Hamilton Blues Lovers

The Barn Katz@Private Function (February 4, 2012)

2012-02-10T04:41:00.000-08:00

More from this show later

Blast From the Past: The Barn Kats@Brant Hill Church

Links: Barn Katz - More Barn Katz Stories

Duane Rutter's 50 Hour Guitarathon@Robot Cafe (February 4, 2012)

2012-02-09T13:12:00.000-08:00

This was to raise money for Camp Trillium. Click the picture below if you want to donate.

Bonus videos courtesy of DaceGrayling

Blasts from the Past: Last Year's Guitarathon, Duane@Moonshine Cafe

Links: Duane Rutter, More Duane Rutter Stories

Valentine's Day Weekend Picks

2012-02-09T04:22:00.000-08:00

Thursday

Storyteller Night w/Johnny Max & Stevie Connor, Glenn Groves@The Slye Fox (First in a monthly series)

----------------------------

Friday

Artcrawl

Frank and Kim Koren - Indigo Books (Burlington) (6:30 pm)

Kathleen Edwards - Studio at Hamilton Place

----------------------------

Saturday

Chris White - Marquis Gardens (6 pm)

Vaudeville Tattoo's Valentine's Cabaret w/Sloppy Jalopy - Boon's House

Jaron Freeman Fox and The Opposite of Everything - Pearl Company

Jack de Keyzer/Layla Zoe - Stonewalls

------------------------------

Tuesday (Valentine's Day)

Colin Lapsley (solo piano) - Coach and Lantern (6-9 pm)

Freedom Train - Whistling Walrus

---------------------------

COMING SOON!

Feb 17 - Tom Waits Tribute - Casbah

Feb 17 - Hot Rocks (Stones Tribute) - Studio at Hamilton Place

Feb 20 - Family Day

NEW! Mar 2: Theatre: The Keith Richards One-Woman Show - Artword Artbar

NEW! Mar 4 - Benefit for Leukemia - Black Swan (2:30-10:30 pm)

NEW! Mar 6 - Jann Arden - Hamilton Place

News Roundup (Kathleen Edwards, Blues Challenge, Strongman)

2012-02-08T17:34:00.000-08:00

Hamilton and Area

Kathleen Edwards story in the Spec

Canada

Edmonton Music Award Nominees

World

Weird/Funny Stuff

Blasts from the Past

2009: James Anthony Acoustic CD
2010: Corktown Blues and Roots Fest
2011: Big Rude Jake & Margaret Stowe@Private Show

Featured Video courtesy of Smyleseh.

Waterstreet Blues Band@Lancaster Smokehouse (February 4, 2012)

2012-02-08T04:13:00.000-08:00

This was a fundraiser to help Mo Kauffey and his wife. More from this show

Bonus videos courtesy of NicoleWrites

Click for the Waterstreet Blues Band site

Harrison Kennedy Nominated for Juno

2012-02-07T12:27:00.000-08:00

Hamilton Blues legend Harrison Kennedy has received a nomination for the upcoming 2012 Juno Awards. His latest CD, Shame the Devil is up for the Blues album of the year.

Harrison is up against David Gogo, Bill Johnson, MonkeyJunk and Suzie Vinnick. We wish him luck!

For the Roots category, we have Bruce Cockburn, Craig Cardiff, Dave Gunning, David Francey, and Lindi Ortega vying for the Best Solo CD. The Good Lovelies, The Deep Dark Woods, The Once, The Wailin' Jennys, and Twilight Hotel are up for best Roots Group CD.

Other Hamilton-area nominees include the Arkells (Group, Rock CD), David Braid (Traditional Jazz), Diana Panton (Jazz Vocal), Junior Boys (Electronic).

The award ceremony will be broadcast live from Ottawa on April 1 on CTV.

Click here for the complete list of nominees

Click here for the Spectator article

Blasts from the Past: Our review of Shame the Devil, 2009 Juno Award Winners, Jack DeKeyzer Wins 2010 Juno, Daniel Lanois Wins 2011 Juno, All of our Juno Stories

Links: Harrison Kennedy, More Harrison Kennedy Stories

Mo Kauffey w/ Douglas Watson R&B Revue@Kitchener Smokehouse (February 3, 2012)

2012-02-07T04:19:00.000-08:00

Click here for Douglas Watson's opening set

Bonus Videos courtesy of Mo Kauffey

NEW FEATURE! Blast from the past: Mo' with Mark McNeil & Duane Rutter@Chapters

Links: Mo' Kauffey, More Mo' Kauffey Stories

John Ellison Receives Rev. John C Holland Award

2012-02-06T16:19:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to local soul legend John Ellison for receiving a Rev. John C Holland Award. Every year, the honor is bestowed upon significant contributors to the community to celebrate Black History Month. It was the 16th anniversary of the gala.

Ellison is best known as the writer of the 1967 international hit Some Kind of Wonderful.

Click here for the Spectator story

NEW FEATURE! Blasts from the Past: John Ellison and others performing at Stewart Memorial Church, When Ellison was our Performer of the Week

Links: John Ellison, More John Ellison Stories

Douglas Watson Rhythm and Blues Revue@Kitchener Smokehouse (February 3, 2012)

2012-02-06T04:35:00.000-08:00

This was a fundraiser to help Mo Kauffey and his wife. More from this show later.

Click here for the Douglas Watson site

New Mark McNeil and Kris Rochard CD

2012-02-03T05:16:00.001-08:00

Hamilton singer/songwriter Mark McNeil and Toronto's Kris Rochard (both formerly of the Lowest Lanes) have teamed up for an amazing CD, Shiny Things and Other Distractions.

Mark's usual roots/country sound is enhanced by Kris' more modern pop-like sensibilities. Her sultry voice is a great contrast to Mark's rougher vocals. This combination gives the disc an eclectic, energetic feel.

Shiny Things weaves in and out of genres with ease. We have the funkiness of the title track, the country sounds of Outlaw of Love and the softer feel of Sunny Days With You (a runner-up in the International Song of the Year competition).

The duo are joined by Les Smith (Trickbag) on harmonica and harmony vocals, Mark Volkov on sax, and Derek Evernden on additional guitar. Mark and Dan Medavoic produced the disc.

As an added bonus, the physical CD can be purchased in a distractingly shiny metal case or standard cardboard packaging - both of which can be purchased at their live shows. The album is also available as a download on their Bandcamp web page.

Click here for song samples

Links: Mark McNeil, More Mark McNeil stories

News Roundup (Kathleen Edwards, Terra Lightfoot, Leonard Cohen)

2012-02-01T17:59:00.000-08:00

Hamilton and Area

Southern Ontario

Feb 2012 Issue of Maple Blues Magazine

Canada

New Leonard Cohen CD

World

Weird/Funny Stuff

Featured Video (courtesy of Steinberg321)

Rita Chiarelli, Alfie Smith and others on Blind Lemon's Top 20

2012-02-01T04:22:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Hamiltonians Alfie Smith and Rita Chiarelli for making the top 20 of the Blind Lemon Blues list of the best Canadian Blues albums of 2011. They were numbers 13 and 9 respectively.

