Pages

▼

Sunday, June 28, 2015

Cambridge's Bobby Cameron Debuts With Distinctive, Punchy, Folk CD!


Cambridge singer/songwriter Robert "Bobby" Cameron has started off with a bang, thanks to his amazing debut solo CD, Songs in My Head.  Thanks to  marvelous guitarwork and  distinctive vocals, this album is definitely worth multiple plays!

With an incredible, punchy, folk sound (including a touch of Celtic flavour) there's a lot of feeling put into these fabulous tracks.  Bobby did a great job writing seven of the songs and also does wonders with the three classic covers: Fields of Athenry, House of the Rising Sun, and Wild Mountain Thyme.

 He's also joined by the fantastic Dan Walsh (guitars, bass, lap steel) who produces the CD.  Bobby's frequent partner, Richard MacNeil  adds his cool Cajon playing.

You can pick up a copy of this outstanding CD at any of his live show.  It will be available on iTunes on July 2015.



Links: Bobby Cameron, Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers
Previous (Del Bel Up for SOCAN Writing Prize) - - - Next (New Lee Harvey Osmond Album)
No comments:

Saturday, June 27, 2015

GOOD LUCK! Guelph's Del Bel Up For SOCAN Songwriting Prize! VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE!

Guelph/Toronto band Del Bel is one of the ten finalists for the 2015 SOCAN Songwriting Prize!  Their amazing tune In My Solitude, will be up for honour among nine other great tracks from around the country.  The cash prize will be $10,000 (doubled from last year).



 Links: Del Bel, More Del Bel Stories,  Video above courtesy of Del Bel

Fans can help by voting for their favourites until July 1 2015, by going to www.socansongwritingprize.ca or via Twitter, (use the hashtag #mySSPvote and then artist’s name). Fans can vote once a day.  Winners will be announced July 6.

GOOD LUCK!

Here are the 10 finalists:
Previous (News Roundup w Ghosts of Memphis, Eggmen, Redhill Valleys) - - - Next (Bobby Cameron Debut CD)
No comments:

Thursday, June 25, 2015

News Roundup (Ghosts of Memphis, Eggmen, Redhill Valleys)





News

Trebleclef checkout the Eggmen (featuring Doug Feaver, Rick Andrew, Steve Sinnicks, Bill Dillon) at the Casbah


  

Click here for more pictures.



 Links: More Eggmen Stories, More Beatles Covers/Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers
Recently Added

Main List of Sites
No comments:

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

CONGRATS! City and Colour and Tim Hicks Bring SOCAN Awards to St. Catharines!


Photo courtesy of Grant W. Martin Photography

Two amazing St. Catharines performers took brought home SOCAN Awards!  Country superstar Tim Hicks and international sensation Dallas Green (aka City and Colour) both won hardware during the 26th annual awards ceremony on June 22, 2015.  Dallas received the National Achievement Award and Tim won a Country Music Award for his song Got A Feeling.



Links: City and Colour, More City and Colour Stories, Video above courtesy of Toronto's Light



Links: Tim Hicks, More Tim Hicks Stories, Video above courtesy of Christine Wiley

Also, Oshawa's Mars Bonfire, the writer of the classic Born to Wild (most famously sung by Waterloo's John Kay with his band Steppenwolf) was recognized with the Cultural Impact Award.

Here are a few other highlights:
CONGRATS EVERYONE!


Click here for the complete List of Winners

Blast from the Past: Last Year's Winners

Links: SOCAN, More SOCAN Awards Stories
Previous (Last 2 Episodes of Ensemble, Season 3 Online) - - - Next (News Roundup w Ghosts of Memphis, Eggmen, Redhill Valleys)
No comments:

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Last 2 Episodes of Ensemble!, Season 3 Online!


All 8 episodes of  season 3 of Ensemble! are online.  Here are the final two shows.  Please contact Cable 14 Hamilton and tell them how much you love the show!

