagger in the design of album covers and stage designs. A lover of horses and a hater of touring – Watts was a walking, talking contradiction who remained loyal to the men who gave him such a wonderful life. Jagger and Richards, Wyman and Wood, Taylor and Jones and Mr. Darryl Jones – all the better as humans and musically for having known and learned from such a stoic man, a true artist and one sharp dressed man.

I am fifty-five years of age and my Father passed away when I was eleven. At the age of twelve – my Mother was diagnosed with cancer. For an older man discovering the world around him in 2021, it is a time when insecurity has once again – replaced comfort.

Charlie was good every-night.

Rest in peace.

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In the eighties, Glass Tiger exploded onto the music charts.

Nineteen eighty five was the year when fighting traffic in your car was made a little easier. Glass Tiger‘s song ‘Don’t Forget Me When I’m Gone’ not only added a bounce to your foot – it also added sunshine to a dreary commute to work.

Glass Tiger and The Box – Buy Tickets Here

Please listen below to my chat with Alan Frew about passing the time with Covid and his upcoming show with The Box.

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Very few Canadian bands had the success of The Box.

Aside from having a groundbreaking video and song with L’Affaire Dumoutier, The Box were an everyday occurrence in Canada on radio and TV.

Please listen below to my chat with Jean Marc about passing the time with Covid and his upcoming show with Glass Tiger.

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Trois Rivieres is a musical kind of place.

Steve Hill, the multi-talented guitar player and world traveler hails from Trois Rivieres.

Breen LeBoeuf, vocalist and bassist formerly of Offenbach and April Wine has lived n the town for twenty-three years. t’s a great place to hook up with other musicians.

Please listen below to my chat with Breen about the band Night Bluemers. Breen’s latest musical adventure.

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Music heals.

From September 15 to 19, the Festival will present its 41^st edition on two large outdoor stages installed in the heart of the Quartier des Spectacles.

Several renowned artists will thrill the public with unique and free performances. Spread out over five days, the program will feature some of the greatest local talents, and even from across the country. Music lovers and fans of all genres will be blown away by exclusive concerts.

National treasure Daniel Lanois will perform songs from his latest album, Heavy Sun, as well as a fine selection of hits from his impressive repertoire. Contemporary soul and R&B’s rising star Charlotte Day Wilson will preview songs from her debut album, Alpha, released last month. As for Ranee Lee, she will present a concert that pays tribute to female vocal jazz legends. Let’s also mention that renowned Montreal jazz pianist François Bourassa will celebrate the 25th anniversary of his eponymous quartet which also includes Guy Boisvert on bass, André Leroux on saxophone and Guillaume Pilote on drums.

Folk fans will not be left out thanks to the presence of singer-songwriter BEYRIES, who will soothe the souls of those music fans seeking softness during her first show with her band in Montreal. As for Basia Bulat, she will finally have the chance to play songs from her album Are You In Love? released on March 27, 2020.

The unclassified trio MISC, led by Jérôme Beaulieu, will also be present to perform the wildly energic tracks of Partager l’ambulance, released last April. Shay Lia, undeniable queen of Montreal R&B, also promises a colorful concert with musicians and dancers while electrifying guitarist Steve Hill will bring out the big guns in a fiery performance by Steve Hill & The Devil Horns.

The shows will be held in accordance with each of the public health guidelines established by the government to ensure the safety of artists, festival-goers, and employees.

The complete program, schedules and important details surrounding the festival will be revealed on August 31. 

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Road trip!

Nothing in life is more exciting than going on a road trip. Add a destination of live music and gold is at the end of the rainbow.

Trois Rivieres en Blues is taking place this weekend. Call the kids and wake the spouse. A road trip is in the plans.

Please listen below to a preview and hear songs from the artists playing at Trois Rivieres en Blues.

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Miss me, miss me -now you gotta kiss me.

Lots of stuff going on as the world creeps toward a new reality. Thankfully – some old realities still exist, mostly in the form of music.

Trois Rivieres en Blues – is taking place near the end of August 2021.

Please listen below to some music news and lots of great tunes!

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When legends leave us -it is hard to grasp.

The recent passing of bassist Dusty Hill of ZZ Top fame came as a shock. Like Neil Peart of Rush – the general population unaware of any major health issues.

Trois Rivieres en Blues – a festival which Dusty and his band played at, is taking place at the end of August 2021.

Please listen below to a tribute to Dusty Hill and hear songs from the artists playing at Trois Rivieres en Blues.

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It takes a village to make a CD.

Montrealer Dan Gideon has come far. It has been a long and winding road for his songs to be recorded and placed on to a disc. Forty years for some tunes but hey – good things come to those who wait.

The name of the album is I Came I Saw I Conquered. A firm title for a man who set out on a mission and completed it. Dan Gideon did get satisfaction but with a little help from his friends.

Please listen below to tracks from the new album and hear Dan explain it all !

