Videos: Diamond Drapes@Jordan House (March 30, 2013)

More Roy Orbison covers/stories




More Eddie Cochran covers/stories




More Elvis Presley covers/stories



Link: Diamond Drapes YouTube Page

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Ghosts of Memphis Debut CD: The Devil and the Details

Local veteran musicians Trevor Howard and guitarist Gerry Finn (Helix, Killer Dwarves) have teamed up to form Ghosts of Memphis.  With this cool name, comes a really cool debut album, The Devil and the Details.

The group has created a great singer/songwriter sound with an alt-country attitude.  There's also a lot of roots rock blended in for good measure.

Every song is a lyrical story sung with Trevor's passionate voice and backed up by Gerry's stunning guitar work.  You can also hear banjos, slide guitar, piano, and much more.

The album is available as a download on iTunes and eMusic.



Above video courtesy of MissIstra



Above video courtesy of Ken Corke

Links: Ghosts of Memphis, More Ghosts of Memphis Stories, More CD Releases

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Previous (News Roundup w/Richie Havens, Dan Scruton, Buddy Love) - - - Next (Videos: Diamond Drapes@Jordan House)

News Roundup (Richie Havens, Dan Scruton, Buddy Love)

Local

• New Mike Woods site
• Blues & Roots Fest set for Westdale

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World

• Brian Wilson to publish auto-biography
• Podcasts: Nothing But the Blues 240, BluesNdaBlood 164, Roadhouse 425
• Passings: Richie Havens

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Funny/Weird Stuff

• Legends Revealed: What Dramatic Method Did Kris Kristofferson Use to Get Johnny Cash to Pay Attention to His Demo Tapes?

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Blasts from the Past 

• 2009: Andre Bisson CD: Rhythm and Blues Experience
• 2010: Pete Sisk@Artword Artbar
• 2011: Shrimp Daddy/Wild T@Pour House
• 2012: Dick Clark Passes and Other News

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Featured Videos



Link: Dan Scruton, More Dan Scruton Stories



Links: Buddy Love, Video courtesy of Buddy Love

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Previous (Fred Eaglesmith@Gunners Club)

Fred Eaglesmith and Friends@Brantford Gunners Club (March 29, 2013)

Left to right: Matt Simpson, Kori Heppner (drums), Tif Ginn, Fred Eaglesmith, Justine Fischer, Mike Zinger
 





Blast From the Past: Fred Eaglesmith@Gunners Club (2011)

Links: Fred Eaglesmith, More Fred Eaglesmith Stories

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Previous (New Dave Rave CD) - - - Next (News Roundup w/Richie Havens, Dan Scruton, Buddy Love)

New Dave Rave and Mark Mark McCarron CD: Memphis Midnight

Hamilton rocker Dave Rave has once again united with Canadian/NYC guitarist Mark McCarron for another great, smooth and soulful album. Memphis Midnight, like its predecessor In the Blue of my Dreams, is filled with stunning jazz-pop.

This time around though, they've amped up the energy quite a bit.  Catchy melodies are intermingled with funk, rock, swing (great use of horns!), and even a touch of the psychedelic.

It's great to see this side of Dave Rave.  Though you know he can rock it out with the best of them, the man can definitely be soulful when he needs to be.



The album is available as a download on iTunes and eMusic.

Blast from the Past: Dave Rave CD: Live With What You Know 

Videos below (of songs from the album) courtesy of Lauren Agnelli 
 



Links: Dave Rave and Mark McCarron, More Dave Rave Stories, More CD Releases

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Previous (Local Talent Bring Junos to the Hammer) - - - Next (Fred Eaglesmith@Gunners Club)

Local Talent Bring Junos to the Hammer

Long time Hamiltonian Steve Strongman and new Hammertown residents Elliott Brood have brought home the Junos!  Steve won for best Blues album and Elliott Brood was awarded for Roots Recording (Group). Area band, The City Harmonic also won for Contemporary Christian/gospel album.  On top of that, Steel City rockers, Monster Truck received the nod for Breakthough Group.

Congratulations guys!  You make us proud!

