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Monday, July 22, 2013

Alex MacDougall (Groove Corporation) Passes

It is with sadness that we announce the passing (on July 19) of Groove Corporation guitarist, Alex MacDougall. During his storied career, he worked with Crowbar, Harrison Kennedy, the Trailblazers, Ray Materick and many others.  He was also an accomplished painter.  Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

Here is some of the online reaction:

His Groove Corporation bandmate, Lily Sazz

Due to the unexpected illness and death (on July 19th) of our long-time guitarist and friend, Alex MacDougall, we are taking a break from performing for a little while. We know that Alex would want us to continue with our band, and we plan for "the show to go on" as soon as we are able.

We thank you for your continued support for Groove Corporation, and the noteworthy career of Alex. His work as a producer, engineer, guitarist, and composer, touched the lives of many people.

As per Alex's wishes, no funeral service will take place. However, there are plans to have a musical tribute/memorial/celebration of life for and with the musical community, probably late summer or early fall.

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From Paul Panchezak (Trickbag)

Rest in peace my old and dear friend Alex MacDougall. Together with our band mates Kelly Jay, Richard Newell, Sonny Del Rio and Rick Waite, we spent something like five years together crossing the continent from Newfoundland to Vancouver and south to New Orleans. We shared many great musical adventures. It many ways it was the time of our lives with many memories that time will never erase.

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From, Lou, HBL Blogger

A few years ago, I was lucky enough to go from being a longtime fan of Alex to becoming a friend.  I will cherish his music, his art and my memories of him.

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Blast From the Past: Perfomer of the Week: Alex MacDougall




Video above courtesy of Shotjun Jilly

Links: Alex MacDougall, More Groove Corporation Stories

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Sunday, July 21, 2013

Local Musicians on 1st Half of CBC's Greatest Canadian Albums List


CBC Music recently started compiling a list of the 100 Greatest Canadian Albums Ever.  Already, their website has revealed numbers 40 to 100 and 4 of those are of area musicians.  We hope there'll be more local choices as we get to the number one spot.

Below is a list of  nearby artists that grace the list.

43. Daniel Lanois: Acadie



Links: Daniel LanoisMore Daniel Lanois Stories, Video courtesy of rtisi

56. Sarah Harmer: You Were Here



Links: Sarah Harmer, More Sarah Harmer Stories, Video courtesy of KWBSystems

62. jacksoul: Sleepless



Links: jacksoul, more jacksoul Stories, Video courtesy of Never-Ending Adventure 

95. Teenage Head: Teenage Head



Links: Teenage Head, More Teenage Head Stories, video courtesy of Azoz

Blast From the Past:  CBC's Top Canadian Singers

More CBC Lists

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Saturday, July 20, 2013

Whitehorse on 2013 Polaris Music Prize Short List



On July 16, 2013, the Polaris Music Prize Shortlist was unveiled. Talented local duo, Whitehorse (Luke Doucet and Melissa McClelland) were recognized for their work on their incredible latest CD, The Fate of the World Depends on This Kiss. Congratulations and good luck!.



Blast From the Past: Whitehorse up for Canadian Folk Music Award

Links: WhitehorseMore Whitehorse Stories, Video courtesy of NDOMA.

The illustrious, eclectic list also includes: Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Zaki Ibrahim, Metric, METZ, Purity Ring, Colin Stetson, Tegan And Sara, A Tribe Called Red, and Young Galaxy.

A $30,000 prize for the artists comes with the award.

The winner will be revealed at a Gala  held on September 23, 2013 at the Carlu in Toronto.  Another area singer/songwriter (and former nominee) Kathleen Edwards will co-host the event with rapper, Shad.

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Friday, July 19, 2013

Over 1,000 Posts from Hamilton Blues Lovers!

After many important news items, exclusive live videos, music reviews and a couple of chuckles, the Hamilton Blues Lovers blog has reached a milestone of over 1,000 blog posts.  We hope it's been a fun ride for all.

A word from Lou, our esteemed blogger:

"I have thoroughly enjoyed doing the HBL blog and plan to keep on groovin' for a good long while. Hopefully, I've introduced you to some new bands, reacquainted you with a few old ones and kept you up to date with goings on of the local music scene. Thanks for taking part in my musical journey.  The best is yet to come!" :)



Links: Wilson Pickett, More Wilson Pickett Stories

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Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

New CD from The Rugg: Under the Rug

If you really love long jams with tons of blues, funk and swing, Under the Rug, the new 2CD set from local jam band, The Rugg, is for you.

With the help of the singer's powerful, rough growl, the lucky listener's guided through a sonic barrage of bluesy, funky, jazzy and soulful rhythms.  From the softest ballad to the hardest boogie, you'll find a lot to appreciate here.

With most tracks clocking in over the eight minute mark, there's time to savour each quasi-mood-altering performance.  A whole whack of quality musical exploration awaits!

You can get this incredible collection by contacting the boys through their Facebook page.

Below is a song from the album.



Links: The Rugg, More CD Releases 

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