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Friday, August 31, 2018

News Roundup (Remembering Rick Bissell, Timid the Brave, Arkells, More)

Former Simply Saucer Manager Rick Bissell Passes


Facebook comments from Edgar Breau (Simply Saucer)
Rick was the 'discoverer' of Simply Saucer in 1974, our first manager. He set up the Master Sound studio sessions with the Lanois Brothers that ultimately became side one of Cyborgs Revisited. Husband of his beloved and beautiful Monique, father of Shawn.
Originally from Montreal, Rick came to Hamilton and set up one of the first import record stores here, Hermandad Records in the Lister Block in the early 1970's. Some of you record collectors out there will remember the cool imports you could buy at the store. He was a communications consultant for Bell and AT&T, brought his family with him to Saudia Arabia for a time where he did consulting work there. 
Well there's much more to tell about our friend but tonight's the time to mourn the passing of our cherished friend, Rick. May he rest in peace.

    News

    Local
    Spectator Stories
    Canada
    Passings

      Adventure of Trebleclef, the Music-Loving Monkey

      Trebleclef saw his friends Trickbag at the Chicken and Corn Roast at the Brant Naval Veterans Association. He had tons of fun.


      Click to see more pictures from the event.

      Tuesday, August 28, 2018

      Hamilton Library Celebrates Country Music Week With Noon Hour Concerts


      Lunch time is Country music time in the Hammer for the week of September 3rd. To celebrate 2018 Country Music Week, Hamilton's Central Library will be hosting live music every weekday (except for the holiday Monday) from 12-1pm.

      Here's the schedule:

      Tuesday September 4: Redhill Valleys



      Links: The Redhill ValleysMore Redhill Valleys StoriesVideo above courtesy of Natalie Labine

      Wednesday, Septmeber 5: Dirty Pioneers




      Links: Dirty Pioneers, More Dirty Pioneers Stories, Video above courtesy of Southern Ontario News
      Thursday, September 6: Mimi Shaw




      Links: Mimi ShawMore Mimi Shaw Stories, Video above courtesy of mimettemusic

      Friday, September 7: Lisa Nicole



      Links: Lisa Nicole, Video above courtesy of Lisa Nicole

      Previous (Peter Shaw Passes) - - - Next (News Roundup: Remembering Rick Bissell, Timid the Brave, Arkells, More)

      Monday, August 27, 2018

      Kitchener's Peter Shaw Passes


      It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Kitchener teacher and musical entertainer Peter Shaw. He passed away on Monday, August 27, 2018. There will be a viewing on Friday, August 31 at Henry Walser in Kitchener from 2-4pm, 7-9pm. The funeral service is on Saturday, Sept 1, 2018, 10 am at St. Clement's Church in Cambridge. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

      Here are a few social media comments. We'll add more as we find them.

      James Anthony
      Lost my good friend Peter Shaw this morning. Sad day here...Great man, teacher and singer. He will be missed by so many.
      Jesse Webber
      Rest in eternal happiness Mr Peter Shaw. God speed. 




      More Elton John Covers/Stories



      More John Denver Covers/Stories

      Links: Peter Shaw, Videos above courtesy of Daniel Shaw

      Previous (Ronnie Lodge, of the Rockets, Passes) - - - Next (Local Country Music Videos)

      Sunday, August 26, 2018

      Ronnie Lodge of the Rockets Passes


      It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Ronald (Ronnie) Lodge of Ronnie and the Rockets fame. He passed after a long illness on August 23, 2018. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

