Award Winners

Nickelback powers down the pyrotechnics: concert review

The band’s return to the ACC finds the usual frenetic energy somewhat lacking, owing to less anthem-y new songs and a very chatty Chad Kroeger, though the execution of the set was technically flawless. Nick Krewen Music, Published on Mon Feb 23 2015 Nickelback 2.5 stars At the Air Canada Centre, Feb. 22. Nickelback has changed its performance tactic. Once a combo that used all the bells and whistles available…


Homegrown acts Moist, Tea Party return after long absences

New touring circuits, more cash and ego spark musical reunion craze. Nick Krewen Music, Published on Thu Nov 20 2014 With the imminent return to Toronto of acts like Moist and The Tea Party after lengthy hiatuses, reunion fever is running high. While it isn’t necessarily a new trend, many domestic and international acts are mending fences in 2014 and flaunting new leases on life. Whether it’s the recent return…


Bob Dylan and The Band’s complete Basement Tapes resurface at last

Toronto duo largely responsible for lifting the veil off “the most sought after and mysterious recordings from the post-nuclear, pre-digital era.” Nick Krewen Music, Published on Wed Nov 05 2014   Sitting at Johnny Rockets, a ’50s-style burger joint in Yonge-Dundas Square, my dining companion pulls out a cardboard envelope and hands it over. “Open it up and have a look. Have a little whiff,” he insists. Inside is a…


New Directions In “Dangerous” Jazz

Story by Nick Krewen | October 28, 2014 For SOCAN’s Words and Music “There’s a way of playing safe, there’s a way of using tricks and there’s the way I like to play, which is dangerously, where you’re going to take a chance on making mistakes in order to create something you haven’t created before.” The late Dave Brubeck wasn’t Canadian, nor was he a SOCAN member, but the quote…


Sinéad O’Connor gives audience what they want

Controversial Irish singer delivers a mostly solid set of old and new favourites to adoring Toronto fans.   Nick Krewen Music, Published on Sat Oct 25 2014 Sinéad O’ Connor at Massey Hall 3 stars Boy, have they missed her. The moment the diminutive Sinéad O’Connor stepped on the Massey Hall stage on Friday night, she was greeted with a standing ovation so thunderous, she literally couldn’t start the show…