Performer of the Week: S.G. Sinnicks

Starting as off as a drummer at age 15, Stephen (S.G.) Sinnicks played with Tom Wilson, Ray Materick, Stompin' Tom Connors, and many others.

Later on, Sinnicks decided to pick up an acoustic guitar and began to play his unique music that interweaves folk, celtic, singer/songwriter, and more.

As a solo artist, he has opened for Spirit of the West, Junkhouse, Fred Eaglesmith, Garnet Rogers, Ronnie Hawkins, and Teenage Head.

On occasion, the guitarist has also teamed up with the popular Celtic band, the Tartan Terrors.

Check out his web site and if you like what you hear, make sure to purchase a few (or all) of his amazing CDs.

Links: Main Site - MySpace

Tewlips - Studio at Hamilton Place, July 25, 2009

The Tewlips were joined by Darcy Hepner (Sax) and Blaise Alleyene








Links: Tewlips site - More Tewlips stories

News Roundup (DeKeyzer, Strongman, Acoustics)

The video podcast site, Talkin' Blues recently great posted footage of Harmonica Shah's band (which includes local guitar master Jack deKeyzer) recording "Cryin' Won't Help Me Now". Jack can be seen rocking out to the amazing tune.

Click here to view or click here

Talkin' Blues has an amazing collection of interviews/performances from Paul Reddick, Colin Linden, Carlos Del Junco, Julian Fauth, Mel Brown, Bill Bourne, Fathead, Harry Manx, Watermelon Slim, Billy Boy Arnold.

You can also get DVD's of Mel Brown and Mel Brown

Links: Jack de Keyzer, More Jack De Keyzer Stories

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In a recent e-mail newsletter, Hamilton Bluesman Steve Strongman announced that his most recent CD, Blues in Color was the only Canadian disc to enter Roots Music Report's Top 20 list for the week of July 10.

Steve Strongman has been having a good year. He opened for Buddy Guy a while back and was recently the surprise opening act for legend Joe Cocker.

Links: Steve Strongman, More Steve Strongman stories

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Congratulations to local instrumental folk/roots group, the Acoustics, who were recently nominated for a few, well-deserved international awards.

From their blog entry:

It is with great pride and joy to share the news that The Acoustics have just been nominated for a JPF Music Award for World Album of the year 2009, for our CD, Forever and a Day

JPF (Just Plain Folks Music Organization) is a community of over 51,500 Songwriters, Recording Artists and Music Industry Professionals — and host to the world's largest independent music awards

The Acoustics, the only Canadian artists to be nominated in this category. Not bad, eh!!!

Hoping for the best!

Ciao for now

Alfonso

NEW! Update from their Myspace blog: Unfortunately we did not win the award for World Album of the year. However for what it’s worth we came in 2nd place! Second out of ten nominees is not bad.

New Live LeE HARVeY OsMOND (feat. Tom Wilson) DVD: Live " The Tractorgrease

According to the LeE HARVeY OsMOND Facebook Fan Page, their new DVD Live @ The Tractorgrease is available at their shows and DivineIndustries.com. LHO features local rock star Tom Wilson (Junkhouse, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, Florida Razors) along with members of the Skydiggers and the Cowboy Junkies.

Below is a sample clip from the LHO DVD. Click here if you can't see it.

More LeE HARVeY OsMOND stories - More CD Releases

Performer of the Week: Mark LaForme

Hamilton music veteran, Mark LaForme brings lot to his incredible music. He can easily handle blues, soul, country, rock and a whole lot more. He's performed with Ronnie Hawkins, Jeff Healey, Colin James, Stompin' Tom, and many other talented musicians.

LaForme's live music has graced the Rez Bluez TV show, Gretsky's inauguration into the Hockey Hall of Fame, the Canadian Armed Forces in Bosnia, and countless other gigs.

His album Vintage was also nominated at the 2006 Hamilton Music Awards.

Links - MySpace - Main Site - Audio Street - Mevio - Soundclick

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Jerry Johnson & Friends - Burlington Jazz N Blues Festival (July 19, 2009)

Jack Pedler (Teenage Head) (drums) - Lord Bubba (bass)

Links: Jerry Johnson, More Jerry Johnson Stories

New Melissa-Bel's EP

Earlier this year, Burlington's Melissa-Bel released her self titled CD EP.

There's a little bit of everything on this disc. Bluesier numbers such as Distance (co-written with Ray Lyell) and He'll Never be You share the spotlight with soulful pop-folk gems like We All Lose Our Way, I Hate to Say it and Tragedy in Disguise. Melissa ends this amazing collection with a smooth version of Smokey Robinson's You've Really Got a Hold On Me. Click here for some samples.

Toronto's Sean Ashby lends his guitar and Mark McIntyre plays bass on most song of the songs. Other guests include Danny Lockwood (Drums), Craig Lapsley (Drums), Jesse O'Brien (Piano) and Bill King (Piano), and more.

More Melissa-Bel stories - More CD Releases

Chris Cotton & Cale Hawkins - Burlington Jazz 'N Blues Festival (July 18, 2009)

More Willie Dixon covers/stories

The Band: Chris Cotton (guitar), Cale Hawkins (keyboards), John Cotton (Bass), Mike Cotton Jr. (Drums), Alex Hagopian (Harmonica/flute)

Burlington Jazz and Blues Festival (July 17, 2009)

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Groove Corporation

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LMT Connection

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Michael Joseph O'Brien (OB) R.I.P

Michael O'Brien, an amazing musician and beloved father of performers Jesse O'Brien and Matt O'Brien passed away on July 8, 2009 at the age of 65. Our condolences to his family.

From the Spectator:

O'BRIEN , Michael Joseph Peacefully at the Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice on July 8, 2009, at age 65. Loving father of Jesse Michael, Matty and Natalie. Known to many as OB, he was a fantastic musician, pool player, golfer and dad. His love and passion for music will undoubtedly live on through his children. Cremation has taken place and a private service will follow. If desired, memorial contributions to the Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice would be appreciated by the family.

Comment placed on lifenews.ca:

"He had an uncanny ability to pick songs that people would respond to. And no one could do those early Elvis covers from the Sun records days like OB. It's sad when someone who has so much to offer is taken at such a relatively young age. Fortunately, he had time to pass on his musical abilities and instincts to his sons, Matt and Jesse (Michael). I know they'll carry on his musical legacy for years to come. "