Hey I know its been a while, too long in fact. I can insert excuse here and there but the truth is, I’ve just been really hard at work. I’ve had a few people ask about the next blog lately. So I thought….  I need to get back to writing, writing about Hip Hop

I find myself listening to something completely off my radar today. I’ve written about Indie Rock, Heavy Metal, Funk Fusion and Jazz artists to name a few, so why not a Montreal based Hip Hop outfit, especially a group as unique as Northern Lights!

I just checked out the newly released video for their song “Doesn’t Matter” and i found myself glued to it. I’m not sure what it was that got my attention exactly. I mean don’t get me wrong its a very cool song, but there is something about the video that just screams “watch me”. Between all the great shots of the artists walking around the city i grew up in, the nostalgic Expo paraphernalia and the positive messaging in the lyrics, i was hooked. I really enjoyed the horn arrangement for this track and the lounge-ish bass line introduced in the chorus. The beat is solid and the melodies fresh. There is nothing cliche about this group, quite the opposite actually. While much of the commercial Hip Hop world in the US has fallen victim to corporate pre-fabrication (insert hot chick here and expensive car there), NL5 seems to have given a nod back to old school Rap with the injection of friendships and family values in this video. Definitely a nice tribute to the art form which Hip Hop originated from.

You can check Northern lights out for yourself by visiting http://northernlightshiphop.com or their Facebook page, and listen to some more of their tracks like The Legacy and C’mon Son.

Hey Everyone,

Happy Monday! Just wanted to give you all a quick update, Steve Bucci just released a sneak peek of his “Streetlight on 5th Avenue” album scheduled to be released this spring. I like what i hear already but You can go to his Facebook artist page and listen for yourself. That opening riff to “Analog Players” had me hooked instantly, can’t wait to hear the entire album.

First things first, I want to apologize for not getting this blog out sooner. I’ve had allot going on lately with my time being split between rehearsing for an upcoming gig, and launching the new “Montreal Music Events” section of the blog.

I did finally get the chance to check out some brand new music, and today I’m going back to the Montreal Metal scene.

Void Within “1000 Decibels of Hate”

It’s great to just sit back. I’m listening to a new CD titled “1000 Decibels of Hate” released by local Metal outfit “Void Within”. Of course I have my usual cup of coffee while I write, but caffeine isn’t the only thing keeping me wired right now. This 9 track LP is full of raw energy! I really appreciate the opening track, a 45 second intro to the album which transitions seamlessly to the next song “Allegiance to None”. Void Within is very much bringing back some hardcore tones that you just don’t hear enough of anymore. The one thing which stands out is just how tight they are. The relationship between the rhythm section and their melodic overtone is amazing. Ariel Cota is an absolute monster on drums, meshing really well with Monsoon La Posta’s bass. I really enjoyed Boris Pavlov on guitar, who displays some serious chops, especially in the guitar solos from “Meaningless Life” and “Beneath the Surface”. And, as a vocalist John Vincelli does a great job keeping the Metal Faithful happy.

If I had to pick a personal favorite, I’d say it’s the very last track on the album “Reconstruction”.  When I listen to this song I feel like I’m hearing something from out of an epic film soundtrack. It resonates well and full of transitions. All and all, this album is a great listen for any Metal lover. You can check them out for yourself by visiting their Facebook page.

Well it’s been a nice long break but I’m really looking forward to playing live again. Between the grueling rehearsals and the non stop live shows, the last few years with Brewchad really took their toll. Although i missed performing, not having to rehearse or perform has afforded me the time to write some new music and start up this blog, which i really enjoy. But, a few weeks ago when i got the invite from Ohms to join them for their next gig, i found it was hard to say no.

Its gonna be a great show, I’m happy to announce that ill be joined on stage by some old friends. Marco Manocchio on bass and drummer extraordinaire, David Potvin. We will be playing some of the new songs i posted in the last few months and adding some surprises to the mix. I’m looking forward to meeting Kimarine and playing with Ohms again.

Saturday, February 18, 2012, @ 9PM

I hope to see you there.

