Monday, January 29, 2018

CONGRATS! Burlington Engineer Charles Moniz Wins 3rd Grammy! + Canadian Winners


Burlington Engineer Charles Moniz made his hometown (and all of Canada) proud when picked up his 3rd Grammy (this latest one for Best Engineered Album - on-classical) on Sunday January 28.  His work on superstar Bruno Mars' newest album 24K Magic has been getting a lot of notice as of late.

Click here for the Hamilton Spectator Story on his win



Links: Bruno Mars, More Bruno Mars Stories, Video above courtesy of  Bruno Mars

Click here for the complete list of winners

Here are the Canadian Winners:
CONGRATS EVERYBODY!

Blast from the Past: Last Year's Winners

Links: The Grammies, More Grammy Stories
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Saturday, January 27, 2018

Elmore James' 100th Birthday (incl local covers + comments)


Today (January 27, 2018) would have been Blues Legend Elmore James' 100th birthday.

We asked local musicians for their comments on Elmore's career.  Here are a few quotes:

Larry Feudo (Trickbag): 
Elmore James took the Mississippi Delta blues to a whole new level-he electrified an acoustic guitar and propelled Robert Johnson's influence into a whole new thing. An innovative slide guitar master and a great singer who set a new standard for exciting modern blues.
Frank Cosentino
Elmore James was and still is a powerful force.....the grooves on his records hold the key to his magic.
In his honour, here are a few Elmore covers from a local acts:



Links: Jack de Keyzer, More Jack de Keyzer Stories, Video above courtesy of David Stephen



Links: Jordan John, More Jordan John Stories, Mike Branton, More Mike Branton Stories, Video above courtesy of bluesinbronte

And here are some videos from the man himself:





Links: Elmore James, More Elmore James Stories/Covers, Videos above courtesy of TravelerIntoTheBlue, More 100th Birthday Celebrations
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Friday, January 26, 2018

News Roundup (Raging Chimera, Ron Sexsmith, International Blues Challenge)

International Blues Challenge Winners


Best Band
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Hamilton's Angela McKay Passes

Photo courtesy of the Hamilton Folk Club
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Hamilton singer Angela McKay on January 23, 2018. She was a Hamilton Folk Club regular. Our condolences to her family, friends and fans.

Her obituary is below:
In Memory of Angela Margaret McKay
November 28, 1968 - January 23, 2018
Peacefully at the Juravinski Hospital on January 23, 2018 at the age of 49. Beloved wife and partner of Brian Wice for 20 years. Loving daughter of Norma Lovegrove and niece of William Sears. Cherished sister of Brenda (Fred), Nancy (Tom), Ronalea, Lorraine, Andrew (Toni), Mary (Nino), Penny (King) and Angus. Angela is loved and will be missed by Brent (Roxana), David (Coby) and Benjamin, many nieces, nephews, family and friends. Visitation at MARKEY-DERMODY FUNERAL HOME, 1774 King Street East (at Kenilworth) on Thursday February 8, 2018 from 6-9 pm and on Friday, February 9, 2018 from 9am until the time of Funeral Service at 11 am. Interment Woodland Cemetery. Donations in Angela's memory may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association.
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Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Footage from Trickbag's First Live Performance on YouTube!


Former Trickbag bassist Michael Hickey recently posted footage of the band's first ever live performance on his YouTube page. The gig took place on February 3, 1990 at the Leander Boat Club (it would eventually become the Bay City Music Hall).

At the time, the band featured Hickey with Shawn O'Halloran on vocals/acoustic guitar and Lindsay Harnett on guitar along with current members Donna Panchezak (vocals), Paul Panchezak (drums) and Larry Feudo (guitar/harmonica).







Links: Trickbag, More Trickbag Stories, Videos above courtesy of Michael Hickey
Previous (CHCH Videos: Luckysticz, Matt Morson, Eric Alper) - - - Next (Robbie Burns Day Videos)
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Monday, January 22, 2018

More CHCH Videos (Luckystickz, Matt Morson, Eric Alper)



CHCH TV in Hamilton has kicked off 2018 with a number of music related videos.


Links: Luckystickz, More Luckystickz Stories, Video above courtesy of CHCH


Links: Matt Morson, Video above courtesy of CHCH


Links: Eric Alper, Video above courtesy of CHCH

Links: CHCH, More CHCH Videos, Join the "We'd Like CHCH News to Play More Local Music" Facebook Page
Previous (News Roundup: Easy Lemon, Passings, Cootes Paradise) - - - Next (YouTube Footage of Trickbag's 1st Live Performance)
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Saturday, January 20, 2018

News Roundup (Easy Lemon, Passings, Cootes Paradise)

Passings
      The Adventures of Trebleclef, the Music Loving Monkey

      Trebleclef returned to the Corktown in Hamilton to experience the explosive Cootes Paradise CD Release Party!


