Spencer Mackenzie Grows by Leaps and Bounds on Empty Chairs

Mini review: Empty Chairs, the latest album from Juno-nominated Niagara Blues superstar Spencer Mackenzie is getting a lot of international attention and for good reason. He grows with each release and Empty Chairs sees him painting with a lot more colours. Lyrically, the album delves into more personal and sometimes darker themes proving his songwriting is expanding by leap and bounds. You can also hear a touch of gospel and rootsier elements to his work.

Available on: CD/Vinyl Through His Website, YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music

Released on: Gypsy Soul Records

Personnel:

• Spencer Mackenzie (vocals, guitar)
• Miles Evans-Branagh (piano, organ)
• Stacey Shopsowitz & Steve Pelletier (bass)
• Adam Canon & Matt Burns (drums)
• Sandra Bouza & Chantel Williams (background vocals)

Stream the album below

Links: Album above courtesy of Spencer Mackenzie - Topic, More Releases

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BB King's 100th Birthday + Local Covers

September 16, 2025 would have been American Blues Superstar B.B. King's 100th birthday.

Biographic Highlights (From Wikipedia)

• Born Riley B. King in Itta Bena, Mississippi (September 16, 1925)
• Followed cousin Bukka White to Memphis, Tennessee (1946)
• Performed on Sonny Boy Williamson's radio program on KWEM in West Memphis
• Worked at WDIA radio station as a singer and disc jockey where he was given the nickname "Beale Street Blues Boy", later shortened to "Blues Boy" and finally to "B. B."
• First single, Mistreated Woman (1950)
  
  
  
  Links: B.B. King, More BB King Stories, Video above courtesy of B.B. King
  
  
• Released first charting single (#1 Billboard R&B) 3 O'Clock Blues (1951)
  
  
  
  Video above courtesy of Ron Levy
  
  
• First album Singin' the Blues (1956)
• Inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame (1980)
• He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1987)
• Died at age 89 (May 14, 2015)

Local Covers

Links: Steve Strongman, More Steve Strongman Stories, Video above courtesy of Steve Strongman - Topic

Links: Spencer Mackenzie, More Spencer Mackenzie Stories, Video above courtesy of pierre bertrand

More 100th Birthdays

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Debut Album from Hamilton's Matty Simpson is a Hard Rockin', Powerful, Musical Statement

Strange Weather,  the debut full-length album from Hamilton's Matty Simpson will grab you, shake you, and take you on a wild ride you'll never forget.  From its opening salvo of classic rock meets alternative (Come Upstairs) to the rootsy beauty of the closing number (Headlights on the Horizon), each song demand your attention.

Matty's made quite the opening statement to kick off his recording career. The guitar wails and the vocals punch through to make themselves known. Most of the tunes are hard rockin', infectious and powerful. The slower tunes also show off his incredible versatility.

Justine Fischer (bass, keys) and Matt Burns (drums, percussion) round out the trio that made that deliver this musical manifesto. They do an amazing job of adding to the incredible sound of the piece. All three produced the disc as well, along with Jeff Ciraolo and Andrew Aldridge.

The album can be picked up at Matty's explosive shows, as well as at his website, Amazon Music, Picks N Sticks and Dr. Disc.







Blast from the Past: Matty's Teaser EP

Links: Matty Simpson, More Matty Simpson Stories, More Releases, Videos above courtesy of Matty Simpson - Topic

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Matty Simpson Releases Phenomenal Teaser EP

Hamilton guitar slinger Matty Simpson has released a limited edition, self-titled teaser EP to offer up a taste of his upcoming album. This 5-song recording has all the musical impact of a full-length album.

It kicks off with a trio of hard-drivin' bluesy rock tracks that mean business. Every song is fueled by Matty's phenomenal guitarwork, songwriting and dynamic vocals. The final two tracks feature an exquisite, rootsy, unplugged sound. Matty proves equally adept at the acoustic guitar and harmonica.

He has some world-class musicians by his side on the initial 3 tunes: Justine Fischer (bass) and Matt Burns (drums). The EP is also co-produced by Andrew Aldridge and Jeff Ciraolo.

Please note that the full-length release will feature different musical arrangements than those on this teaser EP.

You can pick up this limited edition CD at any of his amazing live shows or by contacting him through his website.



