Thursday, February 27, 2014

News Roundup (Sue Leonard, Johanna Pavia, Mike Almas)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYBoYdc17Tw

Local

World

Funny Stuff
From Cracked Magazine

Recently Added

Our Performer List
Our Venue List

Blasts From the Past

Upcoming Birthdays

Thursday, February 27, 2014: Matt King

Friday, February 28, 2014
Saturday, March 1, 2014: Big Rude Jake

Tuesday, March 4, 2014: Mike Almas




Links: More Mike Almas StoriesVideo above courtesy of William Blake

Sunday, March 9, 2014: Harrison Kennedy

Tuesday, March 11, 2014: Chuck Jackson (Downchild)

Wednesday, Match 12, 2014

Previous (Videos: Michael Hogg and Mark Vanderheyden) - - - Next (New Carole Greene and Wayne Krawchuk CD)

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

New Jacob Moon Covers CD (with 2 original songs): Fascination

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/jacobmoon11
Local singer/songwriter Jacob Moon has turned up the power on his latest CD, Fascination. Featuring nine amazing cover songs and two superb original tracks, this collection showcases his vast talents.

While most of the covers are in more of a progressive rock vein, Jacob manages to still keep them to more of a singer/songwriter vibe.  It's a perfect mix of the two styles.


Jacob puts a unique stamp on songs by Radiohead, Yes, Keane, Tom Waits, Peter Gabriel, Marillon and Rush.  The latter two band have actually given kudos to Jacob for his versions of their songs.

As for the two original numbers, Is That All You Got and Revelation, they hold up really well next to the classic tunes.  Both are infectious and energetic.

You can purchase the disc through Jacob's online shop and cdbaby.  It can be downloaded using iTunes or cdbaby.

Videos below courtesy of Jacob Moon.







Blast from the Past: Jacob Moon's Landing 2 CD

Links: Jacob Moon, More Jacob Moon StoriesMore CD Releases 

Previous (Jack de Keyzer and Daddy Long Legs on Blind Lemon Blues Top 20 List) - - - Next (Videos: Michael Hogg and Mark Vanderheyden)

Sunday, February 23, 2014

De Keyzer and Daddy Long Legs on Blind Lemon Blues Best of 2013 List

https://www.facebook.com/BlindLemonRadio

Local musicians Daddy Long Legs and Jack De Keyzer made their way onto Blind Lemon Blues's top 20 Blues songs of 2013 list (numbers 12 and 16 respectively).  Jack also makes another appearance as part of James Boraski's album (#15).  The only other performer to be listed twice is Paul Deslauriers.  The popular radio show (on 93.5 CHMR in St. John's Newfoundland) has its listeners vote for their favourites every year.   CONGRATULATIONS!



Links: Jack de KeyzerMore Jack De Keyzer StoriesAbove video courtesy of Marty Murray



Links: Daddy Long Legs, More Daddy Long Legs Stories, Above video courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers



Links: James Boraski, More James Boraski Stories, Video above courtesy of James Boraski

Here is the complete list (album is in parenthesis):
  1. Steve Hill: Ever Changing World (Solo Recordings, Vol. 1)
  2. Marshall Lawrence: Factory Closing Blues (House Call)
  3. Highway 125: Key To The Highway (Payin' Dues)
  4. Guy Belanger: People Get Crazy (Dusty Trails)
  5. Bill Durst: Little Red Rooster (Live)
  6. Layla Zoe: Gemini Heart (The Lily)
  7. Sunday Wilde: Captured Me (He Gave Me A Blue Nightgown)
  8. Angel Forrest: Blue Firegirl (Mother Tongue Blues)
  9. MonkeyJunk: Why Do People Act Like That (All Frequencies)
  10. 24th Street Wailers: Never Ending Day (Live in Halifax)
  11. Dawn Tyler Watson and Paul Deslauriers: Southland of the Heart (Southland)
  12. Daddy Long Legs: The Devil's In The Details (The Devil's in the Details)
  13. Paul Deslauriers and Anwar Khushid: Nobody's Fault but Mine (Enter The Gate)
  14. Kat Danser: Sun Goes Down (Baptized by the Mud)
  15. Tie: James Boraski: Comin' Home (Comin' Home featuring Jack De Keyzer)/
    Anthony Gomes: Old Ten Wheeler (Before The Beginning)
  16. Jack De Keyzer: Electric Love (Electric Love)
  17. David Gogo: Bad 'n Ruin (Come On Down)
  18. Tie: James "Buddy" Rogers: My Guitar's My Only Friend (My Guitar's My Only Friend)
    /Ben Racine Band: Shake a Hand (One of a Kind)
  19. Fathead: Shame On Ya (Twenty Years Deep)
  20. Denis Viel: Sunset Blues (Sunset Blues)
Blast from the Past: 2009 Blind Lemon Blues List

Previous (Kaizen Debut Album - featuring Wayne Janus) - - - Next (New Jacob Moon CD)

Saturday, February 22, 2014

Kaizen Debut Album: First Impressions

Hamilton's top-notch instrumental band, Kaizen recently released their fabulous debut album: First Impressions. There's enough excitement on this album that they don't need no stinkin' vocals.

