Writing music is a gift. Buying music – the best present !
It was an interesting year with most of it void of touring musicians. The amount of interview / concert possibilities were slimmer than previous years.
Nevertheless, music did go on even if the music industry was the most effected by the Government decisions. A lot of artists did release music and below is a list of the Top Ten musicians I have interviewed in no particular order. Happy New Year!
10. David Clayton Thomas – The former lead singer of Blood Sweat and Tears released a new album and it is filled with both personal and political statements. From jail to Rock stardom and rubbing elbows with everyone from The Band to Neil Young; Clayton -Thomas is music history. Listen to the full interview here
9. Murray McLauchlan – A Canadian legend who has been nominated for and won more Junos than most could imagine. A new album with racism a reflective point; my chat with Murray was like sitting on a porch with your grandfather playing a guitar. Listen to the interview here.
3. John Oates – One half of the most successful songwriting duo in history ( Hall and Oates), chatted about the duo’s history as well as his new project with The Good Road Band. Please listen here.
4. J.C Maillard – J.C is one of the most respected musicians, arrangers and composers on the circuit today. The leader of Grand Baton ( fronted by former Stones’ back up singer Lisa Fischer) speaks of his commitment to music as well as his first solo record. Please listen here.
5. George Thorogood – ‘Lonesome George’ took time out a couple of times in 2020 to chat. His list of songs that influenced him and the artists that sang them was priceless and a must listen to any music fan. Check out George here.
6. Kathy Valentine – The bass player from The Go-Gos delivers some insight into the content of her new book. A woman who was part of musical history delivers a history lesson. Enjoy the chat here.
7. Lawrence Gowan – It’s always interesting and fun when a ‘strange animal’ stops by. Lawrence, Larry or Gowan is always entertaining and this time – his tales about meeting Neil Peart and Eddie Van Halen are insightful as ever. Listen here to that talk.
8. Howard Gladstone – A wonderful story of a man doing what is true to him and doing it extremely well. A must listen !
9. Peter Rowe – A filmmaker, a story teller and the author of the music book of the year. Peter digs deep into history and discovers the musicians who fought the law or vice versa? Educate yourself here .
10. Johnny Dee – Honeymoon Suite are Canadian Rock legends and are in the process of completing a new album paused by Govt decisions related to Covid. Johnny’s insightful humor is a breath of fresh air in these days of doom and gloom. Please listen here.
Thank you for visiting Rick Keene Music Scene.com
Please have a listen below to ten songs from ten of the best CD releases in 2020.
Writing music is a gift. Buying music – the best present !
To say 2020 was an interesting year – all you need to do is see the 2020 calendar next to the definition of interesting in the dictionary. The world has seen worse yet the repercussions from govt decisions will not be seen for a few years. The jury is still out on just how interesting 2020 will be.
Nevertheless, music did go on even if it was the most effected industry on the planet. Add the restaurants and clubs as a close second to almost total decimation – a miracle that music managed to keep everyone sane.
The government decisions regarding Covid seem to be pushing the world into a society living in a box. In the past few years via streaming services (video and audio), music was already pushed in that direction. With more and more ‘live’ clubs shutting their doors before Covid – the touring musician was already in trouble. No live shows – no selling of merchandise. CDs sold at concerts were the bread and butter for professional musicians. They do not make enough money to survive and create from streaming services.
There is a lot of great music wonderfully being created each day around the world. Rick Keene Music Scene is one place you can hear the creativity and podcasts are also the place to explore. If you want to learn and grow as a music fan – mainstream radio is the last place that should enter your brain. Corporations placing their product into the conscience and subconsciousness of the world. Shawn Mendes may as well be the new Ford Escort. The marketing is the same via radio, tv and film. Repeating someone is the best over and over – they become ‘the best’ much to the chagrin of the thousand musicians who are better.
Photo by Jorge Fakhouri Filho
Please have a listen below to ten songs from ten of the best CD releases in 2020.
Writing music is a gift. Buying music – the best present !
To say 2020 was an interesting year – all you need to do is see the 2020 calendar next to the definition of interesting in the dictionary. The world has seen worse yet the repercussions from govt decisions will not be seen for a few years. The jury is still out on just how interesting 2020 will be.
Nevertheless, music did go on even if it was the most effected industry on the planet. Add the restaurants and clubs as a close second to almost total decimation – a miracle that music managed to keep everyone sane.
