Monday, August 31, 2015

Oakville's GCDC Balance Raw and Fiery on New Album


After listening to Banditoland, the latest album from Oakville band, GCDC visions of dirty, wrong side of the tracks,  old-time saloons will dance in your head.  This is a modern jam band that serves up raw, bluesy, Americana and some cool, fast rockin'.

These boys can really play.  Despite the almost throw-back feel of the album, they do some incredible, fiery guitar theatrics just to show ya who's boss.  It's the best of both worlds: organic roots rock and great musicianship.

So check this explosive album out by downloading it through their Bandcamp page.





Links: GCDCMore ReleasesVideos above courtesy of GCDC

Previous (New Complete Shakers 2 CD Collection) - - - Next (New James-Alphonse Album)

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Get the Complete Shakers Experience with New 2 CD Collection


Nobody did infectious, good-old fashioned infectious rock 'n' roll like the legendary Hamilton group the Shakers.  To celebrate their recent reunion shows, the band's come out with an amazing, self-titled, 2 CD collection featuring all their incredible songs.

Featuring current superstars Tim GibbonsDave RaveRick Andrew, and Claude DesRoches, the lads made some of the best music to come out the very late 70's and early to mid 80s (featuring early production work by international sensation Daniel Lanois).  They mastered and perfected punk-like rockabilly and 50s style catchy rock.  With unforgettable hits like Out the Door, Shake Some Action and many more, the foursome left their mark on the music scene.

As previously mentioned, this anthology includes all their tunes and an unreleased cover of Ain't Got No Sense by another legendary Hamilton band, Teenage Head.

If you wanna pick up this piece of rock history, you can go to Picks N Sticks in Hamilton and get yourself a copy.





Blast from the Past: The Shakers on the Barber Shop Podcast

Links: ShakersMore Shakers StoriesMore Releases, Videos above courtesy of Matteo Muser

Previous (New Steve Goldberger Album) - - - Next (New GCDC Album)

Saturday, August 29, 2015

'Cosmic Cowboy' by Niagara-on-the-Lake's Steve Goldberger Features an Astounding Mix of Styles


Niagara-on-the-Lake singer and multi-instrumentalist  Steve Goldberger, has always mastered a range of styles (he leads the Americana/Roots band Old Winos and Blues/Soul outfit The Niagara Rhythm Section).  His 6th album, Cosmic Cowboy, shows him at his best.

Steve and a number of his talented musical friends have put together an astounding mix of covers (including fabulous versions of Rodney Crowell and Nanci Griffith tunes) and unique originals.   Folk, Bluegrass, Country, Cajun, Roots and everything in-between are all performed with gusto.

There's no shortage of accomplished musicians on this disc.  Vocal duets with Tim HicksSerena Pryne and Mary Simon (Mississippi Bends) are a major highlight.  Steve's also joined by Denis Keldie, Mark LalamaWendell Ferguson, Andrew Aldridge, Cam MacInnes, Roger Marin, Mike Glatt, Steve GrisbrookShane Guse (Western Swing Authority), Jeese Cobb, Jim Casson, Dave Norris, Andrew MacKay and Peter Griffin.

If you want a copy of this amazing CD you can order one at Steve's live shows or through his online shop.  It can also be downloaded via iTunescdbaby or eMusic.





Blast from the Past: Steve Goldberger Video and More

Links: Steve Goldberger, More Steve Goldberger StoriesMore ReleasesVideos above courtesy of Steve Goldberger

Previous (Tony Rush Passes) - - - Next (New Complete Shakers 2 CD Collection)

Thursday, August 27, 2015

The Late Tony "Rush" Wachnuik Honoured by Local Musicans


Unfortunately, Hamilton musician Tony "Rush" Wachnuik passed away on August 25, 2015 due to complications from a traffic accident. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

Tony was a beloved member of the local music community and a valued member of a number of bands, including the TNT Bluesmen, Hell County and most recently, the King Street Band.

