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Saturday, December 31, 2016

Remembering Legendary Entertainer Gordie Tapp


While the blog was on holiday break, we lost legendary Canadian entertainer Gordie Tapp. The Burlington resident passed on December 18, 2016. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

Gordie worked in radio in Guelph and Hamilton during the 1950's and then went on to host Country Hoedown, a variety show on CBC . In 1969, he earned international stardom through the popular U.S. variety show, Hee Haw, where he sang and joked his way into the hearts of millions. He was a member of the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame (inducted 1990) and was awarded the Order of Canada in 1998.

Click here for the Hamilton Spectator Story on his passing.

Click here for the Burlington Post story.

There was an outpouring of memories on social media.

Michael Picard (CTV)
He was such a dear friend, he was always very supportive of me, when I was 16 yrs old he got me my first big paying job as a Magician and even gave me his home number if I ever needed to get in touch.
Gordie was like a show business mentor to me and always had helpful advice. I have known him for the last ten years and his stories and jokes never ceased to make me laugh while realizing what it truly means to entertain people. Gordie was one of the very few people to call me Timmy; it was always endearing. He will be deeply missed but his legacy will live on. My condolences to Helen and the whole family.
We also requested that people send their wonderful memories of Gordie.

Kevin Barber (Barber Shop Podcast)
I was working at Hill's Video Production in Burlington in the 80's as a format converter and one day Gordie walked by as he was in studio working on a voice over - seeing him, and without thinking, I grabbed a VHS full sized camcorder and had a co-worker record Gordie and I do the whole "Where o where are you tonight" bit - I'm sure he'd know what I was after even before I asked and he graciously did it and even let me spittle in his general direction. I wrapped that tape up and mailed it to my semi-estranged parents in British Columbia to show that I had indeed "made it". They loved it and talked about it for years.
Penny Susan Berkeley
I remember seeing him on the stage with Minnie Pearl at the Saturday morning show at the Capital Theatre in Brantford. They would entertain at half time for a room full of kids. Elmer the Safety Elephant would teach safety and they would make us laugh and sing. Such wonderful memories.







Videos above courtesy of Niblock Country

Previous (Brian Cober Passes) - - - Next (2016: Year in Review)

Friday, December 16, 2016

Cambridge Bluesman Brian Cober Passes

Copyright © by April Smith
We are saddened to report that the talented Toronto Bluesman and slide guitar master Brian Cober (who was originally from Preston, Cambridge) passed away in his sleep after a courageous battle with cancer.  It happened on Friday, December 16. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

We will post any more information here as we hear it.

Click here for the Toronto Moon story about his passing.

Response on social media was swift.

Adam Beer-Colacino
Brian Cober was one of the first guys to ever get me on stage as well as introducing to me to Terry Wilkins, who would become my musical partner in crime. Brian was truly a one of kind musician who had a unique and immediately recognizable voice on the instrument. I owe a lot of who I am and what I do musically to Brian. Thank you for for the encouragement and inspiration through the years, I am grateful to have known you. Rest easy, see you on the other side.
Truly unique sound and approach to guitar playing and a heck of a nice man.
Frank Cosentino
To All My Brothers And Sisters Who Make Music Their Life......I've Talked To Many Today...We Are all in a fog About the passing Of Our Brother Brian Cober Toronto will never be the same but I truly believe You need to keep giving your all on your gigs tonight and over the next few weeks as anyone who knew and loved Brian Knows That's How he would Want it.....Heavy Heart....RIP My Soul Brother...We Are All Richer Because of you.







Links: Brian Cober, Videos above courtesy of Howlin Blue

Previous (News Roundup: John Mays, Brenda Brown, Marc Pettigrew, Andre Bisson) - - - Next (Remembering Gordie Tapp)

Sunday, December 11, 2016

New Fraser/Daley Album Has a Retro Soul and a Modern Heart


Fifty Miles of Elbow Room, the latest recording from duo Fraser/Daley, is the kind of album that can only be created by talented music veterans. Consisting of former Hamiltonian Mike Daley and Toronto's Alec Fraser, the two merge skills and forge their own amazing version of roots music.

