World Saxophone Day! Videos by Sonny Del-Rio, Dean Hunt, Darcy Hepner, Mark Volkov

Update of 2016 Post

Links: Big Phat, , Sonny Del Rio, More Sonny Del Rio Stories, Video above courtesy of Jeff M deBruin



Links: Darcy Hepner, More Darcy Hepner Stories, Video above courtesy of Darcy Hepner



Links: Dan Medakovic, More Dan Medakovic Stories, More Mark Volkov Stories, Video above courtesy of Dan Medakovic

---

Previous (Maple Blues Award Nominations) - - - Next (Remembrance Day Videos)

Happy World Fiddle Day! (Benjamin Dakota Rogers, The Schotts, Cootes Paradise)

Update of 2017 Post

Links: Benjamin Dakota Rogers, More Benjamin Dakota Rogers Stories, Video above courtesy of Cultivate Music



Links: The Schotts, Video above courtesy of the Schotts



Links: Cootes Paradise, More Cootes Paradise Stories, More Bob Dylan Covers/Stories, Video above courtesy of Lily Sazz

Click here for more Fiddle Day Videos

---

Previous (Videos: Blackburn Brothers, Smoke Wagon Blues Band, Pappy Johns Band, Mark LaForme) - - - Next (Victoria Day Videos)

Happy Toot Your Flute Day! Videos by Mark Volkov, Suzanne Shulman, Leslie Newman

Update of 2018 Post

Links: Cootes Paradise, More Cootes Paradise Stories, Video above courtesy of Lily Sazz



Links: Suzanne Shulman, Trio Lyra, Video above courtesy of triolyra



Links: Leslie Newman, Video above courtesy of Robert DiVito

---

Previous (Hamilton Spectator Readers' Choice Awards Winners) - - - Next (Kids Music Day Videos)

Local Musician Peter Lafferty Passes

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of local (he grew up in Dundas) musician Peter Lafferty, who passed away on February 22, 2022 after a brave battle with cancer. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

He was a solo artist and also toured with bands such as California, The Mike Lehman Show and many more. Peter was also a product manager for Boss at Roland Canada.

Social Media Reaction

Mark Volkov (Cootes Paradise)

RIP Peter Lafferty, who died peacefully at home with his loved ones at approximately 2:22pm. on 22/2/22

Peter was a friend of mine for more than 50 years, since our time at Parkside High School. We played in our first professional band together, "Spittin' Image" in 1977. We shared an apartment on Gilmour Avenue in Toronto in 1977-1978 while we were on the road with different bands.  He was a talented, versatile and passionate musician, a good loyal friend, and a really fine person. He had a terrific sense of humour and was kind, thoughtful, and generous.  I last played with Peter, along with Darryl Campbell at a St. Patrick's Day gig at The Shores of Port Credit about 4 years ago. Condolences to all family members and loved ones. He will be greatly missed by many.

Until we meet again, my friend!

Videos above courtesy of Pete Lafferty 'Solo Entertainer'

---

Previous (David Carte Passes) - - - Next (Blues & Roots Radio Song Contest Winners)

Canadian Blues Great 'Harpdog Brown' Passes

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Canadian Blues great Harpdog Brown on January 7, 2022. He was from Vancouver, BC but played our area quite a lot. Harpdog won various awards and was nominated for a Juno.

From his Facebook page:

It is with great sadness to have to inform all of Harpdog's fans.. friends.. and everyone he has touched.. that the legend himself passed away today in his home. Peacefully.. now he will be jamming with all his music mentors he talks of and loved to play their songs. He loved you all!

Hamilton musician Mark Volkov wrote a wonderful essay about Harpdog. Click here to view. 

Social Media Reaction 

Jack de Keyzer

Such sad news this morning. Harpdog Brown passed away last night. The epitome of big hearted. An old school blues man; hard living, hard driving, fun loving and a generous soul.  He lived and loved the blues.  Dog you will be missed by many.  RIP.