      His obituary.
      LODGE, Ronald Arthur 
      After a lengthy illness, Ronnie passed away at the Clarion Nursing, Stoney Creek, on Thursday, August 23, 2018 in his 56th year. Predeceased by his parents Betty and Bud Lodge and brother Bruce. Beloved husband of Pamela Trpcic. Loved father of Alisha Lodge (Jim), Michelle Hewson (Jeff), Jesse Trpcic (Deann), and Michael Trpcic (Maggie). Cherished grandfather of James, Carson, Evan, and Brennan. Dear brother of Joan Mills and sisters-in-law Janice Lodge and Linda Rosehart (George). Ronnie will also be lovingly remembered by his nieces and nephews; Katie, Jamie, Jeremy, Tina,  Bobby, Christa (J.D.) and Aaron (Tara). Ronnie was the founding member of Ronnie and The Rockets. Friends will be received at the Donald V. Brown Funeral Home, 36 Lake Avenue Drive, Stoney Creek, on Sunday from 11:30 a.m. until the Funeral Service in the Funeral Home Chapel at 1:30 p.m. Cremation to follow. As an expression of sympathy, donations to the Canadian Diabetes Association would be appreciated. Online condolences and notes of sympathy may be left at www.donaldvbrown.ca
      There was an outpouring of support on social media. Here are a few samples. We may add more later.

      Pam Caskie-Trpcic (Ronnie's wife)
      It is with a heavy heart I announce the passing of my beloved Ronnie Lodge early this morning. My heart will always be will you baby, you will always be with me. Gone too soon.
      Felicia McMinn 
       You made my ears and soul so very happy.
      Kimberly Lahaie
      So terribly sad to hear we lost another good friend and a very talented musician :( Ronnie Lodge please rest easy ! God has gained another beautiful angel, thank you for all the years ! You will be greatly missed by all ! Fly high.


      More Ramones Covers/Stories



      More Fats Domino Covers/Stories



      More Hollies Covers/Stories

      Videos above courtesy of Ronald Lodge

      Previous (News Roundup: James Blonde, Elliott and the Audio Kings, Morgan Davis, More) - - - Next (Peter Shaw Passes)

      Friday, August 24, 2018

      News Roundup (James Blonde, Elliott and the Audio Kings, Morgan Davis, More)

      Music Related Cartoons




        News

        Local
        Canada
        Passings
        World

          Adventure of Trebleclef, the Music-Loving Monkey

          Trebleclef did a lot of festival hopping recently

          He went to the Dundas Cactus Festival on Friday and Sunday


          Click to see more pictures from the festival: Friday, Sunday

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          Treble also visited the Waterdown ArtsFest on Saturday and Sunday.


          Click to see more pictures from the festival: Saturday, Sunday

          Wednesday, August 22, 2018

          Hamilton's Wayne Krawchuk Creates Fascinating, Stunning Album


          Love Hopped a Train, the newest awe-inspiring album from talented Hamilton singer/songwriting Wayne Krawchuk is like a musical getaway.  Every song is a wonderful destination filled with fascinating sounds and flavours. It's well worth the trip.

          You'll travel through country back rounds, Cajun hot spots and even get a taste of home with a song about legendary Hamilton Bluesman Jackie Washington. Other stops include Folk, Blues, Jazz, Soul and more. Wayne's marvelous lyrics guide you through this incredible journey.

          He's assembled an amazing array of local talent to help him on this stunning album. This includes Michael Hickey (bass), Ed Roth (keyboards + accordion), Ron Cole (keyboards + accordion), Joe Clark (mandolin, banjo, fiddle), Randall Hill (banjo), Matt Coleman (violin), Brian Griffith (guitar), Sean O'Grady (drums), Steve Sinnicks (drums), Jay Burr (tuba, trombone), Les Smith (harmonica), Carol Greene (lead/background vocals), Daniel Krawchuk of Flat 5 (bass), Ruth Sutherland (harp, background vocals), Michael J. Birthelmer (guitars, keyboards, mandolin, producer) as well as Audrey Hensen, Christine Roarke, Sue Leonard and Brennagh Burns (background vocals).

          To explore this unbelievable music, pick up the CD at any of Wayne's shows or contact him at waynekrawchuk@gmail.com. The first few have beautiful hand-crafted packaging.