They seamlessly blend gospel, blues, folk, country, Celtic and more into  original tunes with a retro soul but a modern heart. These multi-instrumentalists throw in bass (built with a cool brush drum), guitar, banjo, mandolin, and more to their wondrous sound.  You'll also hear some stunning vocals (both have unique voices and harmonize extremely well) and incredible lyrics.

You can pick up this great disc at their unforgettable live shows or via the duo's website.  It's also available through iTunes.



Video above courtesy of fraserdaley's channel



Video above courtesy of Brush Bass

Blast from the Past: Their Previous Album

Links: Fraser/DaleyMore Mike Daley StoriesMore Alec Fraser StoriesMore Releases

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Saturday, December 10, 2016

Kitchener's the Baudelaires Unleash Radical, Rootsy Reggae on New Album!


Kitchener band, The Baudelaires know their Reggae! Their latest album, Rudeboy Mix Tape (released through Busted Flat) not only features some kick ass, soulful, rootsy Reggae but the lyrical content also pays homage to that wonderful culture.

The music will transport you to Jamaica and the Rastafarian lifestyle. Learning's never been so much fun!

So if you're looking for an amazing sonic experience mixed in with some cultural celebration, you can pick up the CD at their live shows or download it through Bandcamp.



Stream the album below



Links: Baudelaires, Video above courtesy of BaudelairesvideoMore Releases

Previous (News Roundup: Stingray Blues Charts, Global Music Awards, Steve Rivers, Dark Mean) - - - Next (New Fraser/Daley Album)

Thursday, December 8, 2016

News Roundup (Stingray Blues Charts, Global Music Awards, Steve Rivers, Dark Mean)

Cool Music Toons!



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12. Paul ReddickRide The One (Produced and guitar by Colin Cripps)





                              Gold Medal Winners
                              Canadian Silver Medal Winners
                              Canadian Bronze Medal Winners

                              The Adventures of Trebleclef, the Hamilton Blues Lovers Monkey

                              Trebleclef is resting up. He'll be back next week.

                              Featured Videos 








                              Wednesday, December 7, 2016

                              Amazing Local Christmas Album Also Helps Kids Help Phone!


                              New Christmas Tunes, a wonderful holiday compilation packed with talented local musicians (mostly from the Halton region), will definteley put you in the yuletide spirit.  Rather than rehash the same old songs you've heard over and over, the album features all original music. 

                              The best part is that $1 from every CD purchase or album download will be donated to Kids Help Phone. You'll hear some amazing tunes and help out at the same time! What could be better?

                              Both the disc and the download are available through Bandcamp.

                              The is the track and personell listing (Click song title to stream on Bandcamp)
                              1. Christmas Train
                                Ginger St James - lead vocals; Gary White - lead guitar; Neil MacNaughton - writer, acoustic guitar, harmonica, train whistle; Andrew Ttg - bass; Scott Apted - drums

                              2. The Camels In The Desert
                                Paul Dante - lead vocals, bass; Daniel Wilson - keyboard; Neil MacNaughton - writer, acoustic guitar; Mike Branton - lead guitar; Luke Dante - drums; Leslie Hudson - background vocals; Charlie Jacklin - background vocals; Kris Womack - background vocals.

                              3. Christmas Cheer
                                Luke Dante - writer, lead vocals, lead guitar, rhythm guitar, bass, drums; Dyanna Prisk - duet vocal; Neil MacNaughton - trumpet, trombone

                              4. Old School Christmas
                                Daniel Wilson - writer, lead vocals, keyboard; John Cooperider - bass, drums; David Clarence MacLean - violin; Leslie Hudson - background vocals

                              5. Toboggan
                                Katie Minnis - lead vocal; Luke Dante - writer, lead guitar, rhythm guitar, bass, drums; Neil MacNaughton - trumpet, trombone; Dyanna Prisk - background vocals

                              6. A Candle In The Window
                                Ashley Beattie - lead male vocal, keyboard; Leslie Hudson - background vocals, David Clarence MacLean - strings; John Cooperider - bass, drums - Neil MacNaughton (writer)