Wayne Janus, his Hell County bandmate had this to say: "Tony brought a level of energy to the music that I've only experienced while performing with him. He knew how to "connect" and his placement of his musical energies inspired me to give it all as if it were the last note to ever be played. I learned so much from him. I am forever grateful for our time together on and off the stage. Tony had a big heart and "continually" expressed compassion for my fathers failing health. Tony will always have a place in my heart and he will always have a place in the music that I will continue to play. Love you brother T"

A note from Lou, our blogger: "Tony was one of the first musicians I befriended after starting the Hamilton Blues Lovers.  I remember his no-nonsense approach to life, his energy and amazing musical talent. We'll all miss him."

Reaction to his passing hit social media.  Here a few comments. We'll be adding more later.

Mike Almas: "Lots of tears for Tony, what a character, what a great friend, so very glad to have known him, gonna miss him a lot."

Mike Branton: "Nobody fought the good fight as fiercely as Tony did. Nobody stuck it harder to the phonies. And when it was time to play and I mean really play there was nobody who could touch him. Not in a million years.. .A true friend and bluesman!

Steven Collett: "Rest in peace to my friend Tony Rush that played a wonderful Ibanez bass similar to the one I had. It was so great to play with him and we will miss the wide eyed spirit he had."

There will be a memorial show on Saturday, September 5, 2015 at the Homestead Bar from 4-8pm.  Donations will be accepted for Tony's family.



Video above  (with Tony Rush on bass) courtesy of Hell County



Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

Blast from the Past: Tony Rush Jam@Rebel's Rock

Link: More Tony Rush Stories

Previous (News Roundup: Tony Rush Passes, Winds of the North, Mountain and the Wood, Terra Lightfoot) - - - Next (New Steve Goldberger Album)

News Roundup (Tony Rush Passes, Winds of the North, Mountain and the Wood, Terra Lightfoot)


Tony Rush (right) with Wayne Janus Band
It is with sadness that we report the passing of Hamilton musician Tony "Rush" Wachnuik on August 25, 2015 . Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.  Click here for more information.


News

The Adventures of Trebleclef, the Hamilton Blues Lovers Monkey

Trebleclef  attended the incredible Guitar Mikey Homecoming Show



With comedian Paul Settle
(click for his video- Warning: mature content)


Birthdays

Thursday, August 27
Friday, August 28
Saturday, August 29
Sunday, August 30
Monday, August 31
Tuesday, September 1
Wednesday, September 2
Thursday, September 3

Previous (New Hailee Rose EP) - - - Next (Tony Rush Passes)

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

3-Song EP from Oakville's Hailee Rose Offers a Taste of a Soulful, Funky Future


If Everything's Going to be Alright, the new 3-song EP debut from Oakville's Hailee Rose is any indication, we'll be hearing some amazing things from her in the future.  From the old fashioned soul of the title track to the incredible cover of the Beatles classic Come Together to the catchy, poppy closing track, there's a lot to be savoured here.

The lady's also enlisted some top Hamilton talent to help her out: Dave Rave (co-writer, guitar, back-up vocals) and Carl Jennings of Freedom Train (Producer, bass, guitar, back-up vocals) are the main members of her band.  Guests include Ed Mitchell and Tim Jennings (also from Freedom Train), Jeff Heisholt, Mike Ray, Tim Allard, and Mark Foley.

So go ahead and grab a copy one of her live shows, at Picks and Sticks or contact her.  It'll be worth your while.



Blast from the Past: Hailee Rose on the Barber Shop Podcast

Links: Hailee RoseMore Hailee Rose StoriesMore ReleasesVideo above courtesy of Willer Music Video

Previous (New Leslie Hudson CD) - - - Next (News Roundup: Tony Rush Passes, Winds of the North, Mountain and the Wood, Terra Lightfoot)

Sunday, August 23, 2015

Burlington's Leslie Hudson Unveils New Album with Kinetic Energy and Sweet, Smooth, Soul


Burlington's Leslie Hudson has mastered the art of the powerful, piano-driven song.   Into the Mirror, the lady's latest album, prooves she's no dainty little lounge singer who can tickle the ivories a bit.

In Leslie's hands, the keys are filled with kinetic energy or sweet, smooth soul.  These amazing skills also transfer to her voice.  Whether belting it out or serenading, her vocals can wring the emotion from every fabulous song.

This album is hard to pigeonhole as you'll hear jazz, folk, pop, even a little rap - all done elegantly and with passion.  Her outstanding lyrics will also make you take notice.

