Angela Boismenu, photo by Valerie Pyke

On a chili September night where audiences long to warm themselves on the dance floors listening to the latest in techno and anything with the so called “auto-tune”… I had the utmost pleasure of attending Riley Rocks spearheaded by the loving parents of the late Riley McCallum,Valerie Pyke and Sean McCallum. In an intimate setting in the back of Clyde’s Bar, in Pointe Claire, was to be the venue of the Riley Rocks fundraiser for the Montreal Children’s Hospital, headlining were the talents of Alex Shield, Take the Boys and Live Twice.

A little on Riley McCallum…Riley was born with SCID (severe combined immune defiency), chronic lung disease and achondoplasia. Even though he showed strength and courage through treatment he could not battle the debilitating sickness and disease that took his life 17 months later. We will miss you Riley…

The venue started a little late but hey…it’s a rock show… unless your name is RUSH no other band will ever start on time… so I can forgive them :~). The beginning of the evening started with Alex Shield. At first glace she seems like any other upcoming singer songwriter, sexy, quiet, timid and shy. Although on stage her shyness disappeared and she sang for us an array of impressive pop songs all of which she wrote herself along with a couple of oldies covers… The talent is definitely there, and if she continues on this road she may very well be a household name in Canadian pop music.

Alex Shield might of got the crowd warm with her silky voice and presence, but Take the Boys definitely came out to give the crowd a powerful performance with an amalgamation of Reggae/Ska/Rock. I know I was going to see something special when guitarist and vocalist, Angela Boismenu walked on stage holding her hollow body guitar, a tattoo filled shoulder and dreads. From the start of the first song to the last, her smooth powerful vocals said it all, she had spunk, charisma and charm on stage, doing a couple of kung fu kicks while reminding everyone after every song to purchase something at the merch table… ahh you gotta love promotion ;~). Being the old man as I am, while listening to their music, there was a twitch in my leg that just wanted to make me get up and dance. Their rhythm and beat brought back a nostalgia of youth which wanted to get my body moving. Take the Boys music was soulfully fun, expressive and in combination with a beautiful voice, great ska riffs, rolling bass melodies and drum beats weather you like ska/reggae or not, you will want to tap your feet, clap your hands or get up and dance. Keep up the great work.

The final band to play was Live Twice. Reminiscent of old Billy Joel mixed with the Killers with a rougher edge, heavier guitars and an unbelievable drummer. Multi talented Mat Perkins opened his set with pounding piano chords and a great presence. I’ll have to admit their sound was definitely different than most processed music you’ll hear nowadays. And for the better… It’s nice to see classic rock influence in our young musicians today. Their guitarist Jay Benny did his part by not overpowering the band with his guitar solos… just right at the right time… Drummer Sam Rose stole his part with an amazing drum solo that electrified the room… Everyone had to stop and watch as he hit those snares and toms with unbelievable control and speed. Live Twice definitely put on a great performance to close out the night’s event, these guys definitely need to be headlining somewhere and soon.

I’ve said enough about the bands… the only thing I have left to say is that you shouldn’t take my word for it, you should go and check them out ;~). Overall the highlight of the evening was the gracious charity of these musicians. They donated their time, music and merchandise (all proceeds from the merch go to the Montreal Children’s Hospital) for a great cause. For the event we have to thank none other than Valerie Pyke who’s given her heart and sole to the Montreal Music Scene, Sean McCallum and of course Riley… without you none of this would be possible.

We should take the time to reflect on what is and isn’t important in this world; how we take for granted what life has to offer and how short it can be. Music has always been an outlet for an artist to express and drag their audience into their world, their lives, their homes. Valerie knows that, Sean knows that and the fore mentioned musicians know that. I really hope Riley rocks on for years to come and perhaps next year everyone who will drop what their doing, spend a couple of hours for a good cause and support Riley McCallum and our local musicians.
Thanks everybody!

Peace, love and music,
Raymon Fong

Reviewed written by artist/musician Raymon Fong:
http://www.ournationsempire.com
http://www.raymonfong.com

Riley Rocks:
http://www.rileymccallum.com/
http://rileybum.blogspot.com/
email: rileyrocks2009@gmail.com

The Bands:
http://www.alexshield.com
http://www.taketheboys.com
http://www.live-twice.com