                              7. Have A Merry, Merry Christmas This Year
                                Maggie May - lead vocals, background vocals; Neil MacNaughton - writer, acoustic guitar, bass, background vocals; Daniel Wilson - keyboards; Dave Toms - drums; Leslie Hudson - background vocals; Megan Boni - background vocals

                              8. Evergreen
                                Leslie Hudson - writer, lead vocals, background vocals, keyboards; John Cooperider - lead guitar, acoustic guitar, bass, drums; David Clarence MacLean - strings

                              9. It Must Be Christmas
                                Kris Womack - lead vocals; Mike Branton - lead guitar; Neil MacNaughton - writer, acoustic guitar; Daniel Wilson - keyboards; Luke Dante - bass, drums

                              10. La Flor De Nochebuena
                                Megan Boni - lead vocals; Ricky Joe Vella - Spanish guitar; Luke Dante - accordion; Neil MacNaughton - writer, trumpet, bass

                              11. Light Of A Star
                                Charlie Jacklin, writer, lead vocals, background vocals, acoustic guitar; Leslie Hudson - keyboard, background vocals; John Cooperider - lead guitar, bass, drums; Neil MacNaughton - background vocals, Steven Jacklin (writer)

                              12. Merry Christmas To The World
                                Neil MacNaughton - writer, lead vocals, backup vocals, acoustic guitar, bass; Gary White - lead guitar; Luke Dante - drums; Leslie Hudson - keyboard, background vocals; Charlie Jacklin - background vocals
                              Stream the album below



                              Click here for More Releases

                              Previous (David Gillis Wins Canadian Folk Music Award) - - - Next (News Roundup: Stingray Blues Charts, Global Music Awards, Steve Rivers, Dark Mean)

                              Tuesday, December 6, 2016

                              CONGRATS! Local 2016 Canadian Folk Music Award Winners!



                              On December 3, 2016 the 12th Annual Canadian Folk Music Awards were handed out to a number of amazing artists. Vineland's own David Gillis took home the Producer of the Year award for his work on new Hamiltonian Corin Raymond's latest album, Hobo Jungle Fever Dreams.

                              David had the folowing to say on his Facebook page: "I want everyone to know I never could have won "The CFMA, Producer of the Year" award without Corin Raymond's great songs, his relentless pursuit of perfection and his authenticity as an artist!"



                              Links: David Gillis, More David Gillis StoriesCorin RaymondMore Corin Raymond Stories, , Video above courtesy of Gilmour Street Music Hall

                              CONGRATS!

                              Here's a complete list of winners.
                              Blast from the Past: Last Year's Winners

                                Previous (News Roundup: Folk Sinners, James Anthony w Wendell Ferguson, The Band) - - - Next (New Local Christmas Compilation ft Ginger St. James, Neil MacNaughton, Leslie Hudson & More)

                                Saturday, December 3, 2016

                                Experience Gritty, Vivid Storytelling on New Album from Hamilton's Dave Pomfret


                                The new songs on A Devil's Urge, the compelling sophomore album from Dave Pomfret will lure you in with their catchy, rootsy, pop hooks.  Once they've captured you, be ready to experience some incredible, vivid, lyrical storytelling.

                                Dave's gritty voice will guide you into tales of a bank robbing muscle man (a true story!), heartbreak, loss and more. Each track has its own phenomenal spirit and vibe. The layered texture of the sound also illuminates your way through this musical journey.  

                                Dave's chosen a number of amazing local artists to back him up.  His co-horts in the band Fry Truck are here: Dan Medakovic (baking vocals), Chris Altmann (pedal steel, piano, organ) and Matt Coleman (fiddle). Also joining him are Mike Trebilcock (guitar, vocals) , Greg Brisco (organ), Jay Burr (horns), Ross Wooldridge (saxophone) plus Lisa Winn and Brennagh Burns  on backing vocals.

                                You can pick up the CD at his wonderful live shows or go to Dr. Disc in Hamilton. It should be available on iTunes soon too.







