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Friday, October 30, 2015

GOOD LUCK! Local Musicians Up for Maple Blues Awards! VOTE FOR YOUR FAVES!


We'd like to congratulate the amazing local talent who earned 2016 Maple Blues Award nominations.  Our friends at the Toronto Blues Society organize this important event every year and our incredible area musicians are always well represented.

The legendary Hamilton Bluesman Harrison Kennedy leads the pack with a whopping 5 nods (plus Jesse O'Brien's two nominations for his wonderful work on Harrison's latest album).  Also from the hammer - Dave King was recognized for his drumming skills on the newest Steve Strongman CD.  Two members of Hamilton Blues veteran Jack de Keyzer's band (Horn player Richard Thornton and bassist Alan Duffy) are also in the running for an award each.

Click here for the Hamilton Spectator story.



Links: Harrison KennedyMore Harrison Kennedy StoriesVideo above courtesy of StellaBlu477

Kitchener/Waterloo is well represented with Soulstack and its members earning a total of 3 nods.  Blues queen Cheryl Lescom is up for best Female Vocalist too.



Links: SoulstackMore Soulstack StoriesVideo above courtesy of Soulstack



Links: Cheryl LescomMore Cheryl Lescom StoriesVideo above courtesy of Toronto Live Music Scene

Online voting starts Wednesday, November 4 at 11:59pm Newfoundland Daylight Time (10:29pm EST).  Deadline is December 4, 2015. Register at www.mapleblues.ca.

The hardware will be handed out on Monday, January 18, 2015 at  the Koerner Hall in Toronto.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

Here's a complete list of nominees:

Entertainer of the Year
Acoustic Act of the Year
Male Vocalist of the Year
Female Vocalist of the Year
Piano or Keyboard Player of the Year
Horn Player of the Year
Drummer of the Year
Bassist of the Year
Songwriter of the Year
Recording/Producer of the Year
Electric Act of the Year
New Artist or Group of the Year
Blues With A Feeling (Lifetime Achievement)

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Thursday, October 29, 2015

News Roundup (Help Mo' Kauffey, Blind Mule, Shawn Brush, James-Alphonse)



Veteran singer/songwriter Mo' Kauffey was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 liver cancer.
He needs help with his day to day expenses and treatment options


THANK YOU!



Links: Mo' KauffeyMore Mo' Kauffey StoriesVideo above courtesy of Mo' Kauffey


News

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Canada
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The Adventures of Trebleclef, the Hamilton Blues Lovers Monkey

Trebleclef 
checked out Shawn Brush and Friends at the Bristol in Burlington

Trebleclef with Shawn Brush


Shawn Brush covers Daniel Lanois's The Maker w Mark Foley and Harry White #BurlOnMusic #HamOntMusic #HamOnt
Posted by Hamilton B. Lous on Wednesday, October 28, 2015


Links: Shawn Brush, More Shawn Brush Stories, More Daniel Lanois Covers/StoriesVideo above courtesy of Hamilton B. Lous

Bass Master Harry White
Judi Rideout and Mark Foley

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Dundas's Frank Koren Launches Singer/Songwriter Career With Amazing CD!


Not only is Dundas's Frank Koren one of the most popular and in-demand guitarists around but he's now taken the big leap to becoming a singer/songwriter in his own right. Red Chair marks Frank's recording debut as a lead vocalist and he's simply amazing.

With a newly-discovered voice filled with character and soul, Frank meshes perfectly with the rockin' Folk/Americana sound on most of the album.  The band also gets wonderfully experimental with guitar effects and beats near the end of the disc (including some beatboxing from Hachey the MouthPeace).  The whole recording is folky, funky and free-spirited.

Many of Frank's talented musical friends have joined in helping him launch his debut CD.  They include his family (daughter Marrakech and wife Kim Koren,) along with Mark McIntyreEd MortensonAmy KingNick Czarnogorski, Jake PayneMelissa Bel, Harrison KennedyPaul InstonGlenn Milchem (Blue Rodeo), Greg BriscoBob DoidgeDanny Lockwood, Aaron Goldstein, Andy Gingerich, Vince Rinalldo, and Donnie McDougall.

This incredible CD will be released soon in many local stores and online as well (check back on this page for more information).  You can also get a copy at his CD Release Party at the Casbah on November 14th.



