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Sunday, December 31, 2017

2017: Year in Review


Like 2016, 2017 was also a  was a mixed year. Many in the musical community (both local and international) passed away but there were a number of wonderful news items as well. This year, the Hamilton Blues Lovers also proudly won the very first ever George R. Robinson Award from the Hamilton Musicians' Guild. 

Local musicians who passed away in 2017 include: Skip Prokop of Lighthouse, Carl Horton,  Kathryn Stachyra (Whisky Concussion), Bill Crawford (Caledonia Folk Club Founder), music supporter Paul C Young, Herve Basset, Greg Peltz (local supporter), Hamilton superfan Gary DePodesta, Bryon Wapole (Backbeat Brian), David Gerry and Festival of Friends Volunteer Mosche Freedman

The rest of Canada also lost quite a few musical greats: Gord Downie, Former April Wine Bassist Steve Lang, Founding Steppenwolf Keyboardist Goldy McJohn, Streetheart Singer Kenny Shields, Terry Graves of Headframe, Jurgen Peter of the Haunted, Bobby Taylor (of the Vancouvers), Music Teacher (and Oscar Peterson's sister) Daisy Peterson Sweeny, Quebec songwriter Réjean Ducharme, Quebec Singer Tex Lecor, Johnny Burke, Jan V. Matejcek (First SOCAN CEO), Canada's 'Pet' Juliette (Cavazzi), Drummer Pentti 'Whitey' Glan, Patrick Bourgeois of Les BB, 

A number of international stars passed away this year as well: Tom Petty, Fats Domino, Chuck Berry, James Cotton, Gregg Allman, Lonnie Brooks, Charles Bradley, Glen Campbell, Walter Becker (Steely Dan), Soundgarden Frontman Chris Cornell, Malcolm Young (AC/DC), David Cassidy (Partridge Family), Jim Nabors (Gomer Pyle, singer), John Wetton (Asia, King Crimson), Geoff Nicholls (Black Sabbath keyboardist), Jim Fuller (Surfaris guitarist), Sib Hashian (ex-Boston drummer), Col. Bruce Hampton, Jimmy Copley, Anita Pallenberg (Keith Richards' ex-girlfriend), Erik Cartwright (ex-Foghat guitarist), David Hlubek (Molly Hatchet), George Young (Easybeats member and AC/DC producer), Jimmy Beaumont (Skyliners singer), Michael "DikMik" Davies (Hawkwind), Johnny Halladay (French rocker), Vincent Nguini (Paul Simon Guitarist)

 Most Popular Blog Posts
  1. Herve Basset Passes
  2. Global Music Award Winners
  3. View Magazine Readers' Choice Award Winners
  4. Carl Horton Passes
  5. Hamilton Community News Reader's Choice Awards
Other Highlights of the Year
Our Top 3 Reviews
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Saturday, December 23, 2017

Christmas Videos! (Godboogie, Freedom Train, Charly Chiarelli, Caledonia Folk Club)

Merry Christmas from Hamilton Blues Lovers!





Links: Jerome Godboo, More Jerome Godboo Stories, Video above courtesy of rockynashfilms



Links: Freedom Train, More Freedom Train Stories, Video above courtesy of Freedom Train



Links: Charly Chiarelli, More Charlie Chiarelli Stories, Video above courtesy of Charly Chiarelli



Links: More Paul Young (R.I.P.) (1st performer) Stories, Video above courtesy of Brian Morton

Click here for more Christmas stuff
Previous (News Roundup: Christopher Nguyen, Best Jazz CD's, Melissa Bel) - - - Next (2017 in Review)
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Friday, December 22, 2017

News Roundup (Christopher Nguyen, Best Jazz CD's, Melissa Bel)

There will be no News Roundup next week


FYI Music News: 5 Questions with Steve Mahon of Teenage Head

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Wednesday, December 20, 2017

More FREE Amazing Valleyview Studios Christmas Albums



A few years ago, we wrote about the amazing FREE holiday music offered through Valleyview Studios.  It features incredible, multi-genre seasonal tracks from many talented local artists.

Here's what they've been up to since. Click the song title to listen and download.

2016 Compilation
  1. Carl Didur and Mike McLean - I've Been Away for a While
  2. Dave Rave - Not Just Christmas Time



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

  3. Doug Feaver - All Because It's Christmas Time
  4. Gary Pig Gold - East West
  5. Hailee Rose - It's Christmas Time Again
  6. Kris Kringle and The Jingled Bells - Santa's High (Above On Christmas Eve)
  7. Kyle Kuchmey - Welcome Christmas
  8. Rick Andrew - Long Way Down
  9. Rocket and The Renegades - Lonely Jew At Christmas
  10. Ruth Sutherland - The Coventry Carol
  11. The Horsewig Singers - The Holidaze
  12. Trickbag - Merry Christmas Baby
  13. Vader's Raiders - Older By Year And Younger By Soul
  1. Carl Didur and Mike McLean - O Christmas Tree
  2. Chloe and Tom Forsyth - The Man With The Bag
  3. Chris Wheeler, James Gannett and Matt Burns - Mr. Grinch Medley
  4. Dave Rave - Come On Now (It's Christmas)
  5. Doug Feaver - Christmas Night
  6. Doug Feaver - It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
  7. Hailee Rose - I Cannot Wait
  8. James Anthony - All I Want For Christmas
  9. Kyle Kuchmey - Music from Edward Scissorhands
  10. Lester Smith - Christmas Ain't Christmas (Without My Missus)