Click here for the Spectator story.

Click here for Hamilton Musix Biz Bites story  



Links: Steve Strongman, More Steve Strongman stories, Video courtesy of Kincardine Times



Links: Elliott Brood , Video courtesy of AxleGrinder

Below are a few highlights.  Click here for the full list of winners

Blues Album: Steve Strongman: A Natural Fact

Roots & Traditional Album (Solo): Rose Cousins, We Have Made A Spark

Roots & Traditional Album (Group): Elliott Brood: Days Into Years

Songwriter: Leonard Cohen

Country Album: Johnny Reid, Fire It Up

International Album: Mumford & Sons, Babel

Adult Alternative Album: Serena Ryder, Harmony


Artist: Leonard Cohen

Vocal Jazz Album: Emilie-Claire Barlow, Seule ce Soir

Aboriginal Album: Crystal Shawanda, Just Like You

Music DVD: Bobcaygeon (Tragically Hip)

Allan Waters Humanitarian Award: Tom Cochrane

Canadian Music Hall of Fame Inductee:  k.d. lang

Link: More about the Junos

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Previous (News Roundup w/Harrison Kennedy Benefit video, Jimmy Dawkins, more) - - - Next (New Dave Rave CD)

News Roundup (Harrison Kennedy Benefit Video, Jimmy Dawkins, Cartoons)

Canada 

• Issues of new Canada inTune magazine: March, April

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World

• Blues CD new releases for April 2013
• Podcasts: Nothing But the Blues 239, SA Blues 183
  
• Trivia Cartoon about the Al Green
• Passings: George Jackson (co-writer of Old Time Rock N Roll), Jimmy Dawkins
  

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 Funny/Weird Stuff

• Johnny Cash cartoon
• Mind-blowing stories from famous songs
• The science of music: scientists find part of brain that enjoys music, brain scan predicts how much you`ll pay for music, Listening to music is as good as sex
  
• Strange T-Shirt

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Blasts from the Past 

• 2009: Melissa McClelland CD: Victoria Day
• 2010: Performer of the Week: The Overplayers
• 2011: Trickbag@Buddy's Roadhouse
• 2012: News + Videos of Jeff Healey & Martin Verall

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Featured Videos 



Links: Harrison Kennedy, More Harrison Kennedy Stories, Video courtesy of VCard TV
 


Links: Jimmy Dawkins, Video courtesy of Talkin to the Blues

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Previous (Rita MacNeil Passes) - - - Next (Local Talent Bring Junos to the Hammer)

Rita MacNeil Passes + Reactions

Shortly after losing the legendary Stompin' Tom, Canada has lost another musical icon.  The incredible Rita MacNeil passed away April 16, 2013 after complications from surgery.  Our condolences to her family, friends, and fans.  She will be missed.

Click here for the CBC story.

Click here for the Hamilton Spectator story.

As always, reaction was swift on social media.  Here are a few highlights.

John M Crawford: "I am so devistated that Rita McNeil is gone. What a voice and an entertainer we lost. God bless her family and thank you Rita for giving us such wonderfull music."

Tia McGraff: "OH I am so sad to hear about the passing of Rita MacNeil. She was one of Canada's most amazing voices and songwriters."

Stephen Fearing: "So long Rita MacNeil. You were a sweet soul with a voice to match it. RIP."

Jann Arden: "Love you Rita MacNeil! Such an honor to do your show many times in the 90ties!! Brilliant writer, wonderful singer! Safe travels!"

Eric Alper: "There was no finer, kinder, authentic woman I have ever worked with than Cape Breton's Rita MacNeil."

Videos below courtesy of SirRusselOtt




Click here for Rita's site.

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Previous (Bill Poss/Tif Ginn@Brantford Gunners Club) - - - Next (News Roundup w/Harrison Kennedy Benefit video, Jimmy Dawkins, more)

Bill Poss/Tif Ginn and Friends@Brantford Gunners Club (March 29, 2013)

Left to right: Matt Simpson, Kori Heppner (drums), Bill Poss (first two songs)/Tif Ginn (last two songs), Justine Fischer, Mike Zinger






Blast From the Past: Ginn Sisters@Brantford Gunner's Club (2011)

They were opening up for Fred Eaglesmith.  We'll have his videos up soon. 