Here are the complete results:

20 - Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne - An Old Rock On A Roll
19 - Bill Durst - The Great Willy Mammoth
18 - Sabrina Weeks - Tales From Lenny's Diner
17 - Bill Johnson - Still Blue
16 - Fathead - Where's The Blues Taking Me?
15 - Al Wood & the Woodsmen - Mood Swingin' Blues
14 - Lou DeAdder - Headlights
13 - Alfie Smith - Sometimes The Rain
12 - Treasa Levasseur - Broad
11 - 24th Street Wailers - Dirty Little Young 'uns
10 - BC Read - 1,000 Miles
09 - Rita Chiarelli - Music from The Big House
08 - David Gogo - Soul Bender
07 - Jesse Roper - The Roper Show
06 - Suzie Vinnick - Me n Mabel
05 - Colin James - Take it from The Top
04 - Matt Andersen - Coal Mining Bues
03 - MonkeyJunk - To Behold
02 - Jeff Healey Band - Live at Grossmans in 1994
01 - Harpdog Brown - Naturally

New Edgar Breau CD

2012-01-31T13:05:00.000-08:00

One thing you won't find a lot of on Edgar Breau's latest CD, patches of blue is repetition. The local singer/songwriter covers a whole lot of ground in just 12 songs.

While mainly known as a member of the proto-punk/psych band, Simply Saucer, his solo endeavors are more on the rootsier side. Edgar explores all aspects of the genre: folk, country, blues, celtic, and much more. Every single song has a unique spirit.

Highlights include the trippy title track, the funky One Kind of Love, the wonderfully folky Dreams of Jack Kerouac, and the island sounds of Maria the Sea and the Sun.

Joining Edgar in his musical explorations are Mike Trebilcock, Kyle Pacey, Bill Dillon, members of Trickbag (Michael Hickey, Paul Panchezak), Joe Clark, Brian Griffith, Ed Roth, Simply Saucer bassist Kevin Christoff, and Michael Birthelmer (who also produced).

The CD is available at his live shows as well as cdbaby and as downloads on eMusic, iTunes, and cdbaby.

Below is a video of the title track. Courtesy of Flying Inn Recordings.

Links: Edgar Breau, More Edgar Breau Stories

Travelling Beer Bellies@Whistling Walrus (January 28, 2012)

2012-01-30T18:35:00.000-08:00

All videos courtest of BARProductions.

Links: Travelling Beer Bellies, More TBB Stories

New Cootes Leland (Tim Gibbons) CD

2012-01-27T16:43:00.001-08:00

Local musical legend Tim Gibbons has been reborn as Cootes Leland on his latest CD Trail of Smoke (his first for Latent Recordings).

There is a reinvention of sorts happening here as he goes for a harder rocking approach than his last few releases. Don't worry - The beautiful, lyrical, softer spirit is evident on many of the tracks as well. Country, Blues, Folk and Roots all find a home on the album.

Gibbons' excellent voice, guitar playing and banjo pickin' are all in good form. The amazing backing band really matches his enthusiasm and talent.

Longtime fans of the singer/songwriter will recognize a few songs which have been reworked (Medicine Girl, Ride the Blinds, Top Hat and more) with renewed energy.

The CD is available at his live shows and as a download on his web site, iTunes and eMusic (At the moment, there seems to be a problem with the downloads from iTunes and eMusic).

Below is a track from the CD.

Links: Tim Gibbons - More Tim Gibbons Stories

Robert Maciag@Moonshine Cafe (January 21, 2012)

2012-01-27T05:11:00.000-08:00

Robert was playing at the Andy Griffiths CD Release Party.

More from this show

News Roundup (Mark McNeil, Neil Young, Kathleen Edwards)

2012-01-25T17:11:00.000-08:00

Hamilton and Area

Canada

Neil Young to record new album with Crazy Horse

World

Weird/Funny Stuff

Featured Video

Andy Griffiths and the Lost Groove@Moonshine Cafe (Part 2) (January 21, 2012)

2012-01-24T13:18:00.000-08:00

Andy Griffiths (guitar - centre, vocals on Hippy Hippy Shake), Matt King (bass, vocals & guitar on Tempted), Frank Koren (guitar, left), Edward M Cromwell (drums), Lawrie Ingles (keys, vocals on Little Sister), Andrew Croft (vocals on I Saw Her Standing There)

More from this show

Links: Andy Griffiths, More Andy Griffiths Stories

Andy Griffiths and the Lost Groove@Moonshine Cafe (Part 1) (January 21, 2012)

2012-01-24T04:32:00.001-08:00

Andy Griffiths (vocals, guitar, bass on Instrumental), Matt King (bass, guitar on Instrumental), Frank Koren (guitar, left), Edward M Cromwell (drums), Lawrie Ingles (keys)

More from this show

Links: Andy Griffiths, More Andy Griffiths Stories

New Harrison Kennedy CD

2012-01-23T04:16:00.001-08:00

Harrison Kennedy's unmistakable mix of soul and old-fashioned country blues continues on his latest CD, Shame the Devil (from Electro-Fi records).

The disc's sound is as authentic as blues can be. You can feel the emotion and soul both in the music and the lyrics.

Harrison's heartfelt voice and passionate musicanship is displayed on every singe track. There's the soft, tender You Don't Know Me, the banjo-riffic Hound and Rabbit, and the danceable Music to My Ears.

Joining Harrison is Keith 'Happy' Lindsay (Keyboards, accordian, percussion), Alec Fraser (Bass), and Matt King (Electric guitar)

The CD is available at his wonderful live shows and as a download on iTunes or eMusic.

Below are a few live performances of songs from the CD.

Above video courtesy of Electro-Fi Records

Above video courtesy of Canal Bank Shuffle

Links: Harrison Kennedy, More Harrison Kennedy Stories

The Stingrays with Lance Kiernan@Coach and Lantern (January 14, 2012)

2012-01-21T04:57:00.000-08:00

The Stingrays singer/harp player Willie Leigh was under the weather that night so Lance Kiernan ably filled in (guitar, left)

Links: Stingrays, More Stingrays Stories

Etta James Passes (+ Local Reaction)

2012-01-20T11:37:00.000-08:00

Unfortunatley, the Blues world lost one of its giants on Friday January 20, 2012.
The legendary Etta James passed away at 73, after a battle with leukemia. Our condolences to her friends, family and all countless fans across the world.

Click here for the CBC story.

Reaction has already hit Twitter and Facebook. Here are what a few local musicians are saying:

Susan Wylde: "A true inspiration for this blues woman. She won 6 Grammies, opened for the Rolling Stones and let go of a heroin addiction. I recorded her tune At Last on my recent CD as a tribute to Etta - listening to her was the main reason I got into the blues."

Astrid Young: "... what a voice, what an incredible life. I had the pleasure of seeing her on many occasions, both jazz and blues Etta. both awesome, and wildly influential for me. Thanks for all that awesomeness ... let's all 'pitch a wang dang doodle' in her honor tonight"

Rita Chiarelli: "Etta James…how I loved her! I remember when I was first turned on to her and her music… many years ago…I was still finding my voice so to speak…so a live recording …Etta with dyed blond hair and her arm in ‘tenser’ bandage…she looked wild! I put the LP on the turntable and listened to every vocal ‘lick’….it was magic…Thank you Etta… you were one of the very best …you inspired all who heard you…we owe you a lot and your voice, your music will be cherished and live forever….…rest in peace Etta…you deserve it…with love and respect…"

Denis Keldie: R.I.P. Etta -- the greatest singer I ever played with, back in 1986, when she was truly at the top of her game.

Lori Yates: RIP Miss Etta! You made the world a better place!

We will be adding more comments as they come in.

The Stingrays Debut CD

2012-01-20T04:18:00.001-08:00

Good rockin' Blues with no muss, no fuss is the best way to describe Hoodoo Man, the debut CD from local boys, the Stingrays.