Video above courtesy of Matt Burns



Video above courtesy of Stellablu477



Video above courtesy of Richard Gale

Links: Matty Simpson, More Matty Simpson Stories, More Releases

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More FREE Amazing Valleyview Studios Christmas Albums

A few years ago, we wrote about the amazing FREE holiday music offered through Valleyview Studios.  It features incredible, multi-genre seasonal tracks from many talented local artists.

Here's what they've been up to since. Click the song title to listen and download.

2016 Compilation

1. Carl Didur and Mike McLean - I've Been Away for a While
2. Dave Rave - Not Just Christmas Time
   
   
   
   Links: Dave Rave, More Dave Rave Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers
   
   
3. Doug Feaver - All Because It's Christmas Time
4. Gary Pig Gold - East West
5. Hailee Rose - It's Christmas Time Again
6. Kris Kringle and The Jingled Bells - Santa's High (Above On Christmas Eve)
7. Kyle Kuchmey - Welcome Christmas
8. Rick Andrew - Long Way Down
9. Rocket and The Renegades - Lonely Jew At Christmas
10. Ruth Sutherland - The Coventry Carol
11. The Horsewig Singers - The Holidaze
12. Trickbag - Merry Christmas Baby
13. Vader's Raiders - Older By Year And Younger By Soul

2015 Compilation

1. Carl Didur and Mike McLean - O Christmas Tree
2. Chloe and Tom Forsyth - The Man With The Bag
3. Chris Wheeler, James Gannett and Matt Burns - Mr. Grinch Medley
4. Dave Rave - Come On Now (It's Christmas)
5. Doug Feaver - Christmas Night
6. Doug Feaver - It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
7. Hailee Rose - I Cannot Wait
8. James Anthony - All I Want For Christmas
   
9. Kyle Kuchmey - Music from Edward Scissorhands
10. Lester Smith - Christmas Ain't Christmas (Without My Missus)
    
    
    
    Links: Les Smith, More Les Smith Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers
    
    
11. Rick Andrew - Alone At Christmas Blues
12. Robin Magder (aka Rocket) - Lowdown Christmas
13. Ruth Sutherland - Carol of the Bells
14. Scott McLeod and Alistair Shields - Jelly of the Month
15. The Sheanderthals - Glasgow's Cryin' (Teenage Head cover)
16. Tim Gibbons - Like An Old Christmas Tree
17. Trickbag - Who Took The Merry Out Of Christmas? (Staples Singers cover)

Blast from the Past: Our First Post About Valleyview Studios

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Hamilton's Kirby Creates Folk-Pop-Rock Explosion on Latest Album

Hamilton singer/songwriter, Kirby has created a folk-pop-rock explosion with his latest self titled album.  Uniting beautiful, acoustic guitar with synth sounds and a rocking rhythm section, he and his band have generated quite an impressive sound.

With his wonderful, spirited voice and excellent lyrics, Kirby has made a modern recording that tips its hat to the roots of the past. Truly, the best of both worlds.

Kirby's accompanied by a marvelous group of artists: Max Wray (guitar), Eric Thachuck (bass), Matt Burns (drums), Matthew Montour (guitars, organ, more) and Mike Yates (Strings) with Robyn Dell’unto, Tiffany Hunter and Trevor Howard helping on vocals.

This incredible album can be downloaded via his Bandcamp page.






Blast from the Past: Kirby EP - Into the Dark

Links: Kirby, More Kirby Stories, Video above courtesy KirbySings, More Releases

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New Out of Towners Album Packed with Instrumental, High-Grade Funk!

Packed with high grade funk and sleek rhythms, dirty. organ. jazz is the freshest product from Toronto Jazz band, The Out of Towners.  The Our Label Records release is a monster instrumental album.  Featuring the Hammer's Matt Burns on drums, the recording got a much-deserved Hamilton Music Award nomination.

The sound just slides and glides smoothly in and out of funk, soul, jazz, pop and blues.  Every member gets a chance to shine and show off their musical prowess.  You can't help but feel affected by the groove!

If you're lucky enough to catch one of their cool live shows, you can pick up a CD there.  It can also be downloaded via cdbaby (also has physical CDs), iTunes, and eMusic.

Links: Out of Towners, Videos above courtesy of the Out of Towners, More Releases

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