Monday, March 29, 2010

Our 50th Performer of the Week!: John Ellison

For our 50th Performer of the Week, we've decided to go with a legend: John Ellison.

He is the songwriting genius behind one of the biggest and most recorded soul songs of all time: Some Kind of Wonderful. The classic hit was first performed with his band Soul Brothers Six, where it reached the Billboard Top 100.

Born in Montgomery, West Virginia, Ellison currently resides in the Hamilton area where he still records and performs. He's also been recognized in his new hometown with a Hamilton Music Award nomination.

In addition to his amazing music, the singer spends time as a businessman running the Some Kind of Wonderful Food and Restaurant Companies.




Saturday, March 27, 2010

Hammertones@Frankie's Bar & Grill (March 26, 210)

Click here if you can't see the videos











Links: HammertonesMore Hammertones Stories

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Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Famous Framus & Dave Gould @ Rebel's Rock (March 20, 2010)

Click here if you can't see the videos

We apologize for the quality of the video - it's sounds rockin' though.









Links: Famous Framus - More Famous Framus Stories

Monday, March 22, 2010

Performer of the Week: David Battrick

There's not a lot about local axe-slinger and vocalist David Battrick online - just a really cool MySpace Page. It's there that you'll find 6 fabulous funky blues tunes.

David and his band, Mother Blue play good old fashioned soul, country and rockin' blues.

We hope he'll have more to share in the future.

Click here for more David Battrick stories.

Troy Harmer & Ian Simpson @ Cat N Fiddle (March 20, 2010)

Click here if you can't see the videos







Links: Troy Harmer Site - More Troy Harmer Stories

Friday, March 19, 2010

New Chris White CD: noOTHERway

Earlier this year, local singer/songwriter, Chris White released his latest amazing CD, noOTHERway.

If you love your folk on the poppier, mellower side, this is the perfect disc for you. There are a few up tempo tunes in this collection as well.

Throughout the album, Chris adds elements of folk, pop, rock and even some jazz. There are also some Celtic influences mixed in.

Click here for more Chris White stories.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Dan Achen (Junkhouse) Passes

Former Junkhouse member and producer, Dan Achen passed away March 15, 2010 after a heart attack while playing hockey.

Achen played guitar for Hamilton rock legends Junkhouse. He was also the owner of Catherine North Studios, where a number of Canadian music stars recorded (Feist, Kathleen Edwards, Marble Index, and many more). Achen was an accomplished producer, as well.

The Chartattack web site posted a wonderful article: 11 Reasons Dan Achan Was Cool.

Our condolences to his family and friends.

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Monday, March 15, 2010

Performer of the Week: Mary Simon


Hamilton Singer/Songwriter Mary Simon released her 5th CD, No More Maybes in April 2010.

Her version of folk rock is peppered with a lot of pop rhythms, alt-country and more. Mary's voice is amazing and her lyrics are well crafted.

You can pick up No More Maybes or her 4 other discs - including a live Christmas collection at her site.

Links: Mary Simon - MySpace - YouTube - More Mary Simon Stories


Blues News Bites (Famous Framus, Dan Achen, Groove Corporation)

Local

World
Funny/Weird Stuff
Featured Videos

Famous Framus Playing Slide Guitar

Links: Famous Framus, More Famous Framus Stories

Groove Corporation at Nathan Phillips Square

Monday, March 8, 2010

Performer of the Week: Kori Pop

Mount Hope Singer/Songwriter Kori Pop will be unleashing her debut CD, From the Outskirts in the spring of 2010.

The disc is sure to display her unique, haunting voice and modern folky sensibilities. Kori's sound incorporates some jazzy grooves and pop elements as well.

Every Tuesday night, you can check her out at the My Dog Joe cafe in Westdale.

Links: Main Site - Facebook - Reverbnation - YouTube




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Mini-Documentary About Hamilton Music Scene

If you can't see the videos, click here for Part 1 and click here for Part 2

Featuring interviews with Tom Wilson, Tomi Swick, the Mississippi Kings, and more.





Courtesy of Simple People Productions

Blues News Bites (Kim Koren, Tom Wilson, ESRB, Arianna Gillis)

Local
World
Kim Koren and Lee Harvey Osmond: Raven Heart


Video: Emerson Street Rhythm Band at McMaster


Arianna Gillis: The Cove

Monday, March 1, 2010

Performer of the Week: Rae Billing

Even though Rae Billing's site describes her music as alt-country - it defies any label. Folk, country, pop, rock, and more are fused together into a wonderful sound.

"There is a depth to Billing's voice that reaches into the soul," says the Spec's Graham Rockingham and we couldn't agree more. This singer/songwriter's beautiful voice is just as versatile as her songs.

Rae sang and recorded with Toronto country/pop band, Crybaby and then went on to record two solo CDs: Rae Billing and Blue Black Night. Here's hoping there will be more in the future.

Links: Main Site - MySpace - Facebook Fan Page