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Saturday, January 30, 2010

Hamilton is Home to House of Blues Radio Network


" I couldn't find a great Blues station...so I started my own," said Trickbag bassist Michael Hickey on his Facebook page. The result was the incredible WHOB (The House of Blues Radio Network), an online destination that plays classic, modern, and local Blues music.

According to Michael, the online station started out as just a bit of fun but once the audience grew, he decided to add Live shows on Wednesday and Saturday.

"Our dedicated DJs and WHOB Research Staff search the world over for the finest in Blues music and bring it to you 24/7 " it says on the stations web site.

So if you're on the 'Net and need a musical pick me up, check it out.

And the Award Goes To . . .

The votes are in and the people have spoken . . . .

ANDRE BISSON had the best CD of 2009. His album, Rhythm and Blues Experience, won the hearts of our readers.

Congratulations Andre on winning our first annual Hamilton Blues Lovers Best CD award.

Thank you to everyone who voted.

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Links: His Site - More Andre Bisson stories

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Previous (Haiti Fundraiser@Lincoln Alexander Centre) - - - Next (Blues News Bites)

Monday, January 25, 2010

Performer of the Week: Brett Brohman

Brett Brohman is a name many of you aren't familiar with but his music is definitely worth checking out.

His web presence currently consists of a YouTube page with 11 amazingly eclectic videos. Brett plays everything from old fashioned blues numbes, funky pop, R&B, and everything in between.

Both his incredible voice and versatile guitar playing change to fit the mood of the song.




More Brett Brohman Stories

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Haiti Fundraiser @ Lincoln Alexander Centre (Jan. 23, 2010)

Click here if you can't see the videos

There will be more performers at the Lincoln Alexander Centre today. Please come by and help support the cause.

More video tomorrow.



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Links: Kim Koren - More Kim Koren Stories - Frank Koren - More Frank Koren Stories

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Links: Christopher Charles - More Christopher Charles Stories

Click below to donate.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

2010 Maple Blues Award Winners

A number of local musicians were nominated for a Maple Blues Award but unfortunately, none of them walked away with a prize. You are all winners to us!

The awards were handed out January 18, 2010 at Koerner Hall in Toronto.

The big winners that night were Ottawa's Monkey Junk (5 awards) and Chris Whitely (3 awards).

Here are the winners:

Entertainer Of The Year
Monkey Junk

Electric Act Of The Year
Monkey Junk

Acoustic Act Of The Year
Harry Manx

Male Vocalist Of The Year
Steve Marriner (Monkey Junk)

Female Vocalist Of The Year
Suzie Vinnick

New Artist/Group Of The Year
Blackburn

BB King International Artist Of The Year
Taj Mahal

Recording Of The Year
Jeff Healey: Songs From The Road

Blues With A Feeling Award (Lifetime Achievement Award)
Chris Whiteley

Guitarist Of The Year
Tony D (Monkey Junk)

Harmonica Player Of The Year
Steve Marriner (Monkey Junk)

Piano/Keyboard Player Of The Year
Michael Fonfara (Downchild, Maple Blues Revue)

Horn Player Of The Year
Chris Whiteley (Maple Blues Revue)

Drummer Of The Year
Bucky Berger (Fathead)

Bassist Of The Year
Alec Fraser (Broken Joe, Jeff Healey)

Songwriter Of The Year
Chris Whiteley & Diana Braithwaite

Monday, January 18, 2010

Performer of the Week: Shelley Adams

Get ready to hear more about talented Hamilton Singer/Songwriter Shelley Adams. According to her MySpace page, she's putting the finishing touches on a new album.

Her pop/folk sound will also be showcased on a few upcoming performances next month, as well. On February 4, 2010 at the Casbah, she'll be part of the Women Who Rule the Men show. Then, on February 25, 2010, her band, The Shelley Adams Union will be performing at the Heart of the Hammer Cafe.

She has been compared to Tori Amos and Sarah Harmer but her amazing, haunting voice has a style all its own. Shelley can hold her own against any of her folky compatriots.