With Wayne Janus (guitar), Shane Lannigan (bass) and David Carrillo (drums) this power-trio lay out tons of grooves and get extremely funky throughout the recording.  Jazz, soul, rock, funk and more are thrown into the mixture and blended to perfection.

With the shortest song clocking in 8:08pm (and the longest at almost 20 minutes) the tunes are truly epic musical workouts.  Shifts in tempo and rhythm keep things interesting - you never know where a song is headed.  Surprises abound in this great collection!

This incredible instrumental experience can be downloaded through cdbaby or  iTunes.



Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

Blast from the Past: Wayne's Hell County CD

Links: KaizenMore Wayne Janus StoriesMore CD Releases

Previous (News Roundup w Acoustics, Ginger St. James, Drew Smith, Blues Hall of Fame) - - - Next (Jack de Keyzer and Daddy Long Legs on Blind Lemon Blues Top 20 List)

Thursday, February 20, 2014

News Roundup (Acoustics, Blues Hall of Fame, Drew Smith)

https://www.blues.org/halloffame/#ref=halloffame_index

Local

Canada

2014 Blues Hall of Fame Inductees

Classic of Blues Literature: Dream Boogie: The Triumph of Sam Cooke by Peter Guralnick

Classic of Blues Recording (Single or Album Track)
Classic of Blues Recording (Album)
Individuals
Performers

Funny Stuff

Cartoon: What if Chuck Berry Played the Tuba?

http://www.bizarro.com/
 

Recently Added

Our Performer List
Our Venue List

Blasts From the Past

Upcoming Birthdays

Saturday, February 22, 2014: Drew Smith



Links: Drew Smith, More Drew Smith Stories, Video above courtesy of Scott Moses

Tuesday February 25, 2014: George Harrison

Wednesday February 26, 2014: Johnny Cash

Thursday, February 27, 2014: Matt King

Friday, February 28, 2014
Saturday, March 1, 2014: Big Rude Jake

Tuesday, March 4, 2014: Mike Almas

Previous (Creature Speak Debut EP) - - - Next (Kaizen Debut Album - featuring Wayne Janus)

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Creature Speak Debut EP

http://creaturespeak.bandcamp.com/album/creature-speak
Grimsby alt-folk duo (now based in St. Catharines/Toronto), Creature Speak recently released their stunning self-titled debut EP under their current name.

Formerly known as Howler, Brittany Brooks (vocals, guitar, accordion, piano) and Nick Arseneau (upright bass, trombone, percussion) have created amazing, sometimes delicate, ethereal roots music. Their latest recording is no exception.

Brittany's voice is haunting and beautiful.  Nick's bass rumbles along and adds wonderful atmosphere.  Together, they've created a moody masterpiece.

This wonderful EP can be downloaded through the duo's bandcamp page







Videos above courtesy of Brittany Brooks

Links: Creature SpeakMore CD Releases

Previous (Moonshine Owners Receive Winterfolk Award)

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Moonshine Proprietors Receive Winterfolk Award


John Marlatt and Jane MacKay, the duo behind the popular Moonshine Cafe in Oakville received recognition for their amazing contribution to the local roots music scene.  This was at Toronto's Winterfolk Festival on February 16, 2014.

Their venue provides a fabulous music experience for both listeners and artists.  We here at HBL join Winterfolk in thanking them for their incredible work.  CONGRATULATIONS!

Here are a few online reactions:

Duane Rutter: "John Marlatt and Jane MacKay are two of my favourite humans and Moonshine Cafe is one of my most favourite places to be! Congrats to them and the wonderful clientelle that makes that place so special to us songwriters and live music fans!!"

Mike Gravitis: "Big thanks and congrats to Winterfolk and A Better World and also John Marlatt and Jane MacKay for all of their continued support and for really giving us musicians a place that we can grow with confidence and a place to be able to share what we're doing with the world!"

