Sunday, August 24, 2014

Tebey's New CD, Two, Getting a Lot of Well-Deserved Recognition


Burlington country superstar, Tebey is on a roll after releasing his second amazing CD, Two in early 2014.  It's been in the Top 10 of the Canadian Country Music Charts and the main man himself has won and been nominated for a few awards as well.  The album  (distributed through Warner Music Canada) definitely deserves all the accolades.

Tebey is one of the best modern country artists out there.  Possessing a fabulous voice, he sings songs that are down to earth.  The singer/songwriter throws in everyman anthems (Tipsy) with heartfelt tracks (Music Man, I'd Be Lying) and more.  The CD opens up with the high-energy statement, Wake Me Up) co-starring the wonderful Emerson Drive.

This rockin' CD can be purchased at many physical and online music stores.  You can also download it using iTunes.




Video above courtesy of Tebey

Blast from the Past: Tebey Wins CMAO Award

Links: Tebey, More Tebey Stories, More Releases

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Sunday, August 17, 2014

Astrid Young's New CD, One Night at Giant Rock Will Surpise and Astound

http://www.emusic.com/album/astrid-young/one-night-at-giant-rock/15072651/

It's been over 10 years since local singer/songwriter Astrid Young's last album.  Now she has unveiled her best work to date: One Night at Giant Rock. It captures an astounding musical artist willing to go all out.

The emotion in her voice is unmistakable as she powers through a few tracks while giving others a wonderful soulful sheen.  Artistically, the lady mixes in funk, pop, country, folk and more - all with evocative lyrics.  There a musical surprise around almost every corner.

Astrid is joined mainly by Victor DeLorenzo of the Violent Femmes (drums), Joe Gore (guitar), Eric McFadden (guitar) plus her husband (and Hamilton boy) Ray Farrugia of Junkhouse and Lee Harvey Osmond on drums as well.   Guests include Hammertown's own Bob Lanois (who is also a co-producer) Jane Wiedlin (The GoGo's), Dawn Chapman (4 Non Blondes), Dan Cornelius (Danko Jones), and Luca D'Alberto (ExWave).

This amazing CD can be purchased through her online store or downloaded via iTunes or eMusic.


Video above courtesy of Astrid Young

Blast from the Past: Videos of Astrid Young@Brantford Station Gallery

Links: Astrid Young, More Astrid Young Stories, More Releases

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Saturday, August 16, 2014

The Legendary Buddy Guy Wins 2014 Mel Brown Award

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=9ev948Sz1iU

When Blues superstar Buddy Guy performed at the 2014 Kitchener Blues Festival fundraiser concert, he also received the prestigious Mel Brown Award.  Named after the late, great blues master who made Kitchener, Ontario his adopted home, the award is given to individuals who make significant contribution to the Blues.

"Mel was one of the greatest guitar players ever. He was also a mean piano player.", Buddy told the Kitchener Record, "It's an honour to win an award named after someone as great as Mel Brown."

Buddy was a friend and contemporary of Mel and the two performed together on many occcasions. He also played in the region quite a few times over the years.

Congratulations

Click here for the Kitchener Record story.



Video above courtesy of Philip Blast



Video above courtesy of Pavel Kalinchev

Blast from the Past: John McKinley Wins the 2013 Mel Brown Award

Links: Buddy Guy, More Buddy Guy Stories

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Thursday, August 14, 2014

News Roundup (Living Blues Awards, Smoke Wagon, Quails in the Nest)


Free Range by Bill Whitehead

Local
Canada


Living Blues Magazine Award Winners (Critics)
  • Blues Artist (Male): James Cotton
  • Blues Artist (Female): Irma Thomas
  • Best Live Performer: Bobby Rush
  • Artist Deserving More Attention: Birdlegg



