After listening to Banditoland, the latest album from Oakville band, GCDCvisions of dirty, wrong side of the tracks, old-time saloons will dance in your head. This is a modern jam band that serves up raw, bluesy, Americana and some cool, fast rockin'.
These boys can really play. Despite the almost throw-back feel of the album, they do some incredible, fiery guitar theatrics just to show ya who's boss. It's the best of both worlds: organic roots rock and great musicianship.
So check this explosive album out by downloading it through their Bandcamp page.
Nobody did infectious, good-old fashioned infectious rock 'n' roll like the legendary Hamilton group the Shakers. To celebrate their recent reunion shows, the band's come out with an amazing, self-titled, 2 CD collection featuring all their incredible songs.
Featuring current superstars Tim Gibbons, Dave Rave, Rick Andrew, and Claude DesRoches, the lads made some of the best music to come out the very late 70's and early to mid 80s (featuring early production work by international sensation Daniel Lanois). They mastered and perfected punk-like rockabilly and 50s style catchy rock. With unforgettable hits like Out the Door, Shake Some Action and many more, the foursome left their mark on the music scene.
As previously mentioned, this anthology includes all their tunes and an unreleased cover of Ain't Got No Sense by another legendary Hamilton band, Teenage Head.
If you wanna pick up this piece of rock history, you can go to Picks N Sticksin Hamilton and get yourself a copy.
Niagara-on-the-Lake singer and multi-instrumentalist Steve Goldberger, has always mastered a range of styles (he leads the Americana/Roots band Old Winos and Blues/Soul outfit The Niagara Rhythm Section). His 6th album, Cosmic Cowboy, shows him at his best.
Steve and a number of his talented musical friends have put together an astounding mix of covers (including fabulous versions of Rodney Crowelland Nanci Griffithtunes)and unique originals. Folk, Bluegrass, Country, Cajun, Roots and everything in-between are all performed with gusto.
If you want a copy of this amazing CD you can order one at Steve's live shows or through his online shop. It can also be downloaded viaiTunes, cdbabyoreMusic.
Unfortunately, Hamilton musician Tony "Rush" Wachnuik passed away on August 25, 2015 due to complications from a traffic accident. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.
Tony was a beloved member of the local music community and a valued member of a number of bands, including the TNT Bluesmen, Hell County and most recently, the King Street Band.
Wayne Janus, his Hell County bandmate had this to say: "Tony brought a level of energy to the music that I've only experienced while performing with him. He knew how to "connect" and his placement of his musical energies inspired me to give it all as if it were the last note to ever be played. I learned so much from him. I am forever grateful for our time together on and off the stage. Tony had a big heart and "continually" expressed compassion for my fathers failing health. Tony will always have a place in my heart and he will always have a place in the music that I will continue to play. Love you brother T"
A note from Lou, our blogger: "Tony was one of the first musicians I befriended after starting the Hamilton Blues Lovers. I remember his no-nonsense approach to life, his energy and amazing musical talent. We'll all miss him."
Reaction to his passing hit social media. Here a few comments. We'll be adding more later.
Mike Almas: "Lots of tears for Tony, what a character, what a great friend, so very glad to have known him, gonna miss him a lot."
Mike Branton: "Nobody fought the good fight as fiercely as Tony did. Nobody stuck it harder to the phonies. And when it was time to play and I mean really play there was nobody who could touch him. Not in a million years.. .A true friend and bluesman!
Steven Collett: "Rest in peace to my friend Tony Rush that played a wonderful Ibanez bass similar to the one I had. It was so great to play with him and we will miss the wide eyed spirit he had."
There will be a memorial show on Saturday, September 5, 2015 at the Homestead Bar from 4-8pm. Donations will be accepted for Tony's family.
It is with sadness that we report the passing of Hamilton musician Tony "Rush" Wachnuik on August 25, 2015 . Our condolences to his family, friends and fans. Click here for more information.
If Everything's Going to be Alright, the new 3-song EP debut from Oakville's Hailee Rose is any indication, we'll be hearing some amazing things from her in the future. From the old fashioned soul of the title track to the incredible cover of the Beatlesclassic Come Togetherto the catchy, poppy closing track, there's a lot to be savoured here.
The lady's also enlisted some top Hamilton talent to help her out: Dave Rave (co-writer, guitar, back-up vocals) and Carl Jennings of Freedom Train (Producer, bass, guitar, back-up vocals) are the main members of her band. Guests include Ed Mitchell and Tim Jennings (also from Freedom Train), Jeff Heisholt, Mike Ray, Tim Allard, and Mark Foley.
So go ahead and grab a copy one of her live shows, at Picks and Sticks orcontact her. It'll be worth your while.
Burlington's Leslie Hudson has mastered the art of the powerful, piano-driven song. Into the Mirror, the lady's latest album, prooves she's no dainty little lounge singer who can tickle the ivories a bit.
In Leslie's hands, the keys are filled with kinetic energy or sweet, smooth soul. These amazing skills also transfer to her voice. Whether belting it out or serenading, her vocals can wring the emotion from every fabulous song.
This album is hard to pigeonhole as you'll hear jazz, folk, pop, even a little rap - all done elegantly and with passion. Her outstanding lyrics will also make you take notice.