Misc fans:

"A very special thank you to our friends John Marlatt and Jane MacKay of the Moonshine Cafe in Oakville who were honored at the festival for their contributions to and tireless support of musicians both new and established. What they do every day is critical to those of us who love to listen and play. I hope they know how much they are appreciated."

"A place where a person can drop in on their own and enjoy a peaceful happy atmosphere and excellent music. Thank you for making Kerr Street your home for The Moonshine Cafe."



More Bob Dylan Covers/Stories, Video above courtesy of Oakville Arts in Square



Video above courtesy of West SideJaneShine



Video above courtesy of Buddy Love

Blast from Past: News Roundup w John Marlatt Video and More

Links: John MarlattMore John Marlatt Stories, Performances from the Moonshine

Previous (New Fred Eaglesmith CD)

Saturday, February 15, 2014

New Fred Eaglesmith CD: Tambourine (HIS 20TH!)

Local music veteran Fred Eaglesmith has reached the incredible milestone of 20 albums with Tambourine. This latest disc is an amazing addition to the singer/songwriter's already impressive work.

The CD is a wonderful musical throwback to the 60s.  Fred peppers the songs with R&B, surf rhythms, soul, psychedelic sounds, gospel and more.  All the while, he still keeps things rooted in the country/Americana realm.  As always, his strong storytelling and lyrics raise it above a mere nostalgia-fest.

Frequent collaborator Scott Merritt co-produces the affair and also plays multiple instruments.  He and Fred have created an old-fashioned record that Fredheads will love.

To check out this great CD, you can pick it up at his live shows or through Fred's web shop.  It can also be downloaded through iTunes and eMusic.



Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers



Video above courtesy of Skumm60



Video above courtesy of Paul Goode

Blast from the Past: Fred's Previous CD -  6 Volts

Links: Fred EaglesmithMore Fred Eaglesmith StoriesMore CD Releases 

Previous (Valentine's Day videos with Robin Benedict, Kenny MacInnis, Darin Martin and Fraser/Daley) - - - Next (Moonshine Owners Receive Winterfolk Award)

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

News Roundup (Muppets Sing the Weight, Rachel Heart, Sloppy Jalopy)

http://www.amazon.ca/Northwest-Passage-Stan-Rogers/dp/1554981530


Local

Recently Added
Performer List

Blasts From the Past 

Funny Stuff

NEW FEATURE! Upcoming Birthdays 

Friday, February 14, 2014
Saturday February 15, 2014:  
Sunday, February 16, 2014: Ed Roth

Monday, February 17, 2014: Lou Campanella

Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Saturday, February 22, 2014: Drew Smith

Tuesday February 25, 2014: George Harrison

Wednesday February 26, 2014: Johnny Cash

Thursday, February 27, 2014: Matt King

Featured Video



Links:  Sloppy JalopyMore Sloppy Jalopy Stories, More Johnny Cash Covers, Video above courtesy of Rockin Ramzis


Previous (New Scott Orr CD) - - - Next (Valentine's Day videos with Robin Benedict, Kenny MacInnis, Darin Martin and Fraser/Daley)

New Scott Orr CD: A Long Life (Regular and Acoustic Versions)

Last year, local singer/songwriter Scott Orr came out with the marvellous CD, A Long Life (released through Other Songs Music).  Now as an added bonus, he recently unveiled an acoustic version of the same album.

They are two sides of the same coin.  Both CDs are brilliant, alt-folk featuring Scott's evocative vocals and fantastic guitar skills.

It's definitely worth getting the pair so you can hear the amazing modern flourishes of the first disc and the raw beauty of the acoustic album.  The singer/songwriter knows how to make the most out of each format.

Where to purchase the original version: Other Songs Music (includes CD, vinyl and cassette), iTunescdbabyeMusic

Where to purchase the acoustic version: Other SongsiTunescdbaby

Videos below courtesy of Other Songs Music







Blast from the Past: Scott Wins Best Folk Recording at 2011 Hamilton Music Awards

Links: Scott Orr, More Scott Orr StoriesMore CD Releases 

Previous (Videos: Jerry Johansen@Rolly Rockets) - - - Next (News Roundup w Stan Rogers, Willie P, Dylan, Muppets sing the Weight, Rachel Heart, Sloppy Jalopy)

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Videos: Jerry Johansen and Eddie Patterson@Rolly Rockets (December 1, 2013)

http://www.reverbnation.com/ShotgunWaldo
Click above for photos
Click here if you can't see the videos







The videos above were from the Hamilton Blues Lovers 5th Anniversary Jam. More to come . . .

