If you can't see the videos below, click here
Quick Links: Previous videos - YouTube page - Dave Battrick - Alfie Smith - Spider Costello
Joanne Augustyn
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Alfie Smith
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Ron MacDonald
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Doug Smith - I'm a Ram
Hamilton Blues Lovers | MySpace Video
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Hey Bo Diddley - Big Joe Rhodes
Hamilton Blues Lovers | MySpace Video
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Sunday, December 27, 2009
New Halton Blues Society Live CD
One of the greatest live shows of the year has finally been released on CD, courtesy of the Halton Blues Society.The Saturday Sermon Live: Volume 2is a recording of a fantastic charity concert at Carrigan Arms on May 30, 2009. Money raised went to Halton Women's Place. Click here for our story of the event.
The backing group was the James Anthony Band (James Anthony - guitar and vocals on a few tunes, Garth Vogan - bass, Dave Russell - drums, and Mike Doyle - Organ). Joining this talented bunch were an astounding array of vocalists such as April Mazzone, Jack Civiletto, Chris Kenny, Miss Jaye, Jay Douglas, and Hamilton legend Harrison Kennedy (he performs on 3 tracks).
The disc is filled with many blues/rock classics like Walkin' the Dog, Malted Milk, Ain't No Sunshine, I Just Want to Make Love To You, and more.
This incredible CD is available through James Anthony
Links: More James Anthony stories - More Harrison Kennedy stories - Videos of the event
Friday, December 25, 2009
12 Videos of Christmas 2009
Please note that some of the videos have been removed since they were posted.
Links: Jude Johnson - More videos from this same show - Purchase the Love is Everything CD (proceeds go to help the homeless)
Links: Jacob Moon's Site, Other Jacob Moon stories, Past Christmas videos.
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Links: Trickbag site - More videos from this show - More Trickbag stories
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Links: Jackie Washington site, More Jackie Washington stories
Links: Jude Johnson - More videos from this same show - Purchase the Love is Everything CD (proceeds go to help the homeless)
Links: Jacob Moon's Site, Other Jacob Moon stories, Past Christmas videos.
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Links: Trickbag site - More videos from this show - More Trickbag stories
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Links: Jackie Washington site, More Jackie Washington stories
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Blues New Bites (Eaglesmith, Kirby, Max Wray, Stones)
Local
National
Funny/Weird Stuff
Video of Max Wray on INDI FM
Links: Matt Paxton, More Matt Paxton Stories
National
- Fred Eaglesmith Helps Steelworkers
- Top 20 CDs of 2009 from Roots Music Canada
- Leonard Cohen to get Lifetime Achievement Grammy
- Live Neil Young CD from 1992 now available
Funny/Weird Stuff
Video of Max Wray on INDI FM
Links: Matt Paxton, More Matt Paxton Stories
New Rob Reed and James Anthony CD: Merry Christmas
Talented 
Burlington musicians Rob Reed and James Anthony have teamed up to create a wonderful Holiday CD entitled Merry Christmas: Festive Holiday Selections from the Heart.
Rob handles the vocals for most of the traditional tunes such as Do You Hear What I Hear, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, White Christmas and more. James sings mainly his incredible, original yuletide compositions like She Ran Off With Santa Claus, To Be With You, Don't Leave Me Alone A Christmas, and others.
So whether you're looking for a slow, soft, seasonal song or an upbeat, rocking holiday tune, this one has it all.
Rob and James, who also play keyboards and lead guitar respectively, are joined by Peter Griffin on drums and Garth Vogan on Bass.
This was truly a labour of love for everyone. "We went into the studio and played these tunes straight from the heart just for you." it says in the liner notes, "Live off the floor - to your ears. It's 4 guys, their instruments, a couple of vocalists and a lot of soul. It's our Christmas gift of song to you!"
The CD is available at their shows.
Links: James Anthony, More James Anthony Stories
Burlington musicians Rob Reed and James Anthony have teamed up to create a wonderful Holiday CD entitled Merry Christmas: Festive Holiday Selections from the Heart.Rob handles the vocals for most of the traditional tunes such as Do You Hear What I Hear, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, White Christmas and more. James sings mainly his incredible, original yuletide compositions like She Ran Off With Santa Claus, To Be With You, Don't Leave Me Alone A Christmas, and others.
So whether you're looking for a slow, soft, seasonal song or an upbeat, rocking holiday tune, this one has it all.
Rob and James, who also play keyboards and lead guitar respectively, are joined by Peter Griffin on drums and Garth Vogan on Bass.
