Sometimes, poems are written in the dark … Thoughts and feelings piercing the blackness like a knife profound with emotion. Last night at Place Des Arts – Susie Arioli and her excellent group of musicians delivered lines on a platter spun with golden oldies. The patrons or as the English say; the punters – recipients of a catalog smitten by the Great America Songbook. Who … Continue reading Susie Arioli; Concert Review
Jazz crooner Susie Arioli did not plan on being a singer… Art – or rather drawing, was her thing. In fact , she even enrolled in a four year Fine Arts program at Dawson College in Montreal. Something she did not finish because it was too confining for her free – spirited ways. ‘It is a lot of work being an artist.” Says Susie. ” … Continue reading Susie Arioli; Changes are Standard
The men behind the scenes. The backbone of most bands. The guys whose mistakes can nullify anything in a heartbeat … To narrow down a list of the best drummers is next to impossible – here is a (rim) shot at just that … Ginger Baker Stewart Copeland Jimmy Chamberlain Terry Bozzio Keith Moon Mike Portnoy Neil Peart John Bonham Gene Krupa Buddy Rich Related … Continue reading Top Ten Drummers
Techno – pulsating, dance – rave type of music is an acquired taste. Especially if ‘Disco Duck‘ was considered dance music when a listener was thirteen going on thirty. Misstress Barbara; former DJ – turned – songwriter / producer / singer, comandeered her computer to Club Soda on Friday night to instill her techno music to anyone who was in attendance. This was her first … Continue reading Misstress Barbara – Concert Review
David Usher performed at Club Soda on Thursday night. The former front man for Moist brought his solo act and a new album along for the ride. ‘Songs from the Last Day on Earth‘ is Usher’s eighth solo album since his former band left the scene in 1997. There is not a big difference between the sounds now and then except for Usher’s softness shining … Continue reading David Usher – Moist for a Few …
The Toronto Blues Society will be celebrating its 16 th annual Maple Blues Awards by honouring nationally and internationally recognized Canadian Blues artists from across the country on January 21, 2013. The nominees are recognized both for their talent as well as their contribution to the growing Canadian blues music scene. Hamilton’s Steve Strongman leads the way with nominations in six categories, Toronto’s Shakura S’Aida … Continue reading Toronto Blues Society – The Maple Blues Awards
Are stories your thing …? If so – a Zachary Richard concert is the place to be. Historically, musically and most importantly; emotionally. Last night at L’Astral, as part of the Jazz All Year Long series, M. Richard of New Yorek, Louisiana – utilized numerous skills to pulverize a sold out crowd into submission. A happy submission … ‘Le Fou ‘ is Richard’s 20th studio … Continue reading Zachary Richard ; Zydeco comes Home
Last year, there was a duel at L’Astral Theater on Ste. Catherine St. East. A venue on the cusp of downtown Montreal. In the right corner, wearing a brown top and jeans – Dawn Tyler Watson. A woman who posesses the voice of an angel. Vocal chords blessed from deep within … On the left, bearded and loaded with guitar fingers talented beyond comprehension – … Continue reading Thrill Me Up; Dawn Tyler Watson and Paul Deslauriers both Nominated for A Maple Blues Award!
S.U.N. (SOMETHING UNTO NOTHING) have signed a deal with record company Robo Records (a division of Waterfront Ent. Group), distributed through Fontana / Universal Music Distribution and home to such illustrious artists as John Waite, The Bangles, Brian Ray, Orianthi and Mickey Dolenz. S.U.N.’s first single “I’m The One” is impacting radio throughout October, 2012…with the full CD release later in the Fall. Legendary multi-platinum … Continue reading S.U.N ( SOMETHING UNTO NOTHING )
For singer and songwriter; Cecile Doo – Kinogue, an awkward moment containing a blatant racist remark turned into an opportunity. ” I had finished a show in Montreal. ” Says the resident of the Plateau. ” This guy walks up to me and tells me how much he loved my music. Then he says – you remind me of Aunt Jemima. At first, I wasn’t … Continue reading Racism Puts a Chill in the Air
An Irishman and Polishman walk into a kitchen … Sounds like a joke doesn’t it? Sounds like two people doesn’t it? In this case, the Polishman and the Irishman are the same person and the things that happened in the kitchen are no joke. Freeman Dre of Toronto,Ontario – explains the origins of the name of his group. “I’m born and raised in Toronto, from … Continue reading Come on to the Kitchen Party!
Outside, it was chilly. The rain came and went like an unwanted vagrant who has pressed his luck panhandling once too often … Inside – the House of Jazz welcomed one and all with it’ s fiery ambiance. A band of bluesmen providing the engine for a warm evening’s jaunt. Drinks were flowing as smiles accompanied the delicious food. Ladies and Gentlemen … I give … Continue reading Carolyn Fe Blues Collective at the House of Jazz
Rick Keene Music Scene 