      Click here for more pictures from this event

      Here's a video from the show:

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      Friday, January 19, 2018

      Montreal Jazz Great 'Steep' Wade's 100th Birthday


      Today (January 19, 2019) would have been Montreal Jazz great “Steep” Wade's 100th birthday.

      From Burgundy Jazz:
      Alto saxophonist, pianist (19 January, 1918 – 6 December, 1953) Harold Gordon Pemberton Wade (known as “Steep” it is believed for his high forehead) learned alto saxophone and piano as a child both on his own and some studies with Milton Smythe.
      He began playing professionally in 1937, playing saxophone with Myron Sutton's Canadian Ambassadors and his smaller ensembles. In the 1940s, he began playing piano more, including with the bands of trumpeter Jimmy Jones and the saxophonist Lloyd Duncan who led the Seven Sharp Swingsters at Café St. Michel.
      He remained as pianist at Café St. Michel when Louis Metcalf came to the to lead the International Band and introduce bebop to Canadian audiences. Wade became a friend and mentor to Oscar Peterson, who regularly dropped in and jammed with the band. He was a member of Wilkie Wilkinson’s Boptet which made Canada’s first known bebop recordings.
      Wade was one of the pianists who played alongside Charlie Parker at Chez Paree when he came to Montreal for his famed February 1953 concerts. That spring, he was with Kenny Alexander’s All-Stars at the Montmartre Café along with Buddy Jordan, Leroy Mason, Bob Rudd and Walter Bacon. Tragically, he died not long afterwards from alcohol- or heroin-related causes.
      Here's a video with Steep on piano:


      Links: Charlie Parker, Video above courtesy of Antonio Lucente, More 100th Birthday Celebrations
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      Wednesday, January 17, 2018

      Cootes Paradise Debut is World Class


      Pretty much everything about the self-titled debut album of Dundas band Cootes Paradise screams 'world-class'. From the beautiful look of the CD art to the phenomenal production and, of course, the astonishing music - it's all impressive.

      It's no wonder since Cootes Paradise is a super-group. Members include:
      Together, they've forged a collection of well-crafted songs that are bluesy, funky, soulful and more. Each and every song has its own unique flavour. They all have the talent to pull off this wondrous genre-blending with panache.

      To top it all off, there's the legendary Nick Blagona doing production, mixing and mastering (as well as some percussion).  Other highlights include a visit from the remarkable Grand River Voices choir on one track and some extraordinary co-writing by Sharon Washington, Daniel Cavasant, Tom Shea and others.

      You've gotta get your hands on this album so pick it up at one of the group's unforgettable live shows. Stores carrying the CD include Dr. Disc in Hamilton and Ellënoire in Dundas. It's also available through their website, cdbaby and itunes.






      Links: Cootes Paradise, More Cootes Paradise Stories, Videos above courtesy of Cootes Paradise, More Releases
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      Tuesday, January 16, 2018

      CONGRATS! Local 2018 Maple Blues Award Winners


      Shortly after being nominated for a pair of  Blues Music Awards, Hamilton Blues veteran Harrison Kennedy has brought a Maple Blues Award for Songwriter of the Year to Steeltown!  It all happened on January 15, 2018 at Koerner Hall.

      Click here for the Spectator story on Harrison's win.



      Links: Harrison Kennedy, More Harrison Kennedy Stories: Video above courtesy of Luther Blues

      Colin James' latest album Blue Highways (ft Hamilton's Steve Pelletier and Jesse O'Brien) won for Recording/Producer of the Year. Colin is also the only multiple winner, having earned the top spot in the Guitarist of the Year category.

      Links: Colin James, More Colin James Stories, Steve Pelletier, More Steve Peletier Stories, Jesse O'Brien, More Jesse O'Brien Stories, Video above courtesy of BelAxeBluesFlames

      Cambridge Bluesman Conor Gains was a runner up for the coveted Cobalt Music Prize. Thanks to his song Walking Alone, he earned a $250 dollar payout.

      Here's a complete list of winners.

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      Monday, January 15, 2018

      GOOD LUCK! Hamilton's Harrison Kennedy Nominated for 2018 Blues Music Awards

      Hamilton Blues Legend Harrison Kennedy is once again up for Blues Music Awards this year (the only Canadian nominated).  He's in the running for two awards: Acoustic Album of the Year and Acoustic Artist of the Year.  Hopefully, he'll be bringing home the hardware at the May 10, 2018 ceremony in Memphis.

      Links: Harrison Kennedy, More Harrison Kennedy Stories: Video above courtesy of Luther Blues

      GOOD LUCK HARRISON!

      San Francisco Bluesman Rick Estrin landed the most nominations (8) with Taj Mahal and Don Bryant in second with 5 nods apiece.

      Here's a complete list of nominees.