This was truly a labour of love for everyone. "We went into the studio and played these tunes straight from the heart just for you." it says in the liner notes, "Live off the floor - to your ears. It's 4 guys, their instruments, a couple of vocalists and a lot of soul. It's our Christmas gift of song to you!"
The CD is available at their shows.
Links: James Anthony, More James Anthony Stories
Thursday, December 17, 2009
New Dave Rave and Rick Andrew CD: Music for Christmas
Former members of the legendary Shakers, Dave Rave and Rick Andrew have released a wonderful holiday album called Music for Christmas.It has Dave Raves's usual amazing catchy rock/pop sound but also has elements of country, folk, blues and more.
Joining the duo are a great collection of local musicians. Their former Shaker co-horts Tim Gibbons and Claude DesRoches. Other special guests include Doug Feaver, Lori Yates, Jack Pedler (Teenage Head), Trickbag, and lots more.
The collection is available on iTunes.
This is a great rockin' way to celebrate the season.
Click here for more Dave Rave stories
Monday, December 14, 2009
Perfomer of the Week: Kirby
Kirby is a talented local musician who offers incredible modern sounding folk with a bit of an alternative edge.Previously, he was the frontman for First Time Fallen, a Burlington prog-rock band. When Kirby went solo, he concentrated his haunting voice on the folk/roots sound.
In 2008, the singer/songwriter released an astounding EP, The Good Fight and toured across Canada 3 times. US and European dates are in the works.
Links: Main Site/Blog, MySpace, Twitter, YouTube
This is the last Performer of the Week for the year.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Saturday, December 12, 2009
New Ariana Gillis CD: To Make It Make Sense
Local singer/songwriter Ariana Gillis recently released her amazing debut CD, To Make It Make Sense.Ariana skillfully manages to make her music catchy and poppy but still have the heart of the folk/roots sound. Blueberry Ocean (originally available on a Design Hope charity CD in 2008) starts the disc off with a bang. You can't help but sing along and dance. There are exquisite quiet moments to balance things out as well. Her unique voice enhances each tune, regardless of tempo.
This wonderful disc came out in time to be nominated for Hamilton Music Awards (Female Artist, New Artist, Adult Alternative). Ariana has also recently won a Canadian Folk Music Award (Young Artist).
Joining the talented singer on the album are area performers Josh Lamothe, David Gillis (who also produces), Mark McIntyre and others. Canadian guitar great, Kevin Breit also lends his axe to a tune.
Currently, the CD can be purchased at her shows and through Maple Music. It should be available through iTunes shortly
More Ariana Gillis stories
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Blues News Bites (John Ellison, Dylan, Arrogant Worms)
Canada
World
John Ellison: Some Kind of Wonderful at Hamilton Music Awards
Funny Video: Arrogant Worms: Christmas Blues
World
- Lost John Lennon tapes allegedly found
- Beatles have best selling CD of the decade
- Clapton to tour with the Who's Roger Daltrey
- Dylan angry over accusation that his Christmas CD is a joke
- New Tom Waits Live CD
John Ellison: Some Kind of Wonderful at Hamilton Music Awards
Funny Video: Arrogant Worms: Christmas Blues
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
New Jacob Moon CD: Maybe Sunshine
Hamilton singer/songwriter Jacob Moon has released an amazing new 6-song CD titled "Maybe Sunshine".The songs feature his incredible voice and a fabulous folk/pop sound. There are wonderful tender ballads and catchy hooks. All have insightful lyrics.
The disc is currently available through his web site for only $10 (PayPal) as well as CD Baby.
Click here for more Jacob Moon stories
Alfie Smith and Harrison Kennedy Going to International Blues Challenge
Looks like the Toronto Blues Society and the Canal Bank Shuffle Festival know there's stupendous talent in the Hammer. They have chosen our own Alfie Smith and Harrison Kennedy to represent their organizations at this year's International Blues Challenge (Jan. 20-23, 2010) in Memphis. Congratulations and good luck.More Alfie Smith stories, More Harrison Kennedy stories
Here's a list of the Canadian talent that'll be gracing the stage.
Band
Canada South Blues Society - The Bluesers
The Bluesers are fronted by two talented young musicians with vast Festival Experience, Cale Hawkins on Hammond Organ and Vocals along with Chris Cotton on Guitar and Vocals. Winners of The CBC Galaxie Rising Star Competition at the Mt Tremblant Festival Du Blues in 2009. The Bluesers have just completed there all original CD - "The Bluesers 2". The Band consists of Three Members of the Cotton Family along with Cale Hawkins See them perform songs from there latest release while in Memphis at the IBC.