Blast from the Past: Frank Wins Debbie Clause Recording Fund

Links: Frank KorenMore Frank Koren StoriesMore ReleasesVideo above courtesy of Lisa Millar

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Sunday, October 25, 2015

Kitchener's Lynn Jackson Creates Astounding, Stirring and Passionate Album


The warm atmosphere of Kitchener singer/songwriter Lynn Jackson's newest album, Songs of Rain, Snow and Remembering permeates the entire recording.  It'll take listeners on a wondrous passionate adventure.

This Busted Flat Records release is a perfect platform for Lynn's almost-delicate and expressive vocals.  Accompanied by an astounding, artistic, fully-realized soundscape, her songs will stir your soul.

Lynn has enlisted an amazing array of talent for this album, including Arun PaulNick Storring, Joe Dunn and Chris Boyne of Sex Dwarf, Brent Hagerman and Scott Fitzpatrick.  Each of them make stunning contributions to the sound.

If you'd like to pick up a copy, you can head on over to one of her lives show or visit Encore Records in Kitchener.  It's also available through the Busted Flat Online Shop or iTunes.



Blast from the Past: Lynn's CD - The Acoustic Sessions

Links: Lynn JacksonMore Lynn Jackson StoriesMore Releases, Video above courtesy of Mark Logan

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Saturday, October 17, 2015

CONGRATS! 2015 View Magazine Readers' Choice Award Winners


The 2015 edition of the popular View Magazine Readers' Choice Awards has been published.  Once again, the best that Hamilton and area has to offer was celebrated in their pages.

Here are the music-related winners:

Please not that it goes from Gold - top to Silver (middle or bottom if only two winners) and Bronze (third).

Band
Female Artist
Festival
TV Personality
Coolest Instrument to Play
  • Drums
  • Bass guitar
Independent Music Label

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Thursday, October 15, 2015

News Roundup (Duane Rutter, Danielle Beaudin, Rob Green)


Smokin' Joe Kubek Passes
Click pic for a video


News

Local

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The Adventures of Trebleclef, the Hamilton Blues Lovers Monkey

Trebleclef attended the Duane Rutter CD Listening Party at Grant Avenue Studios.  He was one of the first ones to hear his amazing CD.


Duane Rutter
Trebleclef picked up a copy of the disc
Click here more more pictures from the event

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He also checked out the Bay City Blues Band with their special guest Morgan Davis at the Bay City Music Hall

Hangin' with Morgan Davis
Morgan and his cool cigar box guitar
Click here for more pictures from this event

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Links: Rob GreenMore Rob Green StoriesVideo above courtesy of Rob Green

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Hamilton Bluesman Andre Bisson's Latest CD Packed with Soul and Energy


Hamilton Blues master Andre Bisson keeps getting better with every new recording and his latest, Left with the Blues is no exception.  Packed with enough soul and energy to fill a couple of albums, Andre and his big band will satisfy all your musical cravings.

The gang kicks off the CD with the super soulful title track and then follows up with the fast rockin' musical punch of Borrowed Time.    The Bluesman's unique voice and powerful guitar skills twist and turn on all 9 original tracks and a fabulous version of the classic Crosscut Saw.

Joining Andre are quite a number of talented area musicians including Loretta Hale, Jesse O'Brien and Jerome Godboo, who lends his outstanding harmonica work for a track.  Great job guys!

The CD is available at his live shows (including the CD release on November 14 at Jet Hall in Hamilton) and via cdbaby.



Blast from the Past: Andre Bisson Album - Bad Scene

Links: Andre BissonMore Andre Bisson storiesMore CD Releases, Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

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Monday, October 12, 2015

CONGRATS! Kitchener's Janice Jo Lee Wins 2015 Oktoberfest Woman of The Year Award (Arts and Culture)


Talented Kitchener singer/songwriter and poet, Janice Jo Lee has won the in the Arts and Culture category of the 2015 KW Oktoberfest Woman of The Year Awards.  She received the honour at a ceremony held on Thursday, October 8, 2015 at Bingemans in Kitchener.  The event celebrates the wonderful achievements of women living and working in Waterloo Region.  Janice is in good company - last year's winner was songstress Alysha Brilla.

CONGRATS!







Blast from the Past: Janice's Album - Down to Earth

Links: KW Oktoberfest Woman of The Year AwardsJanice Jo Lee, More Janice Jo Lee Stories, Videos above courtesy of Janice Lee

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Sunday, October 11, 2015

New CD from Grimsby's Shari Vandermolen and Quarter to Nine Is Fiery and Stirring


Grimsby's Shari Vandermolen and her amazing jazz band Quarter to Nine have put their best foot forward on the group's explosive new self titled album.  This fiery and stirring recording will leave its mark on you.

