Journey to radio station brings back memories of French rock-n-roll DJ days
During my recent visit to the KPTZ studios to play music, I found myself immersed in memories of my days as a DJ. I was accompanied by my friend Dr. Gary Forbes, a fellow music enthusiast who used to live near Detroit, a city that provides a unique view of Canada from its south-facing position. As a bass player in the Unexpected Brass Band and host of “Soundings” on KPTZ, Forbes shares my passion for soul and R&B music. Upon learning that I once hosted my own music show on a major station in Montreal, Forbes kindly invited me to select some albums to play on the air.
While browsing through the vinyl records and CDs at the KPTZ studio, I reminisced about one of my favorite discoveries, Irish blues guitarist Rory Gallagher. I remember the thrill of introducing Gallagher to a large audience in Montreal and later traveling to Hemel Hempstead to watch him perform. Despite Gallagher’s immense popularity in the UK, his music had not received much airplay on KPTZ until that moment.
Forbes and I also indulged in playing other beloved artists, such as blues legends Howlin’ Wolf and John Lee Hooker, soulful saxophonist Junior Walker, Marvin Gaye, and the iconic rock band The Rolling Stones. I shared my experiences with these musicians, recounting interviews I had conducted with Howlin’ Wolf and John Lee Hooker. Additionally, we celebrated the timeless rock and roll album “Let It Bleed” by The Rolling Stones, a record that Lester Bangs famously praised for encompassing the essence of the genre.
My time at CKVL, a French-speaking radio station in Montreal, allowed me to break rules by interjecting some English into my shows. Reflecting on this experience at KPTZ, I nostalgically spoke a few words in French, transporting myself back to the vibrant atmosphere of Montreal, where I worked as a rock critic for the Montreal Gazette and contributed to Melody Maker in London. Recalling the thrill of introducing The Rolling Stones’ album “Exile on Main Street” in French, I appreciated the unique opportunity to merge the worlds of British rock and French-speaking Canada during my time in Montreal.
Amidst the CDs and vinyl records at KPTZ, I stumbled upon a turntable with a vinyl record, triggering a humorous memory from my radio days in Montreal. I recounted an amusing incident involving Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson, the band’s flautist and only flautist/rock star in the music industry. The recollection of driving to a country retreat while listening to Tull’s epic album “Thick As a Brick,” with its 20-minute long tracks on each side, sparked a chuckle between Forbes and me.
In conclusion, my visit to the KPTZ studios reignited fond memories of my days as a radio DJ in Montreal, rekindling my passion for music and the vibrant energy of the radio airwaves. Sharing stories and spinning records with Forbes allowed me to connect with my past and celebrate the timeless classics that continue to resonate with audiences today.