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Thursday, April 30, 2015

News Roundup (Alfie Smith, Hamilton Gets Special Juno, Hairy Mulligan, Brad Soucie)


Hamilton Receives Special Juno for Hosting the Event

News

Trebleclef checked out Duane Rutter and Friends at the Cat N Fiddle in Hamilton.
 

 

Click here for more pictures

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Our little Monkey was also at the 1st Annual Hammer Blues Awards

 

 

Click here for more pictures.
Birthdays
Thursday, April 30
Saturday, May 2
Sunday, May 3
Monday, May 4
Tuesday, May 5
Wednesday, May 6
Thursday, May 7
Featured Video



Links: Brad Soucie (singer), More Brad Soucie Stories, Video above courtesy of Dyl Smith, More Tragically Hip Covers/Stories
Previous (Local Jazz Videos) - - - Next (New Mark McNeil CD)
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Happy International Jazz Day (Josephine Biundo, Loretta Hale, Jason Logue, Quarter to Nine)


In honour of International Jazz Day, here are a few videos from our great, local  Jazz performers.



Links: Josephine Biundo, Video above courtesy of Josephine Biundo



 Links: Loretta Hale Big Band, More Loretta Hale Stories, Video above courtesy of the Loretta Hale Big Band



Links: Jason Logue, Video above courtesy Ignnacio Cruz



Links: Quarter to Nine, More Quarter to Nine Stories, Video above courtesy of Steel City Jazz Festival

 Links: International Jazz Day, More Jazz Stories
Previous (Local Musicians in CBC Searchlight Competition) - - - Next (News Roundup w Alfie Smith, Hamilton Gets Special Juno, Hairy Mulligan, Brad Soucie)
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Wednesday, April 29, 2015

GOOD LUCK! Area Artists are CBC Searchlight Finalists


After many votes (for over 3000, champions have been crowned for the regional portion of the CBC Searchlight contest.  23 winners (including two from our area) will move on to the nationals to compete for the Best New Artist award.  You can help by voting until May 4, 2015.  The winner will be announced on q on CBC Radio on Friday, May 15. The grand prize is $20,000 worth of band gear from Yamaha Canada Music and a gig at the CBC Music Festival in Toronto.

The Hamilton regional champ is Burlington country duo Skinner for their song 2nd and Broadway. Click here for the CBC Story.



For the Kitchener-Waterloo Region, Listowel folkster Kyle Boyne took top honors for his tune Misguided Soul. Click here for the SouthwesternOntario.ca Story



GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!
Previous (Charity Brown Wins Mel Brown Award) - - - Next (Local Jazz Videos)
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Tuesday, April 28, 2015

CONGRATS! Kitchener's Charity Brown Earns 2015 Mel Brown Award


2015's recipient of the Mel Brown Award is Kitchener music veteran, Charity Brown.  The honour (named after the late, legendary Blues musician Mel Brown) is bestowed upon  those who make an important contribution to the Blues.  Charity has been performing music for over 50 years.

The former Juno nominee remembers Mel fondly.  She told the Kitchener Record: "When I first heard him play, I said to myself, 'I want to sing with this guy'. I sang with him a lot."

She joins a very illustrious list of winners:

2003 Mel Brown
2004 Glenn Smith (Ethyl's Lounge)
2005 Jackie Washington
2006 Cheryl Lescom
2007 Shawn Kellerman
2008 Andrew Galloway (Electro-Fi Records)
2009 Steve Strongman
2010 Bruce Iglauer (Alligator Records)
2011 Jimmie Vaughan
2012 John McKinley
2013 Bobby Blue Bland
2014 Buddy Guy
2015 Charity Brown

CONGRATULATIONS!

 Click here for the Kitchener Record story.