The government decisions regarding Covid seem to be pushing the world into a society living in a box. In the past few years via streaming services (video and audio), music was already pushed in that direction. With more and more ‘live’ clubs shutting their doors before Covid – the touring musician was already in trouble. No live shows – no selling of merchandise. CDs sold at concerts were the bread and butter for professional musicians. They do not make enough money to survive and create from streaming services.
There is a lot of great music wonderfully being created each day around the world. Rick Keene Music Scene is one place you can hear the creativity and podcasts are also the place to explore. If you want to learn and grow as a music fan – mainstream radio is the last place that should enter your brain. Corporations placing their product into the conscience and subconsciousness of the world. Shawn Mendes may as well be the new Ford Escort. The marketing is the same via radio, tv and film. Repeating someone is the best over and over – they become ‘the best’ much to the chagrin of the thousand men who are better.
Please have a listen below to ten songs from ten of the best male CD releases in 2020.
Writing music is a gift. Buying music – the best present !
To say 2020 was an interesting year – all you need to do is see the 2020 calendar next to the definition of interesting in the dictionary. The world has seen worse yet the repercussions from govt decisions will not be seen for a few years. The jury is still out on just how interesting 2020 will be.
Nevertheless, music did go on even if it was the most effected industry on the planet. Add the restaurants and clubs as a close second to almost total decimation – a miracle that music managed to keep everyone sane.
The government decisions regarding Covid seem to be pushing the world into a society living in a box. In the past few years via streaming services (video and audio), music was already pushed in that direction. With more and more ‘live’ clubs shutting their doors before Covid – the touring musician was already in trouble. No live shows – no selling of merchandise. CDs sold at concerts were the bread and butter for professional musicians. They do not make enough money to survive and create from streaming services.
There is a lot of great music wonderfully being created each day around the world. Rick Keene Music Scene is one place you can hear the creativity and podcasts are also the place to explore. If you want to learn and grow as a music fan – mainstream radio is the last place that should enter your brain. Corporations placing their product into the conscience and subconsciousness of the world. Taylor Swift may as well be the new Ford Escort. The marketing is the same via radio, tv and film. Repeating someone is the best over and over – they become ‘the best’ much to the chagrin of the thousand women who are better.
Please have a listen below to ten songs from ten of the best female CD releases in 2020.
“Since being homebound during the pandemic I’ve been recording at home using Apple’s Garage Band on my computer. For me it’s therapeutic and a great way to pass the time. I chose to record the Mel Torme Classic ” The Christmas Song ” playing all the instruments myself and giving it a little more of a bluesy feel. A great song doesn’t need much…simplicity is beautiful. I hope you all enjoy it.”-John Oates
Writing music is a gift. Buying music – the best present !
George Thorogood was schooled in music as were most Rock bands that came along before 1990.
Hooker, Waters, Berry and Diddley, just a few of George’s teachers. The framework of modern day music all on the blackboard for George to hear.
Thankfully – George’s historic music and attitude were caught live in Boston in 1982. Now – students in 2020 can learn what it takes to play Rock n Roll from a guy without a ‘real job’ and ‘drinks alone’.
Please listen below to my chat with George Thorogood about his new album, his Christmas musical memories and the foundations of Rock n Roll.
Writing music is a gift. Receiving music – the best present !
Want to know what’s happening in the coming days on Rick Keene Music Scene and at the same time hear some new and old tunes?
Around Canada – town to town and province to province, songs are created everyday.
Please listen below to some of the best new music and tunes from the album of the year! Forget spreading craziness into the world around you. Peace is essential.
OSHEAGA IS THRILLED TO ANNOUNCE FOO FIGHTERS, CARDI B, AND POST MALONE AS HEADLINERS FOR OSHEAGA 2021
OSHEAGA Music and Arts Festival 2021 presented by Bell Alt TV in collaboration with Coors Light returns stronger than ever to celebrate its 15th edition! We are aware that we are heading into uncertain times, and we have been working relentlessly behind the scenes to create the ideal circumstances for OSHEAGA to move ahead without a hitch. Of course, we will follow all COVID-19 guidelines (as they evolve) and continue to update the status should anything change, but we need to plan for the future, because there IS a light at the end of the tunnel!OSHEAGA is all about spreading joy and fun in a secure environment for everyone to celebrate along with live performances by FOO FIGHTERS, CARDI B, POST MALONE and more!
15 Years!
15 years of rocking stages and lighting up the sky, 15 years of friendship and fleeting moments, 15 years of new discoveries and catching up with old favorites. We miss live music and we just can’t wait to bring it back to you as soon as circumstances allow. Welcome back to YOUR festival!