          Blast from the Past: Videos by Wayne and Others





          Links: Wayne KrawchukMore Wayne Krawchuk Stories,  Videos above courtesy of Hamilton Blues LoversMore Releases

          Previous (Jimmy Rowles 100th Birthday) - - - Next (News Roundup: James Blonde, Elliott and the Audio Kings, Morgan Davis, More)

          Sunday, August 19, 2018

          Jimmy Rowles 100th Birthday


          Today (August 19, 2018) would have been American Jazz legend Jimmy Rowles' 100th birthday. He worked with Benny Goodman, Woody Herman, Les Brown, Tommy Dorsey, Tony Bennett, Billie Holiday and Peggy Lee, Ella Fitzgerald, Diana Krall and more as a studio musician.

          We asked local musicians for their thoughts on this amazing performer:

          Rob Reed

          Love his alternate chords and complex stylings as featured here his rendition of These Foolish Things. Such a talent.
          Amy Dinino (Cootes Paradise)
          Any musician who writes a song that becomes a standard in the jazz world has got it going on. Rowles was also one of Ella Fitzgerald's favourite pianists and sideman, which speaks volumes on its own. He had an uncanny ability to support other musicians in the most sensitive and artistic way - with making them sound as good as possible of the utmost importance. Jimmy truly served the music.




          More 100th Birthdays

          Previous (News Roundup: Cartoons, Arkells, Ken Whiteley, Trebleclef) - - - Next (New Wayne Krawchuk Album)

          Friday, August 17, 2018

          Aretha Franklin Passes (Local Reaction + Covers)


          The world is still reeling from the passing of the legendary Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul on August 16, 2018.

          Here is CHCH TV's coverage of her passing ft musicologist Eric Alper


          Links: Eric Alper, More Eric Alper StoriesVideo above courtesy of CHCH

          Here's another CHCH segment about Aretha, this time with an interview with Hailee Rose


          Links: Hailee RoseMore Hailee Rose StoriesVideo above courtesy of CHCH

          We asked local singers to comment on her unforgettable career. We may add more as we get them.

          Donna Panchezak (Trickbag)
          Aretha Franklin was a tremendous inspiration to myself and many aspiring female vocalists. Her ability to immerse herself in a song so that when she sang and performed on piano, the true essence of her soul and humanity emanated was unsurpassed. She was able to connect with her audience on a spiritual level and although her physical presence has been lost her essence lives on forever...God Bless the one and only, "Queen of Soul"!
          Cheryl Lescom
          She embodies the word soul. No other woman could sing like that. She raised the bar for all vocalists.
          Sue Leonard
          Right Now I have no words to express what she meant to me .... no words at all ... I keep posting and reposting other peoples comments video clips because I am taken aback by the enormity of her talent and what a Hole there is in the universe ... there will be no one like her ever ... there has never been anyone like her ... she was a musical genius, spirit of God who knew and understood her gift more than anyone in the universe and shared it with us all without judgement .... my heavens ... RIP Aretha Franklin YES Queen OF SOUL
           Here are a few covers from local artists.



          Links: Dave RaveMore Dave Rave StoriesHailee RoseMore Hailee Rose StoriesVideo above courtesy of Liszt O'Maniac



          Links: TrickbagMore Trickbag StoriesVideo above courtesy of Trickbag Canada

          And some videos from the lady herself:



          Video above courtesy of Juanjo de Goya



          Video above courtesy of Trip Hop Universe

          Links: Aretha Franklin, More Aretha Franklin Stories

          Previous (New Spencer Mackenzie Album) - - - Next (News Roundup: Cartoons, Arkells, Ken Whiteley, Trebleclef)

          Wednesday, August 15, 2018

          Fort Erie Bluesman Spencer Mackenzie Unleashes Staggering New Album


          Fort Erie's Spencer Mackenzie has outdone himself with Cold November, his latest exceptional album. He's grown in leaps and bounds since his impressive debut CD. This amazing collection boasts mainly originals and proves this young Bluesman definitely has something to say.