Link: Jerry Johansen

Previous (New Tim Hicks CD) - - - Next (New Scott Orr CD)

Sunday, February 9, 2014

New Tim Hicks CD: Throw Down

St. Catharines Country star Tim Hicks recently received a well-deserved 2 Juno nominations for his latest album, Throw Down (released through RGK Entertainment Group/Open Road Recordings).  It was also up for a Canadian Country Music Award last year.  The disc has been climbing the country charts as well.

No wonder the album's been so successful.  The man plays some of the best rockin' country around.  It's surprisingly funky and energetic. Tim even adds some Latin rhythms and loud guitars for good measure. This ain't poppy new country, that's for sure.

He also co-wrote songs on the CD with members of Florida-Georgia Line, Three Days Grace, and others.  American country rock group Blackjack Billy join him on the standout track Got a Feeling.

So pick up this kick ass CD at his live shows or online though Maple Music.  You can also download it through iTunes or eMusic.


All videos below courtesy of Tim Hicks.







Links: Tim Hicks, More Tim Hicks StoriesMore CD Releases 

Previous (News Roundup w Fry Truck Michelle Titian, Guitar Case Mike, more) - - - Next (Videos: Jerry Johansen@Rolly Rockets)

Friday, February 7, 2014

Jack de Keyzer Plays on and Produces New James Boraski and MomentaryEvolution CD

https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/comin-home/id635958783
Earlier last year, Thunder Bay's James Boraski and MomentaryEvolution unveiled their Self-titled CD featuring guitar and co-production by local Juno winner Jack de Keyzer (has also wrote the infectious If I Have Your Love and co-wrote Unsung Heroes). The collaboration paid off with a great disc of rockin' blues.


Jack shares axe duties with another amazing, award-winning guitarist, Marshall Lawrence
aka Doctor of the Blues. Rounding out the band are Connie Boraski (Vocals/Percussion), Ed Drotar (Guitar/Vocals), Vic Dupuis (Sax & Woodwinds), Mark Toskovich (Bass) and Joe Riccio (Drums).

James and his friends have created a sometimes soulful, always dynamic set of great blues rock tunes.  It'll get ya dancin' and groovin' in no time!

You can pick up this energetic CD at the band's live shows or online through indiepool.  It can also be download using iTunes.







Videos above courtesy of James Boraski

Links: James Boraski, More James Boraski Stories, More CD Releases 

Previous (Lots of Juno Nominations for the Area) - - - Next (News Roundup w Fry Truck Michelle Titian, Guitar Case Mike, more)

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Lots of Juno Nominations for the Area


The 2014 Juno nominations have been released and once again, area musicians got quite a few nods.

Here are a few local highlights:


Links: Daniel Romano  Video above courtesy of Normaltown Records



Links: Tim Hicks, Video above courtesy of Tim Hicks



Links: Jordan Raycroft, More Jordan Raycroft StoriesVideo above courtesy of Jordan Raycroft

Indie Rock band Arcade Fire leads the pack with six nominations, followed by Michael Bublé and Serena Ryder with five then Céline Dion, Drake, Hedley and Tegan and Sara with 4 each.

Nomination highlights:

Blues Album
Roots and Traditional: Solo
Roots and Traditional: Group
Country Album
Album
Artist
Group
Fan Choice
Single
Songwriter
Adult Alternative Album
Pop Album
Rock Album
Vocal Jazz Album
Contemporary Jazz Album
Traditional Jazz Album
Children's Album
Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album

Blast from the Past: Last Year's Winners


Previous (Area Musicians on Blues Underground Network Best of Year Lists)

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Area Musicians on Blues Underground Network's Best of the Year Lists

http://www.bluesundergroundnetwork.com/

Local artists were a big part of the Blues Underground Network's best of 2013 lists.  The popular website listed Daddy Long LegsSoulstack, Dan McKinnon and Andre Bisson as some of their favourites of the year. It also featured works produced by Jack de Keyzer and backed up by Steve Strongman and Mark McIntyre.

CONGRATULATIONS GUYS!



Links: Daddy Long Legs, More Daddy Long Legs Stories, Video above courtesy of Dave Sloane



Links: Andre Bisson, More Andre Bisson stories, Video above courtesy of Andre Bisson



Links: SoulStack, More Soulstack Stories, Video above courtesy of Soulstack

The complete list is below.