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OCTOBER 1-3, 2021 AT PARC JEAN-DRAPEAU
TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, JULY 23 AT NOON

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This fall, Montreal will come alive with a musical celebration at the OSHEAGA Get Together presented by Bell in collaboration with Coors Light, taking place between October 1-3, 2021 on beautiful Île Sainte-Hélène at Parc Jean-Drapeau. It will be a unique opportunity for fans to reunite and enjoy world-class live music in an intimate outdoor setting (with the stunning beauty of Montreal’s skyline as a backdrop for the two-stage setup). 

The three-day OSHEAGA Get Together will feature moving performances from a wide array of festival favourites, with a focus on Canadian and local talent. Headlining will be some of this city’s top international exports, including Charlotte Cardin, the critical darling who just sold out 11 shows at Montreal’s MTELUS (scheduled for 2022) – that’s 24 000 tickets sold within a couple of days! The Montreal-born singer/songwriter, who is as comfortable crooning an intimate jazz tune as she is swimming in a sea of electro beats and pop sensibilities, takes the stage Friday, October 1st. The incredibly talented artist – who is an OSHEAGA favourite, having played the fest in 2016 – quickly made a name for herself as one of Quebec’s most notable talents and greatest exports, having amassed over 149 MILLION streams around the world! With her new album, Phoenix, burning up the charts, fans know that this will be an unforgettable show! 

Saturday night, rising pop star Jessie Reyez will take the stage. With multiple Junos under her belt, including Breakthrough Artist of the Year (2018) and the following two consecutive years for R&B/Soul Recording of the Year (2019 & 2020), the Colombian-born, Toronto-raised singer will prove why she is considered one of the great ones by fans and critics all over the world. The Canadian gem has been shortlisted for the Polaris Prize twice already in her relatively short career, so far, and she’s worked on hits for the likes of Dua Lipa, Calvin Harris, Sam Smith and Eminem. Reyez also delivered a blistering set at the outdoor blowout event for the Montreal International Jazz Festival in 2018, and as anyone who witnessed that show will attest, this will be a can’t miss set! 

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The Sunday night headliners will be Half Moon Run – one of the most exciting young live acts who perfectly capture the essence of Montreal’s indie sound. With a new EP out, Inwards and Onwards, the group continues to make a name for themselves with unforgettable live performances that marry multi-layered harmonies with driving percussion and a catalogue of songs that always inspire impromptu singalongs from the crowd. The Juno Award winners will be turning heads full circle when they take the stage Sunday, October 3rd. 

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Single day and weekend passes for #OSHEAGAGT will be available via pre-sale today and General Admission on sale Friday, July 23rd at noon at www.osheaga.com.

OSHEAGA GET TOGETHER PASS PRICES (taxes and service fees are included*)

GENERAL ADMISSION PASS – 1 DAY : starting at 85.00$
GENERAL ADMISSION PASS – 3 DAYS : starting at 245.00$

CASINO DE MONTRÉAL GOLD PASS – 1 DAY : starting at 135.00$
CASINO DE MONTRÉAL GOLD PASS – 3 DAYS : starting at 390.00$

GOLD Pass holders will have access to the Casino de Montréal OSHEAGA Terrace, a platform offering a premium view of the Bell River Stage and Coors Light Mountain Stage, with access to private washrooms, an exclusive beverage stand and fast-lane entry onto the event grounds.

National Bank is offering a $15.95 discount on the 1-day General Admission Pass. This offer is for a limited time and in limited quantities. Visit National Bank‘s Facebook or Instagram page for more details. Also, National Bank will keep festival goers hydrated for a third year by offering water bottle filling stations on site. The Bank will also give back to the community by making a $10,000 donation to the evenko foundation to provide musical instruments to schools in need. To learn more about the foundation: www.fondationevenko.ca.

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If you live in the past – life will pass you by …

With so many music venues closed due to government decisions, musicians need your help more than ever.

Buy their CDs and support Rick Keene Music Scene by clicking on the donate button. Nobody in Montreal media does what is done here.

Please have a listen below to some great new tunes !

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The voice of the people? A calling? Both …

Murray McLauchlan is a Canadian treasure. Numerous awards and numerous platforms to get his message across. Murray would not have it any other way.

Please have a listen below to a poignant chat with Murray about his new album and several topical issues.

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Need a soundtrack to watch the hockey game ?

The Montreal Canadiens face off against The Las Vegas Golden Knights Wednesday at 9pm EST. for Game Two. Fingers crossed for a Montreal win.

Please have a listen below to some great Blues !

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Just a hunka hunka burnin’ hockey.

The Montreal Canadiens face off against The Las Vegas Golden Knights tonight at 9pm EST.

It will be a match between the ghosts of the forum and the NHL’s second best regular season team. Carey Price vs. Marc-Andre Fleury.

Please have a listen below to my thoughts about the series and some great Las Vegas music.

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