          Spencer has a compelling voice that belies his age and a masterful way with the guitar. He powers through many well-written, finely-crafted songs, adding soul and depth as he goes along. The album ends with two staggering covers (Robert Cray's You Move Me and Next Door Neighbor Blues by Gary Clark Jr.)

          Joining Spencer is an incredible dream team of talented musicians: Miles Evans (keys), Al Duffy (bass), Sean O'Grady (drums), Brant Parker (guitars), Dave Dunlop (trumpet), Peter Hysen (trombone) and  Jay Davidson (sax, horn arrangements). Sharon Riley, Rochelle Harrison, and Camille Harrison add wonderful background vocals too.

          You can pick up the CD at one of his unforgettable show or buy it through his online shop or using iTunes.







          Blast from the Past: Spencer's Debut CD

          Links: Spencer MackenzieMore Spencer Mackenzie Stories,Videos above courtesy of Spencer MackenzieMore Releases

          Previous (CHCH Videos: Hailee Rose + Dave Rave, Jessica Speziale, Chaquis Maliq) - - - Next (Aretha Franklin Passes)

          Friday, August 10, 2018

          Arnett Cobb's 100th Birthday


          Today (August 10, 2018) would have been American jazz tenor saxophonist Arnett Cobb's 100th Birthday.

          Biography highlights (from Wikipedia)
          • Born in Houston, Texas (August 10, 1918)
          • Wrote the jazz standard, Smooth Sailing (1951)
          • Played with Lionel Hampton (1942-1947)
          • Passed away (1989)
          We asked local sax players for comments about this legendary performer.

          Darcy Hepner
          I was into Arnett when I was checking out the whole 'Texas Tenor" phenomenon years ago. Arnett loomed large in the style. Incredible tone that could melt your socks and soul for miles.
          Mary Kovacs (One Way Up)
          He was the Texas wild man of the tenor sax with powerful sound.


          Video above courtesy of Maddy Tube



          Video above courtesy of JazzyJuanma



          Video above courtesy of Thejazzsingers jazz in Holland

          Links: Arnett CobbMore 100th Birthdays

          Previous (New Matty Simpson EP) - - - Next (News Roundup: Dunlop Brothers, Tomi Swick, Doug Feaver, Flat 5)

          Wednesday, August 8, 2018

          Matty Simpson Releases Phenomenal Teaser EP


          Hamilton guitar slinger Matty Simpson has released a limited edition, self-titled teaser EP to offer up a taste of his upcoming album. This 5-song recording has all the musical impact of a full-length album.

          It kicks off with a trio of hard-drivin' bluesy rock tracks that mean business. Every song is fueled by Matty's phenomenal guitarwork, songwriting and dynamic vocals. The final two tracks feature an exquisite, rootsy, unplugged sound. Matty proves equally adept at the acoustic guitar and harmonica.

          He has some world-class musicians by his side on the initial 3 tunes: Justine Fischer (bass) and Matt Burns (drums). The EP is also co-produced by Andrew Aldridge and Jeff Ciraolo.

          Please note that the full-length release will feature different musical arrangements than those on this teaser EP.

          You can pick up this limited edition CD at any of his amazing live shows or by contacting him through his website.



          Video above courtesy of Matt Burns



          Video above courtesy of Stellablu477



          Video above courtesy of Richard Gale

          Links: Matty Simpson, More Matty Simpson StoriesMore Releases

          Previous (Karl Slick Passes) - - - Next (Arnett Cobb's 100th Birthday)

          Tuesday, August 7, 2018

          Dunnville Musician Karl Slick Passes

          Picture courtesy of Ivan Sorensen
          It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Dunnville musician Karl Slick. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans. He performed with the Slick Brothers, Steve Burnside and the Marquis and many others.

          Unfortunately, we do not have many details (please email us if you do) but a show in his memory will take place on Thursday, August 9, 2018 at Firemen's Park in Niagara Falls at 6:30 pm (see below). His band, the Slick Brothers was scheduled to play then.

