Thursday, January 30, 2014

News Roundup (Dave Gould, Pete Seeger, Grammys, Best of the Beat)

Local
World
Grammy Award Highlights
Click here for full list
Best of the Beat Awards
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Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Canadians Win at International Blues Challenge in Memphis


Two talented Canadian musicians won big at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee on January 25, 2014.

Calgary's Tim Williams got top honors for best solo/duo and the St. Blues Guitarist award for top guitarist among solo/duo finalists. Click here for the CBC story.



 Links: Tim Williams, Video above courtesy of TaterWorks

Toronto harmonica great (and frequent Jack de Keyzer collaborator) Jerome Godboo received the Lee Oskar Harmonica Player award for top harmonica player among semi-finalists.



Links: Jerome Godboo, More Jerome Godboo Stories, Video above courtesy of Jerome Godboo

Here's the complete list of winners.  Congrats!

Band
Solo/Duo
Blast from the Past: Last Year's Winners

Click here for more stories about the IBC
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Monday, January 27, 2014

New Blue Rodeo CD: In Our Nature (their 1st with Colin Cripps)

https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/in-our-nature/id721038093
In Our Nature the first album by Canadian Music Hall of Famers, Blue Rodeo to feature Hamilton's Colin Cripps has the band in fine form.  The former Crash Vegas and Junkhouse guitar wizard works really works well with the veteran musicians.

This Warner Music release continues the group's world-class roots rock sound with bits of soul, southern rock, country, amazing ballads, catchy rhythms and more.  Each stunning song has its own feel and atmosphere.

They kick off the album with the energetic New Morning Sun.  In Our Nature then continues with such highlights as the beautiful Make Up Your Mind, and the emotion of Tara's Blues and the title track.

You can buy this wonderful CD at many music stores and online shops or download through
iTunes.  At the Blue Rodeo Store it's even available as an LP (with bonus CD).

Videos below courtesy of Blue Rodeo.







Links: Blue Rodeo, More Blue Rodeo Stories, More CD Releases 
Previous (New Episode of Ensemble with Sonny Del-Rio, Catherine Goodrick, Dan Thomas and Les Smith) - - - Next (Canadians Win at the International Blues Challenge)
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Sunday, January 26, 2014

New Ensemble Episode on YouTube (Sonny Del-Rio, Dan Thomas, Catherine Goodrick, Les Smith)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9t1Bb63A6g

Click here if you can't see the Ensemble video



Bonus video below courtesy of Rob M



Bonus video below courtesy of Cindy Dell



 Links: Sonny Del-Rio, Catherine Goodrick, Dan Thomas, Les Smith, More episodes of Ensemble
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Saturday, January 25, 2014

New Downchild Blues Band CD: Can You Hear the Music

Can You Hear the Music, the latest album (via True North Records) from Canadian legends, Downchild Blues Band is further proof of why this band is one of the premier Blues institutions in the world.

 The current veteran lineup includes a number of talented area musicians.  There's Brantford's own vocal and harmonica dynamo Chuck Jackson,  Niagara keyboard master Michael Fonfara and bassman Gary Kendall who also lends his considerable skills to St. Catharines' Mighty Duck Blues Band.  Along with founding member Donnie Walsh (guitar, harmonica), Pat Carey (sax, horns), Peter Jeffrey (trumpet) and Mike Fitzpatrick (drums) the band has some of the most accomplished people in the Blues business.

They don't sit on their laurels either.  Weaving in and out of gospel, swing, jive, rockin' blues, R&B, soul and much more, the gang don't just rehash their old sounds.    Downchild is as vibrant in the Blues world as ever.

This incredible CD can be purchased at many music stores, online shops or through True North Records, it can also be downloaded through iTunes and eMusic.