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

  11. Rick Andrew - Alone At Christmas Blues
  12. Robin Magder (aka Rocket) - Lowdown Christmas
  13. Ruth Sutherland - Carol of the Bells
  14. Scott McLeod and Alistair Shields - Jelly of the Month
  15. The Sheanderthals - Glasgow's Cryin' (Teenage Head cover)
  16. Tim Gibbons - Like An Old Christmas Tree
  17. Trickbag - Who Took The Merry Out Of Christmas? (Staples Singers cover)
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Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Hamilton's Piper Hayes Creates Beautiful Ethereal Soundscape on New Album


There's a lot of folky acoustic goodness in Piper and Carson, the latest album from Hamilton's Piper Hayes. The Hammertown songwriter teamed up with her partner Carson Ritcey-Thorpe and recorded the album live off the floor. The relaxed atmosphere gives the songs room to breathe and express themselves.

It's also a bit of a concept album as the tunes depict a full day from beginning to end. The storytelling is incredible featuring a tribute to her late mother, protest songs and more. The duo manage to tell their tale and create a beautiful, ethereal, organic soundscape.

Helping them along is Chris Bartos (producer, multiple instruments), Kevin Neal (pedal steel) and Leah Ritcey-Thorpe (backup vocals).

You can get this magical album from the online shop or Piper's Bandcamp page. Hamilton music shops Cheapies and Dr. Disc also carry it. It's also available through iTunes and cdbaby.







Stream the album below


 Click here if you can't see the player above

Blast from the Past: Piper on Barber Shop Podcast + More Stories

Links: Piper Hayes, More Piper Hayes Stories, Videos above courtesy of Piper Hayes, More Releases
Previous (Tim Hicks on Most Played Canadian Country Songs in 2017 List) - - - Next (New FREE Valleyview Studios Christmas Albums)
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Sunday, December 17, 2017

St. Catharines Superstar Tim Hicks on The Top 10 Most Played Canadian Country Songs of 2017 List


St. Catharine Country Superstar Tim Hicks has not one but two songs on Americamusiccharts.com's Top 10 Most Played Canadian Country Songs of 2017 List. 

 Here's the complete list.
  1. Dean Brody: Time



    Links: Dean Brody, More Dean Brody Stories, Video above courtesy of Dean Brody

  2. James Barker Band: Just Sayin'
  3. Tim Hicks: Slow Burn



    Links: Tim Hicks, More Tim Hicks Stories, Video above courtesy of TimHicks

  4. James Barker Band: Chills
  5. Dallas Smith: Side Effects
  6. Chad Brownlee: Somethin’ We Shouldn’t Do
  7. Aaron Goodvin: Woman in Love
  8. High Valley: I Be U Be
  9. Dallas Smith: Sky Stays This Blue
  10. Tim Hicks: Slide Over



    Links: Tim Hicks, More Tim Hicks Stories, Video above courtesy of TimHicksVEVO
Blast from the Past: Tim Hicks Wins Country Music Association of Ontario Award
    Previous (David Gerry Passes) - - - Next (New Piper Hayes CD)
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    Friday, December 15, 2017

    News Roundup (Cartoons, Kolton Stewart, Global Music Awards)

    Assorted Music Toons



    Click here for more music cartoons
    News

     Local
    Canada

    Passings
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        Wednesday, December 13, 2017

        Hamilton's David Gerry Passes

        Picture courtesy of David's website
        It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Hamilton flutist David Gerry (aka David Royce-Gerry), who passed away on December 4, 2017 after a brave fight with adenocarcinoma. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans. A memorial concert is being planned for 2018.

        Before his passing, he was interviewed by the Hamilton Spectator. Click here for the story.

        Click here for the Spectator obituary.

         Here are a few reactions from Facebook:

         Suzuki Method Northern Ireland
        Thank you so much David Royce-Gerry for all your amazing work for SECE research and the whole of the Suzuki world. I had the pleasure of hearing David speak at the 2013 Convention in Matsumoto and he was incredibly inspirational. Sending lots of love to his family and friends.
        Symphony on the Bay
        Rest in peace, our dear friend and inspiration teacher and musician, David Royce-Gerry. There is a place in our orchestra-family heart that you will always occupy. We extend our sympathies to David's husband Jonathan Royce-Gerry, mother Lucy Gerry and all of David's family, friends, students, and colleagues.
        David's career highlight include:


        Video above courtesy of Judith Shedden



        Video above courtesy of AndreaCannonGuitar
        Previous (Yodelin' Slim Clark's 100th Birthday)
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        Monday, December 11, 2017

        Yodelin' Slim Clark's 100th Birthday

        Picture Courtesy of Athol Daily News
        Today (December 11, 2017) would have been Yodelin' Slim Clark's 100th birthday.