Sean McAuley

OMG... what a terrible loss to the harp AND music community! Absolutely the most wonderful person you could ask for... my thoughts go out to HD’s family, friends and fans. RIP Harpdog Brown, I will always remember your support and kind conversations... 

JW Jones

Damn sad to hear about Harpdog Brown passing. Bluesman. Trouble-maker. Long-winded. Lover. Larger-Than-Life-Personality. Purist. Real-Deal. He lived like the legends of the music he played, a lot of the time. We first met in about 2002 I think when he had me on his radio show in Edmonton. We played together many times and the fit was natural. What a guy... what a loss...RIP 

Links: Harpdog Brown, More Harpdog Brown Stories, Videos above courtesy of Harpdog Brown

---

Previous (Hamilton Blues Lovers on 'Sold on Hamilton' Radio Show) - - - Next (Blues and Roots Radio International Song Contest Finalists)

Cootes Paradise Brings Funky, Bluesy Soul to New Album

You can shake off the COVID-19 Blues by listening to Downstream, the fabulous sophomore album from local supergroup, Cootes Paradise.

Cootes lays down some funky, bluesy soul that'll shake off your woes and get your body movin'. The band can boogie it up better than any other band out there and they have the skills to show them how it's done.

Speaking of the band, members include:

• Sue Leonard (lead and background vocals)
• Wayne Krawchuk (guitar, lead and background vocals)
• Lily Sazz (keys, background vocals)
• Amy Di Nino (drums, percussion, background vocals)
• Ian Taylor (bass)
• Mark Volkov (multiple instruments)

The album will be available via the band's website and through Bancamp,  Spotify and more.

Videos above courtesy of Cootes Paradise

Blast from the Past: Cootes Paradise's Debut Album

Links: Cootes Paradise, More Cootes Paradise Stories, Video above courtesy of Whitehall Entertainment Incorporated, More Releases

---

Previous (Live Music Returns to the Moonshine in Oakville) - - Next (Poet's Day Videos)

Hamilton's Danny Medakovic Has Something for Everyone on New CD

Very few songwriters around can match Danny Medakovic's skill and diversity. His latest album, The Years offers a variety of tastes for the discerning Folk/Americana connoisseur. From country drinking songs, political commentary, historical tales, soulful emotional laments and beyond, Dan has something for everyone. He even throws in some touches of  reggae, blues and more to spice things up.

Dan's lyrical storytelling is second to none as the songs veer from poetic to whimsical to impassioned and more. Each tune tells a wonderfully-told tale and has its own unique spirit.

Aiding Dan is great group of musicians, including Alan Hinckley (bass), Michael Scott (drums), Chris Altmann (pedal steel), Denis Keldie (keyboard), Geoff Ball (cello), Mark Volkov of Cootes Paradise (sax), Les Smith (harmonica) and Mike Trebilcock (background vocals).

CDs,Vinyl and downloads are available at his live shows at through his Bandcamp page. As an amazing bonus, the recording also includes a songbook with lyrics, chords and comments.

You can stream the album below.

Blast from the Past: Danny's previous album

Links: Danny Medakovic, More Dan Medakovic Stories, More Releases

---

Previous (Winter Videos) - - - Next (Christmas Videos)

JT Brown's 100th Birthday

Today would have been Saxman, JT Brown's 100th birthday.

Biography highlights (courtesy of Wikipedia)

• Born in Mississippi (April 2, 1918)
• Recorded on the Harlem label (1950's)
• Played and recorded with Elmore James and Howlin' Wolf
• Played (and sang a tune) on Fleetwood Mac live album (1969)
• Passed (November 24, 1969)

We asked local sax players for comments on Brown's influence.  Here are a few quotes:

Darcy Hepner

Seriously great R&B player who really knew his way around the horn. Loved his solo on Sax-ony Boogie

Richard Thornton (Jack de Keyzer Band)

He was one of my idols and today my style is very much duplicated in his form of hard growling tones and from the soul blues improv.

