Showing posts with label J-Tones. Show all posts
Showing posts with label J-Tones. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Throwback Thursday: April Foolery - Justin Timberlake Recruits Local Musicians For Blues CD

Update of 2009 Post

Pop Superstar Justin Timberlake certainly knows where to find great blues musicians. He'll be working with some Hamilton talent for his new blues CD.

In a move that stunned the music world, Timberlake has turned his back on pop/dance music. "I'm sick of all the repetitive, cookie cutter, shallow, repetitive s#!+," he said.

"I've been feeling down for a while now, " he added, "I didn't want the fame, the prestige, the riches, the groupies - so becoming a Blues musician seemed to be the best choice."

A Google search landed him at this very blog where he discovered the great talent that Hamilton and Burlington had to offer.

To record his new CD, he recruited guitarist James Anthony. "This is a dream come true!" James said enthusiastically, "I have all his CDs, including his stuff with N Sync - not to mention all the posters on my wall!"

James is joined by Dale Park on drums (returning to drumming just for this project), Michael Hickey on bass, and Lou Campanella (TNT Bluesmen, Hammertones) on harp. Also in the band are Justin's rumoured love interest, Lily Sazz on keyboards and Loretta Hale on trumpet (who some say is also seeing the pop star).

This amazing band has already recorded two songs: "Britney Done Left Me"and "Wardrobe Malfunction Blues".

As a transition from his old style to his new one, Justin has decided to re-record his mega-hit SexyBack as a folky blues song with the help of Alfie Smith.

"I sing that song in the shower all the time!" Alfie exclaimed, "It'll be a privilege to finally record it."

The album will be rushed into production soon to prevent illegal downloading. It should be out in late April. "Fools will think this is impossible," Justin explains, "But they'll see I can sing the blues with the best of them."

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Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Throwback Thursday: Andre Bisson: Rhythm and Blues Experience

Original Post: April 21, 2009
Updated Post: June 19, 2025


Andre Bisson released Rhythm and Blues Experience at a great release party on April 19, 2009 at the Royal Hamilton Yacht Club.
 
The disc is a great gumbo of blues, jazz, soul and more.

Along with 9 great original compositions, Andre and his large band performed an interesting soul-filled version of Neil Young's Heart of Gold. He really made it his own.

Guests: 
  • Mark Kelso
  • John Johnson
  • Jason Logue
  • Collin Barrett
  • Dave Murphy
  • Rob Somerville
  • Dan Rodrigues
  • Steve Bijakowski
Available: SpotifyYouTube 

You can stream the album below



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Monday, April 8, 2013

New Marie Avery EP: The Fire

The Fire, the latest EP from local singer/songwriter Marie Avery is ignited by the artist's striking voice. Her accomplished piano work also adds fuel to the flame.

Though this blazing EP has an indie-pop ambiance, Marie still grounds it with solid, poetic songwriting and classic structure.  You can also hear a lot of jazz and a bit of broadway in the mix  What comes through is a beautiful, honest recording full of surprises.

Backing her up is a great team of area musicians, including Bill Majoros (Foreign Films) and Carl Jennings (Freedom Train) - both of whom produced the EP.  Kori Pop, Amber Edgar and Loretta Hale  (Loretta Hale Big Band, J-Tones) join in as well.

This collection is available as a download on her Bandcamp page.

Below is video from the EP courtesy of Marie Avery



You can also stream the EP here

Links: Marie AveryMore Marie Avery Stories, More CD Releases 

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Tuesday, October 16, 2012

New Andre Bisson CD: Till the Real Thing Comes Along

If the latest CD from local guitar master Andre Bisson, Till the Real Thing Comes Along, doesn't get you movin', you better check your pulse.  This is the kinda music that's perfect for groovin' and havin' a good time.

Andre is joined by a fabulous gang of music makers, including members of his J-Tones backing band (Loretta HaleMatt BurnsBrad Cheeseman, Francis Smith) as well as Jesse O'Brien and Darcy Hepner.  Together, they bring the swing, R&B, blues, soul, and rock to the masses

To top everything off, we have some great covers, including Otis Redding's Don't Mess With Cupid and a unique, slow, bluesy take on Bon Jovi's You Give Love A Bad Name.

The disc is available at his live shows and through cdbaby, iTunes, and eMusic.

Below are two videos of song from the CD, courtesy of Andre's YouTube page.