Kathy Valentine has been a working musician and songwriter for over 40 years, starting her first band in her hometown of Austin and making a name for herself in the iconic band the Go-Go’s after moving to Los Angeles.
The Go-Go’s are considered the most successful all-female band of all time and made music history for writing and performing the first and only album by an all-female band to top the charts. Kathy wrote or co-wrote some of the band’s most renowned tunes, including the hits “Vacation” and “Head Over Heels.”
Signing with the esteemed University of Texas Press to write a memoir fulfilled Kathy’s dream to be a published author. Her first book, All I Ever Wanted: A Rock ‘N’ Roll Memoir will be released in spring 2020.
Taking an innovative approach and intersecting her storytelling with her songwriting skills, Kathy has written, performed and recorded a soundtrack of fully original songs and music to accompany her memoir.
Please listen below to my chat with Kathy Valentine of The Go-Go’s !
Lumps of coal for everyone who does not enjoy music !
Considering all the behavior taking place on social media, lumps of coal or no presents at all are what most people deserve this year.
Inside – everyone is mostly good. Inside – we all want to give milk and cookies to Santa !
Please listen below to some of the best Christmas music along with a couple of classics. Forget spreading craziness into the world around you. Peace is essential.
Lumps of coal for everyone who does not enjoy music !
Considering all the behavior taking place on social media, lumps of coal or no presents at all are what most people deserve this year.
Inside – everyone is mostly good. Inside – we all want to give milk and cookies to Santa !
Please listen below to some of the best worldwide Blues artists play some original Christmas music along with a couple of classics. Forget spreading craziness into the world around you. Peace is essential.
In honor of the first woman to be Vice President-elect of the United States, let us celebrate by portraying some of the best women singers of today.
Canada especially is pumping out so much feminine talent – ‘the boys’ must be shaking in their boots.
No matter where your political allegiance leans – recognizing Kamala’s journey is important. Another step in making women on par with men, something that is long overdue.
Please enjoy some tunes, learn some names and forget the craziness.
Most of the world’s troubles would disappear with the absence of ignorance. So much hate brought on by judgment would evolve into love if a little time was set aside to learn and grow.
Sultans of String are doing their part by way of their new album Refuge. A collection of global tales through music and lyrics. Musicians from around the world take part in this breathtaking voyage.
Please have a listen below to my chat with Chris McCool and hear some fantastic music from the album ‘Refuge’.
Interactive Live Stream ZOOM Concert #3- Fri November 27 at 8:00 pm EDT
Can you imagine having a professional come to your place and do work for you? Can you imagine not paying for their services?
Musicians and artists are the same thing. Right now, more than ever – they need your help.
Please listen below to a preview of some of the artists that will be live-streaming shows on Odiance. Ticketed events that will help them continue to bring joy to this sometimes menacing world.
J C Maillard is not one to let his curiosity go unfed. Starting from an early age – music and more specifically, rhythms have inspired the Guadeloupe -born guitarist to travel inward and outward as a student of music.
J C Maillard began his unparalleled career in various collaborations with Caribbean artists in Zouk music. From there – a journey with several diverse and eclectic musicians from around the world took place around the globe.
It was his brainchild of creating the band Grand Baton and having former Rolling Stones’ backup singer Lisa Fischer on board that finally gave him the universal attention he more than rightfully deserved.
Fast forward to 2020 and a forced isolation due to Covid, a new journey has begun. Equipped with a custom-made, new 8-strings instrument made for him; theSazBasshas created the new release SazBlues.
Please listen below to part one of my chat with J C and receive an education on what makes a visionary tick, music from the album SazBlues and Working with Lisa Fischer
J C Maillard is not one to let his curiosity go unfed. Starting from an early age – music and more specifically, rhythms have inspired the Guadeloupe -born guitarist to travel inward and outward as a student of music.
J C Maillard began his unparalleled career in various collaborations with Caribbean artists in Zouk music. From there – a journey with several diverse and eclectic musicians from around the world took place around the globe.
It was his brainchild of creating the band Grand Baton and having former Rolling Stones’ backup singer Lisa Fischer on board that finally gave him the universal attention he more than rightfully deserved.
Fast forward to 2020 and a forced isolation due to Covid, a new journey has begun. Equipped with a custom-made, new 8-strings instrument made for him; theSazBasshas created the new release SazBlues.
Please listen below to part one of my chat with J C and receive an education on what makes a visionary tick along with music from the album SazBlues.
