Thursday, June 30, 2016

News Roundup (Hamilton Music Scene Documentary, Mike Lynch, Rob Lamothe)

Michael Ochs Archives, Getty Images
Bernie Worrell of P-Funk Passes

Click pic for video

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              The Adventures of Trebleclef, the Hamilton Blues Lovers Monkey


              Trebleclef had a ton of fun at the final Saturday Night Blues show of the season.  Ottawa's Wicked Grin once again had an amazing show! The wonderful Andre Bisson joined in the fun for a few numbers too! 



              Featured Videos



              Links: Mike LynchMore Mike Lynch Stories, Video above courtesy of The Boneyard



              Links: Rob Lamothe, More Rob Lamothe Stories, Video above courtesy Sound Still Production

                Previous (New Judi Rideout CD) - - - Next (New Dylan Wickens Album)

                Wednesday, June 29, 2016

                Burlington's Judi Rideout Creates One of the Best Americana CDs Out There!


                Ex-Husband, the debut album from Burlington's Judi Rideout is one of the best Americana recordings out there.  It's just the right mix of traditional and modern!

                A superb blend of country, blues, folk and more, Judi and the gang know how to merge it all into great tunes.  Judi's voice sets the right mood and fits perfectly into the sound.

                Helping with the full-bodied feel of the songs are Mark Foley (electric guitar), Justine Fischer (bass), Steve Bigas (drums, producer), Tom Bigas (percussion), Ron Cole (accordion) and Mary Simon (harmony vocals).   Judi also shows some incredible songwriting skills (including co writes with Mark Foley, Dale Rideout and Fred Eaglesmith). The lady also plays a few amazing tracks written by Jessi Elgersma and Keith Shaw,.

                If you catch one of her fabulous live shows, you can pick up the CD.  It's also available Picks and Sticks (Hamilton), Records on Wheels (Dundas) and Circle Game (Port Dover).







                Blast from the Past: Judi Rideout and Friends Live

                Links: Judi RideoutMore Judi Rideout Stories, Videos above courtesy of Judi RideoutMore Releases

                Previous (Arts Awards Waterloo Winners) - - - Next (News Roundup: Hamilton Music Scene Documentary, Mike Lynch, Rob Lamothe)

                Sunday, June 26, 2016

                CONGRATS! 2016 Arts Awards Waterloo Winners


                The KW area celebrated their cultural beauty at the Arts Awards Waterloo Region on June 23, 2016 at the Humanities Theatre of the University of Waterloo.  There were many fabulous performances, emotional speeches and a wonderful tribute to the late sculptor Alan Denny.

                Click here for the Waterloo Record story.

                Here's complete list of winners. * are music-related

                Leading Edge Awards
                Other Categories
                CONGRATS EVERYONE!

                Blast from the Past: Last Year's Winners

                Links: Arts Awards Waterloo Region, More Arts Awards Waterloo Stories

                Previous (Matt Schofield Videos) - - - Next (New Judi Rideout CD)

                Friday, June 24, 2016

                CONGRATS! This Beat Goes On/Switchin' to Glide by Oakville's The Kings Honoured at SOCAN Awards


                This Beat Goes On/Switchin' to Glide, the legendary Canadian music staple from Oakville's The Kings was honoured, along with many other performers and tunes at the SOCAN Awards on June 20, 2016.  The track received a Classic Music Award.



                Links: The KingsMore Kings StoriesVideo above courtesy of Dave Buco

                The big winner of the night was dance artist The Weeknd, who brought home five awards.

                Here are some highlights:

                Classic Music Awards
                Country Music Awards
                Misc Awards
                Breakout Awards
                Pop/Rock Music Awards
                Urban Music Awards
                Click here for a full list of winners (including TV and film awards)

                Blast from the Past: Last Year's Winners

                Links: SOCANMore SOCAN Awards Stories

                Previous:  News Roundup: Julian Paul, Andre Bisson and Loretta Hale, Bill Durst, Videos) - - - Next (Matt Schofield Videos)

                Thursday, June 23, 2016

                News Roundup (Julian Paul, Andre Bisson and Loretta Hale, Bill Durst, Videos)


                News

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                          The Adventures of Trebleclef, the Hamilton Blues Lovers Monkey


                          Trebleclef went to the Long and McQuade Hamilton Grand Opening Ceremony and had a ball!