The links are no longer working, we're trying to see if it can be fixed.
Show 7: Dave Pomfret, Jesse Macrae


Show 8: Jay Linden, Karen Thornton


No comments:

Sunday, June 21, 2015

CONGRATS! Waterloo's Johanna Pavia and SoulDrive a Runner Up in Toronto Blues Society Talent Search


The 2015 Toronto Blues Society Talent Search was held on June 20 as part of the Toronto Jazz Festival.  Waterloo Blues Queen Johanna Pavia and her band SoulDrive were the second runners up in the contest. They'll receive one year pro Bandzoogle website and $250.  Guelph/Toronto duo Jennis were also finalists.



Links: SoulDrive, More SoulDrive Stories, Video above courtesy of Johanna Pavia

The big winner was Toronto's Michael Schatte who'll get $1,000, festival performance spots, a professional photo shoot, recording time, rehearsal time, mentorship and more.  First runner up was Montreal band, Whisky Legs.



Video above courtesy of RandallStaffordCook



Video above courtesy of Whisky Legs

CONGRATS EVERYONE!

Blast from the Past: Conor Gains Wins Last Year's Search

Links: Toronto Blues Society, More TBS Talent Search Stories
Previous (New Kurk Bernard CD) - - - Next (Last 2 Episodes of Ensemble, Season 3 Online)
No comments:

Saturday, June 20, 2015

Hamilton's Kurk Bernard Unveils a Good, Old-Fashioned Country CD!


If you're hankering for some old fashioned, good time Country music, then check out Love's Gonna Live Here, the newest CD from Hamilton singer/songwriter Kurk Bernard.  The Blind River bassist can get boots steppin' and hearts breakin'.

Kurk's voice was born to sing this kind of amazing music.  Fiddles and pedal steel join him rocking out to some kickin' tracks and tugging at heart strings on beautiful ballads.

The incredible team on the album includes Steve Piticco (guitars), Mel Aucion (piano), Ron Reed (fiddle), Doug Johnson (pedal steel), Billy Caruthers (drums), with hamony vocals by Jay Riehl, Lindsey Beckett and Doug Deveaux.

There's also a fabulous, touching, bonus track featuring his daughter Faith on co-vocals along with Jay Riehl (drums), Lindsey Beckett (fiddle). Steve Petrie of Blind River (guitars/pedal steel), and Sean O'Grady (piano).

You can pick up this great CD and any of his live shows.



Links: Kurk Bernard, Video above courtesy of the Hamilton Blues Lovers, More Releases
Previous (News Roundup w Trickbag, Dana and the Monsters Under the Bed, Cadillac Bill, Ornette Coleman) - - - Next (Johanna Pavia Runner Up in TBS Talent Search)
No comments:

Thursday, June 18, 2015

News Roundup (Trickbag, Dana and the Monsters Under the Bed, Cadillac Bill, Ornette Coleman)


Ornette Coleman Passes
Click pic for video

News

Nothing this week.
Recently Added

Nothing new this week.
Birthdays


Friday, June 19
Saturday, June 20
Tuesday, June 23
Wednesday, June 24
Thursday, June 25
Featured Video
No comments:

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Brantford's Scott Merritt Creates Stripped Down, Beautiful, Lyrical Album


On Scott Merritt's latest album (simply titled Of) the Brantford singer/songwriter proves that he can do wonders with a stripped down, sparse sound.  With little more than his expressive voice and deft guitar playing, he creates an enchanting, beautiful sound.

Scott's usual lyrical skill and storytelling are definitely a major plus.  Thanks to the stripped down sound, the poetic words have even more of an impact.

The album is available as a Limited edition LP (with CD) from his online shop.  It can also be downloaded through iTunes.



Video above courtesy of Minnow Farm

Links: Scott Merritt, More Scott Merritt Stories, More Releases
Previous (Hamilton Musicians' Guild Honour Long-Serving Members) - - - Next (News Roundup w Trickbag, Dana and the Monsters Under the Bed, Cadillac Bill, Ornette Coleman)
No comments:

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

CONGRATS! Hamilton Musician's Guild Honours Long-Serving Members



The Hamilton Musician's Guild (part of the American Federation of Musicians) regularly awards Life Memberships and 25 year pins to its talented members.  This helps showcase the tremendous artistry we have in the area.

