Sass Jordan does not sit still … “I just got back from Las Vegas …” She says. ” I was helping out Jake. E. Lee on his new album. He is such a fantastic player who has massive legions of rabid fans! It was an honor to sing with him!” Who is Jake E. Lee? Sass explains… ” Jake was in a band in the … Continue reading Sass Jordan; Transplanted Montreal Girl Does Good – Part Three
Sass Jordan has been on her own since she was fourteen. If her fifteen year old daughter tries the same thing – God help her … ” The world is a different place than the 1970’s.” Says Sass. ” I moved out, wanted to be a singer and I never thought about asking my parents if they agreed on my decision. We all had our … Continue reading Sass Jordan; Transplanted Montreal Girl Does Good – Part Two
For every bunch of guitar – toting, ripped – jean wearing, bad – ass drum keepers and platinum blonde – haired singers who called themselves a band; there were solitary men / women who crooned their way into the hearts of millions … There are many talented singers who have been omitted from this list. James Brown and Michael Jackson to name two.This list is … Continue reading Top Ten Greatest Solo Artists
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!
Suddenly – it was 1988. Just like that, Colin James transported a mostly middle-aged audience to the days when mortgages were something their parents understood … It was as effortless for the current British Columbian native as his guitar playing. Times may have changed yet James remains the same – physically and musically. ” It’s great to be back in Montreal!” Shouted James a quarter … Continue reading Colin James in Concert
Colin James is … Colin James. Older, maybe a bit wiser. He remains – a great blues guitarist. He remains – Canada’s great blues guitarist. His latest album is a pleasure to listen to. There are some discs ( face it – most discs) which contain great tracks along with annoying ones thrown Into the mix. Not James’ latest title; Fifteen. The entire project is … Continue reading Cd Review – Colin James; Fifteen
Once upon a time … There was a girl living in Oregon. Eugene,Oregon to be precise. It was a town filled with hippies. A real – peace and love kind of town. This young lady adored music. She played piano growing up for her Dad. A man who loved the Beatles and at the same time, was very proud of her daughter’s singing and keyboard … Continue reading The Darling DeMaes.
Martha Wainwright’s latest offering, Come Home To Mama will be released October 16, 2012 through MapleMusic Recordings. Produced with Yuka Honda of Cibo Matto, the album is a collection of 10 reflective songs that see Martha taking stock of her life. With Come Home To Mama’s release just around the corner, Martha will be on the road to visit select cities in Canada. Martha will … Continue reading Martha Wainwright – Come Home to Mama
On this day in 1970, Janis Joplin was found dead at the Landmark Hotel in Hollywood. A heroin overdose is suspected. In an interview I conducted with Jerry Mercer, the iconic drummer for the Triangle, Mashmaakan, April Wine and the Buzz Band – Mercer relayed this tale of a sad encounter with Janis Joplin … Mercer and his band at the time – Mashmaakan, were … Continue reading Janis Joplin – Found Dead Oct.4 1970
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!
“I guess I write simple songs …” It is no wonder. Brie Nielson, originally from Vancouver and a current Montrealer – comes from a simple place. “I grew up singing in church, loved musicals, acted and sang in them then started listening to old jazz singers in my teens.” Says Brie as she prepares for her Thursday night album launch at La Salla Rossa.” I … Continue reading A Conversation with Brie Nielson
Rick Keene Music Scene 