The band tear into such timeless classics as My Babe, I Can't Be Satisfied, Key to the Highway, Dust My Broom, and many more. They have the energy and skills to do justice to these tantalizing tunes.

It's no wonder the guys can do an amazing job - members of the group have played with Crowbar, King Biscuit Boy, Trickbag, and the Platters. You can hear all that experience throughout the disc (which is expertly produced by local veteran Michael J. Birthelmer)

You can pick up a copy at their live shows (they play the Coach and Lantern every Saturday afternoon).

Below is a video of one of the tracks from the CD. Check this blog for some live footage later on.

Links: Stingrays, More Stingrays Stories

News Roundup (Strongman, Plain Steel, Van Sickle)

2012-01-18T18:11:00.000-08:00

Hamilton and Area

Spec story on Strongman's win
Preview the upcoming Plain Steel CD
Boons House message: 2012 Blues & Roots coming in July. FIRST CALL for bands and solo artists interested in performing at the BIGGEST single night Blues Event in the Hamilton Area. Once again, proceeds will be going to help Parkinson's Society of Canada. Msg me if your interested and include a link to any youtube or other demo material.
Old Movie Palace to become Music Venue

Southern Ontario

Duane Rutter Twitter: Here is a link where you can learn more about why I am playing guitar for 50 hrs straight this Feb 3rd at Fred Eaglesmiths Robot Cafe in Port Dover. plz consider supporting my cause either online or come on down. Peace and Good Wishes! http://www.camptrillium.com/

World

Texas Boogie-Woogie King Omar Shariff, R.I.P.

Funny Stuff

Cat Stevens cartoon

Featured Video

We Got Blues with Sonny Del Rio@Boon's House (January 13, 2012)

2012-01-18T04:11:00.000-08:00

Above videos courtesy of SamDeRosa55

Links: We Got Blues, Sonny Del Rio, More Sonny Del Rio Stories

Bonus videos below courtesy of vonlafatette

Steve Strongman Wins Guitarist of the Year at Maple Blues Awards

2012-01-17T04:13:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Hamilton's Steve Strongman, who won the Guitarist of the Year award at the 15th annual Maple Blues Awards. They were handed out January 16, 2012. Other winners inlcuded MonkeyJunk (3 awards), Matt Andersen (3 awards), Suzie Vinnick (2 awards), and more.

Here are the talented winners:

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR

Matt Andersen

ELECTRIC ACT OF THE YEAR

MonkeyJunk

ACOUSTIC ACT OF THE YEAR

Matt Andersen

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

Matt Andersen

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

Suzie Vinnick

NEW ARTIST OR GROUP OF THE YEAR

Sabrina Weeks & Swing Cat Bounce

RECORDING OF THE YEAR

To Behold, MonkeyJunk

BLUES WITH A FEELING (Lifetime Achievement)

Paul James

BB KING INTERNATIONAL ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Gregg Allman

GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Steve Strongman

HARMONICA PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Carlos del Junco

PIANO/KEYBOARD PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne

HORN PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Chris Whiteley

DRUMMER OF THE YEAR

Matt Sobb ( MonkeyJunk)

BASSIST OF THE YEAR

Alec Fraser

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR

Suzie Vinnick

BLUES BOOSTER OF THE YEAR

Liz Sykes

Bluesers@Moonshine Cafe (January 5, 2012)

2012-01-14T14:58:00.000-08:00

Bonus videos

Above video courtesy of Helen and Matt

Above video courtesy of mlt1944

Links: Bluesers, More Bluesers Stories

News Roundup (Jacob Moon, Fred Eaglesmith, Doors, more)

2012-01-11T17:48:00.000-08:00

This will be a new feature (similar to our old Blues News Bites) where every Wednesday night, we'll review the local, national and international music news. We'll also include a weekly featured video.

Hamilton and Area

Southern Ontario

World

Funny Stuff

Australian man fends off croc with guitar

Open Mic@Second Cup (Burlington)(January 5, 2012)

2012-01-11T15:02:00.000-08:00

Links: David Lum - More David Lum Stories

Links: Jericho , More Jericho Stories

Links: John and Sheila Ludgate, More John and Sheila Stories

Kevin MacLean Band@Whistling Walrus, Part 2

2012-01-10T04:22:00.000-08:00

Click here for Part 1

Bonus Videos

Above video courtesy of TheRealDannyBuzanko

Above video courtesy of idlecode

Links: Kevin MacLean Band, More Kevin MacLean Stories

Kevin MacLean Band@Whistling Walrus, Part 1

2012-01-09T04:20:00.000-08:00

Links: Kevin MacLean Band, More Kevin MacLean Stories

Drew Smith and Friends@The Casbah (December 16, 2011)

2012-01-06T15:33:00.000-08:00

This was the release party for Drew's new CD, The Secret Languages.

Matt Montour (keyboards), Drew Smith (guitar, vocals), Max Wray (drums), John Smith (Young Rival) (bass), Ben Somer (guitar)

Click here for Kirby, the opening act

Bonus Track from Drew's YouTube Page

Click here for Drew's site

Get the Weekly Hamilton Blues Lovers E-Mail Newsletter

2012-01-04T14:33:00.000-08:00

Want to be kept up to date with what's going on in the Hamilton/Burlington area? Then get all the Blues news you can use with our new weekly e-mail newsletter.

Every Wednesday, the Hamilton Blues Lovers sends out an e-mail message with the latest happenings in the local Blues/Folk/Roots scene. Find out about new CD releases, upcoming shows, the latest YouTube videos, and much more.

To get this amazing newsletter, please e-mail us at blueshamilton@gmail.com and request it. We promise not to sell or distribute your e-mail address to any other organization.

We also welcome any ideas you may have to help improve the newsletter.

Kirby@The Casbah (December 16, 2011)

2012-01-03T12:43:00.000-08:00

Kirby was opening for Drew Smith's CD Release Party.

Click here for Drew Smith's performance

Links: Kirby, More Kirby Stories

12 Videos of Christmas: 9-12

2011-12-25T00:01:00.000-08:00

Links: Sarah Harmer, More Sarah Harmer Stories, Arkells, Video courtesy of GordsGal73

Links: Ginger St. James, More Ginger St. James Stories, Video courtesy of djmimage

Links: Andre Bisson, More Andre Bisson stories, Video courtesy of Andre and the J-Tones, Buy His Christmas CD

Links: Mike Trebilcock, More Mike Trebilcock Stories, Video courtesy of Mike Trebilcock

Click here for videos 1-4
Click here for videos 5-8

12 Videos of Christmas: 5-8

2011-12-21T07:11:00.000-08:00

Links: Dave Rave, More Dave Rave Stories, More Rick Andrew Stories, Download album on iTunes

Links: James Anthony, More James Anthony Stories, Download Album from iTunes

Links: Dan Medakovic, More Dan Medakovic Stories, Video courtesy of Dan Medakovic

Links: Famous Framus, More Famous Framus Stories, Video courtesy of Spankndakota

Click here for videos 1-4
Click here for videos 9-12

12 Videos of Christmas: 1-4

2011-12-17T10:16:00.000-08:00

Links: Melissa Bel, More Melissa Bel Stories, Video courtesy of Melissa Bel

Links: More video from this show, Shawn Brush, More Shawn Brush Stories

Links: More Videos from this show, Wendell Ferguson, More Wendell Ferguson Stories

Links: More Video From This Show, Kelly Jay, More Crowbar Stories, Trickbag, More Trickbag Stories, Sonny Del Rio, More Sonny Del Rio Stories

