Wednesday, April 30, 2014

New Zilis CD: Sketches II

http://thezilismusic.bandcamp.com/album/sketches-ii
Searching for music that's a little off the beaten path?  Then check out Sketches II, the newest offering from Hamilton Rock band The Zilis.

The sound is unmistakably indie but beneath the modern exterior lies a heart of folk and blues.  The band manages to mix it all up into a wonderful, unique concoction.

Katie Bulley (vocals) and Parag Chakravarti (alto sax) lend the Zilis a hand with their amazing experiment.  The CD's also engineered by Carm Milioto of Live How You Live.

You can pick up this superb disc at their live shows or purchase it (as well as download) though the Zilis bandcamp page.

Videos below courtesy of the Zilis.







Links: The ZilisMore Zilies StoriesMore Releases

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Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Videos: James Street@Artword Artbar (April 27, 2014)

Written and directed by Ronald Weihs

Featuring Music by Mark McNeil and Ron Weihs

Performers: Charly Chiarelli, Jeremy Shand, Paula Grove, Valeri Kay, Gordon Odegaard, Ryan Sero

Click here if you can't see the videos









Blast from the Past: Mark McNeil CD: Shiny Things

Links: Mark McNeil, More Mark McNeil stories

Previous (Michael Keys Recognized by Blues Hall of Fame) - - - Next (New Zilis CD)

Sunday, April 27, 2014

Michael Keys Recognized by Blues Hall of Fame

Burlington piano man Michael Keys  was recently recognized as a Great Blues Artist from Canada by the Blues Hall of Fame.  He was also inducted as part of Toronto's Danny B Blues Band in the Master Blues Band category.

Other well-deserving members of the band (who also got individual distinction) include Mister Pentti "Whitey" Glan (drums), Brian Gauci (guitar) and Uli Bohnet (bass).

Congratulations to everyone!

Click here for the Burlington Post story.



Video above courtesy of Michael Keys



Video above courtesy of Donna Lee's Camera



Video above courtesy of Donna Lee's Camera

Blast from the Past: Michael Keys and Friends@Good Friday Jam 2010

Links: Michael Keys, More Michael Keys Stories

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Saturday, April 26, 2014

New Knife the Wolf Self-Titled EP (FREE DOWNLOAD)

http://knifethewolf.bandcamp.com/
St. Catharines band Knife the Wolf describe their sound as Folk, Punk and Blues in a Rock and Roll blender! Their incredible self-titled EP is certainly all that and more.

It has an unmistakable indie rock feel but the soul of the songs are clearly rooted in the singer/songwriter tradition.  Mandolins, banjos, lap steels, resonators and more team up electric guitar to create an eclectic but wonderfully cohesive sound.

This amazing band includes Everet Luciow, Cody Linthicum, Fergie Duncan, and Mark Hoerdt. Oakville's Jordan Rutledge and Arih Struger-Kalkman (who also recorded and mixed the EP) lend their impressive talents to the project as well.

You can download this great recording for FREE at their Bandcamp page.



Links: Knife the Wolf, More Releases, Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

Previous (News Roundup w James Cotton, Tia McGraff, Ryan Langdon, Blues River Man) - - - Next (Michael Keys Recognized by Blues Hall of Fame)

Thursday, April 24, 2014

News Roundup (Tia McGraff, Blues River Man, More)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u27-9llXY0w
Click picture for video

Local

Canadian Music and Broadcast Industry Award Nominations

Local nominees:
  • Music Director Of The Year: Secondary Market: Paul Morris – HTZ-FM (St. Catharines)
  • On-Air Talent Of The Year: Secondary Market: Rick Hodge & Lori Love – 105.7 EZ Rock (St. Catharines)
  • Program Director Of The Year: Secondary Market: Wendy Duff – CHYM FM (Kitchener)
  • Station Of The Year: Country: Country 106.7 (Kitchener)
  • Station Of The Year: Medium Market: CHYM FM (Kitchener)/Country 106.7 (Kitchener)/HTZ-FM (St Catharines)
  • Station Of The Year: Mainstream AC: CHYM FM (Kitchener)/102.9 K-Lite (Hamilton)
  • Casino/Specialty Venue Of The Year: Niagara Fallsview Casino
  • Independent Distributor Of The Year: Sonic Unyon (Hamilton)

Featured Videos

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

New Billy J White EP: Damn Fool Thing to Do

http://www.emusic.com/album/billy-j-white/damn-fool-thing-to-do/14751100/
Burlington country boy, Billy J. White's  recent EP, Damn Fool Thing to Do is a damn fine recording.  Packed with no-nonsense, powerful country rock - it'll get your up off your chair and onto the dance floor.