Whether you'd like a CD or download, you can get it through her Bandcamp page



Video above courtesy of Zinderfine



Video above courtesy of RbirmMusicFan

Links: Leslie HudsonMore Leslie Hudson StoriesMore Releases

Previous (George C.W. Douglas Debut Album) - - - Next (New Hailee Rose EP)

Saturday, August 22, 2015

Woodstock's George C.W. Douglas's Debuts with Incredible CD!


For Woodstock singer/songwriter, George C.W. Douglas his debut album, Music From Big Muddy has been part of a personal journey.  From local music fan, to becoming a musician, earning his sobriety and taking the Creative Genius Songwriting Workshop with Lori Yates - you can feel the experiences on the CD.

George has made quite an initial splash with this amazing offering.  He's created a personal, revealing, witty, everyman folk album.  Lyrics deal with aging, drinking and the effects of time.  The recording finishes off nicely with a beautiful ode to Willie P. Bennett.

Wonderfully backing him up are fellow multi-instrumentalists Brock Zeman and Blair Hogan along with Dylan Roberts (drums, percussion).  They do a fabulous job.

If you want a copy of the CD, you can contact George directly at skumm60@gmail.com or pick it up at Record Works in Woodstock.  It's also available through iTunes and cdbaby.





Blast from the Past: George on the Barber Shop Podcast

Links: George CW DouglasMore George CW Douglas StoriesMore Releases, Videos above courtesy of Skumm60

Previous (News Roundup w Mark McNeil, Will Gillespie, The Rebneys, More) - - - Next (New Leslie Hudson CD)

Thursday, August 20, 2015

News Roundup (Mark McNeil, Will Gillespie, The Rebneys)




News

Local



World

The Adventures of Trebleclef, the Hamilton Blues Lovers Monkey

Trebleclef went to a private show featuring the amazing Guitar Mikey with Trickbag and the rockin' All Night Mule

Guitar Mikey
All Night Mule
Click here for all the photos from this event
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He also checked out the wonderful Dundas Cactus Festival

Hanging with the Keeping Room bear 
Checkin' out the merch for the Ladybird Animal Sanctuary.  It's a great cause!

Birthdays

Thursday, August 20
Friday, August 21
Saturday, August 22
Sunday, August 23
Wednesday, August 26

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Brantford's Benjamin Dakota Rogers Creates Lavish, Warm Sound on New Album


For his second album Strong Man's Address to the Circus Crowd, Brantford's Benjamin Dakota Rogers has enhanced his alt-folk style with amazing production.  It's fuller and superbly well-crafted.

Benjamin's voice has a lot of character and shines through on every track.  He also wields a harmonica, fiddle, guitar and mandolin to create a lavish, warm sound.  Americana, folk, pop, rock, classical and many other elements filter though for a wonderful, unique sound.  There are even two incredible spoken word pieces.

Assisting the singer/songwriter are two very talented musicians: Randy Solski (percussion, keyboard, guitar and bass) and Rebekah Hawker (harmonies)

So, if you're looking for music with substance pick up a CD at his fabulous live shows or download the album using iTunes or cdbaby.




Blast from the Past: Benjamin Up for Songwriting Competition

Links: Benjamin Dakota Rogers, More Benjamin Dakota Rogers StoriesMore Releases, Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

Previous (New Rebecca Binnendyk Album) - - - Next (News Roundup w Mark McNeil, Will Gillespie, The Rebneys, More)

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

You'll Get a Lot of Fun Out of Waterloo Jazz Songstress Rebecca Binnendyk's New Album


Some Fun Out of Life, the latest CD from Waterloo Jazz lady Rebecca Binnendyk, is the perfect name for the album.  Listens will be getting a lot of fun out of this recording.

Rebecca has something for everybody here.  Classics and standards such as The Nearness of You, Let's Fall in Love and Smile share the stage with modern pop jazz numbers and some old fashioned swing.  There's even cool jazz covers of Bon Jovi, Joni Mitchell and Phil Collins as well.  Her two amazing originals Stars and Live Now are also equally impressive.