Click here for videos: 5-8
Click here for videos 9-12

Smoke Wagon Blues Band@Plough and Harrow (December 10, 2011) Part 2

2011-12-13T18:32:00.000-08:00

Click here for Part 1

Bonus videos from their CD, Low Down Righteous Blues

Links: Smoke Wagon Blues Band, More Smoke Wagon Blues Band Stories

Smoke Wagon Blues Band@Plough and Harrow (December 10, 2011) Part 1

2011-12-12T14:10:00.000-08:00

Click here for Part 2

Bonus video of singer Corey Lueck with the James Anthony Band courtesy of TV Cogeco Ontario

Links: Smoke Wagon Blues Band, More Smoke Wagon Blues Band Stories

Shawn Brush and Friends@Nines Brick Bar (December 7, 2011) Part 2

2011-12-10T14:11:00.000-08:00

Shawn Brush (guitar, vocals) Eric Bower (Jericho)(bass) and Bongo Bob

Click here for Part 1

Links: Shawn Brush, More Shawn Brush Stories

Shawn Brush@Nines Brick Bar (December 7, 2011) Part 1

2011-12-09T04:41:00.000-08:00

Click here for Part 2

Bonus Videos

Above video courtesy of Ronny Wiskin

Above video courtesy of The Krooked Cowboy

Links: Shawn Brush, More Shawn Brush Stories

Ginger St. James YouTube Videos

2011-12-07T14:16:00.000-08:00

Above video courtesy of the Tone Bear

Above video courtesy of TV Cogeco Ontario

Above videos courtesy of Mama Loves Music 50

Links: Ginger St. James - More Ginger St. James Stories

Matthew de Zoete and Friends@Artword Artbar (December 3, 2011)

2011-12-06T20:21:00.000-08:00

First three videos courtesy of Quadrillium

Bonus videos below courtesy of zmtieman

Click here for Matthew de Zoete's site.

Canadian Folk Music Awards Winners

2011-12-05T04:22:00.000-08:00

The Canadian Folk Music Awards were handed out on Sunday, December 4, 2011. Below is a list of the winners. Congratulations everyone!

Traditional Album of the Year

Genticorum - Nagez Rameurs

Contemporary Album of the Year

Bruce Cockburn - Small Source of Comfort

Children’s Album of the Year

Benoît Archambault - Les pourquoi

Traditional Singer of the Year

Dave Gunning

Contemporary Singer of the Year

Suzie Vinnick

Instrumental Solo Artist of the Year

Jayme Stone

Instrumental Group of the Year

The Creaking Tree String Quartet

English Songwriter of the Year

Lynn Miles

French Songwriter of the Year

Alexandre Poulin

Aboriginal Songwriter of the Year

Vince Fontaine

Vocal Group of the Year

Good Lovelies

Ensemble of the Year

Genticorum

Solo Artist of the Year

Bruce Cockburn

World Solo Artist of the Year

Kiran Ahluwalia

World Group of the Year

Minor Empire

New/Emerging Artist of the Year

Dave Gunning

Producer of the Year

Mark Howard & David Travers-Smith (The Wailin' Jennys)

Pushing the Boundaries

Geoff Berner

Young Performer of the Year

Molly Thomason

New Ariana Gillis CD

2011-12-02T15:46:00.001-08:00

One thing that stands out on local singer/songwriter Ariana Gillis's latest CD, Forget Me Not, is the power in her vocals. It's a voice that deserves to be heard and almost screams out, "just because I'm young and can play infectious music doesn't mean I'm a pop star".

As always, Ariana shows great talent with incredible catchy melodies but on this offering, both her lyrics and vocals seem to have more of an extra edge to them. It's a very welcome change. There's more of a roots element here as well.

Her softer vocal side is also on display on songs such as John and the Monster and Oh the World.

The CD is available at her live shows, on Maple Music, and as a download on iTunes and cdbaby.

Below are live performances of songs from the album.

Videos courtesy of Ariana Gillis.

Links: Ariana Gillis, More Ariana Gillis Stories

Cool YouTube Videos (Mike Almas, Blues River Man, Sheesham and Lotus))

2011-11-30T18:33:00.000-08:00

Above video courtesy of 1swtgl.

Above two videos courtesy of Blues River Man.

Above two videos courtesy of WoodyPoint69

Links: Mike Almas, Blues River Man, Sheesham and Lotus

New Melissa Bel EP

2011-11-29T14:10:00.000-08:00

Local singer/songwriter Melissa Bel recently launched her latest EP, Distance. This astounding collection includes a remixed version of the title track (the original is from her last album, Brave) and five unreleased songs.

Melissa shows all sides of herself in this EP. She goes from blues rocker to smooth soul singer with ease. Throughout the trip, there's pop, jazz, funk and much more. You can also check out her sweet rendition of the classic Ain't No Sunshine.

The EP is available at her live shows and also as a download on iTunes and eMusic.

Below are a few live versions of songs from the EP.

All videos courtesy of Melissa Bel

Links: Melissa Bel More Melissa Bel Stories

Banned From Heaven@Coach and Lantern (November 26, 2011)

2011-11-28T19:29:00.000-08:00

Carol Greene guest vocals on Son of a Preacher Man

Links: Banned From Heaven - More Banned From Heaven Stories

Ian Thomas YouTube Videos

2011-11-27T19:25:00.000-08:00

Above two videos courtesy of Quadrillium

Video courtesy of Mr. Murray Pound

Above three videos courtesy of Mojo Filter 02

Sonny Del Rio, Kelly Jay and Trickbag@Buddy's Roadhouse (November 19, 2011)

2011-11-23T13:44:00.000-08:00

More from this show:

Links: Kelly Jay, More Crowbar Stories, Trickbag, More Trickbag Stories, Sonny Del Rio, More Sonny Del Rio Stories

Kelly Jay and Trickbag@Buddy's Roadhouse (November 19, 2011)

2011-11-22T18:25:00.001-08:00

More from this show:

Part 1: Trickbag
Part 3: Sonny Del-Rio, Kelly Jay and Trickbag
Photos

Links: Kelly Jay, More Crowbar Stories, Trickbag, More Trickbag Stories

Phil Kott (Powerhouse) Passes

2011-11-22T13:00:00.001-08:00

It is with sadness that we inform you that Powerhouse guitarist Phil Kott (second from left in picture) passed away on Monday, November 21, 2011. He will be missed.

From the Powerhouse web site.

"It is with our deepest regret that the Powerhouse band would like to confirm the passing of our friend, our brother, our guitarist, Phil Kott. One of the founding members of the band, he has been battling advanced lung cancer since early spring, and surrounded by family and friends, Phil passed away peacefully on the evening of November 21, 2011."

Our condolences to his friends and family.

Links: Powerhouse, More Powerhouse Stories

Trickbag@Buddy's Roadhouse (November 19, 2011)

2011-11-21T17:59:00.001-08:00

More from this show:

Part 2: Kelly Jay with Trickbag
Part 3: Sonny Del-Rio, Kelly Jay and Trickbag
Photos

Links: Trickbag - More Trickbag Stories

Hamilton Music Award Winners

2011-11-21T04:04:00.001-08:00

The Hamilton Music Awards were handed out on Sunday, November 20, 2011. Big winners included the Dinner Belles (New Artist, Alt-Country, Piano - Greg Brisco), Rita Chiarelli (Female Artist, Blues), and Jeremy Fisher (Male Artist, Songwriter) Congratulations to everyone.