    Video above courtesy of Blues is Feeling

  • Most Outstanding Blues Singer: Johnny Rawls
  • Comeback Artist(s): Swamp Dogg
  • Most Outstanding Musician (Guitar): Lurrie Bell
  • Most Outstanding Musician (Keyboard): Barrelhouse Chuck
  • Most Outstanding Musician (Harmonica): James Cotton
  • Most Outstanding Musician (Bass): Bob Stroger
  • Most Outstanding Musician (Drums): Kenny Smith
  • Most Outstanding Musician (Horns): Eddie Shaw
  • Most Outstanding Musician (Other): Chuck Campbell (pedal steel)
  • Album: James Cotton – Cotton Mouth Man
  • Best New Recordings - Southern Soul: Johnny Rawls – Remembering O.V.
  • New Recordings - Best Debut: Leo “Bud” Welch – Sabougla Voices
  • Best New Recording - Traditional & Acoustic Blues: Various Artists – The Walter Davis Project
  • Best New Recording - Contemporary Blues: Lurrie Bell – Blues In My Soul
  • Best Historical Reissue (Pre-War): Sid Hemphill – The Devil’s Dream: Alan Lomax 1942 Library of Congress Recordings
  • Best Historical Reissue (Post-War): Various Artists – The Sun Blues Box
  • Producer – New Recording: Bruce Watson – Leo “Bud” Welch’s Sabougla Voices
  • Producer – Historical Recording: David Evans & Steven Lance Ledbetter – Sorrow Come Pass Me Around: A Survey of Rural Black Religious Music
  • Best Blues Book of 2013: David Whiteis – Southern Soul Blues
  • Best Blues DVD of 2013: Various Artists – Time Brings About a Change…A Floyd Dixon Celebration
The Living Blues Awards Readers' Poll
  • Blues Artist of the Year (Male): Buddy Guy
  • Blues Artist of the Year (Female): Ruthie Foster
  • Best Live Performer: Tab Benoit
  • Most Outstanding Blues Singer: Buddy Guy
  • Most Outstanding Musician (Guitar): Buddy Guy
  • Most Outstanding Musician (Keyboard): Marcia Ball
  • Most Outstanding Musician (Harmonica): Charlie Musselwhite
  • Best Blues Album of 2013: Buddy Guy – Rhythm & Blues
  • Best Blues Album of 2013 (Historical Recording): Mike Bloomfield – From His Head To His Heart To His Hands
  • Best Blues Book of 2013: Timothy O’Brien & David Ensminger – Mojo Hand: The Life and Music of Lightnin’ Hopkins
  • Best Blues DVD of 2013: Ike & Tina Turner – On The Road 1971-72

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    Love Lost and Found DVD Explores Mel Brown's Legendary Life

    http://lovelostandfoundmovie.com/


    The late, great Mel Brown was a talented, Mississippi-born blues legend who chose to spend his life in Kitchener, Ontario.  Sadly, he left us in 2009 but his career and legacy are celebrated in Love Lost and Found: The Story of Mel Brown.

    This amazing documentary, directed by Kitchener's Sean Jasmins, does justice to Mel's memory.  Narrated by his widow, Miss Angel and featuring musical footage from the 80s to some of his final performances, we get to experience his journey from its humble beginnings to entering the musical elite to choosing Kitchener as his adopted home.

    Along the way, we are treated to great interviews with international musicians such as Mavis Staples, Bobby "Blue" Bland, Marcia Ball, and Joe Louis Walker.  Canadian blues stars such as Steve Strongman, Julian Fauth, Cheryl Lescom, Ian Taylor, Matt Storch, Danny Michel and Jordan Patterson also discuss Mel's incredible life and legacy.  Members of his band, the Homewreckers, offer a few cool road stories as well.  To top things off, there's a cool special feature: audio footage of a 1968 recording session with his dad, John Henry "Bubba" Brown, where Mel plays second guitar.

    This must-have DVD is available exclusively at Encore Records in Kitchener.



    Video above courtesy of Peter Beacock







    2 videos above courtesy of Gitar Carl

    Blast from the Past: Mel Brown Passes

    Links: Mel Brown, More Mel Brown Stories, More DVD Releases, More Releases

    Previous (Local Performers Nominated for Top Country Music Awards) - Next (News Roundup w Living Blues Awards, Smoke Wagon, Quails in the Nest)

    Tuesday, August 12, 2014

    Local Performers Nominated in Every Category of the Top Country Music Awards

    http://topcountry.ca/vote-2014-top-country-award-nominees/

    Once again, there's proof that this region has some of the best country music artists around.  The Top Country Music Awards unveiled their nominations for 2014 and a there's at least one area musician in every category.  You can also help them by voting online!

    St. Catharines's own Tim Hicks is up for Favourite Tour, Best Tweeter and Favourite Album.  Waterdown singer/songwriter Ty Baynton got the nod for Best New Act.  Burlington boy Tebey is also up for Best Tweeter and Favourite Album.  Last but not least, Cambridge duo, the Reklaws, will compete for Most Talented Family.

    CONGRATULATIONS!



    Links: The Reklaws, More Reklaws Stories, Video above courtesy of the Reklaws



    Links: Tebey, More Tebey StoriesVideo above courtesy of Tebey



    Links: Ty Baynton, More Ty Baynton Stories, Video above courtesy of Ty Baynton

    Here is the complete nomination list:

    Best New Act
    Favourite Tour
    Best Tweeter
    Most Talented Family
    Favourite Album or EP
    Blast from the Past: Tim Hicks, Tebey and Western Swing Authority Win Country Music Association of Ontario Awards

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    Monday, August 11, 2014

    Generation Train Unleash Funked Up Blues Soul on Their Debut EP

    http://generationtrain.bandcamp.com/releases

    St. Catharines band Generation Train are off to an incredible start with their self-titled debut EP.   These guys know how to really funk up their soulful blues.