During their October 2014 general meeting, Jon Peterson, Michael Maguire, and Jean-Norman Iadeluca (Hamilton Philharmonic) received Life Memberships.  Also, 25 year pins were handed out to Ralph Lefevre, Ernest Porthouse, John Gora and Greg Smith (Groove Corporation).



Links: John Gora, Video above courtesy of FatherNorb

Earlier this year, there was another meeting where Life Memberships went to Mikhail Brat  (Hamilton Philharmonic), Peter Marino, Russ Weil (Hamilton All-Star Jazz Band), Frank Chiarelli (aka Frank Rondell), Brent Malseed (Retro Party Groove), the late Bob Almas, and Peter Rihbany.  Carter Lancaster received a 25 year pin as well.



 Links: Frank Rondell, More Ray Charles Covers/Stories, Video above courtesy of Pompey68UK

CONGRATS EVERYONE!

Blast from the Past: April 2014 Honourees

Links: The Hamilton Musician's Guild, More Guild Stories
Previous  (New Crissinger CD) - - - Next (New Scott Merritt Album)
No comments:

Monday, June 15, 2015

Crissinger's Incredible New CD is Made in Hamilton


BC Bluesman, Mark Crissinger (now performing under just the name Crissinger), has always had an attachment to this area.  He's performed and recorded with many local artists and plays here  frequently.  His latest incredible CD, Blues Expression was partly recorded at Westmoreland Studios in Hamilton by Carl Jennings (Freedom Train).

Mark can play classic Blues in many styles.  He can inject soul, rock, boogie into his sound .  This is good, old-fashioned meat and potatoes music without too many unnecessary  frills.

Together with his band: Bill Hicks of Powder Blues Band (drums), Martyn Jones (bass), Marty Howe of the Marty's (harmonica) and Jeff Heisholt of the Trews (keys), he can serve up any flavour you're hungry for.

If you're looking to pick up a CD, contact Mark directly or download it using iTunes or eMusic.







Videos above courtesy of Mark Crissinger

 Blast from the Past: Mark Crissinger CD - Terra Nova

Links: Mark Crissinger, More Mark Crissinger Stories, More Releases
Previous (New Shameless Subversion CD Showcases Amazing Local Talent) - - - Next (Hamilton Musicians' Guild Honour Long-Serving Members)
No comments:

Saturday, June 13, 2015

'Shameless Subversion' CD An Amazing Showcase of Local Talent (That Makes a Difference)


Shameless Subversion (from Boxo Studios) is not just an amazing compilation of local music. The project's also an important, artistic, social statement featuring  the best singer/songwriters in the area.  According to producer Kevin Barber, "It's main goal is as a stigma-busting, mood-altering showpiece on the power of music."

Every song speaks to an aspect of mental health: from the many challenges to how music can be used as therapy for the performer as well as the listener.  Never clinical or preachy, these well-written tunes reveal pieces of the puzzle.

You'll find a lot of variety here.  All manner of vocals,  from raw and rough to smooth and enchanting, proclaim their wonderful lyrics.  Musically, there's high quality folk, blues, country, roots and everything in between.  Each song has its own soul but together, they form a fabulous testimony of the mental health world.

Here's the impressive track listing. Click song titles for more information about the individual track
  1. Brad Hails (Killin' Time Band) - Expand
  2. Dave Pomfret - Funeral for a Girl
  3. Jessica Blake - Falling
  4. Duane Rutter - Glory
  5. George C.W. Douglas - Living in the Moment
  6. Maggie Ciere - Reformation
  7. Cindy Dell - The Trouble with Alvin
  8. Jamie Shea - No Place to Go
  9. Kevin Barber - Crazy Pay
  10. Roxanne Flett-Campbell - Mr. Hoot Owl
  11. Grace Darlin - Scarlet Skies
  12. Hannah Bakalar - Stay in the Light
Many of the above artists back each other up plus they also get a helping hand from a number of talented local musicians:  Nick Burson (drums), Andrew Aldridge (guitar), Chris Altmann (peal steel), Michael Birthelmer (acoustic guitar),  Ryan Cannon (bass), Matt Coleman (violin), Gerry Gregg (bass), Anna Jarvis of the Rest (Cello), Craig Koshul of Burnin' Ethyl (guitar), Orange McFarland (bass, banjo), Vincent Sciara (keys).  The beautiful backing vocals are provided by Ginger St. James and Leonard, Burns and Dell.