Links: MySpace - Facebook - YouTube

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Dave Pomfret and Friends @ Artword Artbar (Jan. 17, 2010)

Click here if you can't see the videos

First, Ken Steffler started the festivities



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Then Dave Pomfret and Karen Corinth performed a few tunes.







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There were a few jams at the end.



Left to right: Judith Sandiford (Autoharp), Dave Pomfret (Guitar), Ken Steffler (guitar, back to the camera), Ronald Weihs (guitar, vocals), Larry Pascal (guitar)

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Links: Check Out Dave's Great Canadian Salsa! - More Dave Pomfret Stories - More Karen Johnson Stories

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

New Jack De Keyzer Live CD: The Corktown Sessions

Local Blues superstar, Jack De Keyzer has released an impressive recorded-in-Hamilton live CD. "The Corktown Sessions" was recorded at the popular live venue on May 1, 2009.

Jack performs a number of his greatest tunes (Blues Thing, Engine Trouble, King of the Blues) and some choice covers (Signed Sealed Delivered, Hold On I'm Coming, Rock This House, and More)

Both Jack's stunning guitar work and incredible voice are in full display here. Funk, soul, boogie and good old fashioned Rockin' Blues are.

All throughout the performance, his first-class band matched De Keyzer's energy and skill - Alan Duffy (bass), Hamilton's Danny Lockwood (drums), David McMorrow aka Groove Doctor (keys)

This amazing CD is available at his shows and through Indiepool.com.

Links: Jack de KeyzerMore Jack De Keyzer Stories

Monday, January 11, 2010

Performer of the Week: Wayne Janus

Wayne Janus divides his time between various spots in Canada but he's a local boy at heart.

He's performed at clubs and festivals all over Canada and the US since the 90's. One amazing addition to his resume is the ten-year stint as the lead guitarist for the legendary George “Wild Child” Butler, who said he was the meanest blues guitarist he ever heard.

This incredible singer/songwriter has three CD's to his name - each with its own special flavour: Rockin' Blues (OMP), Swamp Blues (
All Access Blues), and Folk/Jazz/Rock Fusion (September Moon)

No matter what style he's playing, Wayne bring energy and musicianship. He can make the guitar scream, wail and soothe. His amazing voice can also adapt to many styles.

According to his MySpace Page, he's currently producing a new disc for 2010. It'll be interesting to see which direction he goes on.

Links: MySpace - CD Baby - YouTube


Sunday, January 10, 2010

New Jerry Johnson CD: Right Now

The new year has gotten off to a rockin' start with the release of the new Jerry Johnson CD, Right Now.

The disc continues the Texas-style, psychedelic, hard rockin' sound from his previous CD, Show Some Action. Jerry has also reunited the same amazing team from that earlier album: Rob "Lord Bubba" Brown on bass and Teenage Head's Jack Pedler on drums.

The music is funky, groovy, and LOUD! It'll make ya boogie but it'll shake your house!

If your ears are up to the challenge (don't worry, there are a few quiet moments), the disc is available at his shows.

Below are a few videos from his Donnely's Pub performance on January 9, 2010. All songs are from the new CD. Click here if you can't see them.









Links: Jerry Johnson , More Jerry Johnson Stories

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Chess Brothers @ Buddy's Roadhouse (Jan 8, 2010)

The Chess Brothers are Larry Fuedo (guitar) and Les Smith (Harmonica, vocals) from Trickbag with James Anthony (guitar, vocals)







Links: James Anthony - Trickbag - Les Smith

More stories: James Anthony - Trickbag - Les Smith

Monday, January 4, 2010

Perfomer of the Week: Burnin' Ethyl

We're gonna have a rockin' start to the year as we announce the great Burnin' Ethyl as the first Performer of the Week for 2010.

Burnin' Ethyl are masters of butt-shakin' boogie. Their catchy tunes mix rockabilly, pop, roots rock and a bit of country. These talented lads have also backed up the wonderful Ginger St. James on occasion.

This Friday, they'll be invading Waltz at 9 pm. So if you have any party power left over from New Years, this would be a great show to spend it.

Links: MySpace - Facebook