The songstress has some great talent backing her up thanks to Attila Fias and Steve Wingfield (piano), Kevin Laliberte (guitars), Drew Birston (bass),  Davide Direnzo (drums), Rosendo "Chendy" Leon (percussion), William Sperandei (trumpet), William Carn (trombone), John Johnson (sax/clarinet), Drew Jurecka (violin),  and Amy Laing (cello)

Copies of this stupendous album are available through her online shop.



Links: Rebecca BinnendykMore Releases, Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

Previous (New Ian Reid Album) - - - Next (New Benjamin Dakota Rogers Album)

Sunday, August 16, 2015

Rockwood's Ian Reid Displays Great Songwriting Skills on 'Hawkstripe'


Hawkstripe, the newest album from Rockwood's Ian Reid displays his great songwriting skills.  His mischievous sense of humour shines on a few tracks and he also know how to craft a wonderful musical story as well.

This is all done with beautiful, sparse arrangements with just his expressive voice and a only a few instruments (uke and acoustic guitar mainly).  Ian's able to captivate listeners with his enchanting, straightforward folk style.

You can pick up a CD at his fabulous live shows (or by contacting Ian via his siteand also download the album using iTunes or cdbaby.



Blast from the Past: Ian Reid CD - Delivered on Delhi Street

Links: Ian ReidMore Ian Reid StoriesMore Releases, Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

Previous (News Roundup - Troy Harmer Plays with Bachman, David Gillis, City and the Sea) - - - Next (New Rebecca Binnendyk Album)

Thursday, August 13, 2015

News Roundup (Troy Harmer Plays with Bachman, David Gillis, City and the Sea)




News

Trebleclef was at a wonderful private fundraising show where he bumped into Ariana Gillis, Wendell Ferguson, Katherine Wheatley, Paul Langille and many more talent musicians.

Ariana Gillis
L to R: John Harris, Katherine Wheatley, Wendell Ferguson, Dave Jensen, Paul Langille 
If you enjoy these pictures, we encourage you to donate to the Oakville Humane Society


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Last Saturday and Sunday, our monkey checked out the Kitchener Blues Fest and saw such amazing acts as MonkeyJunk, Mavis Staples, Watermelon Slim, Matt "Guitar" Murphy, Big Rude Jake and many more

Our monkey meets MonkeyJunk  
Joshua Miller (of Pappy Johns Band) plays with the legendary Matt "Guitar" Murphy
The incredible Mavis Staples 
Watermelon Slim
Big Rude Jake

Recently Added

Our Performer List
Our Venue List

Birthdays

Friday, August 14
Saturday, August 15
Sunday, August 16
Monday, August 17
Wednesday, August 19
Thursday, August 20

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Bucket List Band Videos






Links: More Burton Cumming (Guess Who) Stories/Covers, Videos above courtesy of John Staley



Links: Bucket ListMore Bucket List StoriesMore Robert Johnson Stories/CoversVideo above courtesy of the Bucket List Band

Previous (New Soulstack Album) - - - Next (News Roundup - Troy Harmer Plays with Bachman, David Gillis, City and the Sea)

Waterloo Blues Masters, Soulstack Unleash Live Off-the-Floor Vibe With New Self-Titled Album


Waterloo Blues masters, Soulstack have unleashed a monster with their brand spanking new self-titled album.  With a live-off-the floor vibe, this recording means business.

Their Americana-infused sound is imbued with Rock, Blues, and Soul.  The versatility of the players is shocking as they grace us with ballads, rockers and more musical wonders.

Physical CD's are available at their explosive live shows or the album can be downloaded via iTunes or eMusic.  Either way - get yourself a copy now!





Videos above courtesy of Soulstack

Blast from the Past: Soulstack CD - Five Finger Discount

Links: SoulstackMore Soulstack StoriesMore Releases

Previous (New Mel Monaco Album) - - - Next (Bucket List Band Videos)

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

St. Catharines Songstress Mel Monaco Gets Sassy and Sultry on New Album


These Are Just Suggestions, the new album from St. Catharines songstress Mel Monaco is a genre-bendin' and blendin' classic.  Soul, Pop, Jazz, Blues and Rock intermingle with each another with surprising results.