Produced by Kevin Barber
Mixed by Ryan Cannon, Alek Bromke and Quentin Brillinger
Mastered by Danny Medakovic

Click to see the Barber Shop Podcast episode about this incredible album.

There are many places to pick up this spectacular CD, such as: Dr Disc, Cheapies, Crash Landing, Records on Wheels (Dundas), The Pearl Company and the Mental Health Rights Coalition.  You can also download it through Bandcamp, eMusic, iTunes and cdbaby.



Links: Jamie Shea, Video above courtesy of Skumm60



Links: Dave Pomfret. More Dave Pomfret Stories, Video above courtesy of Skumm60

Click here for more releases

Blast from the Past: Boxo Studio's Steelworker's Waltz CD
Previous (News Roundup w Leonard Burns and Dell, Ryan Vivian, Rob Szabo, Blues With a Feeling Pics) - - - Next (New Crissinger CD)
No comments:

Thursday, June 11, 2015

News Roundup (Leonard Burns & Dell, Ryan Vivian, Rob Szabo, Blues With a Feeling Pics)



News

Trebleclef checked out the always wonderful Blues With a Feeling Fundraiser @ Bay City Music Hall
 



Click here for More Pictures
Recently Added

Nothing new this week.
Birthdays


Thursday, June 11
Friday, June 12
Sunday, June 14
Monday, June 15
Tuesday, June 16
Wednesday, June 17
Featured Videos
No comments:

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

CONGRATS! Waterloo's JoJo Worthington Wins First Songwriters Hall of Fame Song Competition


Congratulations are in order for Waterloo singer/songwriter JoJo Worthington.  She's won the very first Songwriters Hall of Fame Song Competition.  This prestigious international contest featured numerous artists from around the globe and she came out on top.  GREAT JOB!

Her prizes includes a chance for a publishing contract, an Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500MCE guitar and a pair of tickets to the 2015 Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala where she'll be recognized on stage.



Video above courtesy of The Neighbourhood

There were also four second place who will receive one-hour mentoring sessions (from industry giants such as Desmond Child and Paul Williams),  tickets to the ceremony and free guitars.  These are Jordan Richman Higgins, Travis Nilan, Angela Parrish and Tom Rhodes.

Previous  (2 More Episodes of Ensemble! Online) - - - Next (News Roundup w Leonard Burns & Dell, Ryan Vivian, Rob Szabo, Blues With a Feeling Pics)
No comments:

Monday, June 8, 2015

2 More Episodes of Ensemble! Online


The third season of Ensemble! continues at Cable 14 Hamilton as two more episodes have been added.

The links are no longer working, we're trying to see if it can be fixed.
Show 5: James Anthony, Wendell Ferguson


Show 6: Brennagh Burns, Robin Benedict


No comments:

Sunday, June 7, 2015

Hamilton's Munroe Debuts with Haunting, Sparse EP


Hamilton actress Kathleen Munroe  (CSI: NY, Stargate: Universe, Flashpoint, Resurrection) can now add the job title of singer/songwriter to her impressive resume.  Performing as simply Munroe, the local lady has released a beautiful self-titled EP (released through Hidden Pony Records)

Munroe's voice is truly haunting, which fits the ghost-like atmosphere of the recording.  Her voice really shines thanks to the sparse, artistic arrangements.  Deeply rooted in Americana, the EP is nonetheless very modern in its approach.

Helping her with the music is a wonderful team of performers including Noah Fralick (Young Rival), Ben Munoz (New Hands), Julie Fader, Billy Holmes (Dark Mean) and Steve McKay.

You can download a copy via iTunes.



Video above courtesy of Hidden Pony

Links: Munroe, More Releases
Previous (Hamilton Arts Award Winners) - - - Next (2 More Episodes of Ensemble! Online)
No comments:

Saturday, June 6, 2015

CONGRATS! Hamilton Arts Award Winners!


Hamilton's ever-expanding Arts scene was in the spotlight for the 2015 Hamilton Arts Awards held at Theatre Aquarius on June 4, 2015.  This wonderful event celebrated all aspects of art in the Hammer.

