Oshawa's Christmas (later named Spirit of Christmas) was a band like no other. They lasted only a few years, produced just three studio albums, but inspired generations of bands to come. Their LP's are now expensive, sought after collectors items. Singer Bob Bryden, who now lives in Hamilton, was a major part of their success. The band was created from the ashes of his previous project, Reign Ghost.
Personnel: Bob Bryden, Wolf Hryciuk, Rich Richter, Tyler Raizenne, Robert Bulger, Gary Squiers
Our mini-review:
Psychedelic and trippy, their debut is very loose and free with an off-the-cuff feel. Highlights include Just Suppose and the over 20 minute (a full LP side) workout Jungle Fabulous.
Bob Bryden's thoughts:
The first Christmas LP was never meant to happen. We went in to do a ‘12 Top Hits’ album of 10 covers and 2 originals (the latter being the only reason we took the gig). In the studio, the producer asked us to jam (total improv). They then scrubbed the covers idea and released the jams and originals.
Personnel: Bob Bryden, Rich Richter, Tyler Raizenne, Robert Bulger
Click here for Bob Bryden's online Heritage scrapbook
Our mini-review:
More structured than their debut, Heritage is a psychedelic gem with more powerful hard rockin'. Highlights include Blues on an Iceberg and Bustin' Out Tonight
Bob Bryden's thoughts:
‘Heritage’ was done in about 10 days at Toronto Sound with Terry Brown (Rush) engineering. He told us we influenced Rush. I had just become ‘lead’ singer as the 2 singers on the first LP had recently left. Christmas was not a democracy at that time. I was dictator. Wrote all the songs and even many of the other’s parts (not solos). That all changed by ‘Lies To Live By’.
Thanks to everyone for the overwhelming response to our post about "This Beat Goes On/Switchin' to Glide" getting inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. We are very grateful to you all for reaching out to us, quite humbling actually! Here's the link to our performance of it at the incredible El Mocambo in Toronto. Thanks to everyone at the CSHF, Breakfast Television and the Elmo for being so professional, Peter and Toddy for playing so well and Doug McClement for the great live sound mix. We love you!
On Sunday, October 25, 2020 the St. Catharines Arts Awards were handed out during an online ceremony. It was great to see all of the creative energy in the Garden City given it's due.
The community’s creative best, and those that support them, received their due on Sunday, October 25.
While the annual St. Catharines Arts Awards moved to a virtual format this year, there was no shortage of real-world talent and support in those recognized with awards during the online affair.
Aimed at celebrating excellence in all areas of artistic creation, the awards seek not only to recognize artistic talent, but to promote the city’s vibrant and growing arts scene. Awards recognize creators and those that support them through their leadership, financial assistance and volunteer efforts.
“Arts and culture gives us so much, it challenges us to think, grow and join together as a community,” said acting supervisor of Cultural Services Kathleen Powell, adding, “it’s no secret culture in our community has exploded in recent years, it’s evident in the recipients and in the list of truly phenomenal nominees, including those providing support for the arts to thrive and those creating and performing in our community.”
Arts Awards recipients each received a hand-crafted award and $500 to support future projects. The Emerging Artist recipient received $500 and a civic certificate. Arts Awards recipients were selected by a jury comprised of past recipients Ola Kiermacz (2019 Emerging Artist), Derek Knight (2018 Arts in Education), the 2019 Awards co-director, Emily Oriold of the Foster Festival, and awards committee representative Wynne Nicholson presiding.
More than just a presentation of facts about the legendary Hamilton band, this documentary tells a tale with emotional heft. It explores the legacy and toll the band's taken on it's members. The incredible music and the moving story makes it a great exploration of an unforgettable band.
Local artists are once again well-represented among the nominees for the 2021 Maple Blues Awards. The virtual ceremony will be held on February 1, 2021 and hopefully, our talented musicians will win a few.
The Legendary Downchild Blues Band (with members from the Niagara region and Brantford) is in the running for Entertainer of the Year. Band member Chuck Jackson and Gary Kendall are also up for one apiece.