    Featuring a kickin' opening track, Believe in Yourself, they then do a spectacular cover of B.B. King's Something You Got.  To top every off, the gang showcase their amazing skills with three sexy, soulful, groove-laded instrumentals.

    Pick up the CD at their live shows or download the EP from their Bancamp page.





    Videos above courtesy of Generation Train

    Links: Generation TrainMore Generation Train Stories, More Releases

    Previous (Videos: Pearly Jenkins, Jimmy Bowskill and Bob Lanois@Brantford Arts Block) - - - Next (Local Performers Nominated for Top Country Music Awards)

    Thursday, August 7, 2014

    News Roundup (Sloppy Jalopy, Cheryl Lescom, Aubrey Wilson)

    The Bent Pinky by Scott Metzger


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    Wednesday, August 6, 2014

    Beautiful Harmonies on the New Ash and Bloom Album: Let the Storm Come

    http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/ashbloom2

    The first thing you'll notice while listening to Hamilton folk duo Ash and Bloom's first full-length album, Let the Storm Come, is how amazing their vocal harmonies are.  These two fabulous singer/songwriters work extremely well together.

    You'll bask in the harmonies, the melodies, the musicianship and the superb songwriting.  They show a great sense of humour on a couple of tracks as well.  The album includes great co-writes with  Peter Katz, Caroline Brooks (Good Lovelies), Julie Crochetiere, Karen Kosowski, and Rob Szabo.

    You can purchase a physical CD at their incredible live shows or though cdbaby. The album can also be downloaded through iTunes and cdbaby.







    Videos above courtesy of Ash and Bloom

    Blast From the Past: Ash and Bloom YouTube Videos

    Links: Ash and Bloom,  More Ash and Bloom StoriesMore Releases

    Previous  (Tava Lesku "Tava Tunes" Passes) - - - Next (News Roundup w Sloppy Jalopy, Cheryl Lescom, Aubrey Wilson)

    Tuesday, August 5, 2014

    Beloved Musical Director Tava Lesku "Tava Tunes" Passes


    It is with sadness that we announce the death of Hamilton musician and musical director Tava Lesku aka Tava Tunes.  He passed away of a heart attack on August 4, 2014. Tava worked with many talented musicians throug Stonewalls, Bay City Music Hall, and other venues throughout the years.  Our condolences to his family and friends.

    Here are a few social media quotes:

    Lily Sazz: Groove Corporation has enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship with Tava, and he will be sorely missed. I had a great conversation with him just this past Sunday, and he looked great. It's surreal to think that he's gone. We will dedicate our Sept 27 Stonewalls show to his memory. This is a big loss to Hamilton's music community. Condolences to his family.

    Joey Balducci (Blind Mule): Tava was a great guy, had a drive to help build the scene and take chances, he got a lot of acts into venues and paid them out of his pocket if the night did not go well, just because he was a very fair guy, he would call me out of the blue and we would converse about the music industry and different ways to make shows better, and he was always great to have pints with, and he had an awesome smile .. Tava, you were one of a kind, and I hope you bring as much joy to the spirits in the other world as you did to the people on earth, your friend, Joey

    Wayne Krawchuk: I'm having trouble believing this news. Just saw him Saturday night. I have some nice memories of talking music with Tava. Had a chance to jam with him once and he had some really good blues chops. Thank you for the great contributions you made to the Hamilton music scene Tava. You will be missed. RIP

    Sarah Beatty: It's a great gift watching someone do what they love. I got to see Tava Tunes this past Sunday doing the thing that he loved. He was behind a mixing board, listening to and loving a great band led by Brant Parker and Cheryl Lescomb, getting kissed on his bald head by women that loved him, and hatching music plans. Tava was a man who truly lived. If his passing has reminded me of one thing, it's to squeeze every last ounce out of living

    Will Ross: I just heard the news. It comes as a shock to me and I am very very sad to hear about it. Your kindness towards myself and the boys in Psychedellicatessin will never be forgotten by me. Thank you for helping us get our feet wet in the Hamilton music scene and believing in myself, and our band from the beginning. I owe a lot to your help, and I am extremely saddened to hear of the loss of someone I would consider a great friend. Rest in Peace, I'm sorry I won't be seeing you when I come home in a few weeks. God Speed. I'll see yah again when I see yah at the great gig in the sky buddy!

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