Blakk Turns Traumatic Childhood Experience Into Moving Emotional Vignettes

November 26, 2022November 27, 2022 Keith Sharp

By Keith Sharp Considering Forest Blakk’s traumatic childhood upbringing, it would have come as no surprise if his musical influences had been Thrash Metal or Gangsta Rap. Yet his third EP, ‘Every Little Detail’ contains eight emotional introspective compositions which rank highly on wedding musical theme lists, an image which belies his gruff, tattooed physique. Blakk grew up in Montreal,... Read More

The Sheepdogs Find Favourable European Response To New Release

June 13, 2022June 28, 2022 Keith Sharp

By Keith Sharp When the pandemic ground the entire global music scene to a screeching halt, Saskatoon’s The Sheepdogs were in advance preparation for another major European tour. So, according to the band’s lead vocalist/guitarist Ewan Currie, the band did what comes naturally to them, record another album! Now amid a major makeup tour of Western Europe which is responding... Read More

A Music Express Timeline Part 2 – The 80s with more 45th Tributes – A part of the Music Express Anniversary Edition

January 11, 2022March 1, 2022 Music Express

By Keith Sharp February 1980: Having scouted out our new house/office at 209 Kingslake Road in the Don Mills area, Conny and I set up shop, with Triumph on the cover of our first Toronto-based issue. We quickly recruited new writers including Aussie Greg Quill, New Zealander Kerry Doole, Roman Mitz, and Lenny Stoute. June 19, 1981: Music Express rapidly... Read More

EXTC Rekindles Classic Band’s Legacy

November 22, 2021November 23, 2021 Keith Sharp

By Keith Sharp The advent of social media allows music fans to rediscover bands and artists which may have been ignored during their prime yet have been totally revived as new audiences discover the depth of their musical catalogue. England’s XTC is one such band. North American audiences may be familiar with key singles like “Making Plans For Nigel and... Read More

Arrive, Raise A Little Hell, Retire – Trooper Original Duo Call It A Day.

November 20, 2021November 23, 2021 Keith Sharp

Trooper’s Lead Singer Ra McGuire and Bassist Doni Underhill – Photo by Hope Photography By Keith Sharp The announcement on Trooper’s November 8th Facebook post that original band members; vocalist Ra McGuire and lead guitarist Brian Smith have chosen to retire from the band, may have caught many fans by surprise, but the reality is that the ongoing COVID19 pandemic... Read More

Birds Of Bellwoods Growing In Stature

November 17, 2018November 19, 2018 Keith Sharp

By Keith Sharp The rain was sheeting down as Toronto quartet Birds Of Bellwoods took to a Montreal stage for an outdoor festival being executed in a very hostile environment. So hostile that only five people gathered together in a protective tent constituted their audience. Yet Messer’s Stephen Joffe (vocals/mandolin), Adrian Morningstar (vocals/guitar), Kintaro Akiyama (vocals/stand-up bass) and Chris Blades... Read More

MUSIC EXPRESS BOOK REVISITS A GOLDEN ERA

April 23, 2014April 24, 2014 Keith Sharp

The book we’ve been talking about in this online magazine for the past 18 months, will debut on Amazon and in your favorite book store in May when “Music Express – The Rise, Fall and Resurrection Of Canada’s Music Magazine” (Dundurn Press) finally rolls into retail. Those of you who were involved or aware of the Canadian music industry in... Read More

Sharp Inks Publishing Deal With Dundurn

May 21, 2013May 21, 2013 Music Express

Music Express editor in chief Keith Sharp is happy to announce that Dundurn Publishing Company has agreed to publish his Music Express book. The title will be previewed to potential retailers and libraries in Dundurn’s Fall catalogue and will be at retail by early 2014. “I am totally excited by the news that Dundurn will give my book full national... Read More

Tag: Keith Sharp