        From Wikipedia (abridged):
        In 1936, he went on the air as "Wyoming Buck" and a few months later the radio station manager renamed him "Yodeling Slim Clark" - which was his trademark throughout his career. 
        Though primarily known as a single act, Slim's bands included the "Red River Rangers", "The Trailriders" and "The Trailsmen". 
        During his very active career, Slim recorded over 25 albums. Copies of his old 78s are in the Library at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and have become collector's items. After a partial retirement in the early 1970s, he recorded for Palomino Records and played many festivals during the summertime.
        Slim won the World Yodeling Championship in 1947 and was inducted into the Yodeler's Hall of Fame, He was a member of the Western Music Association's Hall of Fame. 
        Here's a comment from Tiny Bill Cody:
        Yodelin' Slim Clark was one of a handful of people who introduced me to the novelty tune "She Taught Me to Yodel" (there is a superlative version by Kenny Roberts I think, but regardless).  I kind of love the postmodern edge of these kinds of songs.
        I'm yodelling a song whose lyrics are about the fact that i'm yodelling (is there any other kind of singing that is so self-referential?). I also love the notion of someone being so entranced by yodelling that they wouldn't even attempt it without going to switzerland to be inititated.   These things give yodeling its otherworldly power--its status as a thing that is comical yet also enchanted--a kind of benevolent magic.
        I don't consider myself a good yodeller, but I am good enough to understand its value as a kind of enchantment.  God bless Slim for being so committed to the form.
        Here are some videos from the man himself:







        Links: Yodelin' Slim Clark, Videos above courtesy of mrblindfreddy9999

        More 100th Birthday Celebrations
        Previous (Carl Horton Passes) - - - Next (David Gerry Passes)
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        Sunday, December 10, 2017

        Hamilton's Carl Horton Passes

        Picture courtesy of Carl's Facebook page
        It is with sadness that we announce that Hamilton musician Carl Horton passed away recently.  Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

        UPDATE! Hamilton Spectator story about Carl's passing

        UPDATE! A musical celebration of his life will be at the First Unitarian Church of Hamilton on Wednesday, December 13 (2 pm)
        Carl started his professional music career in 1979. Highlights includes scoring numerous films/TV shows, creating over 450 advertising jingles, teaching, session work, arranging, directing and much more. He's performed for politicians and royalty.  Click here for more detailed bio.

        Carl was beloved by many in the Hamilton music community. Here are a few comments from social media:

        Jude Johnson (Carl's longtime musical partner): 
        My heart is broken....my dear friend...musical partner for 35 yrs...my brother...Carl Horton....a King of a man...unbearable loss for his beloved Tina and daughters Ali and Annie ...our community has lost a great soul...there are no words....
        Adrean Farrugia
        Carl was one of my teachers at Mohawk College in the 90’s. He was a beloved teacher, and musician—always enthusiastic about music and supportive of others. I’m sad to hear that he’s gone. I’ll miss him. It’s a reminder to make the best of each day as we never know how long we’ll be here.
        My condolences to his family. Rest In Peace Carl and thanks for the friendship and inspiration.
        We will add more comments as we find them.



        Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

        To honour his legacy, here are some of his students performing an original tune they wrote.

        Video above courtesy of Altheta Rutherford

        Blast from the Past: Carl Horton and Friends Perform at Pine Street Gardens

         Links: Carl Horton, More Carl Horton Stories, Jude Johnson, More Jude Johnson Stories,
        Previous (News Roundup, Part 2: Canada and World - Patrick Bourgeois, Awards, CBC's Top Albums, Passings) - - - Next (Yodelin' Slim Clark's 100th Birthday)
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        Saturday, December 9, 2017

        News Roundup, Part 2: Canada and World (Patrick Bourgeois, Awards, CBC's Top Albums, Passings)

        Click here for News Roundup, Part 1: Local

        Picture courtesy of SOCAN
        Links: Les BB, Video above courtesy of UnidiscMusic
        Canada

        Highlights below. Click title above for complete winner list
        Previous (News Roundup, Part 1: Local - Blaine Burnie, Liberty Silver, Johannes Linstead) - - - Next (Carl Horton Passes)
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        Friday, December 8, 2017

        News Roundup, Part 1: Local (Blaine Burnie, Liberty Silver, Johannes Linstead)

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        Wednesday, December 6, 2017

        Help Local Artists Win the 2017 No Depression Readers Poll! VOTE! Deadline Dec 15


        International Americana online magazine No Depression is holding their annual year-end readers poll (for best album) and a few local artists on on the ballot.

        This includes:
        Other Canadians on the ballot include:
        Acts can also be added to the ballot during the voting process so if there are any artists you'd like recognized, this is your chance!

        Previous (News Roundup: Ben Bowman, Easy Lemon, The Band, Canadian Grammy Nods) - - - Next (News Roundup, Part 1: Local - Blaine Burnie, Liberty Silver, Johannes Linstead)
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        Friday, December 1, 2017

        News Roundup (Ben Bowman, Easy Lemon, The Band, Canadian Grammy Nods)

        FYI Music News Stories
        Canadian Grammy Nominations
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