Daddy Long Legs play gritty electrified blues full of thick raw tones, smart-mouthed lyrics and razor sharp arrangements. For Daddy Long Legs, playing the blues has nothing to do with nostalgia, or trying to recreate their blues record collections. Rather, it’s about mashing together all the brawn of riff-based garage rock, the soul of 60’s era rhythm and blues, and the jump and shuffle of the west coast and Chicago sounds to create new blues music that is about the here-and-now. With their original material and modern sound, Daddy Long Legs appeal to an eclectic bunch of blues purist, rock-a-billies, swing dancers, and alt-rockers alike. 
26 year old Blues Sensation Jesse Greene, lead guitarist and songwriter, fronts her band with deadly guitar chops, a soulful voice, and songs from the heart. Her music is an eclectic mix of blues, rock, and soul that can bring down the house. Her band is recording their debut album and their loyal fans just can’t wait. The Jesse Greene Band is Jesse on guitar/vocals, Marc Seguin on harmonica, Luke Donovan on guitar, Dan Grewal on bass, and Jason Cote on drums. The band is proud to be representing Canada’s Capital at this year’s International Blues Challenge and plans to take no prisoners.
Toronto’s Scott McCord and the Bonafide Truth explode off the stage with their infectious, four-on-the-floor, Stax-flavoured soul, warm hip pocket grooves and rock and roll. In less than one year, Scott McCord and the Bonafide Truth have landed first place at the Toronto Blues Society’s New Talent Search, been featured on CBC Radio 2’s Canada Live, opened for Edgar Winter at the Playing With Fire Festival in Omaha, Nebraska, released their debut album, Blues For Sunshine and brand new EP Love and Sorrow/Mystery Song. Swing-cool, passionate and sitting atop a time bomb of R&B thunder. From soul-belter to crooning, passion-fired singer-songwriter, McCord is the real deal.----------
Solo/Duo
Canal Bank Shuffle - Harrison Kennedy
Member of 1968 Detroit POP GROUP “The Chairmen of the Board.”Performed At THE APPOLO,SOUL TRAIN,DICK CLARK ,ENGLANDS TOP O POPS. As a Solo act opened for: James Cotton,The Neville Brothers,Cool and The Gang,Bobby Blue Bland,Keb Mo AWARDS: --Canadian JUNO: Nominations for albums “SWEET TASTE”.. -“VOICE & STORY”. -"HIGH COUNTRY BLUES".. MAPLE BLUES Award Nominations .2006 , 2008 and...2009.. - - reviews in BOSTONS DOWNBEAT MAGAZINE and The UK's MOJO MAGAZINE . -Released in November 2009, on Electro -Fi Records "ONE DOG BARKIN".. www.harrisonkennedy.ca Harrison 'Sweet taste' Kennedy
Julian Fauth’s blues hark back to the pre-war era of barrelhouse and boogie-woogie piano, yet his highly original music speaks directly to today’s audiences. For many people, what makes Julian Fauth stand out is the imaginative, passionate narrative of his lyrics. But it’s the music that truly sets the hook. Julian is a master of blues, roots, and gospel. His piano is energetic, his composition inventive, and his vocals extraordinarily convincing, both husky and poignant all at once. A student and friend of the late great Mel Brown, who gave him his start, Julian Fauth records for the Electro-Fi label. His latest release, “Ramblin’ Son” won the Juno Award (Canada’s Grammies) for Blues Album of the Year.
Alfie Smith is a true modern day Blues Man, Blending hard edged Rock and Roll, Gospel, Folk and Jazz with Pure Primal Blues to create his own unique sound. He is adept at many instruments including 7-string slide guitar, banjo, guitar, 12 sting and lap steel. Alfie’s musicianship has earned him endorsements with Godin Guitar, Composite Acoustics, Eastwood Guitars and Stonebridge. Brass & Steel is Alfie’s fifth CD and features 21 tracks. This is Alfie’s first release with Busted Flat Records.----------
Youth Showcase
Canada South Blues Society - The Hawkins Cotton Trio
Grand River Blues Society - Alex Tintinalli
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Previous (Perfomer of the Week: Mat Toronto) - - - Next (New Jacob Moon CD)
The Band is fronted by Two Talented Young Musicians with vast Festival Experience. Cale Hawkins on Hammond Organ and Vocals with Chris Cotton on Guitar and Vocals and Mike Cotton on Drums. Winners of The CBC Galaxie Rising Star Competition at The Mt Tremblant Festival Du Blues in 2009. These young musicians have just completed there all original CD - "The Bluesers 2". See them perform songs from there latest release while in Memphis at The IBC .Monday, December 7, 2009
Performer of the Week: Mat Toronto
Don't let his moniker fool you, Mat Toronto is a local musician (and a talented one at that).He can sing as well as play drums, bass, harmonica, sax, flute, bongos, piano, guitar and more. On top of being a multi-instrumentalist, he also crosses over into many genres of music.