Female Artist of the Year: Rita Chiarelli

Male Artist of the Year: Jeremy Fisher

Local Group of the Year (People’s Choice): Live How You Live

New Artist of the Year: Dinner Belles

Roots Recording: Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, Kings & Queens

Alternative Country Recording: Dinner Belles, West Simcoe County

Folk Recording: Scott Orr, Where I Live And What I Lived For

Blues: Rita Chiarelli, Music From The Big House

R&B/Soul: Chris Jackson, Action

Religious: Jamie Barnes, Wilderness

Songwriter: Jeremy Fisher, Flood

Female Vocalist: Rosanna Riverso

Male Vocalist: Jon Harvey, Monster Truck

Piano/Keyboard: Greg Brisco, Dinner Belles

Special Instrumentalist: Yiannis Kapoulas

Guitarist: Luke Doucet, Whitehorse

Drummer: Chris Sindrey, Aerith

Bassist: Sean McNab, Creepshow

Canadian Recording of the Year (People’s Choice): Finger Eleven, Life Turns Electric

Record of the Year: Jeremy Fisher, Flood

Lifetime Achievement:Ian Thomas

Lifetime Achievement (Industry): Kim Cooke

Alternative Indie Rock: Dark Mean, Dark Mean

Rock Recording: Monster Truck, The Brown EP

Loud/Metal: Sexbeast, Avi Sexbeastis

Punk: Come On Let’s Go, Come On Let’s Go

Pop Recording: Brandon Pacheco, Broke Up

Rap/Hip Hop: Canadian Winter, Just Wait Till February

Electronic: Junior Boys, It’s All True

Chris Cracknell, Steve Didemus and Dave Gould@Winking Judge (November 17, 2011)

2011-11-19T07:09:00.000-08:00

This was part of the Steve Didemus Fundraiser.

Monica Knott on backing vocals on first two videos.

Below are two performances from Dave's solo set

More footage from this Fundraiser

Links: Chris Cracknell, Dave Gould, Steve Didemus, More Chris Cracknell Stories, More Steve Didemus Stories, More Dave Gould Stories

Tiny Bill Cody@Winking Judge (November 17, 2011)

2011-11-18T15:21:00.000-08:00

This was part of the Steve Didemus Fundraiser. More footage to come.

More footage from this Fundraiser

Links: Tiny Bill Cody - More Tiny Bill Cody Stories

Pip@Winking Judge (November 17, 2011)

2011-11-18T05:19:00.001-08:00

This was part of the steve Didemus Fundraiser. More footage to come.

More footage from this Fundraiser

Click here for Pip's site

Michelle Titian and Friends@Corktown (November 14, 2011)

2011-11-16T18:28:00.000-08:00

Michelle Titian (vocals, guitar), Mary Simon (Mandolin), Tone Valcic (drums)

Click here for Mary Simon's set

Links: Michelle Titian - More Michelle Titian Stories

Mary Simon and Tone Valcic@Corktown (November 14, 2011)

2011-11-15T14:35:00.001-08:00

This was the first of the weekly Americana Mondays series.

Click here for Michelle Titian's set (w both Mary and Tone)

Links: Mary Simon, Tone Valcic, More Mary Simon Stories, More Tone Valcic Stories

Cool YouTube Videos (Rae Billing, Acoustics, City and the Sea)

2011-11-14T13:07:00.000-08:00

Above two videos courtesy of Rae Billing

Above two videos courtesy of ImageGallery205

Above video courtesy of Ange3rd

Links: Rae Billing, Acoustics, City and the Sea

Lest We Forget! Remember Those Who Sacrificed

2011-11-11T04:14:00.000-08:00

Steelworkorker's Waltz CD Release Party@This Ain't Hollywood (Nov 7, 2011)

2011-11-09T18:06:00.001-08:00

Last video courtesy of steingberg321.

Click here for a CD Review and more videos from the show

Links: Steve Sinnicks, Al Barubek, Tim Gibbons, EdgarBreau, Martin Verall

New Steelworker's Waltz Fundraising CD is Pure Hamilton

2011-11-08T18:18:00.000-08:00

The new compilation disc, Steelworker's Waltz, is as hardcore Hamilton as it comes. It has amazing Hamilton musicians singing songs about blue collar work on a CD in support of striking steelworkers. This album just bleeds steel.

There are 15 unreleased and/or recently recorded songs from the talented performers in our beloved steeltown. There's poetry, rap, folk, country, blues and much more in this collection - something for everyone!

The CD is available to purchase at Pick N Sticks, Dr. Disc, Cheapies and many other locations across Hamilton. You can also contact boxostudio@gmail.com to request a copy. All monies raised goes towards helping the Local Steelworkers 1005.

Here is the track listing
1. If Not You? - Bill Mahoney
2. 10,000 Degrees - Martin Verall w/Mike Williams (bass)
3. 1005 Anthem - Tim Gibbons
4. Pretty Good Life - Sam Squid
5. Melting Pot - Ray Materick
6. Tougher Now - "Busker" Al Barubek
7. Strength - Brad Hails (Killin' Time Band)
8. All Together Now - Mac-N-Awe
9. Rustbelt Lullaby - Stephen Foster (Crawlin' Kingsnakes)(Simply Saucer)
10. Angles With Bloody Knees - Lori Yates w/Shawn Brush (pedal steel)
11. The Debt - Steve Sinnicks
12. Blue-Green - Kevin Barber
13. Old Steeltown - Edgar Breau (Simply Saucer) with Les Smith (Trickbag)(harmonica)
14. The Colour of Steel - Shawn Brush
15. Oh Hamilton - The Hamilton Kid w/Brendan Russell (keyboards)

Below are a few videos from the CD release party. We'll be posting more footage of that soon.

Last video courtesy of steinberg321

Click here for more footage of the event

Links: Steve Sinnicks, Al Barubek, Tim Gibbons, Edgar Breau, Martin Verall

JP Riemens@Brantford Station House (October 30, 2011) Part 2

2011-11-07T13:47:00.000-08:00

Click here for Part 1

Links: JP Riemens, More JP Riemens Stories

JP Riemens@Brantford Station House (October 30, 2011) Part 1

2011-11-04T04:59:00.000-07:00

Click here for Part 2

Links: JP Riemens, More JP Riemens Stories

Hamilton Music Award Nominations

2011-11-02T04:42:00.000-07:00

The Hamilton Music Award Nominations were recently released. Below is a list of the nominees. Good luck everyone. The awards will be given on Sunday November 20 at the McIntyre Theatre.

Female Artist of the Year

Male Artist of the Year

New Artist/Group of the Year

Dawn & Marra
Dinner Belles
James Hoffman
Brandon Pacheco
Riddim Riders

Pop Recording of the Year

Andrew Victoria – Andrew Victoria
Robin Benedict – Ride Of My Life
Andrea Godin – Andrea
Brian Melo – The Truth
Brandon Pacheco – Broke Up

Roots Recording of the Year

Blackie and the Rodeo Kings - Kings and Queens
Jeremy Fisher – Flood
Dave Gould – Truck For Sale
Matt Paxton – How The Land Lies
Whitehorse – Whitehorse

Alternative Country Recording of the Year

Dinner Belles – West Simcoe County
Sarah Blackwood – Wasting Time
Rachel Heart – Rachel Heart
JP Riemens & the Barflies – Dirty Sunset
The Vanishers – Hagersville Dance Party

Folk Recording of the Year

Amberley B. – Paper Dolls
Dawn & Marra – Never Ask Me Why
James Hoffman – The Union
Brian Meecham – On Blue Water
Scott Orr – Where I Live And What I Lived For