          From Steve Burnside
          It is with sadness I must report we lost one of our best this week .. our long time bassist and my good friend Karl Slick lost his battle with cancer. He was scheduled to perform this Thurs. Aug. 9thand so as a tribute to him we have organized a big band show including many of the performers he worked with. Hope you'll come out this THURS. and pay tribute with us to a great artist. Among the artists performing are: Melissa Osborne, "Big" John Little, Max Hillier, Steve Burnside, Joe Rhodes, more.


          More Elvis Covers/Stories





          Blast from the Past: Videos of Slick Brothers + Other Niagara Musicians

          Links: Slick Brothers, More Slick Brothers Stories, Videos above courtesy of Karl Slick

          Previous (Videos: Jon Brooks, Suzie Vinnick, Lori Yates, JP Cormier) - - - Next (New Matty Simpson EP)

          Sunday, August 5, 2018

          Get Your Tickets to the Incredible Carnegie Concerts Now! Jon Brooks, Suzie Vinnick, Lori Yates, JP Cormier


          The 2018-19 Carnegie Concerts Schedule is incredible!

          All 4 concerts for only $89 + HST. Stop in or call the Carnegie Gallery 905-627-4265 to make your purchase. With your subscription you get preferred seating near the stage, your name is on the guest list at the door for each show, and your tickets are transferable. Single tickets go on sale after Labour Day.

          Here's the schedule: 

          Saturday, September 29, 2018: Jon Brooks w Alec Fraser



          Links: Jon BrooksMore Jon Brooks StoriesAlec Fraser, More Alec Fraser Stories, Video above courtesy of Brush Bass

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          Saturday. November 24, 2018: Suzie Vinnick



          Links: Suzie VinnickMore Suzie Vinnick StoriesVideo above courtesy of Lighthouse Blues Festival

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          Saturday. January 26, 2019: Lori Yates


          Links: Lori YatesMore Lori Yates StoriesVideo above courtesy of goosegdg

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          Saturday, March 30, 2019: JP Cormier



          Links: JP Cormier, More JP Cormier StoriesVideo above courtesy of Tommy Strutz

          Friday, August 3, 2018

          News Roundup (Dallas Harms, Colour Film, Kill No Albatross, more)


          Local
          Canada

            Adventure of Trebleclef, the Music-Loving Monkey

            Trebleclef made his first visit to the Judy and the Noteworthies interactive music weekly Wednesday show. It was great experiencing the sing-a-longs and more.



            Click here for more pics from the event

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            He also took a well-deserved vacation to Niagara Falls, Ontario and visited many wonderful places!


            Click ehere for more vacation photos

            Wednesday, August 1, 2018

            Niagara Area Musicians Play on Judy Brown's Amazing New Album


            Say It, the fantastic new album from BC's Judy Brown is replete with marvelous songs. This is thanks, in part, to some musical talent from the Niagara region. Gary Kendall (bass, co-producer) and Jim Casson (drums) of the St. Catharines Blues group, the Mighty Duck Blues Band. They were part of the band that made this fabulous recording.

            The album is Judy's first after a long hiatus from the music industry. Now she's back with a vengeance and exploring different aspects of the Roots sound. While Blues is the main vibe of choice, she and the group also dip their toes into soul, country, folk, boogie woogie rock and more.

            Teddy Leonard (guitar, co-producer) and Michael Fonfara (keys) round out the main band and are joined by guests such as Colin Linden (mandolin) and Jeff Baker (harmonica). Wonderful background vocals are provided by Emily Ekelund, Bessie Wapp, Samantha Martin, Sheri Marshall, and Stacie L Tabb.

            You can pick up a copy of her album at her online shop.





            Links: Judy Brown, Videos above courtesy of Judy BrownMore Releases

            Previous (Hank Jones' 100th Birthday) - - - Next (News Roundup: Dallas Harms, Colour Film, Kill No Albatross, more)