John

Imagine being a kid in Montreal dreaming about a future in music. Sam Roberts hasn’t yet broken through, Arcade Fire hasn’t won a Grammy, and the political referendum from last year has left a rift in your city. The year is 1981 and it is very difficult for an English artist.

Aldo Nova

Aldo Nova’s success story is a particular one. He broke through with his music during an era where it really seemed difficult to do so. I mean, as recent as spring 2011, Arcade Fire was told they had to sing in French if they wanted to participate in Quebec’s June 24^th holiday celebrations. Now, while politics have come a long way and the statements made by the festival organizers are not representative of Montreal’s French Canadian community in its entirety, I have to imagine that there may not have been too many gig opportunities for Aldo to play his original songs live in his own home town back in 1981. He took matters into his own hands with his self-produced debut album “Aldo Nova” and paved the way for generations. We all owe him a great bit of gratitude.

I’m always looking for, and writing about new music. By coincidence Aldo’s name came up in a few of the last blogs I wrote. Or at least I thought it was a coincidence until I realized he always comes up in the same context….. as an inspiration. It’s no surprise that we look at him this way, the guy has serious presence. I only met him briefly, but was star struck! I was a young clerk in a video store on Parc Avenue back in the 90’s. Aldo Nova came in to return a movie he had rented 6 months earlier and said “sorry it’s late. I was heading to LA to work on some music and wanted something to watch on the plane, I didn’t think I’d be gone for so long”.  My reply was simple… “I love your music”. Aldo had a few hits on his debut album, with the big one being “Fantasy”. He followed that up with “Monkey on Your Back”, a hit from his second album, and produced a couple more hits with his third album “Blood on the Bricks”. Maybe it’s because I was a teenager when this album was released, but “Someday” is my all-time personal Aldo Nova favorite, some sweet, sweet guitar work displayed on that track. In 1997 he released his 4^th album “Nova’s Dream”. Throughout all of this he was nominated for two Juno awards and has produced some great artists like Celine Dion, Faith Hill, Jon Bon Jovi and Clay Aiken to name a few.

The good news is that Aldo is back on stage and has a new CD launch scheduled for early this year. I know I’m definitely going to check out the album and take in a show when he comes back home to play Montreal. You can keep an eye out for his new album and scheduled tour dates through his Facebook fan page. Aldo Nova we thank you and look forward to enjoying your music for years to come!

Kicking off the windiest night Montreal has seen in a long time, and as usual when the weather keeps me in, I put on some music. Of course it wouldn’t feel right if I didn’t have some coffee while I write.

Left to right - Danny C, Stacy St- Pierre & Chris Grillo

Tonight I’m checking out the Montreal Indie band Ohms. My last few posts have been about some pretty established musicians, during which I got to hear some great stories along the way. But, I thought it would be fun to write about a local group on the rise in the process of writing their own story. Ohms is particularly special given their accomplishments in the short time they have been together. The first time I heard them live was as an opening band for Brewchad last March. I remember being really attracted to their sound, it was organic and full of emotion. They sounded full and their songs kept you hooked. But, here’s the thing, when I finally got to sit down and talk to some of the guys after the show, they confessed to having only been together for a few months. I was floored! As far as I was concerned, at that moment in my eyes, they went from being a good band to a great band in the making. Since then Ohms has gone off to play anywhere that would let them, and have accumulated an impressive roster of events. In just a few short months together they made it to the semifinals of the Emergenza international music festival. Over the next few months they continued their journey by playing a host of Montreal venues and have been featured on several online music entities like moarts.com and supernova.com.

The energy they bring to their shows really draws you in, and having seen them in their beginnings last year, I have witnessed these guys really grow as performers. Chris Grillo has evolved into a natural front man.  He and Danny C seem to share a positive vibe on stage, while Stacy St- Pierre commands attention on drums never disappointing a crowed. What I like most about Ohms is how natural they are, they’re is no gimmick or false sense of sincerity about them. The guys you see live are the same people you get back stage, open and share parts of themselves through their music. Songs like “Bumps” and “Montreal Rain” really speak to an audience, but I have to admit the catchy melodies and tempo changes combined make “Star Garden” my personal favorite.  At the end of this month Ohms will begin recording new material with Montreal Engineer/Producer Paul Edwards, and I for one am really looking forward to hearing the result.