World Recording of the Year

Yiannis Kapoulas – Yiannis Kapoulas
Yitka Karlik – Diplomatic Dream
Riddim Riders – Riddim Riders

Alternative/Indie Rock Recording of the Year

2x The Mono – Art Rock and Science Fiction
The Creepshow – They All Fall Down
Dark Mean – Dark Mean
Justin Sawicki – Nothing For No One
Martin Verrall – Spears of Fate

Blues Recording of the Year

Rita Chiarelli – Music From The Big House Soundtrack
Nicole Christian – Run, Rabbit Run
Famous Framus Band – On Mortal Love
Alfie Smith – Sometimes The Rain
Susan Wylde – In The Light

R&B/Soul Recording of the Year

Kojo ‘Easy’ Damptey – Songs
Chris Jackson – Action
Sharon Musgrave – Outflow

Religious Recording of the Year

Jamie Barnes – Wilderness
Eagles – Your Kingdom Come
Rosanna Riverso – Let There Be Peace

Songwriter of the Year

Jeremy Fisher
Jeremy Greenspan/Matt Didemus (Junior Boys)
James Hoffman
Brian Melo
Tom Wilson

Female Vocalist of the Year

Male Vocalist of the Year

Jon Harvey (Monster Truck)
Brian Melo
Mike Rajczak (Riddim Riders)
Alfie Smith
Tom Wilson

Piano/Keyboard Player of the Year

Brandon Bliss (Monster Truck)
Greg Brisco (Dinner Belles)
Amy King – (Alfie Smith, Dawn & Marra)
Jesse O’Brien (Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, Justin Sawicki)
Christabel Pinto (Rosanna Riverso)

Special Instrumentalist of the Year

Loretta Hale (Justin Sawicki)
Yiannis Kapoulas
Randell Neudorf (2x the Mono)
Melanie Pothier (Dinner Belles)
Clint Rice (Martin Verrall)

Guitarist of the Year

Luke Doucet – Whitehorse
Brian Griffith (JP Riemens, Sharon Musgrave)
Yiannis Kapoulas
Alfie Smith
Jeremy Widerman (Monster Truck)

Drummer of the Year

Dave Gould – (solo, Nicole Christian, Famous Framus)
Peter Grimmer (Sharon Musgrave)
Steve Kiely (Monster Truck)
Danny Lockwood (JP Riemens)
Chris Sindrey (Aerith)

Bassist of the Year

Carrie Ashworth (JP Riemens)
Richard Bailey (Riddim Riders)
Jon Harvey (Monster Truck)
Sean McNab (The Creepshow)
Mike Williams – Martin Verrall

Record of the Year

Blackie and the Rodeo Kings – Kings and Queens
Dinner Belles – West Simcoe County
Finger 11 – Life Turns Electric
Jeremy Fisher – Flood
Junior Boys – It’s All True

ArcelorMittal Dofasco Lifetime Achievement Award

Ian Thomas

Rock Recording of the Year

Finger 11 – Life Turns Electric
Gruve – Out Of Nowhere
Live How You Live – Blue Collar Love
Monster Truck – The Brown EP
Perennials - Red

Loud/Metal Recording of the Year

40 Sons and Daughters – Madness
Aerith – Bears
Blacken’d Red – Drive
Downboy – Bombed In Steeltown
Sexbeast – Avi Sexbeastis

Punk Recording of the Year

Back Beat Nation – Back Beat Nation
Come On, Let’s Go - Come On, Let’s Go
Gin Rummy - Gin Rummy
Koetta Black – Kick Back
Wiggler and the Tiny Humans – A Kama Sutra of Contrary Positions

Rap/Hip Hop Recording of the Year

Canadian Winter – Just Wait Till February
The Hi-Cats – Gateway Music
M.I.S.T The Mistry Kid – Quizzes, Tests & Exams: Applications
P.O.E – Something Offensive and Cleaver
Topicz – Still Dreamin’

Electronic Recording of the Year

Alllosaurus – Old Solar
Junior Boys – It’s All True
Motem – The Forthcoming Mixtape
Orphx – Radiotherapy
Trifecta3 – Zapp

Sloppy Jalopy/Burnin' Ethyl Halloween Party@West Town (October 29, 2011)

2011-11-01T18:35:00.000-07:00

Click here for pictures

Links: Burnin' Ethyl, More Burnin' Ethyl Stories, Sloppy Jalopy, More Sloppy Jalopy Stories

New Andy Griffiths CD

2011-11-01T04:24:00.000-07:00

Local singer/songwriter Andy Griffiths manages to take the folk rock sound to modern heights on his latest CD, Looking at a Life . . .

Songs like the title track, Bare Bones, Don't Listen to Me, and many others are incredibly infectious. This high energy never overpowers the solid folk foundation of the tunes.

Andy's also enlisted some amazing local talent. Frank Koren plays guitar on most tracks and Russ Boswell performs bass on quite a few songs as well. Other guests include Ray Farrugia, Astrid Young, and more.

The disc is available at Andy's live shows.

Below is a performance of one of the songs from the album.

Click here for more from this show (including another song from Andy)

Links: Andy Griffiths, More Andy Griffiths Stories

Private Jam (October 22, 2011), Part 2

2011-10-28T15:32:00.000-07:00

More from this show:

Wendell Ferguson: Part 1, Part 2
Jam: Part 1, 1 song by Andy Griffiths + CD Review

Links: Wendell Ferguson, John and Sheila Ludgate, Angela McKay, David Lum

Private Jam (October 22, 2011), Part 1

2011-10-28T04:52:00.000-07:00

More from this show:

Wendell Ferguson: Part 1, Part 2
Jam: Part 2, 1 song by Andy Griffiths + CD Review

Links: Wendell Ferguson, John and Sheila Ludgate, Andy Griffiths, Jericho, Angela McKay

Strongman, Kennedy, Chiarelli and de Keyzer Among 2011 Maple Blues Award Nominess

2011-10-27T05:03:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to all of the local talent that was nominated for the Maple Blues Awards. Hamilton Blues legend, Harrison Kennedy and hometown girl, Rita Chiarelli (who won the lifetime achievement trophy last year) received 3 nods each. Also Jack de Keyzer and Steve Strongman are up for best guitarist.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony on January 16, 2012 at Koerner Hall in Toronto.

Good luck!

Below is a list of the nominees:

Entertainer Of The Year

Jim Byrnes
Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne
Matt Andersen
MonkeyJunk
Shakura S'Aida

Electric Act Of The Year

Bill Johnson
David Gogo
Keith Hallett & Garrett Mason
MonkeyJunk
Rita Chiarelli

Acoustic Act Of The Year

Harrison Kennedy
Harry Manx
Matt Andersen
Suzie Vinnick
Tim Williams

Male Vocalist Of The Year

Harrison Kennedy
Jim Byrnes
John Mays (Fathead)
Matt Andersen
Steve Marriner (MonkeyJunk)

Female Vocalist Of The Year

Rita Chiarelli
Robin Bank$
Shakura S'Aida
Suzie Vinnick
Treasa Levasseur

New Artist Or Group Of The Year

The 24th Street Wailers
Douglas Watson R&B Revue
Kat Danser
Sabrina Weeks & Swing Cat Bounce
Tim Vaughn

Recording Of The Year

Suzie Vinnick - Me 'n' Mabel
Rita Chiarelli - Music From The Big House
Bill Johnson - Still Blue
Harry Manx & Kevin Breit - Strictly Whatever
MonkeyJunk - To Behold

Blues With A Feeling Award (Lifetime Achievement)