This is working man's music at its best.  There's a good time, party vibe throughout the EP.  Billy and the gang do slow it down a bit for the lovely ballad, What Heart Can Do. After that, it ends off with a bang thanks to the closer, Saturday Night - the most rockin' of the  bunch.

Billy's assembled quite a team to work on the tunes: Jerry Adolphe, Dennis Marcenko, Darren Savard, Tom McKillip, Mike Sanyshyn, John Ellis, Darryl Havers and Gord Maxwell.

So go ahead and grab a disc by going to his online store or download it though eMusic or iTunes

Videos below courtesy of Billy J White







Links: Billy J. WhiteMore Releases

Previous (New Brenda Brown EP) - - - Next (News Roundup w James Cotton, Tia McGraff, Ryan Langdon, Blues River Man)

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

New Brenda Brown Self-Titled Debut EP

Hamilton jazz singer Brenda Brown recently released her amazing self-titled debut EP. It's filled with six beautifully sung, smooth, poppy jazz gems.tunes

Brenda lends her fabulous voice to some amazing covers such as Bob Dylan's Make You Feel My Love, Patsy Cline's Crazy plus a few standards.  She and her band also shine on the superb original track, I Don't Talk to Strangers.

The lady surrounds herself with some great musicians such as Ross Wooldridge (piano, sax, arrangements), Glenn Anderson (drums),  Chris Bank (bass) and others.  The EP was recorded by Carl Jennings (Freedom Train).

You can get a physical CD by contacting her. The EP can also be downloaded through her bandcamp page.

Videos below courtesy of Brenda Brown







Links: Brenda Brown, More Brenda Brown StoriesMore Releases

Previous (New Marc Pettigrew CD) - - - Next (New Billy J White EP)

Saturday, April 19, 2014

New Marc Pettigrew CD: Second Wind

http://www.marcpettigrew.com/music/
Second Wind, the latest stupendous CD from Burlington singer/songwriter Marc Pettigrew is more than just the name of the album.  The title also describes the story behind it's making.

Marc put his four decade music career on hold because of a genetic lung disease.  In September 2012, he received a double lung transplant.  Shortly after the gift of his "Second Wind" comes this amazing disc.

His voice is obviously as strong as ever on the album as he sings through great rock and folk tracks (some with a Caribbean flavour).  Marc's storytelling skills are also incredible.

Joining him in his wonderful comeback are the Weber Brothers (Sam and Ryan), Marcus Browne, Shia "Cookie" Pier, and James McKenty of the Spades (who also engineered.  The album was ably produced by Steve Loree.

You can purchase the CD or download it at cdbaby. It can also be downloaded though iTunes.

Videos below courtesy of SimVid2







Links: Marc Pettigrew, More Releases

Previous (News Roundup w Jesse Winchester, Chelsea Crites, Wilber James, Awards) - - - Next (New Brenda Brown EP)

Thursday, April 17, 2014

News Roundup (Chelsea Crites, Awards, Jesse Winchester, Wilber James)


Click picture for video

Local

East Coast Music Award Winners

Highlights below
More ECMA Stories

Funny Stuff

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Katey Gatta Debut Album: Songs From the Basement

Welland singer/songwriter Katey Gatta's debut album: Songs From the Basement has an ethereal beauty about it.  Artistic and atmospheric, these eight tracks will amaze listeners.

Her sound is a remarkable union of mainly jazz and folk with pieces of blues, pop and more.  Katey's emotional voice adds an almost ghostly element that'll give you shivers.  The lady's sparse acoustic guitar adds to the haunting feel.

Along with some wonderful originals, the album includes a unique cover of the Doors classic Light My Fire.

So if you're in for something a little the mood for something different, you can download this incredible album at her bandcamp page.


Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers



Video above courtesy of Savoury and Sweet

Links: Katey GattaMore Katey Gatta StoriesMore Releases

Previous (New Blackie and the Rodeo Kings CD) - - - Next (News Roundup w Jesse Winchester, Chelsea Crites, Wilber James, Awards)

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

New Blackie and the Rodeo Kings CD: South

Supergroup, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings once again show the world why they're one of the leaders in the folk rock arena.  Their recent CD, South boasts some of their best work and that's saying a lot.


Consisting of a core trio (Hamilton's Tom Wilson, Colin Linden and Stephen Fearing), the band have created a stunning album.  The music runs the gamut from acoustic ballads to toe tapping rockin' country.

This fabulous trio is backed by the top notch rhythm section of Johnny Dymond on bass and Gary Craig on drums.  Harlan Pepper even join in on the fun offering their vocal harmonies.

With the exception of one track, an amazing cover of Willie P. Bennett's Driftin' Snow, the rest of the album is all original.  Not bad for a band that started with a one-off Willie P covers album.