 Videos below courtesy of Folk, Blues and Roots Channel







Blast From the Past: Downchild YouTubeVideos 

Links: Downchild Blues Band, More Downchild Stories, More CD Releases 
Previous (News Roundup w Tom Wilson, Blues Matters Poll, Carolyna Loveless) - - - Next (New Episode of Emsemble with Sonny Del-Rio, Catherine Goodrick, Dan Thomas and Les Smith)
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Thursday, January 23, 2014

News Roundup (Blues Matters Poll, Passings, Carolyna Loveless)

Local

World

UK Results
International Results


Links: 24th Street Wailers, More 24th Street Wailers Stories, Video above courtesy of Peter Bussell
Recently Added

Main List of Sites
Venue List
Blast From the Past

Featured Video



Links: Carolyna Loveless, More Carolyna Loveless Stories, Video above courtesy of Lynalove
Previous (New Julian Paul Band CD)
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Wednesday, January 22, 2014

New Julian Paul Band CD: Black Heart Hotel

The Black Heart Hotel is where Hard Rock and Blues hook up to make beautiful music together!  That's the best way to describe this latest CD from Brantford's Julian Paul Band.

Energy just oozes out of the album thanks to Julian's powerful voice and guitar slinging expertise.  Bob Richardson (drums) and Skot Silverthorn (bass) add an amazing bottom end to the festivities.

It's not all ear-blistering speed though. The band can handle funky, soulful numbers and beautiful melodies.  From the hardest boogies to the slowest tracks, the trio prove they've got the skills.

 The CD is available at their explosive live shows and can be downloaded through iTunes or 

eMusic.

Videos below courtesy of the Julian Paul Band







Links: Julian Paul Band, More Julian Paul Stories, More CD Releases
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Tuesday, January 21, 2014

2014 Maple Blues Award Winners

http://www.mapleblues.ca/
 
Drummer Tom Bona of Kitchener's Soulstack and Downchild bassist Gary Kendall (who is also part of St. Catharines' Mighty Duck Blues Band) were among the winners of the 2014 Maple Blues Awards.  Congratulations guys!  The hardware was dished out on January 20, 2014 in Toronto.



Links: SoulStack, More Soulstack Stories, Video above courtesy of Jon Knight



Links: Gary Kendal, More Downchild Stories, Video above courtesy of Garmalken

The big winners of the night were Ottawa's MonkeyJunk, who took home five awards. Montreal musician Paul Deslauriers won two.



Links: MonkeyJunk, More MonkeyJunk Stories, Video above courtesy of Blues is Feeling

Below is a complete list of winners:
Blast from the Past: 2013 Maple Blues Award Winners

Links: Maple Blues Awards, More About the Maple Blues Awards
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Sunday, January 19, 2014

New Rae Billing & The Unpayables CD: Walls and Fences

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/raebillingandtheunpayabl
It's been about five years since local songstress extraordinaire Rae Billing released a CD.  The long silence has now been broken with Walls and Fences (through HUG-MUSIC).  It's well worth the wait!

With her character-filled, one of a kind voice and incredible lyrics, Rae weaves a unique, rootsy, alt-country atmosphere.  Occasionally dark and sometimes deeply personal, Walls and Fences is an album of substance worth exploring.

This is also her first solo CD to be recorded in Hamilton and it features some amazing Hammertown musical residents.  Billed as the Unpayables, Rae's band includes Andrew Aldridge (guitar), Matt Coleman of Fry Truck (violin/fiddle), Michael Hickey of Trickbag (bass), Ed Roth (accordion/organ), Nick Burson (drums), Michael J. Birthelmer (piano/guitars/producer), and Wayne Krawchuk (backup vocals).

The disc is available at her live shows and can be purchased through the HUG-MUSIC site or cdbaby.  You can also download it through cdbaby or iTunes.

Videos below courtesy of Rae Billing







Blast from the Past: Videos-Rae Billing@Roots and Rails Fest

Links: Rae Billing, More Rae Billing Stories, More CD Releases
Previous (News Roundup w Ian Andrews, James Anthony, Mo' Kauffey & Duane Rutter) - - - Next (2014 Maple Blues Award Winners)
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Thursday, January 16, 2014

News Roundup (Ian Andrews, James Anthony, Mo' Kauffey & Duane Rutter)

Local
Canada

World

NEW FEATURE! Recently Added

   Venue List
Blasts from the Past
Featured Videos 



Links: James Anthony, More James Anthony Stories, More Bob Dylan Covers/Stories, Click here if you can't see the video above



Links: Mo' Kauffey, More Mo' Kauffey Stories, Duane Rutter, More Duane Rutter stories, More Band Covers/Stories, Click here if you can't see the video above
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Tuesday, January 14, 2014

New Azalea EP: Inside Out

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/azalea5
Hamilton music duo, Azalea have definitely advanced on their latest EP, Inside Out. It has more of a seasoned singer/songwriter vibe and keeps the lush, angelic harmonies that made their previous EP so wonderful.