The wonderful frontlady uses an actor's craft when belting out these incredible tunes.  You can really feel the conviction and emotion in each song.  The rest of the unbelievable band bumps and bops with skill and panache  throughout.

Quarter to Nine includes such luminaries as Steve McRae (Piano), James Gannett (Bass), Michael Yeates (Drums), Jay Burr (Trombone) and Ray Chantler (Trumpet).  Urmas Soomet (Bass) and Steve Tomalty (Drums) guest on one track.

You can pick up a CD at any of the band's gripping live shows or via their website.  It's available for download at
iTunes as well.

Blast from the Past: Quarter to Nine and Other Jazz Videos



Links: Quarter to Nine, More Quarter to Nine StoriesMore ReleasesVideo above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

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Thursday, October 8, 2015

News Roundup (Hamilton Music Scene Group Photo, Chris Strei, Dan McKinnon, Sammy Duke)



News

Local

Canada
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The Adventures of Trebleclef, the Hamilton Blues Lovers Monkey

Trebleclef went to the Grate Cheese Festival in Guelph and checked out Sammy Duke and Dan McKinnon.


Dan McKinnon


Sammy Duke



Click here more more pictures from the event

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Our monkey was also part of 2015 Hamilton Music Scene Family Photo (see picture at top).  He bumped into a few friends along the way.

Lily Sazz of Groove Corporation
Harmonica Great, Sweet Sammy DeRosa
Click here for more pictures from this event

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

CONGRATS! Hamilton Musician's Guild Honour Veteran Members



May 2015's meeting of the The Hamilton Musician's Guild (part of the American Federation of Musicians) featured six musicians who were honoured for their work with the union.

David Clewer, Jacqueline Sutherland and Joe Callura earned Life Membership Awards.


Suzie Martens , Ken Smook  and David Manto received 25-year pins.


CONGRATS EVERYBODY

Blast from the Past: October 2014 Honourees

Links: The Hamilton Musician's GuildMore Guild Stories

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'Crazy Things' by Duane Rutter a Perfect Melding of Lyricism and Cool Riffing


Duane Rutter is rightfully one of the most respected singer/songwriters around.  Armed with an incredible backing band, he now has a reputation as one of the most rockin' Americana/Country acts in Canada as well.  You can hear this new, fuel-injected sound on his latest amazing CD, Crazy Things (released through Busted Flat Records).

Without sacrificing his usual beautifully crafted, rich songwork, Duane's souped up his tunes with infectious grooves and powerful guitars.  It's a perfect melding of lyricism and cool riffing.  A couple of graceful slower tracks show off the band's chops as well.

Joining him on his new quest are his current bandmates Andrew Aldridge (guitars/Producer), Carrie Ashworth (bass), Steve "Honeyboy" Wood (pedal steel), Nick Burson (drums), Lisa Winn (vocals) and JB Reed of Human Orchestra (vocals).  Guests on the top notch album include Mark Lalama and Garth Hudson of The Band (both on keys) as well as "Sister" Maud Hudson (vocals). Mixing is done by the legendary Nick Blagona.

So if you're looking for an album to that'll put a spring in your step, you can pick a copy up at any of Duane's live shows (including the upcoming CD Release at the Casbah on October 10, 2015).  CDs can be purchased at Encore Records in Kitchener as well.  It can also be downloaded using iTunes.





Blast from the Past: Duane@Artword Artbar

Links: Duane RutterMore Duane Rutter StoriesMore Releases, Videos above courtesy of Skumm60

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Sunday, October 4, 2015

Cambridge's Matt Storch and the Usual Suspects Have the Power of a Big Band and the Soul of a Troubadour


On their debut album, Big City, Cambridge gang, Matt Storch and the Usual Suspects have all the power of a rockin' swing big band mixed in with the soul of a troubadour.  They kickstart things with the energetic Big City Blues then follow with the countrified How Do you Deal With It.  After that, the boys dive right in to bombastic blues, smooth soul and tender ballads.

There's also a lot of history on this debut disc.  These tunes were from their early days in 2007 to the present.  band members past and present grace these wonderful recordings. The incredible Bob Egan of Blue Rodeo pops in on two tracks as well.

You can pick up this explosive CD at their fabulous live shows or by visiting Millpond Records in Cambridge and Sherwood Music in Kitchener.  It can also be downloaded via the band's website or iTunes.



Links: Matt Storch and the Usual Suspects, More Matt Storch StoriesMore Releases, Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

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