The CD is available at many music shops and also from their online store. It can also be downloaded though eMusic and iTunes.


Blast From the Past: Blackie's Kings and Queens CD

Videos below courtesy of CBC Music.








Links: Rodeo KingsMore BARK storiesMore Releases

Previous (New Jeremy Fisher Live Album) - - - Next (New Katey Gatta Album)

Sunday, April 13, 2014

New Jeremy Fisher Album: Live at Catherine North

With Live at Catherine North, his latest album, Hamilton-born singer/songwriter Jeremy Fisher offers up a sparse, acoustic performance that will leave you breathless.  His expressive voice, great guitar skills and dynamic harmonica playing are all he needs.

Recorded during an intimate show in Hammertown, the album includes wonderful, stark versions of his best songs (including Cigarette and High School).   As an added bonus, Jeremy tells a few interesting stories and does a fabulous cover of Tom Waits' I Hope I Don't Fall in Love With You.

The album can be downloaded at Jeremy's Noisetrade page.  You can even name your own price (you can't beat that!).



Video above courtesy of Matt Schichter



Video above courtesy of Imemine



Video above courtesy of Frontside Promotions

Blast From the Past: Jeremy Fisher Video and More

Links: Jeremy Fisher, More Jeremy Fisher StoriesMore Releases

Previous (New Dave Rave CD) - - - Next (New Blackie and the Rodeo Kings CD)

Saturday, April 12, 2014

New Dave Rave and the Governors CD: Ashtray Makeup

Hamilton music legend, Dave Rave returns to his power pop roots with Ashtray Makeup, his latest CD with Minnesota band, the Governors.  It was made for dancing and groovin'.

Dave's always been a master of the hook-filled tune and this release has plenty of them.  You'll be singing along with all the songs and enjoying every minute of it. 

The Governors do an amazing job of working with Dave on these infectious and energetic recordings.  Hopefully, they'll be teaming up more often.

You can buy the CD at his live shows or download it through many services: Dave's bandcamp page, cdbaby, eMusic and iTunes

Videos below courtesy of ReggiePype







Blast from the Past: Dave Rave and Mark Mark McCarron CD: Memphis Midnight 

Links: Dave RaveMore Dave Rave StoriesMore Releases

Previous (News Roundup w Stan Rogers, Rae Billing, Awards, Brad Cheeseman) - - - Next (New Jeremy Fisher Live Album)

Thursday, April 10, 2014

News Roundup (Rae Billing, Stan Rogers, Awards, Brad Cheeseman)





Local

Hamilton Community News Readers' Choice Awards

Live Entertainment
Favourite Event or Festival
Radio Station
Radio Personality
Musical Instrument
CD Store/Music Store (New)
CD Store/Music Store (Used)
Music Instruction
Music Instructor
  • [Diamond] Anita Hiripi
  • [Platinum] Carma McKay
  • [Gold] David Holmes
  • [Bronze] Leeza Khayutin

Academy of Country Music Award Winners

World

Recently Added

Our Venue List

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Boy With an Atlas Debut EP: Doors of Dublin

Three tracks are all you'll need to fall in love with local indie folk band Boy With An Atlas.  Their debut 3-song EP, Doors of Dublin will take you more places than the average full album.

Celtic, French, Spanish and other European sounds are wonderfully intermingled to form a unique experience.  Singer R.A. Ducharme's emotion filled voice adds emotion to this stunning musical sojourn.

Other members of this talented band include Jill Kooymans (trumpet, vocals), Simon Marsello (bass guitar, electric guitar) and Indie Ana Jones (piano, organ, vocals). Shane Bowley adds some cool drumming as well.  The EP was Produced, recorded and mixed by Michael Keire at Threshold Studio.

You can download this amazing EP at the group's Bandcamp page.



Links: Boy With An AtlasMore Releases, Video above courtesy of Boy With An Atlas

Previous (Local Musicians Up For 2014 Indie Awards) - - - Next (Azalea + Ash and Bloom Videos)

Sunday, April 6, 2014

Local Musicians up for 2014 Indie Awards


The Independent Music Award nominations are jam packed with local talent this year.    Hopefully, a number of them will be coming home with some hardware at the ceremony (Saturday May 10th, 2014 at the Kool Haus in Toronto).

Steeltown music veteran Tom Wilson (aka  Lee Harvey Osmond) is up for best Folk/Roots artist and Hamilton singer Diana Panton is nominated for the Jazz award. Other nominees from the Hammer include hard rockers Monster Truck (4 awards) and soul queen Jessy Lanza, who received nods for two categories.