Click here for the Spectator story.

In the  music categories, Classical musician Bud Roach (Established award) and singer/songwriter Steve McKay (Emerging award) took home the top prizes.  CONGRATS!



Links: Bud Roach, More Bud Roach Stories, Video above courtesy of Bud Roach



 Links: Steven McKay, More Steven McKay Stories, Video above courtesy of Balcony TV 

 Blast from the Past: Last Year's Winners

Links: Hamilton Arts Awards, More Hamilton Arts Awards Stories
Previous (King Biscuit Boy Videos) - - - Next (Munroe Debut EP)
No comments:

Friday, June 5, 2015

Celebrating Hamilton Legend, King Biscuit Boy


In honor of this weekend's Blues With a Feeling shows (in honour of the late, great Blues legend King Biscuit Boy) here are a few of his amazing videos!



Video above courtesy of Mike Papas



Links: Trickbag, More Trickbag Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

Blast From the Past: More King Biscuit Boy Videos

Links: King Biscuit Boy, More KBB Stories
Previous (News Roundup w Acoustics, Danny Michel, Raycroft, Valdy, Mike Trebilcock) - - - Next (Hamilton Arts Award Winners)
No comments:

Thursday, June 4, 2015

News Roundup (Acoustics, Danny Michel, Raycroft, Valdy, Mike Trebilcock)



News

Nothing this week
Recently Added

 Our Performer List
Birthdays


Thursday, June 4
Friday, June 5
Saturday, June 6
Sunday, June 7
  • William Schwendiman (Casbah)
Monday, June 8
Tuesday, June 9
Thursday, June 11
Featured Videos
No comments:

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Guelph's Nathan Day Project Delivers Unbelievable Alt-Folk Pop EP


Guelph's Nathan Day Project recently delivered Best of Me,  an unbelievable alt-folk pop EP.  Smooth, soulful and infectious, the collection definitely begs for multiple plays.

Nathan's distinct voice is layered on top of crisp, sensational instrumental work.  Best of Me is extremely well produced - you can feel every part of these incredible songs.

You can download it via Bandcamp or their online shop.



Video above courtesy of Latent Image Studios
EXTRA MINI-REVIEW!

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

   

If you're in the mood for something more acoustic, you can check out Nathan's two EPs from 2012: Monsters and Hope.  With mainly guitar and vocals, Nathan manages to create a beautiful, off-the-floor feel that will mystify you!

Click the EP covers above to download them through Bandcamp.





Videos above courtesy of The Nathan Day Project
Blast from the Past: Nathan Day Video and More

Links: Nathan Day Project, More Nathan Day Stories, More Releases
Previous (New Dana Sipos Album) - - - Next (News Roundup w Acoustics, Danny Michel, Raycroft, Valdy, Mike Trebilcock)
No comments:

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

'Roll up the Night Sky' by Dana Sipos is Ethereal, Organic and Artistic


You can really hear Dana Sipos' exquisite voice on her latest album, Roll Up the Night Sky (released through Muddy Roots Recordings).  The local singer/songwriter (she has lived in Hamilton and Guelph among other places) has created a wonderfully sparse, organic album that still manages to fill the room.

Its ethereal sound will haunt you after listening.  Dana knows how to set a mood using minimal instrumentation.  The feel is very artistic and cinematic.

Helping her out is a few amazing performers: Ben Hermann, Mark McIntyre, Michael Feuerstack, John Tielli, and Pietro Amato.

There are many places to download this incredible album: Bandcamp, eMusic and iTunes.



Video above courtesy of Dana Sipos



Video above courtesy of Morgan Orion
EXTRA MINI-REVIEW!

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


The pop folk sound of 2011's Lay of the Land shows another side of Dana.  This banjo-laden, infectious collection is perfect for some good times (though there are some impressive slower tunes as well).  She doesn't skimp on the well-crafted lyrics though.

This is also available via Bandcamp, eMusic and iTunes.



Video above courtesy of Elysium Wishes
Links: Dana Sipos, More Dana Sipos Stories, More Releases
Previous (New Tia McGraff Album) - - - Next (New Nathan Day Project EP)
No comments: