Showing posts with label Pappy Johns Blues Band. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pappy Johns Blues Band. Show all posts

Saturday, September 21, 2024

Bassist Al Duffy was Humble, Gracious and Talented (RIP)


It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Toronto bassist Alan "Al" Duffy who recently passed away after a brave fight with cancer. We don't know many details but will post information here once we learn it. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans

Al played with many artists including local acts such as the Brant Parker Band, Pappy Johns Blues Band and Jack de Keyzer.

A word from Lou, our blogger:
I had the pleasure of getting to know Al while seeing him with many bands. He was always funny and friendly and was incredibly talented. I'll miss him

Social Media Reaction

Miles Evans-Branagh (Miles from NowherePappy Johns Blues Band)

Alan Duffy & I carpooled to most gigs with Josh & The Pappy Johns Band. We talked about pretty much every subject there was to talk about. Drove through snow storms overnight, used his TomTom GPS (as he managed to never covert to the cell phone), nearly ran out of gas more times than I can count. He even pulled over in a traffic jam when I was hungover to let me throw up, (non-judgementally). He was a brother, despite us being nearly 45 years apart in age. 

He was humble, gracious, and always made you feel better about what you were doing, both musically and personally. The absolute definition of a musician who plays to serve the music.

I got to see him a couple times at home over the last while and I have to thank his wife Charlotte for being so kind to me while visiting. Al was as passionate as ever when I visited. Visibly weak, but we talked for hours about music, gear, recording and life. We listened together to a mix he did of a Josh show with the Bay City Blues Band. I hope that recording eventually comes out. The last gig we ever played together, he played all 3 sets until his legs gave out in the encore. All in, all the time. "How's it goin', baby??"

An eccentric, hilarious, & real person to the very end. 

Thanks for all you gave us, Al. 

You will be missed.

Jack de Keyzer

Al Duffy was an integral part of the JdK band for over 20 years. We travelled from Paris to Calgary, Montego Bay to Alert and many points in between. 

A great friend and terrific musician with a wonderful sense of humour, Al brought a lot of joy to a lot of people. He will be greatly missed. Rest In Peace Alan Duffy.

Brant Parker

R.I.P. to my bandmate of 12 years and one of my very best friends Al Duffy . My deepest condolences to Charlotte, Austin and Sam, and all of Al's family, friends and fans .

Joshua Arden Miller (Pappy Johns Blues Band)

Al Duffy could've played bass for whoever he wanted but he chose to make music with us for the last leg of his world tour and I'm forever grateful.  RIP Al.  Love you. 

Links: Brad KraussMore Brad Krauss Stories, Sean O'GradyMore Sean O'Grady StoriesMore Al Duffy StoriesVideo above courtesy of Canal Bank Shuffle


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Friday, May 19, 2023

Blues With a Feeling 2023 in Hamilton


Hamilton's premiere Blues Party is back for another glorious year! The annual fundraiser (proceeds go the Bob Pedler Fund) in honour of Blues giant King Biscuit Boy (aka Richard Newell) is always the highlight of the season.

This year's edition (June 3, 2023 at 8pm in the Leander Boat Club in Hamilton) is just mind-blowing! The Blackburn Brothers headline an incredible lineup that also features the Smoke Wagon Blues Band, Josh Miller and the Pappy Johns Band as well as Mark LaForme with special guest. It's an unforgettable night for only $25.





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Wednesday, June 16, 2021

CONGRATS! 1st Summer Solstice Indigenous Music Award Winners (incl local artists)

On June 12, 2021, the inaugural Summer Solstice Indigenous Music Awards were handed out at an online ceremony (shown below).

Links: SSIMA, More SSIMA Stories, Video above courtesy of Summer Solstice 

Below is a complete list of winners. Local acts are bolded.


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Sunday, May 30, 2021

GOOD LUCK! First Annual Summer Solstice Indigenous Music Award Nominees

Nominees for the the first ever Summer Solstice Indigenous Music Awards have been unveiled and quite a few local artists are on the list. Hopefully, they'll be honoured at the online ceremony on June 12, 2021.