Marvelous guitar sounds and stunning piano melodies are just the beginning here.  Azalea know how to add eclectic flourishes that set them apart from other pop/folk groups.  You'll be surprised as to what you hear and how organic it sounds.

Stirring, spiritual lyrics also raise the bar. Listeners will be taken on an emotional, musical journey.

Fans can pick up the superb disc at their live shows or download it through cdbaby or iTunes.




Videos above courtesy of Azalea

Links: Azalea, More Azalea Stories, More CD Releases
Previous (Pongetti's Music Founder Roy Pongetti Passes) - - - Next (News Roundup w Ian Andrews, James Anthony, Mo' Kauffey & Duane Rutter)
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Sunday, January 12, 2014

Pongetti's Music Founder Roy Pongetti Passes

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pongetti-Musical-Instruments/105073659613617

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Rolando (Roy) Pongetti, the founding owner of Hamilton's legendary Pongetti Music store.  He passed away on January 9, 2014.  Our condolences to his family and friends. Donations to the Alzheimer Society or St. Anthony's Church are encouraged.

Click here for his obituary.

There has been much reaction online:

Paul Panchezak (Trickbag): "I've known the Pongetti family since the late 60's when they still lived above their little store on Barton just east of Sanford down by the old Forum. I'm still playing the hi hat cymbals I bought there as a kid. Mr Pongetti was always a friendly, sincere man. God bless him."

Stephen Foster (Crawlin' Kingsnakes): "Sad to hear this. Used to go to the original store lots when I first started playing guitar. After they moved down the street I worked for Mr Pongetti in the 80's teaching guitar lessons. It was a great job and Mr Pongetti was very generous. R.I.P. Mr Pongetti your impact on Hamilton Music lives on."

Jim Witter: "I too remember going to Pongetti's in the east end of Hamilton. The whole family and staff always treated me with respect, even though I was a kid. That same respect continued through the years, and I am proud to say I shopped there until Pongetti's closed their doors for good last year. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Pongetti family at this time. Great memories live on forever."
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Saturday, January 11, 2014

Jack de Keyzer on New Harmonica Shah CD: Havin' Nothin' Don't Bother Me

http://www.emusic.com/album/harmonica-shah/havin-nothin-dont-bother-me/14434957/
Detroit's Harmonica Shah has turned to a lot of amazing Canadian talent to back him up on his stunning CDs. Havin' Nothin' Don't Bother Me, the bluesman's current disc from Electro-Fi Records, is no exception.

Like before, Hamilton's own Jack de Keyzer unleashes his mighty axe in Shah's service.  They've teamed up before to create some top notch rockin' and the tradition continues here.

Along with that very successful pairing, Toronto musicians
Bucky Berger and  Alec Fraser add their mighty skills to the band.  Julian Fauth also offers up his piano know-how and vocals on two tracks.

Together, the gang make some good, old fashioned, soulful, rockin' boogie Blues.  This is as classic and timeless sounding as Blues can get.  You can't go wrong here!


This tremendous CD can be purchased through the Electro-Fi website or downloaded through eMusic and iTunes.



Video above courtesy of Electro-Fi



Video above courtesy of Pointblank Zero

Blast from the Past: De Keyzer on Shah's Live at the Cove

Links: Harmonica Shah, More Harmonica Shah Stories,  Jack de Keyzer, More Jack de Keyzer Stories, More CD Releases 
Previous (News Roundup: Phil Everly Passes, Bootleggers, more) - - - Next (Pongetti's Music Founder Roy Pongetti Passes)
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Thursday, January 9, 2014

News Roundup (Phil Everly Passes, Bootleggers, More)

Local
World
Blasts From the Past
Featured Video


Links: More Bootleggers Videos, Video above courtesy of Rockin' Ramzi's, More Johnny Cash stories/covers 
Previous (Videos: Linda Duemo@Cat N Fiddle) - - - Next (Jack de Keyzer on New Harmonica Shah CD)
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Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Video: Linda Duemo and Friends@Cat N Fiddle (October 12, 2013)