Blast From the Past: Review of Andre's Covers CD


Links: Andre Bisson, More Andre Bisson stories

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Friday, August 12, 2011

Justin Sawicki Debut CD: Nothing for No One

Local singer/songwriter Justin Sawicki's recent debut CD, Nothing for No One, is a portrait of an artist who loves to explore. He and his amazing band manage to mix things up and experiment with different sounds.

The disc definitely has a modern feel to it. Rock, pop, country, folk and more can be heard in many of the songs. There are even some Italian and Spanish flourishes scattered throughout.

The disc is available at his live shows, CDbaby (as a CD and/or download), and as a download on iTunes, and eMusic.

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



Above videos courtesy of Justin Sawicki's You Tube Channel


HSTV EP10b - THE JUSTIN SAWICKI BAND - What Is Love (Off-Stage) from Big Shave Productions on Vimeo.

Links: Justin Sawicki, More Justin Sawicki Stories


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Tuesday, May 24, 2011

New Andre Bisson CD: Beyond the Covers

If you've seen Andre Bisson's live shows with the J-Tones, you know what an amazing job they do with cover songs.

With Beyond the Covers, the latest CD, Andre decided to bring that power and energy to the studio. The sound is swinging, funky, soulful and really gets you dancing. Top that off with his unmistakable voice and you have yourself a great party album.

The band does a wonderful job with R&B classics such as Signed Sealed and Delivered, Pappa's Gotta Brand New Bag, Ain't Too Proud To Beg, and Soul Man. Adding soul and funk to two Beatles numbers - Hey Jude and Get Back - kicks things up a notch. As a bonus track, Andre also includes his unique version of Neil Young's Heart of Gold from his previous album.

You can pick up the CD at his great live shows or purchase/download them from CDbaby or iTunes.

Below is a sample from the CD and a few live performances of track from the disc.





Links: Andre Bisson - More Andre Bisson stories

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

New Andre Bisson CD: Rhythm and Blues Christmas

Tired of the usual sappy, low-energy, yuletide tunes? Well local musician Andre Bisson has the solution for you: he recently released, Rhythm and Blues Christmas, a new CD packed with funky, swingin', rockin' holiday delights.

Andre and friends take traditional tunes and add a major dose of R&B. Rudolph, Silent Night (which is anything but), Jingle Bells and more are given a great rump-shaking twist. The Christmas tunes end with a wonderful bluesy version of Please Come Home for Christmas.

As a holiday gift there's something old and something new at the end of the collection: Two bonus tracks - Free Ride Blues from his previous CD, Rhythm and Blues Experience, and a great version of Ain't Too Proud to Beg from the upcoming album Beyond the Covers.

This great yuletide disc is available at their amazing live shows and through cdbaby (CD/Download)

Links: Andre Bisson, More Andre Bisson stories

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Thursday, April 1, 2010

Local Musicians in Playgirl's "Canadian Rocker" Special

You probably know that Hamilton has the most talented musicians but did you also know we have the sexiest as well?

An upcoming special issue of Playgirl will feature tasteful nude shots of popular Canadian musicians such as Randy Bachman, Gordon Lightfoot, Neil Young, and many others. The best part is three of the studliest models are from right here in the Hammer.

It all started when a Playgirl photographer visited Lou, our illustrious blogger, webmaster and CEO of Hamilton Blues Lovers Inc.

We'll let him tell the story:

"Once again, Playgirl sent a photographer to my house to beg and bribe me with tons of cash to get me to pose for the magazine," he said, "As always, I refused, but this time I told her to check out the local musicians and see if they're interested."

In a special deal with Playgirl Magazine, we've been given permission to post the pictures from our local performers. Since this is a family blog, we've had to censor them. Don't worry, the special issue comes out soon and all you ladies (and men too - we don't discriminate here at HBL) will be able to see them in all their glory.

Photos by April Fulcilli

Andre Bisson's soulful voice isn't his only asset. Check out his band, Andre and the J-Tones around Southern Ontario.

Voodoo Chicken singer and journeyman drummer, Spider Costello can make both drums and hearts beat fast!

When Rick Prinsthal is not rockin' out with his band Rick and the Krickets, he likes to just kick back and relax.

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Friday, January 29, 2010

And the Award Goes To . . .

The votes are in and the people have spoken . . . .

ANDRE BISSON had the best CD of 2009. His album, Rhythm and Blues Experience, won the hearts of our readers.

Congratulations Andre on winning our first annual Hamilton Blues Lovers Best CD award.

Thank you to everyone who voted.

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Links: His Site - More Andre Bisson stories

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