Alec Fraser
Danny Brooks
Ellen McIlwaine
Joe Murphy
Ken Whiteley
Michael Fonfara
Paul James
Stephen Barry
Tom Lavin

B.B. King International Artist Of The Year

Bettye LaVette
Duke Robillard
Greg Allman
JJ Grey & Mofro
Tedeschi Trucks Band

Guitar Player Of The Year

David Gogo
Garrett Mason
Jack de Keyzer
Kevin Breit
Steve Strongman

Harmonica Player Of The Year

Carlos del Junco
David "Hurricane" Hoerl (The Twisters)
David Rotundo
Roly Platt
Steve Marriner (MonkeyJunk)

Piano/Keyboard Player Of The Year

Curley Bridges
David Vest
John Lee Sanders
Julian Fauth
Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne

Horn Player Of The Year

Al Lerman (Fathead)
Chris Murphy
Chris Whiteley
Pat Carey (Downchild)
Neil Braithwaite (Blackburn)

Drummer Of The Year

Al Cross (Jerome Godboo)
Bucky Berger (Fathead)
Geoff Arsenault (Morgan Davis)
Matt Sobb (MonkeyJunk)
Vince Maccarone (Johnny Max)

Bassist Of The Year

Alan Duffy (Jack de Keyzer)
Alec Fraser (Fraser/Daley)
Gary Kendall (Downchild)
Keith Picot (The Twisters)
Omar Tunnoch (Fathead)

Songwriter Of The Year

Bill Johnson
Diteodoro/Marriner/Sobb (MonkeyJunk)
Harrison Kennedy
Harry Manx
Suzie Vinnick

Wendell Ferguson@Private Function (October 22, 2011) Part 2

2011-10-26T18:34:00.000-07:00

Click here if you can't see the videos.

More from this show:

Wendell Ferguson: Part 1
Jam: Part 1, Part 2, 1 song by Andy Griffiths + CD Review

Links: Wendell Ferguson, More Wendell Ferguson Stories

Wendell Ferguson@Private Function (October 22, 2011) Part 1

2011-10-25T04:28:00.000-07:00

Click here if you can't see the videos.

More from this show:

Wendell Ferguson: Part 2
Jam: Part 1, Part 2, 1 song by Andy Griffiths + CD Review

Links: Wendell Ferguson, More Wendell Ferguson Stories

Doug Feaver@Winking Judge (October 21, 2011)

2011-10-24T04:20:00.001-07:00

Click here if you can't see the videos.

Links: Doug Feaver - More Doug Feaver Stories

James Anthony Band Release Canadian Jam Tracks

2011-10-21T15:26:00.001-07:00

James Anthony and his band (Garth Vogan, Dave Russell, Mike Doyle and Ian McCallister) recorded Canadian Jam Tracks, Volume 1.

These backing tracks are a great way for novice and expert musicians to practice their skills on their own. They already have the rhythm, all you have to supply is the leads. Whether you want some boogie, slow blues, soul, funk, country or more - this has what you need!

This collection also doubles as an excellent instrumental album for the non-musician. It will get you moving and shaking.

You can download these great tracks on iTunes.

Check out the song sample below.

Links: James Anthony, More James Anthony Stories

Corey Lueck & Smoke Wagon Blues Band YouTube Videos

2011-10-19T15:40:00.001-07:00

All videos courtesy of HarpDogLueck's You Tube page

Above two videos with the James Anthony Band

Links: Smoke Wagon Blues Band , More Smoke Wagon Blues Band Stories

New Kirby EP (Free download for limited time)

2011-10-18T14:01:00.001-07:00

Local singer/songwriter Kirby has unleashed a new EP, Into the Dark and it's a great, folk-pop recording with catchy hooks and emotional vocals. On top of that, Kirby's wonderful lyrics are mixed in with a modern, artistic, musical flair.

He's aided by a number of talented musicians such as Mike Scime, Ken Thor Corke, Max Wray, Graham Peaceful and more.

Not only is this an incredible EP but Kirby is also offering it as a free download for the fall of 2011. You better get it before it's too late!

Below are live videos of songs from the EP.

Links: Kirby, More Kirby Stories

Fry Truck - Unplugged@This Ain't Hollywood (October 13, 2011) Part 2

2011-10-16T12:45:00.000-07:00

All videos courtesy of the Fry Truck YouTube page

Click here for Part 1

Links: Fry Truck, More Fry Truck Stories

Fry Truck - Unplugged@This Ain't Hollywood (October 13, 2011) Part 1

2011-10-15T14:00:00.000-07:00

All videos courtesy of the Fry Truck YouTube page

Click here for Part 2

Links: Fry Truck, More Fry Truck Stories

Jack de Keyzer and Garth Vogan Play on Latest Chris Murphy CD

2011-10-12T18:54:00.000-07:00

London Ontario's Chris Murphy blows a mean sax and can sing up a storm. For his latest solo CD, Hotwired, he decided to bring in some extra big guns to add to the fun.

Waterdown's Garth Vogan slaps the bass throughout the CD. Also, local guitar legend Jack de Keyzer lends guitar solos to two songs: Something Else and Hold it Right There. As if that weren't enough, Teddy Leonard of Fathead plays guitar and Lance Anderson (who also produces) joins them on keys.

With all that amazing talent, you can't help but come out with a rockin' disc. Jazzy, swingin' instrumentals are joined by blues rockers and boogie woogie workouts. This is one feel-good disc!

The album is available at his live shows and as a download on iTunes, cdbaby and eMusic

Below is a live performance of a song from the CD.

Links: Chris Murphy, More Chris Murphy Stories, Jack de Keyzer, Garth Vogan

Hilarious YouTube Videos (Crackers, Cam Hoffman, Wanda Sykes, Cheech and Chong, Weird Al

2011-10-11T19:12:00.000-07:00

Warning, many of these videos have foul language and topics

Above video courtesy of GhastlyH

Cameron is a former member of the Deacons band and also a part of the Steel City Lingerie Troupe

Above 2 videos courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

Above video courtesy of TK848

Above video courtesy of PirateDayCare

Bobby Hebert Experience YouTube Video

2011-10-10T18:59:00.000-07:00

The Autocumulas YouTube page has been posting performances from the Bobby Hebert Experience.

Links: Bobby Hebert Experience, More Bobby Hebert Stories

New Dave Gould CD

2011-10-07T15:33:00.000-07:00

If anyone has seen his live solo shows, they know that Dave Gould has an air of energetic fun about him. What would you expect from a man who occasionally drums on a toilet (and does it well)?. This liveliness is definitely evident in his latest CD, Truck for Sale.

Dave manages to create light-hearted roots country/folk music while maintaining a high degree of musicianship. These aren't "joke" songs but witty, sometimes strange, interesting, catchy numbers. The guitar and vocal work are superb. There's even a bit of an edgy, alternative vibe at play here.

His co-conspirators on this unique project include Steve Didemus, Chris Cracknell, Gerry Gregg, Tanya Amyote, and Steven Fuller.

The disc is available at his live shows and is available on iTunes and eMusic.

Below is a song from his CD.

Links: Dave Gould, More Dave Gould Stories

Mo' Kauffey, Mojo Willie and Scott Fitzpatrick@Woolwich Arrow (October 2, 2011)

2011-10-06T04:44:00.000-07:00

Click here if you can't see the videos.

Left to right: Mojo Willie, Mo' Kauffey, Scott Fitzpatrick

Bonus videos from courtesy of Bill Rymer (Mojo Willie)

Links: Mo' Kauffey, More Mo' Kauffey Stories, Mojo Willie

Jim Darley and Friends@Pheasant Plucker (September 27, 2011)

2011-10-05T05:06:00.000-07:00

Click here if you can't see the videos.