Video above courtesy of N Gamble



Video above courtesy of Nancy Alaimo



Links: Miss Angel, Video above courtesy of Dave Sloane

Blast from the Past: Buddy Guy Wins 2014 Mel Brown Award

Links: Charity Brown, More Mel Brown Award Stories
Previous  (New Steel City Rovers EP) - - - Next (Local Musicians in CBC Searchlight Competition)
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Monday, April 27, 2015

Hamilton's Steel City Rovers Capture Your Attention With 'The Second Thrumming' EP


Steel City Rovers, one of the Hammer's premiere Celtic Rock bands, recently garnered a Hamilton Music Award nomination for their outstanding EP, The Second Thrumming.  In only four short tunes, they capture will your attention.

Featuring a vocal studio track, an instrumental and two live tracks, the collection is a strong representation of them as a band.  You can feel their incredible live spirit, wonderful song building skills and great sense of fun.

Check it out for yourself by downloading it from the Steel City Rovers Website!



Video above courtesy of Ryan McKenna



Video above courtesy of Dave Neigh

Blast from the Past: Videos from the Steel City Rovers and More

Links: Steel City Rovers, More Steel City Rovers Stories, More Releases
Previous (Hammer Blues Award Winners) - - - Next (Charity Brown Wins Mel Brown Award)
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Sunday, April 26, 2015

The First Annual Hammer Blues Awards Celebrates Hamilton, the Blues Capital of Canada!


The First Annual Hammer Blues Awards (organized by the Hamilton Blues Society) were held at Jett Hall on April 25, 2015.  The awards portion of the show ended with a wonderful surprise: Hamilton City Hall's official recognition of Hamilton as the Blues Capital of Canada!  We all knew this in our hearts but now its all nice and legal!

The night was a celebration of the local talent that we are blessed to have in this area.  Winners had nothing but praise for this incredible city.  In her acceptance speech,  Canada's Queen of the Blues Rita Chiarelli proclaimed, "We don't just play the Blues, we identify with the Blues." "Hamilton is Bluestown," she added enthusiastically.

The Jack de Keyzer Band were the big winners of the night with the man himself winning for Electric Act of the Year and the band got 3 awards (bass, keyboard, sax).



Links: Jack de Keyzer, More Jack De Keyzer Stories,  Video above courtesy of Mako Funasaka

Also, three music legends were added to the Hamilton Blues Society Wall of Fame that night as well. Veteran Sonny Del-Rio was inducted along with King Biscuit Boy and Jackie Washington.



 Links: Sonny Del Rio, More Sonny Del Rio Stories, Video above courtesy of James Goodrick

CONGRATS EVERYONE!

Here is a complete list of winners:



Links: Joel Johnson, More Joel Johnson Stories, The Mighty Duck Blues Band, More MDBB Stories,  Video above courtesy of TheLoinTavern
Previous (Leonard Burns Dell Debut EP) - - - Next (New Steel City Rovers EP)
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Saturday, April 25, 2015

You'll Find Beautiful Vocals and Sweet Soul on 'Leonard Burns & Dell' Debut EP


Separately, local performers Sue Leonard, Brennagh Burns and Cindy Dell are three of the most talented solo musicians around.  When these ladies connect together, they forge an unmistakable, powerful folk sound packed with sultry blues and sweet soul!  The trio, now known as Leonard Burns & Dell have released their debut EP (from Sonic Magpie Records) titled after their former band name, Perfect Strangers.

With an impressive mix of amazing vocal stylings, LBD take each well-crafted song and give it a grit and shine all its own.  On top of of everything, these singer/songwriters offer up some beautiful, angelic harmonies.

Joining them is a team of fabulous area musicians: Andrew Aldridge (guitar), Michael Birthelmer (guitar, piano, mandolin co-producer, mixer, engineer), Ed Roth (accordion), Michael Hickey (bass), Sean O'Grady (drums), and Tom Wells (drums).

Pick up a CD at their wonderful live shows or order via the Sonic Magpie Store (downloads available).  If you prefer, it can also be purchased through iTunes.