Links: Bill Poss, Ginn Sisters, More Ginn Sisters Stories

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Previous (New Lindy Vopnfjord CD) - - - Next (Rita MacNeil Passes)

New Lindy Vopnfjord CD: Young Waverer

Young Waverer, the latest CD from local singer/songwriter Lindy Vopnfjord (aka "Lindy") has many beautiful layers.

Underneath it all is an unmistakable folk and singer/songwriter vibe.  Lindy has crafted some impressive tunes with a stunning storytelling touch.

Built on top of that sonic foundation is a modern, quasi-alternative pop sound that meshes well with his expressive vocals.  Most of the songs are wonderfully infectious (especially Warsaw's Blinking Lights and On My Way Back Home). There are some remarkable slower numbers as well (Lover Sister and May Not be Right).

Lindy enlisted a few of his bandmates from Major Maker and Luke Doucet (Whitehorse) to help create his unique vision.

The CD can be downloaded through his web site or iTunes.

Below are a few videos from the recordign courtesy of  Stellablu477.





Links: Lindy Vopnfjord, More CD Releases

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Daniel Lanois Earns Governor General Lifetime Achievement Award

Hamilton-born Daniel Lanois will receive a well-deserved Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards for Lifetime Achievement.  His stellar career includes his own amazing recordings as well as producing U2, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and other luminaries. Congratulations!

Other recipients for this year include actress/director Sarah Polley and Eric Peterson from TV's Corner Gas. Those honoured receive a a commemorative medallion and $25,000 from the Canada Council for the Arts.

Click here for the CBC story, which includes an interview with Daniel.

Click here for Daniel's page on the awards web site.

Video below courtesy of House of Grouse



Blast From the Past: Daniel Lanois Wins 2011 Juno

Daniel Lanois, More Daniel Lanois Stories

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2 New Episodes of Ensemble Online

Videos courtesy of Cable 14



Links: Terra Lightfoot, Steven McKay, Lee Anne Wesseling, Mark Wilson



Links: Mark McNeil, Rachel Heart Warrior, Andy Griffiths, Tomi Swick

More Ensemble Episodes

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Previous (News Roundup w/Stompin' Tom Memorial, Paul Langille, more) - - - Next (Daniel Lanois Earns Governor General Award)

News Roundup (Stompin' Tom Memorial, Paul Langille, Cartoons)

Local

• New Pearl Company blog
• Kevin Barber's Podcast With Craig Gory of Burnin' Ethyl
• Dave Gould's Yukon trip blog

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Canada 

• Johnny V. Mills Passes
• April issue of Maple Blues

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World

• Podcasts: Nothing But the Blues 238, Roadhouse 422, Roadhouse 423
  
• Trivia Cartoon about the Beatles
• Passings: Johnnie Billington, Producer Andy Johns

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Funny/Weird Stuff

• Cartoon: Musical Cookies

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Blasts From the Past

• 2009: Remo Cino Posts Steel Industry Protest Video
• 2010: Jesse O'Brien's Corktown Bash
• 2011: Rob Szabo@Artword Artbar
• 2012: New Tomi Swick CD

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Featured Videos 



Above video includes a performance by local musician Mark LaForme (2:26).

Links: Stompin' Tom's, More Stompin' Tom Stories, Video courtesy of TV Cogeco



Above video is Paul Langille's 1985 Labbat's Blue Commercial

Links: Paul Langille, More Paul Langille Stories, Video courtesy of Catch the Taste
 

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Previous (New Acoustics CD) - - - Next (2 New Episodes of Ensemble Online)

New Acoustics CD: Erie Long

Talented local band the Acoustics have made a giant leap forward with Erie Long, their latest CD.  Known as a top-notch instrumental group with a world-music sound, they've challenged themselves to explore new territory.