If you’re looking a see a good Indie band in the near future, Ohms will be playing live at Pub de la place on February 18. In the mean time you can check out their music on Myspace or follow them on Facebook.

Bear with me folks. I’m a little worn out from all the shovelling since getting our first real snowfall of the year today. I’m indoors, my son is asleep, I’ve got a dark roast keeping me company and something tells me it’s a good night to check out some music.

I’m listening to “Personal Belongings”, an instrumental guitar oriented album by the great Mario Biferali, one of Montreal’s true Indie Rock pioneers. His name sounds familiar when you hear it, then someone puts on one of his songs and you go… “Oh yeah I know that song, he wrote that?” Mario gets involved with as much music as he can, just because he loves what he does.  He’s toured the country many times with his rock band Krystal and has shared the stage with Downchild Blues Band, Vince Marino (Mahogany Rush), Savoy Ellingtons and childhood hero… Aldo Nova. His music is in rotation with CBC Radio across Canada as well as other radio and satellite stations in North America. And, if you’re traveling with Air Canada, you’re probably listening to him right now as his songs have been adopted by the Airline as part of their in-flight entertainment. Mario has been featured in Guitar One magazine, has recorded music for video games, and his lullaby music was licensed by International World of Toys for their “Lullaby Pillows” for kids. His songs can be heard on compilation CDs including the very successful “Twas The Night For Smooth Jazz”, a Christmas compilation CD that was sold in chain stores across the US. Yes, Mario has truly done just about everything he set out to do, and few Montreal artists can boast this kind of resume.

I got to chat with Mario a little bit and asked him about some of his highlights. He mentioned being hired to do all the guitar playing/close-up shots for the movie Hysteria: The Def Leppard Story, which aired on VH1. He says it was a huge treat, being a big fan of the band.

“Believe it or not, the Music Supervisor was having a hard time finding someone to replicate those parts and who knew all those Def Leppard songs from the 80’s. (You have to remember that this was in the late 90’s after Nirvana hit so no one was really into the 80’s stuff anymore…. Anyway, the Supervisor was at a music store asking around for a kid that knew all those 80’s tunes and my friend over heard the guy and told him. “You should get BIFF, he knows all those tunes”. I got the call and did the shoot simply because I already knew the songs”

I love the fact that a guy who has had such a decorated career would choose getting to be in the background playing songs from his favorite band as his highlight. Really brings out the kid at heart, and since I was a kid when Mario was touring around with Krystal, a signed band from the same neighborhood I grew up in, I couldn’t help but ask him about it.

“Those were crazy days and we toured up and down Canada opening for I Mother Earth, Lee Aaron and a bunch of other bands of the day. It was amazing to get signed, get distribution, film a professional music video, and to have my sister, who is a flight attendant find our Krystal CDs in France and Germany. I am most proud that we were the same band members for 12 years. I still work with Fred DiSanto (Guitarist in Krystal as well) at Godin and we still bunk together on the road when we’re at NAMM or other Godin related events, except that the hotels are a little nicer now. Also, we were featured in Metal Edge as well which was THE magazine in those days. At one point, the band started to fade, I decided I wanted to record my Personal Belongings CD and that’s what happened”

On a side note, Fred DiSanto is a friend which Mario and I have in common. On top of being a great guy and a solid guitarist, Fred can blast a ball past the goalie to hit the top corner of the net when you least expect it. It’s great to see they stayed close through the years.

So what’s next for Mario? He recently launched onemilliondownloadsforcharity.com where anyone can download his song “Till I See You Again” for 99 cents with all proceeds going to the Montreal Children’s Hospital and Generations Foundation. I asked him to tell me about his charity. I know people usually tend to get close to a charity that they or a loved one has been affected by. So, I expected to hear about a personal experience. But the forward thinking he displays with his “let’s just help because” attitude provides allot of insight on his generosity.