                          They had some incredible live performances (we'll be posting up more soon)



                          Links: Andre BissonMore Andre Bisson stories, Loretta HaleMore Loretta Hale StoriesMore Cat Stevens Covers/StoriesVideo above courtesy of Hamilton B. Lous

                          ----------

                          He also checked out the explosive Bill Durst and his amazing band courtesy of BluesSource Entertainment!






                          Links: Bill DurstMore Bill Durst StoriesVideo above courtesy of Hamilton B. Lous

                          Recently Added

                          check back next week!

                            Previous (Rootbone Debut CD) - - - Next (Switchin' to Glide by Oakville's The Kings Wins SOCAN Award)

                            Wednesday, June 22, 2016

                            Kickstart Your Mojo with the Debut from Waterdown's Rootbone


                            If you're looking for something to kickstart your mojo, look no further than The Long Road Home (from Steel Tone Records), the rockin' debut album from Waterdown's Rootbone.  With Juno and Maple Blues Award winners in the band, you're guaranteed an amazing experience.

                            Featuring the songwriting team of ex-Fathead band member Darran Poole (guitar, lead vocals) and Bobbi Richards (lyrics, percussion), the group also includes Omar Tunnoch (Fathead) on bass and backup vocals), and Jim Casson (ex-Downchild, Mighty Duck Blues Band) on drums.

                            This wonderful recording will get ya revved up with it's high-energy blues rock with hints of roots, country and Cajun! This is world-class music from world-class performers.

                            There are also a few high-profile guests such as Gary Kendall of Downchild (bass), Wayne "Shakey" Dagenais (keys), Mark "Bird" Stafford (Harmonica), Gene Hardy (sax), and William Sperandei (trumpet).

                            So go ahead and pick up a copy at any of their shows or visit their online shop.  You can also download it through iTunes.  ENJOY!



                            Links: RootboneVideo above courtesy of Darran Poole and RootboneMore Releases

                            Previous (Gary Cain a Finalist in Six String Theory Competition) - - - Next (News Roundup: Julian Paul, Andre Bisson and Loretta Hale, Bill Durst, Videos)

                            Tuesday, June 21, 2016

                            CONGRATS! Kitchener's Gary Cain is a Finalist in Six String Theory Competition!


                            Kitchener Bluesman, Gary Cain earned a spot as one of the a finalists (4th place) of the Blues Guitar category in the Six String Theory Guitar Competition on June 7, 2016.



                            Links: Gary CainMore Gary Cain Stories, Video above courtesy of Gary Cain

                            Carter Low (Vancouver) tied for the Grand Guitar Prize and won in the Blues Guitar division. Other Canadian finalists include Kris Schulz from Vancouver, Sudbury's Jamie Dupuis (Acoustic Guitar) and Montreal's Jasmin Lacasse Roy (Classical Guitar)


                            Video above courtesy of Carter Low

                            The prestigious, international contest is judged by such luminaries as Joe BonamassaSteve VaiKeb Mo'Vince GillSonny Landreth and many other.  Musicians enter two YouTube videos for the competition.  There was also a similar Rhythm Competition.

                            Here's a full list of winners:

                            Guitar Categories

                            Blues
                            Classical
                            Acoustic
                            Overall:
                            Jazz/Fusion
                            Rock
                            Rhythm
                            ----------

                            Other Instruments:

                            Piano
                            Bass
                            Drum
                            Blast from the Past: Gary Cain Video and More

                            Previous (Paul MacLeod Passes) - - - Next (Rootbone Debut CD)

                            Sunday, June 19, 2016

                            Kitchener's Paul MacLeod Passes


                            It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Kitchener singer/songwriter Paul MacLeod. He was an accomplished performer in his own right as well as a member of the Skydiggers and Hibakusha.

                            Click here for the Waterloo Record story

                            Below are a few social media reactions:

                            Kent MacMillan:

                            I used to watch Paul playing his ass off at the Jazz in Guelph on my free nights and then feeling obligated to go home and pick up a guitar. I always felt that if I just practiced just a little bit more, then maybe someday, just someday I could be half as good a singer and guitarist. He constantly inspired me to be a better musician and I remember always being nervous singing and playing around him, because of how much I looked up to him as a musician. I am still inspired to practice every week because of Paul. I can't believe your not out there on a stage tonight brother...RIP my friend.


                            We've lost a true artist, and I've lost friend that I've had since high school, and one that gave me the mentoring that I needed to begin my journey as a musician. Rest in peace, Paul MacLeod.

                            Sean Stokholm:

                            More than a few memories of Paul MacLeod being so damned nice to me. So supportive, and not in the obligatory "nice set!" thing musicians do for each other by rote. He was a deeply caring man.