By far, the biggest change has to be the addition of vocals on 8 of the 14 tracks.  Guitarist Enzo Spoto stepped up to the mic and proved he possesses an incredible voice and some major songwriting skills. There's also new elements of folk, rock, pop and more added to the proceedings.

Don't worry, the Mediterranean-style music you know and love is still here, especially on the instrumental tracks. The high-energy, danceable, party vibe still lingers too!

The CD can be purchased at their live shows and cdBaby, it can also be downloaded through cdBaby and iTunes.

Below is a video from the CD.




Blast from the Past: Acoustics@Artword Artbar


Links: Acoustics,  More Acoustics Stories, More CD Releases
 

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Previous (Rita Chiarelli to Receive Italian Heritage Award) - - - Next (News Roundup w/Stompin' Tom Memorial, Paul Langille, more)

Rita Chiarelli to Receive Italian Heritage Award

Canada's Goddess of the Blues Rita Chiarelli will soon be increasing her list of accolades (which already include Juno nominations).  The Hamilton singer/songwriter will receive the Festitalia Italian Heritage Award of Distinction for Arts, Culture and Entertainment on June 6, 2013 at Michelangelo’s.

Click here for the full story on the 2013 awards.

According to the organization's web site, the honour "recognizes the leadership of men, women and youth of Italian ancestry or Italian affiliation who contribute to the development and well-being of others and the overall improvement of the community."

Rita has definitely made many outstanding achievements in her field.  Complimenti (congratulations).

In a related story, the veteran blues queen was recently featured in a story about "Italian Folk Music Today" from PRIMO magazine.  Click here to view the article.

Video below courtesy of Rita Chiarelli



 Blast from the Past: Rita Chiarelli CD: Sweet Paradise

Links: Rita Chiarelli, More Rita Chiarelli Stories
 

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Previous (New Marie Avery EP) - - - Next (New Acoustics CD)

New Marie Avery EP: The Fire

The Fire, the latest EP from local singer/songwriter Marie Avery is ignited by the artist's striking voice. Her accomplished piano work also adds fuel to the flame.

Though this blazing EP has an indie-pop ambiance, Marie still grounds it with solid, poetic songwriting and classic structure.  You can also hear a lot of jazz and a bit of broadway in the mix  What comes through is a beautiful, honest recording full of surprises.

Backing her up is a great team of area musicians, including Bill Majoros (Foreign Films) and Carl Jennings (Freedom Train) - both of whom produced the EP.  Kori Pop, Amber Edgar and Loretta Hale  (Loretta Hale Big Band, J-Tones) join in as well.

This collection is available as a download on her Bandcamp page.

Below is video from the EP courtesy of Marie Avery



You can also stream the EP here

Links: Marie Avery,  More Marie Avery Stories, More CD Releases 

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Previous (News Roundup w Tom Wilson, Eric Burdon, Frank Cosentino) - - - Next (Rita Chiarelli to Receive Italian Heritage Award)

News Roundup (Lawrie Ingles, Jack Harlan, Frank Cosentino)

Local

• City to ask CBC to leave room for local radio station
• Hamilton Musician's Guild celebrates 110 years
• Trailer of film starring Tom Wilson & Colin Mochrie
• Brantford Expositor story on Open Stage
  

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Canada 

• Johnny V. Mills Passes

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World

• Podcasts: Nothing But the Blues 237, SA Blues 182, Roadhouse 421
  
• Eric Burdon signs deal for memoirs
• Passings: Session Guitarist Hugh McCracken, Crawdaddy Mag founder Paul Williams, Cymbal manufacturer Robert Zildjian, Producer Phil Ramone, Motown producer Deke Richards
  

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Funny/Weird Stuff

• Legends Revealed: Did The Band Behind the Hit Song “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye” Not Even Really Exist?
• Embarassing Past Lives of Famous Musicians

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Blasts From the Past 

• 2009: Juno Award Winners
• 2010: Performer of the Week: John Ellison 
• 2011: Mark Venderheyden@Pheasant Plucker
• 2012: Trickbag@Fool and Flagon 