This was part of the Hamilton Folk Club

Michael Hogg (Harmonica on I Get the Blues . . .), Eric Bower (Jericho) (bass on Goodnight Irene)

Click here for footage of Michael Hogg and Bo Basiuk's performance from the same show

Click here for more Jim Darley footage.

Bo Basiuk and Michael Hogg@Pheasant Plucker (September 27, 2011)

2011-10-04T05:12:00.000-07:00

Click here if you can't see the videos.

This was part of the Hamilton Folk Club

More footage from the folk club to come . . .

Bonus video of the duo at Hoggfest 2010

Click here for more Bo Basiuk stories

Debut Tuba4 CD + Videos

2011-10-03T05:02:00.000-07:00

If you love your music on the jazzy side but want a little extra kick to it, Tuba4's debut CD, To the Head is for you. Together, they create a sound that blends lounge, funk, swing, and much more.

Tuba4 is a trio consisting of music veterans, Bruce Tournay (vocals, keys), Jay Burr (tuba), and Danny Lockwood (drums). The disc also has special appearances by local guitarists Mark LaForme and Mike Daley.

Highlights include the extra funky Suck it Up and Overbite (Girl in the Corner) as well as a killer version of Little Richard's Tutti Frutti.

The CD is available at their live shows (including a weekly Monday night gig at Cat N Fiddle)

Below are a few peromances from their CD release party at the Cat N Fiddle on September 26, 2011.

Click here for Tuba4's YouTube page

The Dharlings@Brantford Station House (September 25, 2011)

2011-09-30T15:54:00.000-07:00

Click here if you can't see the videos.

Links: Dharlings, More Dharlings Stories

Les Smith, Mo' Kauffey, and Mark McNeil,@Artword Artbar (September 24, 2011) Part 3

2011-09-29T04:48:00.000-07:00

Click here if you can't see the videos.

Other performances from the same show

Bonus video of Les with his band, Trickbag. Courtesy of Bassman0611

Links: Les Smith, Trickbag, More Trickbag Stories

Mark McNeil, Les Smith, and Mo' Kauffey@Artword Artbar (September 24, 2011) Part 2

2011-09-28T16:44:00.000-07:00

Click here if you can't see the videos.

Click here for Mo's songs from the gig.

We'll be posting Les's later.

Links: Mark McNeil, More Mark McNeil stories

Mo' Kauffey, Les Smith and Mark McNeil@Artword Artbar (September 24, 2011) Part 1

2011-09-28T05:13:00.000-07:00

Click here if you can't see the videos.

We'll be posting seperate entries with songs by Les and Mark later.

Bonus videos from Mo's YouTube

Links: Mo' Kauffey, More Mo' Kauffey Stories

Tom Wilson and Friends@Corktown (September 23, 2011)(Astrid Young & Ray Farrugia's Stage & Doe, Part 2)

2011-09-27T05:22:00.000-07:00

Click here if you can't see the videos.

Tom Wilson (guitar, vocals), Colin Cripps (guitar), Thompson Wilson (Harlan Pepper) (bass), Ray Farrugia (drums), Mimi Shaw (vocals on Jackson)

Click here for Part 1

Bonus Videos:

Above video courtesy of annaLaPointe

Above video courtesy of vrmet

Links: Tom Wilson, More Tom Wilson Stories

Astrid Young & Ray Farrugia's Stag & Doe@Corktown (September 23, 2011) Part 1

2011-09-26T05:05:00.000-07:00

Click here if you can't see the videos.

Last video courtesy of Racebabe

We'll be posting more from Tom Wilson's performance later . . .

Bonus videos of Astrid Young courtesy of thrashedunreal

Links: Astrid Young, Ray Farrugia, Junkhouse, Harlan Pepper

Remembering Kris St. Louis

2011-09-23T15:27:00.000-07:00

Kris St. Louis was a local energetic, talented singer, songwriter and guitarist . In 1995, she released her first and only CD, Boss of Love. The disc featured amazing work from her as well as James Anthony and Carlos Del Junco.

In 1997, Kris also came out with the excellent cassette, 7 Days - Songs of Faith.

Unfortunately, she passed away in the late 1990's, leaving behind a short but wonderful legacy.

Bonus videos of a 1997 Backyard BBQ, courtesy of 57Headstock

Click here for a site dedicated to Kris

Do you know a local defunct band or late musician who is underrepresented online? Contact us at blueshamilton@gmail.com and we'll see if we can get them some exposure.

Cool You Tube Videos (Sarah Harmer, Fraser/Daley, Rosei Flores/Lori Yates)

2011-09-23T05:16:00.000-07:00

Above video courtesy of Quadrillium

Above video courtesy of neek49

Above video courtesy of tambourini

Above videos courtesy of Quadrillium

Links: Sarah Harmer, Fraser/Daley, Rosie Flores, Lori Yates

Barry Mac@Upper James Neighbour Block Party (September 17, 2011) Part 2

2011-09-21T13:21:00.000-07:00

Click here if you can't see the videos.

Click here for Part 1

This performance was a fundraiser for the Neighbour 2 Neighbour Centre, click picture below to donate.

Bonus videos courtesy of DirkFimBob

Links: Barry Mac, More Barry Mac Stories

Barry Mac and Lena Montecalvo@Upper James Neighbour Block Party (September 17, 2011) Part 1

2011-09-20T19:02:00.001-07:00

Click here if you can't see the videos.

More to come . . .

This performance was a fundraiser for the Neighbour 2 Neighbour Centre, click picture below to donate.

Bonus videos from This Ain't Hollywood courtesy of Deadendly

Links: Barry Mac, More Barry Mac Stories

Dinner Belles CD Debut + Videos

2011-09-19T17:26:00.000-07:00

Call it infectious country, folk rock, roots rock, or whatever you like; the Dinner Belles' debut CD, West Simcoe County, will defintely get you in a good mood.

The hooks are catchy, the harmonies are wonderful and there's a whole mess o' sounds for variety. Mandolin, banjo, piano, slide guitar, ukelele, harmonica and more add to the richness of the music.

The band is a supergroup of sorts, boasting such local vets as Terra Lightfoot (Secret Heights), Brad Germain (Marble Index), Greg Brisco (keyboards for several local players) and more.

Together they have created some incredible toe tapping, finger snapping numbers and a few beautiful, soft, slow ones as well.

The disc is available at their live shows, as a download on Bandcamp.

Below are a few live performances from the latest Supercrawl. They feature songs from the CD. Videos courtesy of Mama Loves Music.

More Supercrawl Videos

Click here for the Dinner Belles site.

Harrison Kennedy and Friends@Locke Street Festival (September 10, 2011)

2011-09-16T04:07:00.000-07:00

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Harrison Kennedy (vocals), Brian Griffith (guitar), Jesse O'Brien (keys), Nick Czarnogorski (bass), Tone Valcic (drums)

More footage from the Locke Street Festival

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Bonus Videos from the Underground Railroad Music Festival

Above video courtesy of DeyfennSlayd

Above video courtesy of IndieEyes

Links: Harrison Kennedy, More Harrison Kennedy Stories

Burnin' Ethyl@Locke Street Festival (September 10, 2011)

2011-09-14T13:02:00.000-07:00

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More from the festival:

Bonus video of the band at Waltz, courtesy of Quadrillium

Bonus Video courtesy of Glen Culbert

Links: Burnin' Ethyl, More Burnin' Ethyl Stories