                                Blast from the Past: Dave's Previous CD

                                Links: Dave PomfretMore Dave Pomfret Stories, Videos above courtesy of Dave PomfretMore Releases

                                Previous (News Roundup: Folk Sinners, James Anthony w Wendell Ferguson, The Band) - - - Next (David Gillis Win Canadian Folk Music Award)

                                Wednesday, November 30, 2016

                                BluesSource Entertainment Presents Andre Bisson: A Blues Salute to the Beatles This Saturday!


                                It will be an unforgettable night on Saturday, December 3rd when Andre Bisson and his amazing band hit the stage at the Spice Factory in Hamilton (courtesy of our friends at BluesSource Entertainment! The evening will be filled with Blues covers of classic Beatles songs.  Andre and the gang played at a Beatles festival in Liverpool itself a while back so you know they really know how to rock the Fab Four tunes!.

                                Check out some of their amazing Beatles covers.







                                Blast from the Past: Andre Bisson's Amazing Covers CD

                                Links: Andre BissonMore Andre Bisson stories, Videos above courtesy of Andre BissonBeatlesMore Beatles Covers/Stories

                                Previous (Hamilton Blues Lovers Turns 8) - - - Next (News Roundup: Folk Sinners, James Anthony w Wendell Ferguson, The Band)

                                Tuesday, November 29, 2016

                                The Hamilton Blues Lovers Turns 8 Years Old Today!


                                A word from Lou, our blogger:

                                It's been eight years since I first posted an ad online about a new organisation called the Hamilton Blues Lovers. Originally only a social group, it later evolved into a web and social media presence (BlogTwitterFacebookYouTubeweekly e-mail newsletter and more).

                                This year has been wonderful.  There was the usual incredible local music. Not only did we add a new Instagram page but our mascot Trebleclef got his own Facebook page too!

                                I'm looking forward to many more years of covering our amazing local music scene!

                                Before I go, I'd like to say a special thank you to my wife Linda for all of her support.  I LOVE YOU SWEETIE!


                                Links: BeatlesMore Beatles Stories, Video above courtesy of LeMusicFox

                                Previous (New Smoke Wagon Blues Band CD) - - - Next (Videos: Andre Bisson Cover the Beatles)

                                Sunday, November 27, 2016

                                Hamilton's Smoke Wagon Blues Band Show Talent and Versatility on New CD!


                                Hamilton group, The Smoke Wagon Blues Band is offerin' up another slice of boogie heaven with Cigar Store, their freshest album.  These kings of good time Blues are back and ready to party!

                                This CD also marks the incredible band's 20th anniversary and what better way to celebrate than unleashing some amazing new music! Their talent and versatility are evident as they pepper jazz, soul, funk, county and even some classic rock style organ throughout the recording. No wonder they've lasted over two decades!

                                So go ahead and celebrate with them by picking up a CD at their live shows or downloading it via iTunes or eMusic!



                                Blast from the Past: SWBB's Previous Live Album

                                Links: Smoke Wagon Blues BandMore Smoke Wagon Blues Band StoriesMore ReleasesVideo above courtesy of Corey Lueck

                                Previous (New Famous Framus Album) - - - Next (Hamilton Blues Lovers Turns 8)

                                Saturday, November 26, 2016

                                A Beautiful, Raw Masterpiece from Hamilton's Famous Framus!


                                Learn to Live, the newest release from Hamilton's Famous Framus, shows a wonderous musical evolution.  Framus takes his trademark, punk-like speed and growl and dials it down to create a beautiful, raw masterpiece.

                                The sound still has an edge to it, as always. By letting the songs breathe though, he lets the emotion of his vocals shine and allows the banjos/guitars to resonate and stick with you. Framus has also kept his knack for amazing lyrics.

                                If you want a copy, you can pick one up at his live shows or by contacting him directly.  The album should be up on iTunes soon as well.  You'll be glad you did.


                                Blast from the Past: Framus' Previous Album


                                Previous (News Roundup: Bill Majoros, CHCH Excellence Awards, Bob Walsh, Sharon Jones) - - - Next (New Smoke Wagon Blues Band CD)

                                Thursday, November 24, 2016