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Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Smoke Wagon Blues Band@Plough and Harrow (December 10, 2011) Part 2







Click here for Part 1

Bonus videos from their CD, Low Down Righteous Blues





Links: Smoke Wagon Blues Band, More Smoke Wagon Blues Band Stories

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Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Monday, December 5, 2011

Canadian Folk Music Awards Winners

The Canadian Folk Music Awards were handed out on Sunday, December 4, 2011. Below is a list of the winners. Congratulations everyone!

Traditional Album of the Year

Contemporary Album of the Year
Children’s Album of the Year
Traditional Singer of the Year
Contemporary Singer of the Year
Instrumental Solo Artist of the Year
Instrumental Group of the Year
English Songwriter of the Year
French Songwriter of the Year
Aboriginal Songwriter of the Year
Vocal Group of the Year
Ensemble of the Year
Solo Artist of the Year
World Solo Artist of the Year
World Group of the Year
New/Emerging Artist of the Year
Producer of the Year
Pushing the Boundaries
Young Performer of the Year
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Friday, December 2, 2011

New Ariana Gillis CD: Forget Me Not

One thing that stands out on local singer/songwriter Ariana Gillis's latest CD, Forget Me Not, is the power in her vocals. It's a voice that deserves to be heard and almost screams out, "just because I'm young and can play infectious music doesn't mean I'm a pop star".

As always, Ariana shows great talent with incredible catchy melodies but on this offering, both her lyrics and vocals seem to have more of an extra edge to them. It's a very welcome change. There's more of a roots element here as well.

Her softer vocal side is also on display on songs such as John and the Monster and Oh the World.

The CD is available at her live shows, on Maple Music, and as a download on iTunes and cdbaby.

Below are live performances of songs from the album.





Videos courtesy of Ariana Gillis.

Links: Ariana Gillis, More Ariana Gillis Stories

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Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Cool YouTube Videos (Mike Almas, Blues River Man, Sheesham and Lotus))



Above video courtesy of 1swtgl.





Above two videos courtesy of Blues River Man.





Above two videos courtesy of WoodyPoint69

Links: Mike Almas, Blues River Man, Sheesham and Lotus

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Previous (New Melissa Bel EP) - - - Next (New Ariana Gillis CD)

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

New Melissa Bel EP: Distance

Local singer/songwriter Melissa Bel recently launched her latest EP, Distance. This astounding collection includes a remixed version of the title track (the original is from her last album, Brave) and five unreleased songs.

Melissa shows all sides of herself in this EP. She goes from blues rocker to smooth soul singer with ease. Throughout the trip, there's pop, jazz, funk and much more. You can also check out her sweet rendition of the classic Ain't No Sunshine.

The EP is available at her live shows and also as a download on iTunes and eMusic.

Below are a few live versions of songs from the EP.







All videos courtesy of Melissa Bel

Links: Melissa Bel More Melissa Bel Stories

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Monday, November 28, 2011

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Ian Thomas YouTube Videos





Above two videos courtesy of Quadrillium



Video courtesy of Mr. Murray Pound







Above three videos courtesy of Mojo Filter 02

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Previous (Sonny Del-Rio, Kelly Jay & Trickbag@Buddy's Roadhouse) - - - Next (Banned From Heaven@Coach and Lantern)

Phil Kott (Powerhouse) Passes

It is with sadness that we inform you that Powerhouse guitarist Phil Kott (second from left in picture) passed away on Monday, November 21, 2011. He will be missed.

From the Powerhouse web site.

"It is with our deepest regret that the Powerhouse band would like to confirm the passing of our friend, our brother, our guitarist, Phil Kott. One of the founding members of the band, he has been battling advanced lung cancer since early spring, and surrounded by family and friends, Phil passed away peacefully on the evening of November 21, 2011."

Our condolences to his friends and family.

Links: Powerhouse, More Powerhouse Stories

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Hamilton Music Award Winners


The Hamilton Music Awards were handed out on Sunday, November 20, 2011. Big winners included the Dinner Belles (New Artist, Alt-Country, Piano - Greg Brisco), Rita Chiarelli (Female Artist, Blues), and Jeremy Fisher (Male Artist, Songwriter) Congratulations to everyone.