“One day I just figured I’d donate a song to charity with the challenge of 1 million downloads. How cool would it be to donate a million bucks? I figured I had the song and it didn’t cost me anything except setting up the site. I donate 100% of the funds split between the Children’s Foundation and Generation Foundation. When you’re sitting there at the Montreal Children’s Hospital because your kid is sick and you look around at all the staff, the TV’s for the kids etc…you realize that someone has had to donate this stuff and that we all need to do our part. As for Generations Foundation, they serve hot meals, snacks and milk to 6000 kids every day at schools all over Montreal. These are kids that need help and although I can’t sign over a zillion bucks I can certainly try and do my share. These people are like me and you, just that they’ve encountered hard times. We all try our best. Imagine if your kid was going to school hungry. How could they concentrate? How could they learn? Everyone gets into music to touch people. This is just my little way”

"Guitar Lounge"

Mario has had great career, full of accomplishments, friendships and experiences. He is presently collaborating with Montreal producer Rad on a new instrumental CD which blends Electronica, Lounge, Latin, Ambient, and Blues influences, which will be available in 2011. In the meantime, several of his guitar instrumentals from his “Personal Belongings” CD can be heard on the “Hooked on the Fly” film Series His achievements are truly impressive. Mario is a real inspiration and really creates a sense of possibility for someone wanting to follow his path. When you ask him how he got here, what drives him and what keeps him going? This is what he’ll tell you…..

“You often hear, do what you like and good things will happen, it’s hard to have that bind faith but that’s what it’s about”

Donate to Mario’s charity at onemilliondownloadsforcharity.com, and check out his music for yourself at myspace.com/mariobiferali

Two posts in one day, you’ll have to forgive me. I was just informed that an interview i did with slickmen.com was published today. http://slickmen.com/entertainment/john-serino-grow

I’d like to extend a great big thank you to a fine online men magazine for putting this together.

John Serino on slickmen.com

Well its a new year, and were only 100 years away from 2112. Which means our grand kids should live to find out if Rush’s prophecy comes to fruition. In any case, I just wanted to wish you all a happy new year.

I’m currently listening to some tracks from a great talent, Pat Cristiano. Now, i know Pat is highly respected within the Montreal music community, but for those of you hearing about him for the first time, let me give you some background. Pat reached the semifinals of the Guitar Hero competition in 2004, and finished 4th in the 2006 edition. He eventually placed 2nd in the electric guitar category of the Montreal Guitar Grand Prix. His journey’s led him to participate in guitar workshops across Canada where he got to meet his guitar hero Joe Satriani, and was most recently featured on guitartv.com, a website pioneered by another one of his hero’s Steve Vai. Both autographed pictures proudly framed in his studio

I had the extreme pleasure of befriending Pat when we played together during his tenure with Brewchad. Such a joy to have performed alongside this guy. It’s true that Montreal is filled with talent, and this city is no stranger to incredible guitarists. But Pat really stands out. From my experience, most players are really good at a certain technique, or genre of music. Pat Cristiano on the other hand, has a different gift all together, he sounds convincingly authentic in every note he plays, a true fusion craftsman. I’ve witnessed him shred the neck of his guitar to pieces on one song and then turn around to play light atmospheric textures, almost unrecognizable as a guitar tone in the next tune. Whatever he touches has soul, any genre of music Pat is playing sounds real. I think this comes from his personality. Its hard to picture Pat not sporting a Juventus jersey and a Godin guitar wrapped around his neck, ordering a double breakfast special. But, when you get to know him outside of his music, you begin to understand that his nature transcends through his playing. Pat is honest, reserved, emotional, gentle yet passionate. All things that cut through in his performance. The reason Pat sounds so genuine in his playing is because he isn’t trying…. he’s just being himself. He sounds great whether he’s breaking the speed barrier on the metronome or just holding a harmonized note for four bars. He achieves this because he gives those two tasks the same importance. Never forced, always natural. His music speaks volumes about his love for variety. His technical ability shines in songs like “The Search For Hope” and “Iron Fist”. His honesty is personified in my favorite track “Reflections”, while his taste for progressive composition is more evident in “Clash Of The Titans”. And, I really appreciate the fact that he introduces his solid ability as a vocalist in “Headspin”.