                            Video above courtesy of Nick Skalkos



                            Video above courtesy of Norafo's Channel



                            Links: Skydiggers, More Skydiggers Stories,  Video above courtesy of Jennifer Cattin

                            Blast from the Past: Paul and Others Live at the Boathouse

                            Links: Paul MacLeodMore Paul MacLeod Stories

                            Previous (Local Artists on Polaris Long List) - - - Next (Gary Cain a Finalist in Six String Theory Competition)

                            Saturday, June 18, 2016

                            GOOD LUCK! Local Artists on Polaris Long List


                            The renowned Polaris Music Prize has unveiled their Long List of Canadian Albums for 2016 and quite a few local musicians are on it! 

                            Hamilton electronic music-makers Junior Boys and Jessy Lanza grace the list. 
                            The announcement of the Short List (which will whittle the long one to just the top ten) will be on July 14, 2016.  The prize winner will be awarded at the Polaris Gala (September 19, 2016 at The Carlu in Toronto).

                            The top candidate will earn $50,000 and the rest of the Short List will receive $3,000.

                            GOOD LUCK.

                            Here is the complete Long List.


                            Previous (News Roundup: CA Smith, Passings, More) - - - Next (Paul MacLeod Passes)

                            Thursday, June 16, 2016

                            News Roundup (CA Smith, Passings, More)

                            Jorgen Angel, Getty Images
                            Click pic for video

                            News

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                                          The Adventures of Trebleclef, the Hamilton Blues Lovers Monkey


                                          Check back next week!


                                          Recently Added

                                          check back next week!

                                                  Birthdays

                                                  We've decided to discontinue the birthdays.  Please email us at blueshamilton@gmail.com if you'd like them back


                                                  Previous (Terra Lightfoot Up for SOCAN Songwriting Prize) - - - Next (Local Artists on Polaris Long List)

                                                  Wednesday, June 15, 2016

                                                  GOOD LUCK! Vote for Waterdown's Terra Lightfoot to Win the SOCAN Songwriting Prize


                                                  Waterdown singer/songwriter Terra Lightfoot is is the running to win the sought after SOCAN Songwriting Prize this year and you can help!

                                                  Her song No Hurry was entered and the Hammertown songstress is up against some stiff competition.  Please vote (you can do it once a day) for her tune here.  Deadline is June 23, 2016.

                                                  The winner will be awarded $10,000 cash, a Godin guitar, a Yamaha keyboard and a $500 Long and McQuade gift card.

                                                  GOOD LUCK TERRA!



                                                  Links: Terra LightfootMore Terra Lightfoot StoriesVideo above courtesy of Gunther Records

                                                  Click here for the Spectator story.

                                                  Here's a complete list of the competitors in the English language category
                                                  Blast from the Past: Last Year's Winner

                                                  Links: SOCAN, More SOCAN Awards Stories

                                                  Previous (Mel Brown DVD Up For  Living Blues Award) - - - Next (News Roundup: CA Smith, Passings, More)

                                                  Tuesday, June 14, 2016

                                                  GOOD LUCK! The Late, Legendary Mel Brown's DVD Up for Living Blues Award! You Can Vote!


                                                  It's very rare for local musicians to be nominated for the Living Blues Awards but this year, the late, legendary Kitchener Bluesman, Mel Brown is up for Best Blues DVD of 2015 for the documentary Love Lost and Found.



                                                  Links: Mel Brown, More Mel Brown StoriesVideo above courtesy of Peter Beacock

                                                  Also, Harmonica Shah, whose last few albums featured Hamilton guitar slinger Jack de Keyzer recieved a nod for Most Outstanding Musician (Harmonica).



                                                  Links: Harmonica ShahMore Harmonica Shah StoriesVideo above courtesy of Dimitris Koutsiaftis

                                                  You can help them win this prestigious award from the popular Blues magazine by voting online.  Click here to vote. Deadline is July 15, 2016!

                                                  GOOD LUCK!

                                                  Click here for the results.

                                                  DVD
                                                  Harmonica
                                                  Artist (Male)
                                                  Artist (Female)
                                                  Singer
                                                  Guitar
                                                  Keyboard
                                                  Live Performer
                                                  Album (New)
                                                  Album (Reissue)
                                                  Book
                                                  Blast From the Past: Our Review of the Mel Brown DVD



                                                  Previous (Steven Trevor Jones Debut CD) - - - Next (Terra Lightfoot Up for SOCAN Songwriting Prize)