Female Artist of the Year: Rita Chiarelli

Male Artist of the Year: Jeremy Fisher

Local Group of the Year (People’s Choice): Live How You Live

New Artist of the Year: Dinner Belles

Roots Recording: Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, Kings & Queens

Alternative Country Recording: Dinner Belles, West Simcoe County

Folk Recording: Scott Orr, Where I Live And What I Lived For

Blues: Rita Chiarelli, Music From The Big House

R&B/Soul: Chris Jackson, Action

Religious: Jamie Barnes, Wilderness

Songwriter: Jeremy Fisher, Flood

Female Vocalist: Rosanna Riverso

Male Vocalist: Jon Harvey, Monster Truck

Piano/Keyboard: Greg Brisco, Dinner Belles

Special Instrumentalist: Yiannis Kapoulas

Guitarist: Luke Doucet, Whitehorse

Drummer: Chris Sindrey, Aerith

Bassist: Sean McNab, Creepshow

Canadian Recording of the Year (People’s Choice): Finger Eleven, Life Turns Electric

Record of the Year: Jeremy Fisher, Flood

Lifetime Achievement: Ian Thomas

Lifetime Achievement (Industry): Kim Cooke

Alternative Indie Rock: Dark Mean, Dark Mean

Rock Recording: Monster Truck, The Brown EP

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Previous (Chris Cracknell/Steve Didemus/Dave Gould@Winking Judge) - - - Next (Trickbag@Buddy's Roadhouse

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Chris Cracknell, Steve Didemus and Dave Gould@Winking Judge (November 17, 2011)

This was part of the Steve Didemus Fundraiser.

Monica Knott on backing vocals on first two videos.









Below are two performances from Dave's solo set





More footage from this Fundraiser
Links: Chris Cracknell, Dave Gould, Steve Didemus, More Chris Cracknell Stories, More Steve Didemus Stories, More Dave Gould Stories

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Friday, November 18, 2011

Monday, November 14, 2011

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

New Steelworker's Waltz Fundraising CD is Pure Hamilton

The new compilation disc, Steelworker's Waltz, is as hardcore Hamilton as it comes. It has amazing Hamilton musicians singing songs about blue collar work on a CD in support of striking steelworkers. This album just bleeds steel.

There are 15 unreleased and/or recently recorded songs from the talented performers in our beloved steeltown. There's poetry, rap, folk, country, blues and much more in this collection - something for everyone!

The CD is available to purchase at Pick N Sticks, Dr. Disc, Cheapies and many other locations across Hamilton. You can also contact boxostudio@gmail.com to request a copy. All monies raised goes towards helping the Local Steelworkers 1005.

Here is the track listing
1. If Not You? - Bill Mahoney
2. 10,000 Degrees - Martin Verall w/Mike Williams (bass)
3. 1005 Anthem - Tim Gibbons
4. Pretty Good Life - Sam Squid
5. Melting Pot - Ray Materick
6. Tougher Now - "Busker" Al Barubek
7. Strength - Brad Hails (Killin' Time Band)
8. All Together Now - Mac-N-Awe
9. Rustbelt Lullaby - Stephen Foster (Crawlin' Kingsnakes)(Simply Saucer)
10. Angles With Bloody Knees - Lori Yates w/Shawn Brush (pedal steel)
11. The Debt - Steve Sinnicks
12. Blue-Green - Kevin Barber
13. Old Steeltown - Edgar Breau (Simply Saucer) with Les Smith (Trickbag)(harmonica)
14. The Colour of Steel - Shawn Brush
15. Oh Hamilton - The Hamilton Kid w/Brendan Russell (keyboards)

Below are a few videos from the CD release party. We'll be posting more footage of that soon.









Last video courtesy of steinberg321

Click here for more footage of the event

Links: Steve Sinnicks, Al Barubek, Tim Gibbons, Edgar Breau, Martin Verall

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Previous (JP Riemens@Station House) - - - Next (More Steelworker's Waltz CD Release Party

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Hamilton Music Award Nominations


The Hamilton Music Award Nominations were recently released. Below is a list of the nominees. Good luck everyone. The awards will be given on Sunday November 20 at the McIntyre Theatre.

Female Artist of the Year
Male Artist of the Year
New Artist/Group of the Year
Pop Recording of the Year
Roots Recording of the Year
Alternative Country Recording of the Year
Folk Recording of the Year
World Recording of the Year
  • Yiannis Kapoulas – Yiannis Kapoulas
  • Yitka Karlik – Diplomatic Dream
  • Riddim Riders – Riddim Riders
Alternative/Indie Rock Recording of the Year
  • 2x The Mono – Art Rock and Science Fiction
  • The Creepshow – They All Fall Down
  • Dark Mean – Dark Mean
  • Justin Sawicki – Nothing For No One
  • Martin Verrall – Spears of Fate
Blues Recording of the Year
R&B/Soul Recording of the Year
  • Kojo ‘Easy’ Damptey – Songs
  • Chris Jackson – Action
  • Sharon Musgrave – Outflow
Religious Recording of the Year
  • Jamie Barnes – Wilderness
  • Eagles – Your Kingdom Come
  • Rosanna Riverso – Let There Be Peace
Songwriter of the Year
Female Vocalist of the Year
Male Vocalist of the Year
Piano/Keyboard Player of the Year
Special Instrumentalist of the Year
Guitarist of the Year
Drummer of the Year
Bassist of the Year
  • Carrie Ashworth (JP Riemens)
  • Richard Bailey (Riddim Riders)
  • Jon Harvey (Monster Truck)
  • Sean McNab (The Creepshow)
  • Mike Williams – Martin Verrall
Record of the Year
ArcelorMittal Dofasco Lifetime Achievement Award
Rock Recording of the Year
  • Finger 11 – Life Turns Electric
  • Gruve – Out Of Nowhere
  • Live How You Live – Blue Collar Love
  • Monster Truck – The Brown EP
  • Perennials - Red
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New Andy Griffiths CD: Looking at a Life . . .