I look forward to hearing more great work from Pat, and hope to get a chance to collaborate with him again some day in the not to distant future. You can check out Pat’s work for yourself on http://www.myspace.com/patcristiano.

It’s a beautiful Montreal morning. I just poured myself a warm cup of coffee as I get ready to post my last blog before the holidays. Rarely do we get to experience warm temperatures this late in the year. It’s a good day.

I recently caught up with Steve Bucci, one of the most diversified musicians this city has to offer, and it didn’t take long to see just how hard working he is. On top of filling the drummer’s chair for Montreal Rock Pioneer Aldo Nova, Steve is currently working with outstanding producer, Etienne Chagnon to plan a spring 2012 release of his double album (English, French) titled “Streetlight on 5^th Avenue”. His music career has taken him to Egypt, the Middle East, every inch of the Caribbean, the U.S, all over our lovely province, Western Canada and even found himself playing in Webequie, a Ojibway community located on the northern peninsula of Eastwood Island on Winisk Lake, 540 km north of Thunder Bay. As of February 2012 he’ll be touring with Quebec artist Marie Denise Pelletier, while getting ready for the launch of Aldo Nova’s new CD scheduled early next year. Steve is about to have the kind of year that most people get tired just thinking about. Makes you wonder what keeps a guy like this motivated. Well, I was lucky enough to get some of his time this week and got to discuss a lot of what’s going on in his life, in and around music. I found Steve to be easy going, open to anything and a lot of fun to talk to. I hope you enjoy the read as much as I enjoyed the conversation.

Tell me about your early days, how did you get involved with music?

I started hitting on stuff and driving my parents up the wall at the early age of 4. Then I graduated from Tupperware and pots when my dad got this leather lazy boy. The arm-rest sounded amazing when I’d tap them with my hands. I could never get the right sound so I started using pens…that’s when I got the sound I wanted…and completely ripped apart that lazy boy. Fast forward to an angry Italian dad…fast forward again to the angry Italian dad buying me a drum set. I got interested in playing music because of my uncle. In 1982 his career took off and became this over-night sensation and that just blew me away. I decided from that day forward that I was going to be a musician no matter what. I was 7.

Can you name some of the projects you’ve been involved with?

In my 20’s I got involved in a bunch of r&b bands and I stayed in that circuit for the next 12 years. I played with anyone and everyone. I must say, that period was essential in my growth as a person and a musician. I was mostly involved in club bands…. I’ve played with a ton of bands over the years and each one of them brought something to my growth as a musician but if I have to name one it would be a killer funk band called ALIENS. Two of my mentors were in that band. First, Alan Prater, he’s the one that really schooled me on watching the singer and acting on his/her every whim and really getting to know a front-man’s body language. I owe a lot to him for giving me the chance to show that I can hang with the best of them. Second, Orson Clarke (Bass), he is, without a doubt, Montreal’s king of funk! I learned too much to mention from this man. He pushed my drumming to the next level.

Being the nephew Aldo Nova, It’s fair to say that music is in your blood. Was he an influence on you?

Aldo was a huge influence on me. I remember when his self-titled album came out (1982). My parents had this big party at our house…  he shows up with his album in hand, signs it and hands it to me….  That was a defining moment for me …I remember what I thought when he gave it to me…….”one day I’m going to be your drummer”… He is the reason I play music.

What was your relationship like?

We didn’t really have one unfortunately. He was always in studio, on the road or doing whatever rock stars did in the 80s. The only time I’d see him was for family get-togethers. I started working for him in studio in 1999. I lived at his place for about a year until I decided it was time to move on. I didn’t hear from him for the next 6 or 7 years until July 2011, when I finally got the call I’ve waited for since he handed me his record in 82’.

Sometimes we’re on stage and we break into FANTASY…I can’t describe the feeling of playing a hit like this and seeing people just lose it! The image and feeling is priceless!