Links: Diana PantonMore Diana Panton Stories, Video above courtesy of Leading Pictures



Video above courtesy of Hyperdub Records

The surrounding area is also represtented.  St. Catharines boy Dallas Green (aka City and Colour) is in the running for an impressive eight awards.  Tim Hicks (also from St. Catharines) and Welland's Daniel Romano are both up for Country Artist.  Recent Juno winners Downchild (featuring members from Brantford and Niagara) will be up for Blues Artist as well.



Links: City and Colour, More City and Colour Stories, Video above courtesy of City and Colour

Fans can also vote online starting Monday, March 31st at www.indies.ca.

Below are a few of the nomination highlights.

Blues Artist
Country Artist
Album
Single
Group/Duo
Artist
Female Artist
Male Artist
Live Artist
Songwriter
Video
Must Follow Artist
Collaboration
Most Played Artist
Best Selling Release

Previous (Carl Jennings of Freedom Train and Danny Lockwood on New Mark Crissinger EP) - - - Next (Boy With An Atlas Debut EP)

Saturday, April 5, 2014

Carl Jennings (Freedom Train) and Danny Lockwood on New Mark Crissinger EP: Terra Nova


Nanaimo, BC Bluesman Mark Crissinger has made a habit of recording with top notch Hamilton musicians.  His latest wonderful EP, Terra Nova, is no exception.

The talented Hammertown residents in question are Carl Jennings (Freedom Train) on bass and Danny Lockwood on drums.  Other guests on the recording include Jeff Heisholt (keys) and Konrad Comisso (drums).

Together, they create infectious, soulful blues with amazing songwriting.  The sound goes beyond the usual12 bar format but still maintains roots in the classic blues form.

This amazing EP can be downloaded through iTunes, eMusic and Reverbnation.



Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers



Video above courtesy of Mark Crissinger

Links: Mark Crissinger, More Mark Crissinger StoriesMore Releases

Previous (News Roundup w Blue Rodeo, Shea D Duo, Lena Montecalvo, Gunter Ott) - - - Next (Local Musicians Up For 2014 Indie Awards)

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

1st Annual Southern Ontario Roots Endowment Coming to Hamilton

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbhIxtb-MO9VsgZf4w06RPF6sp4LbOnwuuyHSvLuTricG7h9Ldb9BTzm1FZGCjoNpfM6IRaA2DZmcV0G77wSCLoaXLCnuOaLPKC5yf-8sU6zdkODh1dYtYFhYPIox7x6S2YiuYR-PutlY/s1600/april-fools-day251.png

On the heels of those piddly Junos comes a new major awards show that will put all others to shame: the Southern Ontario Roots Endowment (the SOREs) will be debuting in Hamilton on April 31, 2014.

This brand-new organization is the brainchild of Hamilton Blues Lovers CEO, Lou.  We met up with the elusive blogger to discuss why we needed more awards.

"Most of those programs are about talent, skill, songwriting and other such nonsense," Lou stated, "It's about time there was an awards ceremony for what really matters in the music world."  The result has been unique categories such as bodacious hair, coolest beard, sexiest blogger and more.

"The SOREs are open to any roots musician in the Southern Ontario area," Lou added, "and instead of handing out useless trophies like other TV shows I won't name, we plan on giving them something musicians can always use: an extra large pizza.  Now that's an endowment well done!"

Our esteemed blogger has decided to pull out all the stops for this stupendous ceremony.  After a huge search, they've decided to hold the first celebration at April Fulcilli's House of Used Pasta (where their motto is "You'd almost swear it's fresh!").

Sparing no expense, the SORE committee have also hired Jaleel White, "Urkel" from Family Matters, as the MC.

"It was important that we get a major A-List star for the debut," Lou explained, "Thanks to a sponsorship from Luigi's 8-Track Hut, we were able to get him.  Luckily, he had a hole in his busy schedule".

Check below to see who was nominated and who won

Most Bodacious Beard

Mo Kauffey
VOTE
Dan Walsh

 WINNER!
VOTE
Tom Wilson
 VOTE

Coolest Hair


Sean O'Grady

WINNER!


Doug Feaver
VOTE

Michael Hickey (Trickbag)
VOTE

Sexiest Blogger

Lou, Hamilton Blues Lovers
WINNER!
 
Glen Brown, Greater Hamilton Musician
VOTE
(Sorry, link out of order)
Gunner Smith, gunnersmith.ca
VOTE
(Sorry, link out of order)

Fabulous Headgear

Cindy Dell
VOTE

Sue Sweetman (Barn Katz)

WINNER!
VOTE
Wax Mannequin


VOTE

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

Previous (Matt Mays and Downchild Bring Junos to the Area) - - - Next (News Roundup w Blue Rodeo, Shea D Duo, Lena Montecalvo, Gunter Ott)