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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Previous (Jerry Johnson@Bluez & Jazz Fest)  - - - Next (New Lee Harvey Osmond Live DVD)

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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Jack de Keyzer on New Harmonica Shah CD: If All You Have is a Hammer

Talented bluesman Harmonica Shah may be from Detroit but he knows exactly where to find great blues players.

Hamilton's own Jack deKeyzer plays guitar on his latest CD, If All You Have is a Hammer, Everything Looks Like a Nail.

Joining Shah and DeKeyzer are Canadians Alec Fraser (Jeff Healey, Jerome Godboo) on Bass and Al Cross (Big Sugar, Jerome Godboo) on drums. Juno award winner, Julian Fauth also lends occasional piano to the disc.

Most of the same group teamed up for Shah's previous CD, Listen At Me Good as well.

If All You Have . . . is good old fashioned blues in the style of Howlin' Wolf and Muddy Waters with a bit of soul. DeKeyzer's guitar prowess is evident on all tracks. There's booty shaking boogie and some amazing slower numbers too.

The CD is available online, including as an e-music download.

Links: Jack de Keyzer, More Jack De Keyzer Stories, More CD Releases

Performer of the Week: Ron Palangio Group

The Ron Palangio Group is a talented, versatile band that can play jazz, rock, pop, and more. They also perform as a two to five piece unit, depending on the venue. Each member is a skilled music veteran.

The group is available for weddings, banquets, and other special events.

Links: Main Site - Ron's solo site

Trickbag's 20th Anniversary Performance

To celebrate 20 years of rocking the blues, Trickbag threw an incredible show on June 12, 2009 at the Fieldcote Park in Ancaster.

The veteran band were joined by Denis Keldie, John "Ghetto" Gibbard and the legendary Sonny Del Rio.

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





More Etta James Covers/Stories









More Louis Jordan covers/stories

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. "

JP Riemens & The Fabulous Bar Flies CD Relese Party (July 10, 2009)

Links: JP Riemens - Carolyna Loveless - Joe Clark

All JP Riemens Stories.

Performer of the Week: Blind Mule

Currently touring across the country, Blind Mule call Hamilton home.

Their sound is a unique melting pot of roots, alt-country, folk with modern elements. The guys can even get funky when necessary.

Their debut album The Gallery was nominated at the 2008 Hamilton Music Awards for Best New Alt/Country CD.

Links: MySpace - YouTube Videos - YouTube Tour Blog - Reverbnation - Facebook

Alfie Smith & Frank Koren - It's Your Festival (July 5, 2009)

Alfie also previewed the title track for his upcoming CD. He's planning to release it in the fall.



Links: Alfie Smith, Frank Koren

New Dave Rave EP on iTunes

Hamilton rock legend, Dave Rave, has released a two song EP on iTunes.

Streets of Liverpool is a catchy poppy number. The song Anne Marie (done with the Plastic Heroes) is more rocking but still with a poppy flavour.

Click here to purchase.

More CD Releases

Drummer John "Babe" Myles Passes (Update)

Local drummer John "Babe" Myles passed away on Thursday, June 25th. Our condolences go out to his friends and family.

He played many years with King Biscuit Boy, the Capris, the Chessman and the Stingrays.

Former bandmate, John LaRocca (Stingrays), said he was "one of the best blues drummers around"

NEW! Click here for Jamilton's in depth piece on Babe.

New Dave Pomfret CD: No Rush

Former Munday Nuns members, Dave Pomfret's new CD: No Rush, is an amazing collection of songs that's hard to pin down stylistically.

Dave (aka Salsa Dave) goes from catchy, rockin' riffs to mellow melodies. On the way, he touches on folk, rock, and even bits of pop and country thrown in.

Joining Dave in making this great music is former Nuns bandmate (and former Killjoy) Mike Trebilcock on guitar and many other instruments. Mike also produced the disc.

A number of other talented performers aided and abetted the singer/songwriter, including: Mark Mcintyre (bass), Aaron Goldstein (Pedal steel guitar), Craig Lapsley (Drums), Troy Dowding (Trumpet), Darcy Hepner (Sax, Organ), Rosemary Hale (Violin), Sarah Honeyford (Cello). On Background vocals there's Mary Simon, Jean Caffeine, and the Mississippi Kings.

The album was also a family affair as his wife, Karen Sturrock and his stepchildren joined on backing vocals. His son, Brier Pomfret, plays the piano on it as well.

Click here to listen to songs from No Rush.

Below are videos from his CD Release (and birthday) party on June 30, 2009. Click here if you can't see them.







Dave's step-daughter (and future superstar) Sarah Ivanco, came up and sang to start things off. She wowed the crowd.



Links: Dave Pomfret, More Dave Pomfret Stories, More CD Releases

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