I think we met around a time when you were just at the beginning of really wanting to grow as a musician. Upon reflection I think you began to understand music in a way that would take the rest of us years to achieve. What are some of the elements that helped you evolve?

Well, I’ve always been able to take the good and the bad. I guess I understood quickly that if I wanted to move up fast I had to leave my ego at the door, and take all the constructive criticism and use it to my advantage. I guess what also helped me was understanding at a young age that in a band setting, you’re just a piece of the puzzle and not the only piece. A drummer has to be there to support everyone, and not step on anyone’s toes. A drummer has to be generous, not in the amount of fills he/she can fit in 1 bar, but generous as to letting everyone else shine before you can. Also, getting to know the singer (all his gestures, cues, body language) and bass player (feel, sound, style) was essential in making the whole thing work from the get go. I’ve been very lucky over the years to be in make or break situations. Those are the gigs that helped shape me as a musician. I’ve also been extremely lucky to have played with people that had way more experience than I did.

Has growing up in Montreal been one of those influencing elements?

Definitely! What’s so amazing about growing up in Montreal is the fact that it’s so multicultural. I could be on a gig one night with my Haitian friends playing Kompa and Soca all night long and the next night playing folk music followed by a night of full on funk! I can’t believe some of the situations I’ve been in where I was completely out of my comfort zone. Looking back on it, I’m so appreciative of the people that had faith in me and my playing.

I see you have a young family at home. Can you talk about how being a full time musician affects this part of your life?

Being a full time musician doesn’t really affect my family life. I’m lucky enough to have an amazing woman in my life that is also in the music business. I’m also very fortunate to have a very intelligent daughter that understands that what I’m doing is important for all of us. The only time it’s a little difficult is when I have to leave for longer periods…good thing for Skype…it makes being away from home a little easier.

How did you come up with the album name?

Let me explain why I chose the title of the album first and what it means to me. When I think of growing up in the 80s all I can do is smile. I loved my childhood! My parents let me make as much noise as I wanted and never complained. I can’t even remember how many bands went through that basement. Anyway, to make a long story short, right at my bedroom window was this ultra bright streetlight that would keep me awake for a while every night. All I would think about was music, drums, drums, music…and my bike. That streetlight was the building block for where I am today. So to answer your question… the name of the album will be “Streetlight on 5^th Avenue”.

What genre of music can we expect to hear?

I try to stay away from categorizing myself. I did it at the beginning stages of the recording process when people would ask…big mistake. I found myself having to justify the style and why I was targeting that market. I find when you auto- categorize yourself, people suddenly become less interested in what you’re doing without having heard it because it doesn’t fall into the genre of music they are used to listening to. A great friend of mine (Cecile Doo Kingue) said it best…after listening to most of the tracks, she looked at me with this big smile on her face and said “ It sounds like YOU!”

My main goal for these songs was to stay as true to myself as possible, and that comment alone said it all.

Most musicians have one really solid niche. Like some guys can play bass really well, while their vocals are just passable backups for a Tuesday night blues band. Although briefly, I have had the pleasure of working with you, enough to know how ridiculously good you are at everything you do (singer, drummer, composer, performer). In fact, I’d say seeing you perform in one setting almost doesn’t really paint a full picture of you. Your double album (English and French) will be released in 2012, can we finally expect to hear a blend of all of your talents in one place with these recordings?

Yes! I have to say though, none of this would be possible without producer Etienne Chagnon. Actually he’s more than just a producer, he’s a multi-instrumentalist/guitarist/bassist/keyboardist/pianist/one man wrecking machine. Like you mentioned, there are some people that are good at one thing and so-so at the other…. this guy is awesome at everything! And he’s the nicest dude you’ll ever meet! I owe a lot to him for really bringing out the best in me.

So to fully answer your question…yes, I laid it all out on this record. All my years of singing, performing, drumming, writing, thinking of that streetlight, is all captured, for (hopefully) a whole lot of people to hear.

Any regrets?

None….i’m exactly where I want to be. I have a beautiful healthy daughter, the woman of my life and a career I dreamed of as a kid. I couldn’t be happier!