Pioneer Grooves features a diverse array of Montreal-based musicians whose music is deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of Montreal and Canada. Many of these artists left their birthplace in search of a better life, bringing with them a rich tapestry of musical genres.
From the legendary steelpan players of Expo '67 to the vibrant artists of jazz, reggae, dancehall, R&B, soul, disco, funk, and gospel, these pioneers share their reflections on what it meant to nurture an art form in the place they now call home.
The series is dedicated to the memory of Knolly Modeste, whose passing makes the podcast even more poignant
Episode Notes
Clement Walker talks about growing up in St. Peter, Barbados, coming to Canada in the 1970s, as well as his musical influences and experiences from a young age. He also details his experiences with performing on stage and his favourite hymns and performances he's done.
30 Apr 2026
S2E6 - Alan Prater
Episode Notes
Alan Prater talks about celebrity culture, growing up with music in Florida, playing for a marching band and learning new instruments, doing shows in Montreal, across Quebec and Ontario and around the world. He shares his thoughts about racism, his philosophy on music, spirituality, and his love for performing around the world to this day.
27 Apr 2026
S2E5 - Vernon Maytone
Episode Notes
Vernon "Maytone" Buckley talks with host Pat Dillon about growing up in May Pen, Jamaica, leaving school for music, signing with GG Records, and falling in love with Canada. He talks about production, touring and performing, and writing and details experiences with fans, raising his kids, and living in Montreal.
17 Mar 2026
S2E4 - Nancy MacKenzie
Episode Notes
Nancy speaks with Pat about her ancestor's roots as migrants to Nova Scotia, being Portia White's niece, and her experience with music in her family. The two discuss Nancy's experience studying at the University of Toronto for social work, marriage, and experiences with Expo 67. The Sir George Williams' Affair and musician Eileen Bourne are also discussed extensively in this illuminating episode of Pioneer Grooves.
12 Mar 2026
S2E3 - Jah Cutta
Episode Notes
Your host Pat speaks with an old friend, Jah Cutta about his childhood and early beginnings as an artist, singer, and entertainer. Often called Canada’s King of Reggae, Cutta discusses his mother, his family, attending LaSalle High School, and his experience with his own lyrics vs. performing lyrics created by others. He goes in depth about artists in reggae, becoming a senior citizen, recalling memorable gigs and receiving a Key to Africa from Nelson Mandela. The podcast ends with the artist offering advice to aspiring musicians. He even sings a little bit!
27 Feb 2026
S2E2 - Pete Douglas
Episode Notes
Pete speaks with host Pat Dillon-Moore about his roots in Saint Lucia and learning to play genres such as Soul and Calypso. He discusses the impacts of moving abroad to New York, England and Montreal, as well as racism in Europe and cultural differences between the cities he has lived in. The lessons he has learned from the last 60 years is a major theme in the interview, especially those that relate to his craft as an entertainer.
10 Feb 2025
S2E1 - Celebrating Ollie: A national Canadian icon in his 90th year
On a snowy afternoon, we had the privilege of spending hours with the legendary Oliver Jones in his home. He played music and shared captivating stories of 90 years of a wonderful life.
Lovingly known as Ollie, he took us on a journey through his youth in Little Burgundy, with icons like Oscar Peterson and Daisy Sweeney, and gave us a glimpse into the dizzying heights of his remarkable career.
We’re thrilled to share this episode with you — an entertaining and intimate look into the life of a Montreal master.
19 Dec 2024
S1E7 - Exponians Reunited: Aquarius and Trini 2 De Bone (Live)
One of the most important aspects of a legacy that an artist can have and leave is the artwork. We at Pioneer Grooves feel privileged to have been part of the creative process with the members of the original Exponians.
To be working and creating alongside the descendants of the original musicians as well as the living members was extraordinary. The offerings include two pieces, The Age of Aquarius a medley of two songs written for the 1967 musical Hair (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hair_%28musical%29) by James Rado (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Rado) and Gerome Ragni (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerome_Ragni) (lyrics), and Galt MacDermot (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galt_MacDermot) (music), released as a single by American R&B group the 5th Dimension (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_5th_Dimension). Trini 2 De Bone is a pan arrangement of David Rudder's 2002 calypso.
23 Nov 2024
S1E6 - Exponians: James Andrews, Godson Ceaser, and Winston "Skippy" Maingot Pt. 4
What is the legacy and future of the steelpan?
17 Nov 2024
S1E5 - Exponians: James Andrews, Godson Ceaser, and Winston "Skippy" Maingot Pt. 3
The Exponians discuss cultural differences experiences at Expo '67.
10 Nov 2024
S1E4 - Exponians: James Andrews, Godson Ceaser, and Winston "Skippy" Maingot Pt. 2
The Exponians take a trip to Expo '67.
1 Nov 2024
S1E3 - Exponians: James Andrews, Godson Ceaser, and Winston "Skippy" Maingot Pt. 1
From 1955 when little boys fall in love with the drums.
27 Oct 2024
S1E2 - Exponians: Two Men On The Couch - Leonard Marshall & Hollis Wilson Pt. 2
57 years of friendship culminates in a look back in time. Featuring the music of the Exponians recorded just after Expo '67.
27 Oct 2024
S1E1 - Exponians: Two Men On The Couch - Leonard Marshall & Hollis Wilson Pt. 1
57 years of friendship culminates in a look back in time. Featuring the music of the Exponians recorded just after Expo '67.
Podcast Authority Score: 17 / 100
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