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Thursday, November 29, 2018

Hamilton Blues Lovers Turns 10 Today!


This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Hamilton Blues Lovers! On November 29, 2008, Lou, our blogger advertised a new organization dedicated to the local music scene. The rest is local music history.

It has been a spectacular 10 years. Here are some highlights:
A word from Lou:
I want to thank my beautiful wife Linda for all her help and support for all these years. I LOVE YOU! I'd also like to thank our sponsors, the incredibly talented local musicians and all the new friends I've made as a result of the HBL. HERE'S TO ANOTHER 10!


Links: Led Zeppelin, More Led Zeppelin Stories, Video above courtesy of  zoso8t0

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Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Kitchener's Brian Vollmer (Helix) Forges a Dazzling, Classic Solo Album


Kitchener's Brian Vollmer has stepped out from the shadow of his legendary metal band Helix to forge a dazzling new solo disc, Get Yer Hands Dirty. He goes for a more classic rock vibe with lots o' boogie thrown in for good measure. The album's hard driving and guitar driven but there's a lot of soul and funkiness in its veins.

This remarkable collection features kick ass covers of The Sensational Alex Harvey BandRose TattooTerry ReidLong John Baldry, Slade, Fleetwood Mac and more. To top it off, there's two thrilling originals: When the Bitter’s Got the Better of You and Get Yer Hands Dirty

Vollmer's aided and abetted by a team of sensational musicians, including:
You can pick up a copy at the Helix online shopcdbaby and iTunes then crank it up!







Blast from the Past: Helix Nominated for Music Express Award

Links: Helix, More Helix Stories, Videos above courtesy of helixrockband

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Friday, November 23, 2018

News Roundup (Don Hayter Passes, Rachel + Timothy Senko, Maggies, Cambridge Times Readers Choice, More)




    News

    Local

    Music-related winners below. Click title for complete list.

    Talkin' Blues Podcasts
    Passings

          Adventure of Trebleclef, the Music-Loving Monkey

          Trebleclef experienced the marvellous Kim Deschamps for the first time when the musician returned to his hometown to play a show at Clifford Brewing in Hamilton. It was a great show!



          Wednesday, November 21, 2018

          Videos: Sonny Del Rio, Trickbag, Smoke Wagon, Big Johnny Blue, Jude Johnson, Rockets


          Sonny Del Rio's annual X-Mas bash is always the highlight of the holiday season and this year's edition will be packed with fabulous music. It's also a celebration of Sonny's 75th birthday and a release party for his new live DVD/CD. Even Santa himself is planning a visit to check out the festivities.

          For only $20, you 'll get the see all of the incredible bands showcased below at the Leander Boat Club in Hamilton. Sunday, November 25, 2018, 1-5pm. IT'LL BE A MAGICAL NIGHT!



          Links: Sonny Del RioMore Sonny Del Rio StoriesMore 5-Star Revue StoriesMore Louis Jordan Covers/StoriesVideo above courtesy of James Goodrick



          Links: TrickbagMore Trickbag Stories, Video above courtesy of Trickbag Canada



          Links: Smoke Wagon Blues BandMore Smoke Wagon Blues Band Stories, Video above courtesy of Corey Lueck



          Links: Big Johnny BlueMore Big Johnny Blue Stories, Video above courtesy of Vesna Trkulja-Stevens




          Links: Jude JohnsonMore Jude Johnson StoriesCarl HortonMore Carl Horton Stories, Video above courtesy of Jude Johnson



          Links: The Rockets, More Rockets Stories, Video above courtesy of Vesna Trkulja-Stevens

          Blast from the Past: Sax Day videos ft Sonny Del Rio

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          Wednesday, November 14, 2018

          Hamilton's Arkells on CBC's q


          Hamilton rockers the Arkells recently performed on CBC's q. Here are a few videos from their appearance.







          Blast from the Past: Arkells win SOCAN award

          Links: ArkellsMore Arkells Storiesq on CBC, More q StoriesVideos above courtesy of q on CBC

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          Tuesday, November 13, 2018

          Derrick Drover on Cultivate Music


          Canadian singer/songwriter Derrick Drover has had a few videos posted on the Simcoe YouTube series Cultivate Music.









          Links: Derrick DroverMore Cultivate Music Videos, Videos above courtesy of Cultivate Music

          Previous (Remembrance Day Videos) - - - Next (Arkells on CBC's Q)

          Saturday, November 10, 2018

          News Roundup, Part 2 (Waterloo Record Reader Awards, Craig Cardif, Saffron A, More)



          Music-related winners below. Click title for full list.

          Live Dining/Entertainment Facility
          Spectator Stories
          Passings

                Adventure of Trebleclef, the Music-Loving Monkey

                Trebleclef adventures are in Part 1 of this week's News Roundup

                Click here for Part 1: HBL 10th Anniversary Bash Edition

                Friday, November 9, 2018

                News Roundup, Part 1: HBL 10th Anniversary Bash Edition

                Photo courtesy of Leigh MacDonald
                A message from Lou, our blogger.
                Our Hamilton Blues Lovers 10th Anniversary Bash was a smashing success. The Corktown was packed and there was lots of amazing music. Thanks to all the performers, the Corktown, sponsors, companies who donated doors prizes and all those who attended. I would like to personally thank my wife, Linda for all her hard work in planning the show and during the event as well. I LOVE YOU LINDA!
                Also, we'd like to thank:



                Our good friend, Helen Graham took quite a few videos from the bash.