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Featured Videos


 
Links: Lawrie Ingles, More Lawrie Ingles Stories, Video courtesy of Dr. Jingles


 
Links: Jack Harlan, More Jack Harlan Stories, Video Courtesy of Jack Harlan


 
Links: Frank Cosentino, More Frank Cosentino Stories, Video courtesy of RandallStaffordCook

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Previous (Ensemble TV Show w/Wax Mannequin, Dave Pomfret, Mark Lotterman, Dave Gould) - - - Next (New Marie Avery EP)

New Episode of Ensemble (Wax Mannequin, Dave Pomfret, Mark Lotterman, Dave Gould)

Links: Wax Mannequin, Dave Pomfret, Mark Lotterman, Dave Gould, More Ensemble Episodes, Video courtesy of Cable 14

Since we haven't featured Mark Lotterman before, here are two videos from his YouTube page.

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Previous (New Whitehorse Covers EP) - - - Next (News Roundup w Tom Wilson, Eric Burdon, Frank Cosentino)

New Whitehorse Covers EP: The Road to Massey Hall

Local Singer/Songwriter duo Whitehorse (Luke Doucet and Mellisa McClelland) wanted to do something special to celebrate their current tour.  Since their travels would take them to Massey Hall for the first time, celebrating the legendary venue seemed appropriate.

As a result, Whitehorse's fans are being treated to The Road to Massey Hall EP.   Luke and Mellisa put their own unique stamp on classic songs from performers that have played the fabled Toronto landmark.

Songs include Neil Young's Winterlong, Gordon Lightfoot's If You Could Read My Mind, Dark Angel by Blue Rodeo, Bob Dylan's It Ain't Me Babe, Strawberry Blonde by Ron Sexsmith and Un Canadien Errant, a french-language song written in the mid 1800s.

The amazing EP is availble as a download on iTunes or Six Shooter Records.

Below are videos courtesy of Six Shooter Records





Blast From The Past: Our Review of Whitehorse's The Fate of the World Depends on This Kiss

Links: Whitehorse, More Whitehorse Stories, More CD Releases

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Previous (Ex-Pope to Rock the Hammer) - - - Next (Ensemble TV Show w/Wax Mannequin, Dave Pomfret, Mark Lotterman, Dave Gould)

Ex-Pope to Rock the Hammer

When Pope Benedict XVI announced his retirement, reports came out that he wanted to concentrate on music.  Everyone probably assumed it would be writing church hymns.  Boy were they wrong! The ex-pontiff has decided to start playing some good ol' rockin' blues. In a wonderful turn of events, he'll be using local musicians to back him up and will be touring the hammer as well.

Since beloved Hamilton Blues Lovers Inc. C.E.O. and blogger, Lou is also the music consultant for the Vatican, Benedict approached him for help.

"Benny, as I call him, told me he wanted to use only the most wholesome and virtuous musicians available " Lou explained, "That's not too hard to find in our little home town so I managed to finagle quite a respectable band for him."

Pope Benedict himself will be handling the lead singing and rhythm guitar duties. The rest of the band includes Brian Griffith (lead guitar), Jack Pedler of Teenage Head (drums), Matty Buzanko of the Rest/Overplayers (bass) and Corey Lueck of the Smoke Wagon Blues Band (harmonica/backing vocals).

The gang worked hard before his holiness's retirement to unleash his debut blues CD, Abstinence Blues (through Luigi Records). They recorded such amazing hard-rockin' songs as Soul Man, No Nookie Tonight and a reworked version of a Teenage Head classic entitled Teenage Rosary Praying Party.

Lucky for Hamilton, Benedict has decided to start the tour in our fair city.  It kicks off with a CD release party at Our Lady of Muddy Waters parish on Calloway Drive .  Opening the show will be the amazing Banned From Heaven. Festivities start at 5pm and as the ex-pope said, "If we're feeling frisky we'll be playing really late, maybe even 'til 9pm. It's OK - After all, we're on a mission from God!"

Other stops of the tour include St. Jake's, St. Elwood's, and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Banjo. Please contact the band's manager April Fulcilli at afulcilli@luigirecords.com for tickets.

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