Local singer/songwriter Andy Griffiths manages to take the folk rock sound to modern heights on his latest CD, Looking at a Life . . .

Songs like the title track, Bare Bones, Don't Listen to Me, and many others are incredibly infectious. This high energy never overpowers the solid folk foundation of the tunes.

Andy's also enlisted some amazing local talent. Frank Koren plays guitar on most tracks and Russ Boswell performs bass on quite a few songs as well. Other guests include Ray Farrugia, Astrid Young, and more.

The disc is available at Andy's live shows.

Below is a performance of one of the songs from the album.



Click here for more from this show (including another song from Andy)

Links: Andy Griffiths, More Andy Griffiths Stories

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Thursday, October 27, 2011

Strongman, Kennedy, Chiarelli and de Keyzer Among 2011 Maple Blues Award Nominess

Congratulations to all of the local talent that was nominated for the Maple Blues Awards. Hamilton Blues legend, Harrison Kennedy and hometown girl, Rita Chiarelli (who won the lifetime achievement trophy last year) received 3 nods each. Also Jack de Keyzer and Steve Strongman are up for best guitarist.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony on January 16, 2012 at Koerner Hall in Toronto.

Good luck!

Below is a list of the nominees:

Entertainer Of The Year
  • Jim Byrnes
  • Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne
  • Matt Andersen
  • MonkeyJunk
  • Shakura S'Aida
Electric Act Of The Year
  • Bill Johnson
  • David Gogo
  • Keith Hallett & Garrett Mason
  • MonkeyJunk
  • Rita Chiarelli
Acoustic Act Of The Year
Male Vocalist Of The Year
  • Harrison Kennedy
  • Jim Byrnes
  • John Mays (Fathead)
  • Matt Andersen
  • Steve Marriner (MonkeyJunk)
Female Vocalist Of The Year
  • Rita Chiarelli
  • Robin Bank$
  • Shakura S'Aida
  • Suzie Vinnick
  • Treasa Levasseur
New Artist Or Group Of The Year
  • The 24th Street Wailers
  • Douglas Watson R&B Revue
  • Kat Danser
  • Sabrina Weeks & Swing Cat Bounce
  • Tim Vaughn
Recording Of The Year
  • Suzie Vinnick - Me 'n' Mabel
  • Rita Chiarelli - Music From The Big House
  • Bill Johnson - Still Blue
  • Harry Manx & Kevin Breit - Strictly Whatever
  • MonkeyJunk - To Behold
Blues With A Feeling Award (Lifetime Achievement)
  • Alec Fraser
  • Danny Brooks
  • Ellen McIlwaine
  • Joe Murphy
  • Ken Whiteley
  • Michael Fonfara
  • Paul James
  • Stephen Barry
  • Tom Lavin
B.B. King International Artist Of The Year
  • Bettye LaVette
  • Duke Robillard
  • Greg Allman
  • JJ Grey & Mofro
  • Tedeschi Trucks Band
Guitar Player Of The Year
Harmonica Player Of The Year
  • Carlos del Junco
  • David "Hurricane" Hoerl (The Twisters)
  • David Rotundo
  • Roly Platt
  • Steve Marriner (MonkeyJunk)
Piano/Keyboard Player Of The Year
  • Curley Bridges
  • David Vest
  • John Lee Sanders
  • Julian Fauth
  • Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne
Horn Player Of The Year
  • Al Lerman (Fathead)
  • Chris Murphy
  • Chris Whiteley
  • Pat Carey (Downchild)
  • Neil Braithwaite (Blackburn)
Drummer Of The Year
  • Al Cross (Jerome Godboo)
  • Bucky Berger (Fathead)
  • Geoff Arsenault (Morgan Davis)
  • Matt Sobb (MonkeyJunk)
  • Vince Maccarone (Johnny Max)
Bassist Of The Year
  • Alan Duffy (Jack de Keyzer)
  • Alec Fraser (Fraser/Daley)
  • Gary Kendall (Downchild)
  • Keith Picot (The Twisters)
  • Omar Tunnoch (Fathead)
Songwriter Of The Year
  • Bill Johnson
  • Diteodoro/Marriner/Sobb (MonkeyJunk)
  • Harrison Kennedy
  • Harry Manx
  • Suzie Vinnick