2014: Year in Review

2014 turned out to be another great year filled with amazing local music and a few sad moments as well.  This was the year that we partnered up with sponsors to help spread the word about the wonderful music scene.  You can check them out on the right side of our blog.  In 2014, we also started covering a lot more country music and had tons of fun doing it.

Speaking of country, this was definitely the year for St. Catharines good ol' boy Tim Hicks,  Not only did he get a much deserved Juno nomination but he added quite a few awards to his shelf (Canadian Radio Music, CMAO, CCMA, SOCAN, and Top Country).  We reviewed two of his spectacular CD's (Throwdown and 5:01) as well,

Another St. Catharines singer/songwriter, Ron Sexsmith, made many appearances on our pages.  This year he won a Juno, won a Niagara Music Award, was in CBC's top Canadian songs of all time, receieved an honorary degree from Brock and played on a wonderful Jazz tribute CD.

Canadian supergroup Blue Rodeo brought Hamilton guitar master Colin Cripps into the fold and released their first album with him this year.  He turned into quite a good luck charm as the band had a lot happen to them in 2014.  There was a Juno nomination, winning a Governor General's Award, getting on CBC's top Canadian songs list twice and releasing a kick ass Christmas CD.

Blues institution Downchild (whose roster includes a few local players) had quite a banner year as well.  Bassist Gary Kendall won a Maple Blues Award early in the year.  The entire band released a stellar album, Can You Hear the Music?, which won a Juno and a was nominated for both an Indie and a 2015 Maple Blues Award.

On a sadder note, we lost a many talented musicians in 2014.  Hamiltion guitar legend Brian Griffith passed away as did Tava Lesku (aka Tava Tunes), Roy Pongetti, Philip Bast, Jesse Winchester and Andy Grigg.  On the international front the great Johnny Winter, Joe Cocker, Pete Seeger, Jerry Vale, Phil Everly, Casey Kasum, and Paul Revere of the Raiders also left us this year.

Most Popular Blog Posts

• Brian Griffith Passes
• Tava Tunes Passes
• Roy Pongetti Passes
• Our April Fools Story
• News Roundup w 2015 Junos Confirmed for Hamilton, Ian Andrews, James Anthony, Mo Kauffey, Duane Rutter)

Other Highlights of the Year

• Oakville's Moonshine Cafe Earns Winterfolk Award
• Michael Keys and Danny B Band Recognized by Blues Hall of Fame
• Ty Baynton Wind Boots and Hearts Emerging Artists Award
• Conor Gains Wins Toronto Blues Society Talent Search
• New Mel Brown Documentary on DVD
• Buddy Guy Wins Mel Brown Award

Our Top 3 Reviews

• Creature Speak EP
• Kennedy Suite ft Cowboy Junkies, Harlan Pepper, Tom Wilson, more
• Joel Johnson: Blues Joose Vol. II

Our Top 3 YouTube Videos

Links: Fred Eaglesmith, More Fred Eaglesmith Stories



Links: Steve Sinnicks, More Steve Sinnicks Stories



Links: Fearing and White, More Stephen Fearing Stories, More Andy White Stories

Here's to an ever better 2015!!!!

Blast from the Past: 2013 in Review

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New Fearing and White CD: Tea and Confidences

Former Guelph native Stephen Fearing is continuing his very successful partnership with Belfast singer/songwriter Andy White. Tea and Confidences, the duo's sophomore CD (released through LowdenProud Records) continues the high quality set by their wonderful debut album.

Boasting superb harmonies, amazing songwriting craft, funky riffs, sweet lighter moments and much more, the CD offers much to the listener.  These are two musicians at the top of their game.

Gary Craig (Rodeo Kings) deftly handles percussion on most of the album with a great assist by Hamilton's Ray Farrugia (Lee Harvey Osmond, Junkhouse) on drums.  Jeff Bird of the Cowboy Junkies pops by to lend some superb harmonica work as well.

On another local note, the disc was recorded at the Cottage in Guelph.

You can pick up this CD at their live shows or online through MapleMusic.  It can also be downloaded through through iTunes or eMusic.



Video above courtesy of Amarok50




Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

Blast from the Past: Their First CD

Links: Fearing and White, More Stephen Fearing Stories, More Andy White Stories, More Releases

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Ray Farrugia (Junkhouse) Plays on New Fearing & White CD

When Canadian folk star Stephen Fearing (Blackie and Rodeo Kings) teamed up with Belfast musician Andy White for a new CD project, Fearing & White, they brought in Hamilton drummer, Ray Farrugia (Junkhouse, Lee Harvey Osmond) to handle the percussion. Ray's great talent on the skins can be heard throughout the album.

The disc is a great addition to Fearing's great body of work. Andy White also adds his brilliant guitar work and outstanding voice. Both musicians harmonize well and complement each other.

Songs range from catchy folk rock tunes (You Can't Count on Anyone Anymore, Heaven for a Lonely Man), slower pieces (Faithful Heart) and music with an Irish feel (What We Know Now, Dream Maker).

The CD is available at Maple Music and iTunes. There's a rocking iTunes exclusive bonus track "How Long" that is also available as a free download if you join their mailing list.

Below are a few related videos.





Links: Fearing & White - Ray Farrugia - More Ray Farrugia Stories

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