From the website: 

The SSIMAs will present awards representing a variety of music genres as well as awards for cultural contribution, significance, legacy and social voice. The award show itself will be two hours in length including the presentation of awards to the winners, as well as live performances from finalists throughout the evening.

Below is a complete list of nominees. Local acts are bolded.

Live Musical Performance

Artistic Video

Country Album

Hand Drum-Fiddle-Instrumental Album

International Indigenous Artist-Group Recording 

Inuit Artist-Group

Metis Artist-Group

Music In The Arts

Pop-Alternative-Rock Album

Pow Wow Traditional-Contemporary Album 

Radio Song Single

Rap-Hip Hop-Electronica Album 

Youth Leadership In Music


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Sunday, May 16, 2021

Kitchener's John Lee Wins Mel Brown Blues Award


Kitchener singer/songwriter/keyboardist John Lee is the 2021 winner of the Mel Brown Blues Award. It is named in honour of the late, legendary Kitchener bluesman.

From the Kitchener Blues Festival website:

MAY 12TH 2021 – MEL BROWN BLUES AWARD

The Kitchener Blues Festival Board of Directors is pleased to announce that the 2021 Recipient of the Mel Brown Blues Award is John Lee.

John has had an exemplary career as a blues musician, having been a touring member of The Dutch Mason Blues Band, Matt Minglewood and Mel Brown and the Homewreckers.

John has worked with many other musicians throughout his career and has appeared on many recordings, as both a musician and recording engineer/producer.

John has mentored countless musicians over the years, and is an instructor at the annual Grand River Blues Camp. He is currently working on his own CD that will be available soon as a digital download.

John sings vocals on the song below. 

Links: Pappy Johns BandMore Pappy Johns Band Stories, Video above courtesy of The Pappy Johns Band - Topic

Links: Mel Brown, More Mel Brown StoriesVideo above courtesy of johnleekeys

Links: Cheryl LescomMore Cheryl Lescom StoriesVideo above courtesy of Dave Sloane

More John Lee Stories

Previous Years' Winners


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Saturday, September 16, 2017

GOOD LUCK! 2017 Niagara Music Award Nominees!


On Sunday, September 24, 2017, the Niagara Music Awards will celebrate ten wonderful years of showcasing the amazing talent in the area.  This must see event takes place at Greg Frewin Theatre.

This year's nominees were unveiled a little while back and, as always, they feature some of the most amazing music anywhere. Brad Battle, Mel Monaco and Mark James Vaiana lead the pack with 5 nominations each!

Click here for the Niagara Review story.

Here's a complete list of nominees

Album
Heavy Metal Artist
Hip Hop Artist 
Instrumental Artist
Music Video
    Original Song
      World Artist
      Producer
      Promoter

      Previous (News Roundup: Tex Lecor, Handsome Devils, Blues Blast Awards, Passings) - - - Next (Country Music Day Videos: Roadkill Bill & Shawn Brush , Shanya Lynn Dawson, Barry Mac)

      Sunday, March 5, 2017

      New Episode of Ensemble! features Dwayne LaForme and Joshua Arden Miller


      New episodes of Ensemble! on Cable 14 Hamilton just keep on coming! Two incredible Bluesmen, Dwayne LaForme and Joshua Arden Miller (Pappy Johns Band) will be starring in the next show.

      Hamilton residents with cable can view the episode on Cable 14. Other Rogers or Cogeco customers (including cell plan subscribers) can see it online at Cable14now

      This episode is no longer available.
      Here are a few videos that showcase their talents.



      More Taj Mahal Covers/Stories



      Links: Dwayne LaFormeMore Dwayne LaForme Stories, Videos above courtesy of DSmith Productions

      Tuesday, November 22, 2016

      Videos: Josh Miller, Matt Weidinger, Joel Johnson, Rob Cutting


      The Coachmen (ft Chris Wheeler, Colin Lapsley and Dave King) are back in action at the Coach and Lantern Pub in Ancaster! They host a wonderful Saturday Blues matinee (2:30pm) with amazing guests!

      Here are a few upcoming guests.

      November 26, 2016: Josh Miller (from the Pappy Johns Band)



      Links: Pappy Johns BandMore Pappy Johns Band StoriesVideo above courtesy of Six Arrows Media

      December 3, 2016: Matt Weidinger



      Links: Matt WeidingerMore Matt Weidinger Stories, Video above courtesy of Andrea Cassis

      December 10, 2016: Joel Johnson



      Links: Joel JohnsonMore Joel Johnson StoriesVideo above courtesy of Andrea Cassis

      Here's a bonus video of the Coachmen with Rob Cutting



      Video above courtesy of Andrea Cassis

      Previous (Lori Yates to Receive Cashbox Canada Legacy Award) - - - Next (New Trickbag Live CD)

      Wednesday, March 30, 2016

      Saturday Night Blues Continues to Bring You the Best (Pappy Johns Band, Joel Johnson, Erin McCallum, Dwayne LaForme)



      Our friends at BluesSource Entertainment have been bringing some of the best artists around to the Jet Hall in Hamilton as part of their Saturday Night Blues series.  The next few weeks are no exception.  Every explosive show starts at 8pm.  Tickets are $10 advanced and $15 at the door.

      Check out a few videos from some of the amazing upcoming performers.

      April 16, 2016: Pappy Johns Band



      Links:  More Pappy Johns Band StoriesVideo above courtesy of Various Artists - Topic

      April 23, 2016: Joel Johnson Live CD Recording



      Links: More Joel Johnson StoriesVideo above courtesy of Blues Johnson

      April 30, 2016: Erin McCallum Band



      Links: More Erin McCallum StoriesVideo above courtesy of MyOwnLove

      May 14, 2016: Dwayne LaForme



      Links: More Dwayne LaForme StoriesVideo above courtesy of Daragent2

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      Saturday, October 5, 2013

      Matt Weidinger & Pappy Johns Band Going to 2014 International Blues Challenge in Memphis

      Photo by Stefan Myles www.fandyphotography.ca 
      Our friends at the Grand River Blues Society have chosen their representatives for the 2014 International Blues Challenge in Memphis.  Over 16 local musicians vied for the coveted spots.

      Kitchener's Matt Weidinger will compete in the solo/duo category and Oshewken's Pappy Johns Band will duke it out for best group. 

      On January 21, the talented musicians will be showing the Blues world just what this area has got to offer.  Good luck guys!

      Click here for more stories about the IBC

      Blast from the Past: Last Year's Winners and Finalists



      Links: Matt Weidinger, More Matt Weidinger StoriesAbove video courtesy of Andrew Austin



      Links: Pappy Johns Band, More Pappy Johns Band Stories, Above video courtesy of Pappy Johns Band 

      Previous (Morgan Davis Videos) - - - Next (New Smoke Wagon Blues Band Live CD)

      Sunday, February 28, 2010

      Cool Visitors to Hamilton/Burlington

      We don't have any live footage for this week so here are a few unreleased gems from performers who visited our fair region.

      Click here if you can't see the videos.

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      Links: Fathead - More footage from this performance

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      Links: Pappy Johns Blues Band - More footage from this performance

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      Links: Michael Pickett - More footage from this performance

      Monday, November 30, 2009

      Pappy Johns Blues Band - Waltz (Nov. 28, 2009)

      If you can't see the videos below, click here


      Shortly after winning the Canadian Aboriginal Music Award for best Blues album, the Pappy Johns Blues Band played Waltz.

      First, the opening group, the Retrofit Blues Band, played a few numbers . . .



      Joshua Miller (singer/guitarist for Pappy Johns) joined them for a few songs as well.


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      Then the main attraction rocked the place . . .


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      Keyboardist/singer, John Lee was in a dark bar, wearing black, next to a black background so you may have to take our word for it that he was singing on this song :)


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      The band were joined by Rebecca Miller on this Otis Redding tune.