Mel's voice is powerful and packed with soul as she gets sassy and sultry.  She's joined by the fabulous multi-instrumentalists John Heinrich and Phil Valdez.

You can pick up a copy of this amazing CD at her not-to-be-missed live shows or download it using iTuneseMusic or cdbaby.





Videos above courtesy of Mel Monaco

Links: Mel MonacoMore Mel Monaco StoriesMore Releases

Previous (News Roundup w George CW Douglas, Max Wray, Sheesham and Lotus and Son) - - - Next (New Soulstack Album)

Thursday, August 6, 2015

News Roundup (George CW Douglas, Max Wray, Sheesham and Lotus and Son)

Larry Ellis, Hulton Archive, Getty Images
Cilla Black, Beatles protege passes
Click pic above for video


News

Local

World

The Adventures of Trebleclef, the Hamilton Blues Lovers Monkey

Trebleclef has been very busy lately

He attended a wonderful private show featuring Jacob Moon and Fraser/Daley

 


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The little guy also went to the Lynn River Music and Arts Festival and checked out a few bands!

 



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Our monkey attended the Millrace Festival and met Sheesham and Lotus and Son


Click here for more pictures of the event


Birthdays

Thursday, August 6
Friday, August 7
Saturday, August 8
Sunday, August 9
Monday, August 10
Tuesday, August 11
Wednesday, August 12

Featured Videos



Links: Max Wray, More Max Wray StoriesVideo above courtesy of I Heart Hamilton

Previous (New Rob Mitchell Album) - - - Next (New Mel Monaco Album)

Wednesday, August 5, 2015

New Album from Guelph's Rob Mitchell is a Wonderful, Personal, Heartfelt Piece of Musical Storytelling


A concept album of sorts, Things Could Be Worse by talented Guelph singer/songwriter Rob Mitchell features songs that are mainly about hospitals.  He took his experiences dealing with his son and late mother's medical issues to produce this incredible recording.  The end result is a wonderful, personal, heartfelt piece of musical storytelling .

With a mix of pop, rock, folk and electronic rhythms, the songs sparkle as they tell their tales.  The instrumentals are exceptionally well done as well.

This amazing album is available as a Bandcamp download.




EXTRA MINI-REVIEWS!

Some recordings escape our radar, so occasionally we'll be catching up with some mini-reviews!


2014's Parking Lot Sunset has more of a traditional acoustic folk feel that showcases Rob's strong guitar skills and expressive voice.  It can also be downloaded via Bandcamp.






Rob also released the EP, Four Chords Five Songs in 2014.  With just his voice and a guitar, he manages to create a dynamic and infectious sound.  You can download it off Bandcamp too.




Links: Rob MitchellMore Releases

Previous (New Cheryl Lescom Album) - - - Next (News Roundup w George CW Douglas, Max Wray, Sheesham and Lotus and Son)

Sunday, August 2, 2015

Kitchener's Cheryl Lescom Belts Out Wonderful, Rockin', Soulful Blues on '1953'


With her big, soulful voice, Kitchener Blueswoman, Cheryl Lescom and her band, the Tucson Choir Boys create killer tracks on their latest album, 1953 (released through Busted Flat Records).  This amazing music will grab a hold of you instantly.

Cheryl's voice can really boom when it has too but it also can move you with emotion as well.  The boys do a superb job of making some wonderful blues licks and dynamic sounds.  A couple of tunes will even transport you to the 50s.

The band also gets some help on the writing from labelmate, Lynn Jackson, who wrote two of the songs.

If you want some good time rockin's blues you can pick up the CD through her energetic live shows or via the Busted Flat Online shop.  It's available through iTunes as well.


Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

EXTRA MINI-REVIEW!

Some recordings escape our radar, so occasionally we'll be catching up with some mini-reviews!


Cheryl and the Tucson Choir Boys released a self-titled album in 2009.  You'll hear some great, rockin', soulful numbers on here as well.  There's also a little more of a roots feel on the album. You can download it through  cdbaby or iTunes.



Video above courtesy of Dave Sloane

Blast from the Past: Cheryl Lescom Video and More

Links: Cheryl LescomMore Cheryl Lescom StoriesMore Releases

Previous (International Blues Day Videos) - - - Next (New Rob Mitchell Album)