Canadian Blues Albums
  1. Marshall Lawrence: House Call
  2. Sunday Wilde: He Gave Me A Blue Nightgown
  3. Daddy Long Legs: The Devil's In The Details
  4. MonkeyJunk: All Frequencies
  5. Sean Pinchin: Rust Bucket (featuring Mark McIntyre and Steve Strongman)
  6. Holly and Jon: 1929: The Summit Sessions
  7. Uncle Wiggly's Hot Shoes Blues Band: Still Burnin It Up
  8. Sabrina Weeks & Swing Cat Bounce: Got My Eye On You
  9. Mark "Bird" Stafford: Live At The Delta
  10. Al Lerman: Live At The Acoustic Grill
Canadian Blues Rock Albums
  1. Chris Antonik: Better For You
  2. Plain Dirty Blues Band: Slow Burn
  3. Dan McKinnon: As Sharp As Possible (Produced by Jack de Keyzer)
  4. Ross Neilsen Band: Resurrection
  5. David Gogo: Come On Down
  6. James Boraski & Momentary Evolution: Comin' Home (Produced by Jack de Keyzer)
  7. Texarillo: Black Satin Blues
  8. The Perpetrators: Stick 'Em Up
  9. Jake Chisholm: Diamond In A Coalmine
  10. Big Crush: Temptation
USA Blues Albums
  1. Studebaker John's Maxwell Street Kings: Kingsville Jukin
  2. Granvil Poynter: Another Day Singing The Blues
  3. Smokin' Joe Kubek and Bnois King: Road Dog's Life
  4. Chris James & Patrick Rynn: Barrelhouse Stomp
  5. John Primer and Bob Corritore: Knockin' Around The Blues
  6. Andy T - Nick Nixon Band: Drink, Drank, Drunk
  7. Tail Dragger: Stop Lyin'
  8. Little G Weevil: Moving"
  9. Tip Of The Top: From Memphis To Greaseland
  10. Matt Baxter and Jake Sampson: Haunted
USA Blues Rock Albums
  1. Dudley Taft: Deep Deep Blue
  2. Samantha Fish: Black Wind Howlin
  3. Bobby Messano (Featuring Deanna Bogart): Welcome To Deltaville
  4. Sean Chambers: The Rock House Sessions
  5. Todd Wolfe Band: Miles To Go
  6. Jason Elmore and Hoodoo Witch: Tell You What
  7. Nuno Mindelis: Angels and Clowns
  8. Mark Robinson: Have Axe - Will Groove
  9. Too Slim And The Taildraggers: Blue Heart
  10. Aaron Williams And The Hoodoo: Live Loud Harmony
International Blues Albums
  1. Bottleneck John: All Around Man (Sweden)(Best European Album)
  2. Hans Theessink: Wishing Well (Austria)
  3. Craig Hughes: Losers And Bastards (Best UK album)
  4. Laurence Jones: Thunder In The Sky (UK)
  5. Bare Bones Boogie Band: Tattered and Torn (UK)(Best UK Blues Rock Album)
  6. Danny Bryant: Hurricane (UK)
  7. Jock's Juke Joint: Contemporary Blues From Scotland Vol 3 (UK)
  8. Crow Black Chicken: Electric Soup (Ireland)
  9. Federal Charm: Federal Charm (UK)
  10. Stevey Hay's Shades Of Blues (UK)
  • Best Australian Blues Album: Mr. Black and Blues w Chris Wilson: Blow These Tracks - Live On The Blues Train
  • Best Debut Album (Artist) (Europe): Noam Dayan: A Whole New Land (Isreal)
  • Best Debut Album (Band) (Europe) & Best European Blues Rock Album: Pristine: Detoxing (Norway)
  • Best Debut Album (Artist) (UK): Laurence Jones: Thunder In The Sky (UK)
Multi Genre Albums
  1. Petey Hop: The Levee (USA)
  2. John Pippus Band: Howl At The Moon (Canada)
  3. Eric Bibb: Jericho Road (USA)
  4. Moreland and Arbuckle: 7 Cities (USA)
  5. Claude Hay: I Love Hate You (Australia)
  6. Toronzo Cannon: John The Conquer Root (USA)
  7. Jerome Tucker and Tim BastmeyerJerome Tucker and Tim Bastmeyer (Canada)
  8. Soulstack: Five Finger Discount (Canada)
  9. The Communal Well: Under A Western Sky (France)
  10. The Tilt: Howlin (USA)

Previous (Kennedy Suite Concept Album with Cowboy Junkies, Skydiggers, Lee Harvey Osmond, Harlan Pepper, Sarah Harmer and More) - - - Next (Lots of Juno Nominations for the Area)