       Acoustic Album 
      Acoustic Artist
      Album
      Band
      Entertainer
      Emerging Artist Album
      Contemporary Blues Album
      Contemporary Blues Female Artist
      Contemporary Blues Male Artist
      Historical Album of the Year
      Bass
      Drums
      Guitar
      Harmonica
      Horn
      Piano Player
      Vocals
      Koko Taylor Award (Traditional Blues Female)
      Rock Blues Album
      Rock Blues Artist
      Song
      Soul Blues Album
      Soul Blues Female Artist
      Soul Blues Male Artist
      Traditional Blues Album
      Traditional Blues Female Artist
      Traditional Blues Male Artist
      Previous (Logan Staats is 1st Winner of CTV's The Launch) - - - Next (Local Maple Blues Award Winners)
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      Saturday, January 13, 2018

      CONGRATS! Brantford's Logan Staats Becomes 1st Winner of the Launch


      Brantford/Six Nations singer songwriter Logan Staas has been catapulted to national superstardom after becoming the first winner of CTV's the Launch. He was one of 5 unsigned acts vying to record the song The Lucky Ones. His version can now be stream and purchased through iHeartRadio, Apple Music, iTunes, Spotify and Google Play.

      Here are a few comments from the man himself from his Facebook page.
      This moment is still so surreal... and “The Lucky Ones” is still NUMBER ONE on the charts in Canada!
      Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You’ve made “The Lucky Ones” NUMBER ONE in the country! It’s available everywhere now. Share the love and download it from all platforms! Scott Borchetta wanted a number one hit, and I’m so happy to say.... we got it!
      Click here for the Brantford Expositor story

      CONGRATS!



      Links: Logan Staats, More Logan Staats Stories, Video above courtesy of CTV

      The other contestants included:
      Blast from the Past: Logan Wins 2017 Indigenous Music Award
      Previous (News Roundup: Order of Canada, Jerome Godboo, Poor Angus) - - - Next (Harrison Kennedy Nominated for Blues Music Awards)
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      Friday, January 12, 2018

      News Roundup (Order of Canada, Jerome Godboo, Poor Angus)




      Officers
      Members
        The Adventures of Trebleclef, the Music Loving Monkey

        Trebleclef popped in to Stonewalls in Hamilton to experience the very first in a weekly No Cover Sundays show.  They kicked things off with the explosive Jerome Godboo Band. It was incredible!



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        Wednesday, January 10, 2018

        GOOD LUCK! Vote for Local Artists in the 2018 Music Express Awards!


        The popular Canadian digital music magazine, the Music Express is currently doing a poll for their 2018 Awards. A few local artists are in the running so we encourage you to vote.  We're not quite sure when the deadline is so please vote soon.

        Hamilton Bluesman Jack de Kezyer is up for two categories (Top Blues Artist and Top Blues Album).



        Links: Jack de Keyzer, More Jack de Keyzer Stories, Video above courtesy of ArleighELuckett

        Blue Rodeo, which now has Hamilton's Colin Cripps in its lineup is nominated for Top Live Act - Concert Hall/Club Venue.



        Links: Blue Rodeo, More Blue Rodeo Stories, Video above courtesy of Blue Rodeo

        Downchild (who have members from Brantford and Niagara) is also nominated in both Blues categories.



        Links: Downchild Blues Band, More Downchild Stories, Video above courtesy of The Best Playlists Ever

        St. Catharines Country superstar Tim Hicks is also competing for Top Country Artist - Male.



        Links: Tim Hicks, More Tim Hicks Stories, Video above courtesy of CBC Music

        GOOD LUCK EVERYBODY!

        Here's a complete list of nominees

        Blues Artist or Group
        Blues Album
        Live Act - Concert Hall/Club Venue
        Country Artist (Male)
        Country Group
        Country Artist (Female)
        Country Album
        Recording Artist (Female)
        Recording Artist (Male)
        Recording Group
        Album
        New Artist or Group
        Comeback Artist or Group
        Live Act - Arena/Festival
         RnB Artist or Group

        Previous (Last CHCH Videos of 2017: Tim Hicks, Kate Todd, Christian Parry, Kendal Thompson) - - - Next (News Roundup: Order of Canada, Jerome Godboo, Poor Angus)
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        Tuesday, January 9, 2018

        Last CHCH Videos of 2017 (Tim Hicks, Kate Todd, Christian Parry, Kendal Thompson)



        Hamilton's CHCH TV has a number of incredible videos on their website, including news reports and amazing live music every Friday. We usually put them as part of our News Roundups but there were quite a few posted during the holiday break. Here are the last few from 2017.

        Enjoy!


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


        Links: Kate Todd More Kate Todd Stories, Video above courtesy of CHCH


        Links: Christian Parry, Video above courtesy of CHCH


        Links: Kendal Thompson, Video above courtesy of CHCH

        Click here for more CHCH Videos
        Previous (News Roundup 2: End of the Year Lists and Charts) - - - Next (Vote for Local Artists for the Music Express Awards)
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