Mark Volkov (Cootes Paradise)

He had a really distinctive sound and style. 

Here are some videos from the man himself.



Video above courtesy of Mark Hanses



Video above courtesy of Anthony Rago



Video above courtesy of Fede Corchero

Links: JT Brown, More 100th Birthdays

---

Previous (Trebleclef Becomes the Easter Monkey) - - - Next (News Roundup: Petit Fours, Waves That Stray, Blueswinder, Prism Prize)

Cootes Paradise Debut is World Class

Pretty much everything about the self-titled debut album of Dundas band Cootes Paradise screams 'world-class'. From the beautiful look of the CD art to the phenomenal production and, of course, the astonishing music - it's all impressive.

It's no wonder since Cootes Paradise is a super-group. Members include:

• Sue Leonard (lead and background vocals)
• Wayne Krawchuk (guitar, lead and background vocals)
• Lily Sazz (keys, lead and background vocals)
• Amy Di Nino (drums, percussion, background vocals)
• Ian Taylor (bass)
• Mark Volkov (multiple instruments)

Together, they've forged a collection of well-crafted songs that are bluesy, funky, soulful and more. Each and every song has its own unique flavour. They all have the talent to pull off this wondrous genre-blending with panache.

To top it all off, there's the legendary Nick Blagona doing production, mixing and mastering (as well as some percussion).  Other highlights include a visit from the remarkable Grand River Voices choir on one track and some extraordinary co-writing by Sharon Washington, Daniel Cavasant, Tom Shea and others.

You've gotta get your hands on this album so pick it up at one of the group's unforgettable live shows. Stores carrying the CD include Dr. Disc in Hamilton and Ellënoire in Dundas. It's also available through their website, cdbaby and itunes.

Links: Cootes Paradise, More Cootes Paradise Stories, Videos above courtesy of Cootes Paradise, More Releases

---

Previous (Local Maple Blues Award Winners) - - - Next (Steep Wade's 100th Birthday)

Mark McNeil Brings Hamilton History to Musical Life on < Flashbacks >

History lessons don't have to be boring and dull, especially with Hamilton's colourful past.  The Hammer's Mark McNeil and his band of musical historians have taken the city's most interesting tales and brought them to vivid life on Flashbacks,

The CD is an extension of James Street, the incredible musical written by Mark. This Hamilton Music Award nominated album will tell you true tales about infamous alleged killer Evelyn Dick, a crazy monkey called Jacko, Einstein's brain, and Hamilton's military past.  History was never this fun!

Mark has enlisted some amazing Steeltown talent to add amazing music to these wonderful stories: Michael Hickey (bass), Paul Panchezak of Trickbag (drums/percussion), Jeff Griffiths (drums), Steve Parisien (guitar), Jay Burr (tuba/trombone), Charly Chiarelli (harmonica), Steve Fuller (fiddle), Cyndi Devereux (fiddle), Geoff Somers (fiddle), Allison Lupton (flute), Gayle Bridger (bodhran/cajon), Major Michael Rehill and the RHLI Military Band, Orange McFarland (bass). Background vocals by Mike Trebilcock, Paula Grove, Jon Gordon Odegaard, Kris Rochard and Scott Cameron Smith.

Copies of his historical CD can be picked up at  The Hamilton Store and the front Desk of the Hamilton Spectator building or ordered online vie The Spec Store,   Downloads are available through Bandcamp.







Blast from the Past: Videos from the Musical James Street

Links: Mark McNeil, More Mark McNeil stories, Videos above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers, More Releases

---

Previous (News Roundup w Alfie Smith, Hamilton Gets Special Juno, Hairy Mulligan, Brad Soucie) - - - Next (Troy Harmer Wins Randy Bachman Guitar Solo Competition)

New Mark McNeil and Kris Rochard CD: Shiny Things and Other Distractions

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

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

Previous (News Roundup w/Kathleen Edwards, Terra Lightfoot, Leonard Cohen, more) - - - Next (Douglas Watson@Lancaster Smokehouse)