Whether you'd like a CD or download, you can get it through her Bandcamppage
For Woodstock singer/songwriter, George C.W. Douglas his debut album, Music From Big Muddy has been part of a personal journey. From local music fan, to becoming a musician, earning his sobriety and taking the Creative Genius Songwriting Workshop with Lori Yates - you can feel the experiences on the CD.
George has made quite an initial splash with this amazing offering. He's created a personal, revealing, witty, everyman folk album. Lyrics deal with aging, drinking and the effects of time. The recording finishes off nicely with a beautiful ode to Willie P. Bennett.
Wonderfully backing him up are fellow multi-instrumentalists Brock Zeman and Blair Hogan along with Dylan Roberts (drums, percussion). They do a fabulous job.
The Adventures of Trebleclef, the Hamilton Blues Lovers Monkey Trebleclef went to a private show featuring the amazing Guitar Mikey with Trickbag and the rockin' All Night Mule
Benjamin's voice has a lot of character and shines through on every track. He also wields a harmonica, fiddle, guitar and mandolin to create a lavish, warm sound. Americana, folk, pop, rock, classical and many other elements filter though for a wonderful, unique sound. There are even two incredible spoken word pieces.
Assisting the singer/songwriter are two very talented musicians: Randy Solski (percussion, keyboard, guitar and bass) and Rebekah Hawker (harmonies)
So, if you're looking for music with substance pick up a CD at his fabulous live shows or download the album using iTunesor cdbaby.
Some Fun Out of Life, the latest CD from Waterloo Jazz lady Rebecca Binnendyk, is the perfect name for the album. Listens will be getting a lot of fun out of this recording.
Rebecca has something for everybody here. Classics and standards such as The Nearness of You, Let's Fall in Love and Smile share the stage with modern pop jazz numbers and some old fashioned swing. There's even cool jazz covers of Bon Jovi, Joni Mitchell and Phil Collins as well. Her two amazing originals Stars and Live Now are also equally impressive.
Hawkstripe, the newest album from Rockwood's Ian Reid displays his great songwriting skills. His mischievous sense of humour shines on a few tracks and he also know how to craft a wonderful musical story as well.
This is all done with beautiful, sparse arrangements with just his expressive voice and a only a few instruments (uke and acoustic guitar mainly). Ian's able to captivate listeners with his enchanting, straightforward folk style.
You can pick up a CD at his fabulous live shows (or by contacting Ian via his site) and also download the album using iTunesor cdbaby.
Waterloo Blues masters, Soulstack have unleashed a monster with their brand spanking new self-titled album. With a live-off-the floor vibe, this recording means business.
Their Americana-infused sound is imbued with Rock, Blues, and Soul. The versatility of the players is shocking as they grace us with ballads, rockers and more musical wonders.
Physical CD's are available at their explosive live shows or the album can be downloaded via iTunesor eMusic. Either way - get yourself a copy now!
These Are Just Suggestions, the new album from St. Catharines songstress Mel Monaco is a genre-bendin' and blendin' classic. Soul, Pop, Jazz, Blues and Rock intermingle with each another with surprising results.
Mel's voice is powerful and packed with soul as she gets sassy and sultry. She's joined by the fabulous multi-instrumentalists John Heinrich and Phil Valdez.
You can pick up a copy of this amazing CD at her not-to-be-missed live shows or download it using iTunes. eMusicor cdbaby.
A concept album of sorts, Things Could Be Worse by talented Guelph singer/songwriter Rob Mitchell features songs that are mainly about hospitals. He took his experiences dealing with his son and late mother's medical issues to produce this incredible recording. The end result is a wonderful, personal, heartfelt piece of musical storytelling .
With a mix of pop, rock, folk and electronic rhythms, the songs sparkle as they tell their tales. The instrumentals are exceptionally well done as well.
This amazing album is available as a Bandcampdownload.
EXTRA MINI-REVIEWS! Some recordings escape our radar, so occasionally we'll be catching up with some mini-reviews!
2014's Parking Lot Sunset has more of a traditional acoustic folk feel that showcases Rob's strong guitar skills and expressive voice. It can also be downloaded via Bandcamp.
Rob also released the EP, Four Chords Five Songs in 2014. With just his voice and a guitar, he manages to create a dynamic and infectious sound. You can download it off Bandcamptoo.
With her big, soulful voice, Kitchener Blueswoman, Cheryl Lescom and her band, the Tucson Choir Boys create killer tracks on their latest album, 1953 (released throughBusted Flat Records). This amazing music will grab a hold of you instantly.
Cheryl's voice can really boom when it has too but it also can move you with emotion as well. The boys do a superb job of making some wonderful blues licks and dynamic sounds. A couple of tunes will even transport you to the 50s.
The band also gets some help on the writing from labelmate, Lynn Jackson, who wrote two of the songs.
If you want some good time rockin's blues you can pick up the CD through her energetic live shows or via the Busted Flat Online shop. It's available through iTunesas well.
Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers EXTRA MINI-REVIEW! Some recordings escape our radar, so occasionally we'll be catching up with some mini-reviews!
Cheryl and the Tucson Choir Boys released a self-titled album in 2009. You'll hear some great, rockin', soulful numbers on here as well. There's also a little more of a roots feel on the album. You can download it through cdbabyor iTunes.
Posts
