The Multi-Talented Bob Lanois Passes

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of local producer, sound engineer, songwriter and musician Bob Lanois. He passed away on April 19, 2021. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

Bob was well known in the music community as he worked with many artists including his brother Daniel Lanois, Raffi, Blackie and Rodeo Kings, Tom Wilson, Simply Saucer and many more. He also co-founded Grant Avenue Studio and was given a thank you credit in U2's classic 1987 album, The Joshua Tree.

Media Links

• Hamilton Spectator
• Exclaim
• Journal of Musical Things

Social Media Reaction

Famous Framus

I was lucky enough to spend a short time in the orbit of Bob Lanois about 15 years ago and his charismatic presence and ferocious belief in truth, as the root and foundation of art and performance left a full body tattoo on my soul! He took me aside and told me what’s what. “Play it straight!” I knew exactly what he meant. Tell the Truth! Love.

Lou Molinaro (Tongue Fu)

My Mother passed away in 2006.  Couple of weeks after my Mom's funeral, I ran into Bob at a show at the Corktown Tavern.  Bob gave me a big hug and passed on his condolences.   He mentioned to me that a child's love for his or her Mother is the most unique love in the world.  While sharing this,  Bob said to me -  "Lou, I will always be a Momma's Boy"  Every time I saw Bob, I remembered that moment. 

It was always wonderful seeing Bob @ This Ain't Hollywood to see shows.  Such a friendly, unique happy soul.  Sending my condolences to his family workmates and closest friends.  Goodbye Bob.

Dave Gilbey

Bob Lanois and Glen Marshall welcomed me and Tim O'Reilly into their space with open arms. My favourite part of the many shoots we did at the Mule Spinner was the chance to talk with Bob. He gave me encouragement when I needed it and told me I should tell people to screw off if they were unsure of my motives. He gave me advice in a world that was not mine. 

William Schwendiman 

Throughout my "career" booking live music, I've taken a lot of pride in working with the seminal builders of our Hamilton Music community. 

When Bob approached me to host the release party for his solo album, "Snake Road", I was honored he'd ask.

His words, "Brodie you book all the underground stuff. That's where I want my record to live".

Rest in Peace to Bob Lanois. Condolences to all that love him.

Links: Daniel Lanois, More Daniel Lanois Stories, Video above courtesy of bravofact

Links: Lee Harvey Osmond aka Tom Wilson, More Lee Harvey Osmond Stories, Video above courtesy Tom Wilson & Bob Lanois - Topic

Links: Bob Lanois, More Bob Lanois Stories, Video above courtesy of The roman Sokal

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Hamilton's Mimi Shaw Delivers Great Rockabilly and Alt-Country

People say they don't make 'em like they used to but Hamilton country gal Mimi Shaw has proven them wrong.  Her debut EP, Niagara, is brimming with good, old-fashioned Americana music injected with modern energy.

With an amazing voice that's just perfect for country, you'll find a lot to love on her EP. Top-notch backing musicians capable of rocking out and tugging at your heart strings doesn't hurt either.

Mimi teamed up with the late, great Brian Griffith, as well as John Lewis, Lisa Winn, Clark Johnston, Sean O’Grady, Tone Valcic, and Thompson Wilson (Harlan Pepper) to make this sensational recording.  Alt-country superstar Lori Yates also co-wrote two of the great tracks.

You can pick up a CD at one of her incredible live shows or download it via her online shop.  There are also copies available at Pick N Sticks.

Video above courtesy of Mimi Shaw

Blast from the Past: Barber Shop Podcast With Mimi Shaw

Links: Mimi Shaw, More Mimi Shaw Stories, More Releases

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Hamilton's Peter Tigchelaar Releases Melodic, Enriching Album

Hamilton singer/songwriter, Peter Tigchelaar's latest album, Better Things boasts phenomenal melodic folk with an enriching sound.  Poetic, descriptive lyrics are intertwined with a crisp, emotive soundscape.

Peter's amazing voice and great multi-instrumental talents are showcased here.  He's very adept at mandolin, ukulele, organ an more.  This creates a dynamic CD filled with new musical discoveries for the lucky listener,

The artist's family also helps out with Cheryl Tigchelaar  on vocals and Andrew Tigchelaar on bass.  They're joined by  Tone Valcic (drums), Brielle Goheen of the Blazing Fiddles (violin, vocals), John Lewis (guitars) and Ron Cole from Banned From Heaven (accordion and keys).

You can pick up a copy of the CD at Peter's inspirational live shows or purchase it through his website.  It can also be downloaded through cdbaby.





Blast from the Past: Peter Tigchelaar's More like Lightning

Links, Pete Tigchelaar, More Pete Tigchelaar Stories, More Releases, Videos above Courtesy of John Farr

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New Peter Tigchelaar CD: More Like Lightning

More Like Lightning, the newest album from local singer songwriter, Peter Tigchelaar, is like a journey within a CD.

With its pop-folk sound plus the lyrical allusions to blues and honkytonks there's an unmistakable sense of home.

Despite those homey roots, the sound does have a bit of a world flavour and offers the listener the feel of an exotic, warm-inviting cafe performance.  Ukelele, viola, glockenspiel, accordion, cellos and more add to the international atmosphere.

The spiritual lyrics also provide a journey that goes beyond the physical.  This disc will see your mind travelling outward and inward (occasionally at the same time).

More Like Lightning earned a Hamilton Music Award nomination last year for Religious Recording.

Peter's fellow travellers on the CD include Harrison Kennedy & Cheryl Tigchelaar (backing vocals), Ron Cole (accordion), James Hill & Mike Donnely (ukeleles), Andrew Tigchelaar (bass), Tone Valcic (percussion), and Anne Janelle (cello, viola & cello banjo).

The album is available through Peter's website as a psycical CD and download.

Below are a few live tracks of songs from the CD, courtesy of John Farr







Blast From the Past: Our Review of his Previous CD - Glorious Window

Links: Pete Tigchelaar - More Pete Tigchelaar Stories, More CD Releases

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Previous (News Roundup w/Steve Sinnicks, Felicia McMinn, Ed Vandendool) - - - Next (International Blues Challenge Winners and Finalists)

News Roundup (Maple Blues Mag, Vanderheyden, Danny Michel)

Local

• Hamilton Blues and Roots Society Facebook Page
• Sept issue of Maple Blues (Kelly Jay, Billy Boy Arnold, Moonshine Cafe, Fathead)
  

World

• Podcasts: Blues Time 168, Roadhouse 393, Nothing But the Blues 207

Blasts From the Past

• 2009: Tom Wilson@Burlington Ribfest
• 2010: Tribute to Michael O'Brien@Corktown
• 2011: David Cavan Fraser@David's

Featured Videos


Links: Mark Vanderheyden, More Mark Vanderheyden stories, Video courtesy of Hamilton Guitar Association



Links: Danny Michel, More Danny Michael Stories, video courtesy of KelpProduktions

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New S.G. Sinnicks CD: The Last Irishman in Corktown

Steeltown singer/songwriter S.G. (Steve) Sinnicks always puts a lot of real life into his songs and his latest CD, The Last Irishman in Corktown is no exception.

Sinnicks's lyrics incorporate politics (Christians, Miss America) Hamilton culture (the title track), and much more. The result is a down to earth, honest recording.

There are many shades on this disc. From the high energy of Man from the Ministry to the jazzy tones of Face and the Celtic influences of the title track. The musical artistry is amazing.

Steve's backed by a number of local musicians, Tone Valcic, Randal Hill, Dino Verginella and Michael Boguski (of Blue Rodeo)

The CD is available at his live shows and at his website. You can also download it from his site.

Below is an interview and live performance of the title track.





Blast from the Past: Steve Sinnicks@Rebel's Rock

Links: Steve Sinnicks, More Steve Sinnicks Stories

Mary Simon and Tone Valcic@Corktown (November 14, 2011)

This was the first of the weekly Americana Mondays series.













Click here for Michelle Titian's set (w both Mary and Tone)

Links: Mary Simon, Tone Valcic, More Mary Simon Stories, More Tone Valcic Stories

Bobby Hebert Experience YouTube Video

The Autocumulas YouTube page has been posting performances from the Bobby Hebert Experience.













Links: Bobby Hebert Experience, More Bobby Hebert Stories

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New Fred Magie CD: Window to the World

Local singer/songwriter, Fred Magie, recently released his latest incredible disc, Window to the World.

Fred's wonderful guitar work and expressive vocals permeate the album. His sound is a beautiful mix of pop, modern folk, and more. Highlights include the catchy More Than One Way, the tender and sweet Cedar Lane, Co-Star, and the title track.

He also enlisted the aid of Hamilton musicians Lisa Winn (vocals), Andrew Aldridge (guitar) and Tone Valcic (drums)- all of whom add a great, unique feel to the recordings.

You can pick up the disc at his shows but they're also available on iTunes

Check out some live performances of the songs from the CD below. Click here if you can't see them.

Corktown Easter Sunday Bash (April 5, 2010)

Click here if you can't see the videos

The Band: Jesse O'Brien (piano), Brian Griffith (guitar left), Joel Guenther (guitar centre), Tone Valcic (drums), Mike Rajcak (bongos), Colin Lapsley (bass)









Click for More Stories: Jesse O'Brien - Brian Griffith - Joel Guenther - Tone Valcic - Colin Lapsley

New Peter Tigchelaar CD: Glorious Window

Local singer/songwriter Peter Tigchelaar released his latest CD, Gracious Window late last year.

The disc contains amazing songs with unique a mixture of country, pop, and more.

Peter is joined in this wonderful endeavor by Bill Dillon, Jamie Oakes, Tone Valcic, Carl Horton, Michael Schulte and Brielle Goheen.

The album's available at his shows and can also be purchased online as a CD or download though his web site.

If you missed his CD Release party, don't worry. He's planning another full band CD Release party at This Ain't Hollywood. Check the venue's site for details.