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Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Country Music Association of Ontario Award Winners 2013

The local area was well-represented when the nominations for the 2013 Country Music Association of Ontario Awards came around. Burlington's Tebey received 3 nominations (Male Artist, Single and Songwriter). Another Burlington boy, Billy J. White was also up for Male Artist.  Rob Kirkham & Neon Rain got a nod for Group Or Duo. Steve Rivers was in the running for Rising Star.  Hamilton's CHKX – KX 94.7 was even up for Radio Station of the Year.

Unfortunately, none of them got to take home any hardware during the May 27 ceremony in Markham.

Below is a complete list of winners.


Video courtesy of Jason Blaine

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Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Hamilton Arts Award Winners 2013

The area's amazing creative community was celebrated on May 27, 2013 with the handing out of the Hamilton Arts Awards.  As always, the city's unrivaled music talent was an important part of the ceremony. Click here for the Spectator story.

In the Performance (Established) category, Dave Gould won for his musical and storytelling skills. 



Links: Dave Gould, More Dave Gould Stories, Video courtesy of Alex Maveal

The Performance (Emerging) award went to the incredible Nicole Christian.



Links: Nicole Christian, More Nicole Christian Stories, Video courtesy of Steve Porter

Music veteran Steve Sinnicks took home the Music (Established) honours.



Links: Steve Sinnicks, More Steve Sinnicks Stories,Video courtesy of Steve Sinnicks

The accomplished Sarah Good recieved accolades for Music (Emerging).



Links: Sarah Good, Video courtesy of Southern Souls

Congratulations to everyone.  Click here for more about the Arts Awards

Blast from the Past: The 2012 Hamilton Arts Awards Winners 

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Monday, May 27, 2013

Jason Lees (The Plain Steel, Abstract) Passes


We sadly report that Jason (Jay) Lees, the bassist for local bands The Plain Steel and Abstract passed away on May 23rd as a result of a car crash - he was 37.

His passing was noted in the Spectator on May 27, with a wonderful article interviewing his friends and bandmates.  A memorial fundraiser for his family is being planned.

Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

Click here for his obituary. Click here for the Spectator article.

Links: The Plain Steel, More Plain Steel Stories

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Tuesday, May 21, 2013

New Rob Green Debut CD: Soul Dancing

It's not often that an artist has such a strong, top-notch debut as local singer/songwriter Rob Green's Soul Dancing.

Filled with stunning songwriting and considerable musicianship, the CD is a sonic adventure.  Rob's expressive voice travels through symphonic flourishes, amazing acoustic guitar, jazzy saxes, funky beats, and beyond.

Backing him up is a contingent of talented area artists, including Mike Trebilcock, Lena Montecalvo, Sharon Musgrave, Jacob Moon, Neil Braithwaite and others.

This wonderful disc is available through Rob's web site or at his live shows.

You can listen to tracks from the album below.

 
Links: Rob Green, More Rob Green Stories, More CD Releases 

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Wednesday, May 15, 2013

New Andy Griffiths CD: Mind on Other Things

Once again, local singer/songwriter Andy Griffiths, brings his great pop/folk/rock sound to a new disc.  Mind on Other Things is a great follow up to his previous CD, Looking at a Life ...

This time, the spirit's a lot higher.  Tunes like Gone Forever, Lost My Groove, and Garbage into Space, are incredibly catchy and animated.  Slower moments such as Your Style and Your Smile and We Sing For Your Love work extremely well as a beautful contrast to the more kinetic ones.

To end off the album, Andy's included two interesting, raw, bonus demo tracks.

A few of the accomplished musicians from the previous disc make a triumphant return. Frank Koren, Ray Farrugia, Lawrie Ingles and others add their magic touch.

There's some new blood is here as well.  Both Tomi Swick and Kim Koren add background vocals to a few tracks.  Jesse O'Brien tickles the ivories on 4 songs.  Mark Lalama even breaks out his accordion for wonderful The Fog Has Lifted.  There are too many other guests to mention but they all make this CD sound marvelous.

You can pick up this spectacular CD at Andy's live shows.

Below are a few live videos from a CD release show.







Blast From the Past: Andy Griffith's Looking at a Life...

Links: Andy Griffiths, More Andy Griffiths Stories, More CD Releases 

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Monday, May 13, 2013

Home Sweet Home Debut CD (featuring Ray Materick)



Home Sweet Home, the new band featuring  legendary Hamilton musician Ray Materick, recently released their excellent self-titled debut.

Gordon Lightfoot himself has called this CD brilliant and who are we to argue with him?  Besides, he's definitely right on the money!

Materick's incredible songwriting skills are definitely in full steam here as every tune tells a story.  Ray and the amazing group take his words and wrap them around sweet, beautiful music.