                Here's a list of them with links:

                Adventure of Trebleclef, the Music-Loving Monkey

                Of course, Trebleclef was at the bash and he loved meeting everybody.


                Click here for more pics from the event

                Please support those who supported our event




                 
                 
                 


                Everyone who attended!
                THANKS!

                Wednesday, November 7, 2018

                GOOD LUCK! Local Maple Blues Award Nominees! VOTE! Deadline is Dec 1


                Local musicians are a big part of 2019's Maple Blue Award nominee list.

                Hamilton is well-represented with Jack de Keyzer up for 2 awards (Guitarist of the Year, Producer of the Year.  Jack's bandmate Richard Thornton is nominated for Horn Player of the Year. Other Hammertown nominees include Harrison Kennedy (Male Vocalist of the Year), Jesse O'Brien (Keyboardist of the Year) and Cootes Paradise (New Artists of the Year).



                Links: Jack de KeyzerMore Jack de Keyzer Stories, More Richard Thornton StoriesVideo above courtesy of Stellablu477



                Links: Cootes ParadiseMore Cootes Paradise StoriesVideo above courtesy of Cootes Paradise

                Also of note is Colin James' latest album, Miles to Go. It features Hamiltonians Jesse O'Brien (keys, writing), Steve Pelletier (bass) and Tom Wilson aka Lee Harvey Osmond (writing). Also, it's released by Waterdown's True North Records). That disc is up for Recording of the Year. Colin is also tied with Sue Foley for most nominations (6).



                Links: Colin JamesMore Colin James StoriesSteve PelletierMore Steve Peletier StoriesJesse O'BrienLee Harvey OsmondMore Lee Harvey Osmond StoriesMore Jesse O'Brien StoriesVideo above courtesy of Colin James - Topic

                Down Niagara way, Gary Kendall, the bassist for Downchild and St. Catherines' Mighty Duck Blues Band was nominated for Bassist of the Year.



                Links: The Mighty Duck Blues BandMore MDBB StoriesVideo above courtesy of jimcasson

                Two members of Waterloo's Soulstack, singer Jon Knight and drummer Tom Bona, were nominated as well. Another Waterloo group Elliott and the Audio Kings is in the running in the New Artist of the Year category.

                Hopefully, a number of them will bring home the awards at the ceremony on February 4, 2019 at Koerner Hall in Toronto. You can help by VOTING ONLINE! Deadline is December 1, 2018 at 11:59pm.

                GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

                Male Vocalist
                New Artist
                Recording/Producer
                Entertainer
                Electric Act
                Acoustic Act
                Songwriter
                Blues with A Feeling Award (Lifetime Achievement Award)
                Harmonica Player
                B.B. King International Artist

                Local Musician Mike Northcott Passes


                It is with sadness that we announce that singer, songwriter, bassist, producer Mike Northcott passed away on November 6, 2018. We will update the information as we get it. He was a member of a number of groups including Banned From Heaven, WJRM and others.  He also worked as a producer for various TV shows and other media. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

                Click here for his obituary.

                About his Celebration of Life (from the obituary)
                 "The Mike Northcott After Party" will be held on Sunday, November 18th from 12 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Boston Manor in Burlington. We welcome all who loved him to gather on this special day to share music, stories, and friendship in Mike's honour. Donations, in memory, can be made to An Instrument For Every Child at http://hamiltonmusiccollective.ca/

                Here's a bio from the Dundas Cactus Festival:
                Mike Northcott -­ lead vocals, bass-­Mick (as his rock’n’roll friends call him) has been singing and playing music professionally since he was 18. Originally a drummer, he moved out front where his passionate vocal wailing’s could be better heard above the din of his mediocre drumming. Mick’s day job producing music for children’s cartoons only reinforces his inability to grow up.
                A word from Lou, our blogger:
                I got to meet Mike a number of times over the years. It was great to see his immense talent on stage and then see his warm, friendly smile as we talked during the breaks. I will miss him.
                Social media reaction:

                Wayne Krawchuck (ex-Banned From Heaven)
                It is with great sadness we say goodbye to our friend and musical brother Mike Northcott, who passed away today after a brave fight against pancreatic cancer. Love and condolences to Shelly , Bailey and Will and extended family. Going to miss you a lot my friend.
                Cindy Dell
                Mike produced our CD The Baladins in 1995 and played bass with us. I loved the production on that record. He was a good friend and a wonderful guy. Sad news.
                Mark McNeil
                It was only a few months ago when he came out to Bandcamp and made such a positive contribution. Such a kind, talented soul who loved playing music.




                Links: Banned From HeavenMore Banned From Heaven Stories, Videos above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

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