Blast from the Past: LBD and Others@Pearl Company Fundraiser

Links: Leonard Burns Dell, More LBD Stories, More Releases, Videos above courtesy of Michael Hickey
Previous (News Roundup w Plain Steel, CMBI Award Nominees, Tear Away Tusa, Project 360) - - - Next (Hammer Blues Award Winners)
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Thursday, April 23, 2015

News Roundup (The Plain Steel, CMBI Award Nominees, Tear Away Tusa, Project 360)

Check out the local nominee list below

News

Local
2015 Canadian Music And Broadcast Industry Awards Nominees
Local Nominee List

 Music Director Secondary
On Air Talent Secondary Market
Program Director Secondary Market
Promotion
Station Medium Market
Station Country
Station Mainstream Adult Contemporary
Station Rock
Casino/Specialty Venue
Canadian Independent Label
The Adventures of Trebleclef, the Hamilton Blues Lovers Monkey

Trebleclef hung out with Cartoon Bob at Flamboro Downs.  Bob does amazing free caricatures for Winners Club members (all you need is ID to join for free).  He's there every Sunday from 5-8pm.

Click here for more pictures

 There's great live music every Friday at Flamboro Downs!

 Bob is also the bass player for Project 360.



Video above courtesy of Tambourini
Birthdays
Thursday, April 23
Friday, April 24
Saturday, April 25
Sunday, April 26
Monday, April 27
Wednesday, April 29
Thursday, April 30
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Wednesday, April 22, 2015

'Passion Flowers' by Hamilton's Juliana LaChance is Trippy, Hypnotic and Ethereal!


Passion Flowers, the newest trippy album from Hamilton artist and musician Juliana LaChance is definitely off the beaten track.  Loaded with dreamscapes and exotic flavours, it's a hypnotic, entrancing collection of raw, psychedelic folk pop.

Armed with only her amazing, ghostly voice and a bandura (a rare Ukrainian folk instrument), Juliana creates artistic songs and takes the listener on a fantastic, ethereal sonic voyage.

Get this unique album by downloading it from her Bandcamp page.





EXTRA MINI-REVIEW!

Flower Queen High, her 2014 album,  is a bit more polished but boasts the same wonderful trippy, folky sound.  Juliana also throws in some dance beats and ethnic rhythms to spice things up.  This recording's a revelation as well!

It can also be downloaded via her Bandcamp page.
Blast from the Past: A Juliana LaChance Video and More

Links: Julianna LaChance, More Juiana LaChance Stories, All Videos courtesy of Juliana LaChance, More Releases
Previous (New Del Bel Album) - - - Next (News Roundup w Plain Steel, CMBI Award Nominees, Tear Away Tusa, Project 360)
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Guelph's Del Bel Get Cinematic and Epic on New Album!


The first thing you'll notice about the brand new self titled album from Guelph/Toronto band, del bel, is just how wonderfully cinematic it is.  Their epic sound is tailor-made to create a sonic atmosphere.

After listening to the whole recording, you'll feel like you've watched an entire movie.  Its eeriness with engulf you at points.  Hopefulness and heartbreak will come as well.  This album's truly an experience.

Their music defies categorization.  With roots planted in big band jazz, you'll find a lot of alt-pop folk, rock, orchestral and much more blended in perfectly.

Another plus is Toronto band, Bruce Peninsula lending a hand with some vocals.

The album is available as a CD, vinyl or download through their Bandcamp page.  It can also be downloaded via iTunes.



Video above couretsy of aPocketHistoryofMars



Video above courtesy of Little Room Labs
EXTRA MINI-REVIEW!

Some albums escape our radar, so occasionally we'll be catching up with some mini-reviews!


The band's 2011 release, oneiric is a beautiful, rootsier album but still has the emotion and power del bel is known for.  There are lots of indie folk pop touches and a little bit of orchestration.  Worth checking out!

It can be downloaded using  Bandcamp or  iTunes.



Video above courtesy of del bel
Links: Del Bel, More Del Bel Stories,  More Releases
Previous (New Ophelia Syndrome Album) - - - Next (New Juliana LaChance Album)
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Tuesday, April 21, 2015

New Album from Hamilton's Ophelia Syndrome Imbued With Energy and Soul!


Ophelia Syndrome are one of the best indie bands around and their latest incredible CD, North Sea shows you why.  The Hamilton group craft their songs well and know how to give each track a unique spin.