This project is also a bit of a family affair as three members of the talented Ludgate clan (John, Sheila and Shane) lend their artistry.  Shelly Hastings and Alicia Cameron also add their musical gifts to the CD.

Check out the band's website for instruction on how to order a signed copy of this must-have CD.

The video below is courtesy of Lucas Stagg



Blast from the Past: Home Sweet Home@Pheasant Plucker

Links: Ray Materick, More Ray Materick Stories, More CD Releases

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Saturday, May 11, 2013

2013 Blues Music Award Winners

Unfortunately, Hamilton's Harrison Kennedy didn't win the Blues Music Award he was nominated for (Acoustic Artist).  Eric Bibb received that honour.


The top dogs of the night were Tedeschi Trucks Band and Curtis Salgado, with three awards wins each.
The awards were handed out on May 9, 2013 in Memphis.  Below is a complete list of the winners
  • Acoustic Album: Not Alone – Ann Rabson w/ Bob Margolin
  • Acoustic Artist: Eric Bibb
  • Album of the Year: Show of Strength – Michael Burks
  • B.B. King Entertainer: Curtis Salgado
  • Band: Tedeschi Trucks Band
  • Best New Artist Debut: They Call Me Big Llou – Big LLou Johnson
  • Contemporary Blues Album: Show of Strength – Michael Burks
  • Contemporary Blues Female Artist: Janiva Magness
  • Contemporary Blues Male Artist: Tab Benoit
  • DVD: Eagle Rock Entertainment – Muddy Waters & Rolling Stones, Live at Checkerboard Lounge
  • Gibson Guitar Award: Derek Trucks 
  • Instrumentalist-Bass: Bob Stroger
  • Instrumentalist-Drums: Cedric Burnside
  • Instrumentalist-Harmonica: Rick Estrin
  • Instrumentalist-Horn: Eddie Shaw
  • Koko Taylor Award (Traditional Blues Female): Ruthie Foster
  • Pinetop Perkins Piano Player: Victor Wainwright
  • Rock Blues Album: Everybody’s Talkin’ – Tedeschi Trucks Band
  • Song:  “I Wont Cry” - Janiva Magness
  • Soul Blues Album: Soul Shot – Curtis Salgado
  • Soul Blues Female Artist: Irma Thomas
  • Soul Blues Male Artist: Curtis Salgado
  • Traditional Blues Album: Double Dynamite – The Mannish Boys
  • Traditional Blues Male Artist: Magic Slim



Links: Curtis Salgado,  More Curtis Salgado Stories, Video courtesy of KINK Radio



Links: Janiva MagnessVideo courtesy of KINK Radio

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Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Rita Chiarelli's Music From the Big House DVD/Blu-Ray

Music from the Big House, the revealing documentary by acclaimed Canadian director, Bruce McDonald and starring Hamilton's Rita Chiarelli, is now available on DVD and Blu-ray.

The film follows the Canadian Blues Queen as she plans a concert at Louisiana's infamous Angola Prison.  Rather than just perform there, the blueswoman enlists the help of the prisoners to play and write songs for the show.

With Rita's name attached to the project, you know the songs will be amazing.  You can read about it in our review of the soundtrack.

Beyond the incredible music, the documentary tells an inspiring story of redemption and forgiveness.  The inmates use the power of music to change their lives around. Their mutual love of performing bonds them to Rita and each other.

Artistically filmed in black and white, the movie is stunningly beautiful while still revealing the harshness of prison life.  The spotlight fluctuates between Rita, the inmates and the facility.

There are also some great extras such as more great live music, deleted scenes and a music video.

The film is available through many regular and online shops as well as though the documentary's site.

Blast From the Past: Rita Chiarelli CD, Sweet Paradise

Videos below courtesy of Cache Film





Links: Rita ChiarelliMore Rita Chiarelli Stories, More DVD Releases

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Wednesday, May 1, 2013

New Killin' Time Band CD: One Set to Freedom

Hamilton's Killin' Time Band are known as a good time, party rockin' band.  Now you can take the fun with you thanks to their latest CD, One Set to Freedom.

These boys have a lot of weapons in their musical arsenal.  KTB break out the reggae, rock, country, and funk to create quite a lively disc. Highlights include the jazzy/funky Heavy, the slow country of Changing my Ways, and the Celtic joy of Don't Be Bitter.

A number of guests also join in on the fun - Members of the Salads and Lo-Fi along with Melissa Bel, Loretta Hale (J-Tones), Juno Award winner Rob Somerville, Mariachi Fuego, Troy Dowding, and others.

The CD is available at their live shows and through the band's website. It can also be downloaded through iTunes and eMusic.

Videos below courtesy of Killin' Time Band.





Links: Killin' Time BandMore Killin' Time StoriesMore CD Releases

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