Linda Duemo (guitar, vocals), Carrie Ashworth (bass), Nick Burson (drums)

Click here if you can't see the videos



More Little Walter covers/stories



More Rolling Stones covers/stories





Blast from The Past: Videos of Fry Truck (Linda and Carrie's band) with a bonus Linda solo video

Links: Linda Duemo, More Linda Duemo Stories
Previous (New Soulstack CD) - - - Next (News Roundup: Phil Everly Passes, Bootleggers, more)
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Tuesday, January 7, 2014

New Soulstack CD: Five Finger Discount

Five Finger Discount, the sophomore CD from Kitchener's SoulStack is a soul-infused, rootsy blues masterpiece.

Soulstack really knows how to mix things up.  Rock, funk, soul, gospel and many other styles are mixed in a pot of wonderful musical gumbo. 

This delightful dish helped the boys earn a well-deserved nomination for best electric act at the Maple Blues Awards.

The band's been injected with some new blood for the album as well. New guitarist Chris Latta and basist Harpo Peterson add some extra power to the group.

You can pick up the CD at any of their live shows or download it using their website, cdbaby, iTunes, and eMusic.

Videos below courtesy of Soulstack's YouTube Page







Links: SoulStack, More Soulstack Stories, More CD Releases
Previous (News Roundup w Free Songs, Passings, Cartoons and More) - - - Next (Videos: Linda Duemo@Cat N Fiddle)
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Saturday, January 4, 2014

News Roundup (Free Songs, Passings, Cartoons)

Picture courtesy of adafruit
Local
World
Cartoons

Diamond Lil by Brett Koth
Rhymes with Orange by Hillary Price
Thatababy by Paul Trap
Eek by Scott Nickel
Free Range by Bill Whitehead

Funny/Weird Stuff

Blasts from the Past
Featured Videos 



Links: Tabby Thomas, Video above courtesy of IP Susimies



Links: Eric "Guitar" Davis, Video above courtesy of Slim Jo Blues
Previous (2013 in Review) - - - Next (New Soulstack CD)
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Wednesday, January 1, 2014

2013: Year in Review


2013 was another incredible year for local music.  Area musicians made headlines, Hamilton got a Blues Fest to call its own and the Hamilton Blues Lovers turned 5 years old.  This was also the first year that HBL started giving away free tickets to some fabulous shows.  There should be more amazing contests in 2014.

Much like last year,  Harrison Kennedy was very busy.  The blues legend beat cancer in 2013 and released his best album to date, Soulscape.  The disc earned him a Hamilton Music Award as well as nominations for the Maple Blues Awards and Blues Music Awards.  He also guest starred on an album by Pete Tigchelaar.

Steve Strongman was also a big news maker as he took home a Juno, three Maple Blues Awards, a View Magazine Readers' Choice Award and was a finalist in the International Songwriter competition.  Steve was also instrumental in organizing the successful 1st Annual Hamilton Blues and Roots Festival.

2013 was also wonderful for Kathleen Edwards.  She found herself nominated for two Junos and on two CBC top lists (Canadian Singers, Canadian Albums). One of her songs was also used for a great John Denver Tribute

Hamilton music duo Whitehorse had a noteworthy year as well.  There was an album, a live covers EP, and they were on the shortlist for the Polaris Music Prize.  On top of all that, Whitehorse member Luke Doucet appeared on a CD by Lindy Vopnfjord.

Unfortunately, we lost a number of talented artists this year.  They include Al Carter, Jason Lees (The Plain Steel), Alex MacDougall (Groove Corporation), John Willet (Powerhouse), Stompin' Tom,  Tam Kearney,  Rita MacNeil, Ray Manzerak  (Doors), Lou Reed, JJ Cale, Ray Price, Slim Whitman, Precious Bryant, and more.

 Most popular blog posts of 2013:
Other 2013 Highlights
Top 3 YouTube Videos



Links: Fred Eaglesmith, More Fred Eaglesmith Stories, More From This Show





Links: Darrell Webb Band, More From This Show

Here's to an ever better 2014!!!!

Blast from the Past: 2012 in Review

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