Funk

‘Unknown band’ is opening for Cher in Toronto — but their leader is not worried

Nick Krewen Special to the Star April 18, 2019 Nile Rodgers is discovering during the Cher opening slot that Chic’s relative anonymity is working to his advantage. “We’re an unknown band opening for a big star,” he says over the line from New York. “We walk out onstage — most people don’t know who we are — but by the end of the show they go, ‘Jesus Christ, I know…

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GRAMMY Hall of Fame Inspirations: Verdine White

NEWS GRAMMY Hall Of Fame Inspirations: Verdine White From the Beatles to Sly & The Family Stone, six-time GRAMMY winner Verdine White grooves on five influential GRAMMY Hall Of Fame recordings GRAMMYS MAY 15, 2017 – 2:36 AM GRAMMY.com Nick Krewen  (To commemorate the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame’s 40th Anniversary in 2013, GRAMMY.com has launched GRAMMY Hall Of Fame Inspirations. The ongoing series will feature conversations with various individuals who…


Still kooler than Van Halen

Entertainment / Music Life has its enduring mysteries.  SILVIA MAUTNER / KTG PRESS PHOTO Kool and the Gang opens for Van Halen on Saturday, March 17. Nick Krewen Special to the Star Published on Fri Mar 16 2012   Life has its enduring mysteries. There are the Seven Wonders of the World; the secret of getting caramel into the Caramilk bar and . . . Kool & The Gang opening for Van…


Fujiya & Miyagi can’t escape themselves

Entertainment / Music Brighton-based band brings its trademark electronic funk to Toronto’s Wrongbar on Tuesday. Nick Krewen  Special to the Star Published on Fri Jan 20 2012 No matter how badly they desire, some bands can’t seem to shake the parameters of their own sonic fingerprint. At least that’s how Fujiya & Miyagi’s David Best perceives it. He says his band has been trying for ages to drastically reinvent its sound. He…


Herbie Hancock gives it all a try

Herbie Hancock gives it all a try | Toronto Star Longtime Gershwin fan’s Massey Hall show just latest outlet for broad-minded creator.   Herbie Hancock at home with keyboards both acoustic and electronic … thanks to Miles Davis. Nick Krewen Special to the Star Published on Thu Oct 20 2011 Legendary jazz innovator Herbie Hancock might be considered something of a prodigy, but that doesn’t mean he’s taking his upcoming…