Under the name Blues River Man, he performs incredible, unique hard rock and blues; as Matthew Folk he does great traditional and alt-folk, and also dabbles in electronic jazz with Jam Bodhi.
You'll soon be able to purchase more of his amazing work as he's working on a new CD to be released in January of 2010.
Sites: Mat Toronto (Reverbnation), Mat Toronto (MySpace), Matthew Folk, Blues River Man (My Space), Blues River Man (YouTube), Jam Bodhi (MySpace), Jam Bodhi (Reverbnation)
Hamilton Music Award Winners 2009
Congratulation to the winners of the Hamilton Music Awards. The awards were handed out at the McIntyre Theatre at Mohawk College on December 6, 2009.
Highlights are below.
Blues Recording of the Year
Steve Strongman – Blues In ColourFolk / Roots Record of the Year
S.G. Sinnicks – Red Meat and Blue 88’s
Traditional Recording of the Year
Poor Angus – Prime Cuts
Adult Alternative Recording of the Year
Melissa McClelland – Victoria Day
Female Artist of the Year
Melissa McClelland – Victoria Day
Male Artist of the Year
Tiny Bill Cody – Tiny Bill Cody and The Liquormen
Record Of The Year
Arkells – Jackson Square
New Artist / Group of the Year
Pumps – Pumps
Rock Recording of the Year
Perennials – Aliensphere
Country Recording of the Year
Blackie Jackett, Jr. – Whiskey and Tears
Instrumental Recording of the Year
Daniel Lanois – The Omni Series (Box Set)
Songwriter of the Year
Arkells – Jackson Square
Female Vocalist of the Year
Melissa McClelland – Victoria Day
Male Vocalist of the Year
Max Kerman – Arkells – Jackson Square
Piano / Keyboard Player of the Year
Jesse O’Brien – Ian Gillan
Special Instrumentalist of the Year
Darcy Hepner – Lee Harvey Osmond/Dave Pomfret
Guitarist of the Year
Luke Doucet – Melissa McClelland – Victoria Day
Drummer of the Year
Steve Negus – Negus – Dare To Dream
Bassist of the Year
Paul Intson – Steve Strongman – Blues In Colour
ArcelorMittal Dofasco Lifetime Achievement Award – John Ellison
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Blues Guitar Explosion @ McIntyre Theatre - December 4, 2009 (Full Band, Electric)
The main band consisted of: Steve Strongman (guitar), Dave King (drums), Colin Lapsley (bass) and Jesse O'Brien (keyboards)
Click here for Part 1 (Acoustic set)
If you can't see the videos below, click here
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Teddy Leonard (Fathead) joins the band on vocals and guitar
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Paul Deslauriers does the same
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Brian Griffith lends his guitar as Steve Strongman sings
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Everyone joins in for a final, instrumental jam
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More stories: Steve Strongman, Brian Griffith, Colin Lapsley, Jesse O'Brien
Click here for Part 1 (Acoustic set)
If you can't see the videos below, click here
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Teddy Leonard (Fathead) joins the band on vocals and guitar
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Paul Deslauriers does the same
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Brian Griffith lends his guitar as Steve Strongman sings
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Everyone joins in for a final, instrumental jam
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More stories: Steve Strongman, Brian Griffith, Colin Lapsley, Jesse O'Brien
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Canadian Heroes Charity CD Now Available at Dr. Disc
The CD single of the incredible song "Canadian Heroes" is now available to purchase at Dr. Disc in downtown Hamilton.Playing on the track is a Who's Who of the local music scene. These include members of Teenage Head, Juno Award Winning Bluesman Jack deKeyzer on lead guitar, Jesse O'Brien on keyboards, Steve Negus (Saga) on drums and many more.
Vocal duties are shared by Tom Wilson, Brian Melo, Ian Thomas and others. Backing vocalists include Kelly Jay (Crowbar) and Sonny Del Rio. Even the St. Michael's Choir joined in.
All money raised from the CD goes towards helping our troops. Buy one for yourself and for your friends this Christmas.