From the livelier numbers (Love Me Right, North Sea) to the beautiful slower tunes (The Hope, Not Tonight), the gang know how to imbue every one with a sense of energy and soul.  Using both modern and old school sounds, they manage to create something very worthwhile.

Produced by the band along with by Kori Pop and Dan Rodrigues, this album will stir you emotionally and physically.

CDs and downloads can be purchased through their Bandcamp page.  Other download options include iTunes and eMusic.



Video above courtesy of Honestly Marketing



Video above courtesy of Ophelia Syndrome
EXTRA MINI-REVIEW!

Some albums escape our radar, so occasionally we'll be catching up with some mini-reviews!



The band's 2011 release, All Things Forgotten also has songs with their own personalities.  Many of the tracks have a jazzy feel but the Ophelia Syndrome throw in some classical, rock and pop elements in for good measure.  You really should check this one out.

It's also available via Bandcamp (download and CD), iTunes and eMusic.



Video above courtesy of WolfPackMuzic
Links: Ophelia Syndrome, More Releases
Previous (Country Music Association of Ontario Award Nominees) - - - Next (New Del Bel Album)
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Sunday, April 19, 2015

GOOD LUCK! CMAO Awards Nominate Amazing Local Country Music Talent


The 3rd annual Country Music Association of Ontario Award nominations were recently announced and some amazing local talent is leading the pack.  Burlington's Tebey and Tim Hicks from St. Catharines received six and five nods respectively.



Links: Tebey, More Tebey Stories, Video above courtesy of Kristina Hacault

Another St. Catharines boy, Marshall Dane will be facing off with them for the Male Artist trophy. Burlington Songstress Tianna Woods is on the list for Female Artist and Rising Star.  The Western Swing Authority (from Waterloo) is up for Group/Duo and Roots Artist of the Year plus their producer Jason Barry is nominated as well.



Links: Marshall Dane, More Marshall Dane Stories, Video above courtesy of Marshall Dane



 Links: Tianna Woods, More Tianna Woods Stories, Video above courtesy of Tianna Woods

Radio stations are also recognized and two wonderful, area companies are in the running for the major market category: CHKX – KX 94.7 FM (Hamilton) and CKDK – Country 104 FM (London/Woodstock).

Hopefully they'll be picking up some trophies on May 25 during the award ceremony at The Markham Theatre. GOOD LUCK!

Click here for the results.

Here is a full list of nominees

Single
Album
Songwriter (s)
Male Artist
Group or Duo
Roots Artist 
Music Video
Record Producer
Radio Station (Major Market)
Radio Station  (Secondary Market)
Blast from the Past: Last Year's Winners

Previous (Hamilton Music Industry Award Nominations)
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Saturday, April 18, 2015

Hamilton Music Industry Awards Nominees Announced - Including One for This Blog!


Nominees for the Hamilton Music Industry Awards were recently unveiled and this very blog received our first nod!  Many of the best and brightest that the Hammer has to offer were recognized for their wonderful work.  Winners will be announced on May 23, 2015 during a ceremony at the Dofasco Centre for the Arts.

A word from Lou, our blogger: "I am truly honoured to be nominated for an HMA and I'm definitely in great company!  It's wonderful being acknowledged by Hamilton's incredible music scene.  Thank you!"

Here are some highlights:

Website/Online Publication
Guitarist
Drummer
Bassist
Instrumental Record
Ethnic Recording 
Dance Recording
Piano/Keyboard Player
Special Instrumentalist
Instrument Retailer
Studio Engineer
Producer (s)
Recording Studio
Artist Website
Best Album Artwork
Record Label
Music Retailer
Music Director (Radio)
Publicist
Radio Show
Media Person 
Radio Station
Print Publication
Major Concert Venue
Live Club
Theatre
Talent Buyer
Booking Agent
Tour Manager
Live Sound Engineer 
Sound and Lighting Company 
Event Photographer
Previous (News Roundup w Doug Feaver, Glenn Kimberley, Guitar Mikey, Mark McNeil, Percy Sledge) - - - Next (Country Music Association of Ontario Award Nominees)
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