Links: More International Women's Day Videos, Videos above courtesy of Marz Homes, More Marz Garage Stories
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Sunday, March 7, 2021
Happy International Women's Day! Videos by Emerald B, Mahima Akshinthala, Jess and Tay, Elise Arsenault
Links: More International Women's Day Videos, Videos above courtesy of Marz Homes, More Marz Garage Stories
Previous (New Swingin' Blackjacks EP)
Thursday, March 4, 2021
New EP From The Swingin' Blackjacks Explodes with Boogie Power!
Need an injection of joy to get over the lockdown Blues? Look no further than Four Hot Tracks, the latest EP from Toronto's The Swingin' Blackjacks. This short but sweet rockabilly collection will give ya a dose of boogie and have you stompin' your feet.
Featuring Niagara's Gary Kendall (Kendall Wall Band, Downchild) on bass/vocals, the trio is rounded out by Matt Allen on lead vocals/guitar plus Adam David on drums. Every one of them are firing on all cylinders and serving up world-class rock.
This explosive recording is available through their website (CD + download), Apple Music and Spotify.
Previous (Hamilton Spectator Readers' Choice Award Winners)
Saturday, February 27, 2021
CONGRATS! 2020 Hamilton Spectator Readers' Choice Award Winners
The 2020 Hamilton Spectator Readers' Choice Awards were recently unveiled. The special supplemental section featured the best that Hammertown has to offer, including our wonderful music community.
Here's a list of all the music-related winners.
D = Diamond (1st place)
P = Platinum (2nd place)
G = Gold
Everything else is in the top ten.
- D: Arkells
Links: More Arkells Stories, Video above courtesy of Arkells Music
- P: Laura Cole
Links: More Laura Cole Stories, Video above courtesy of The Basement Sessions
- G: John Atlee
Links: More John Atlee Stories, Video above courtesy of John Atlee
A special congrats to our sponsors
- Judy Marsales Real Estate, Gold for Best Real Estate Office
- Picks N Sticks, Platinum for Best Musical Instrument Store and Gold for Best Music School.
Our blogger's workplace, St. Charles Adult and Continuing Education Centres, won gold for Best Adult Education
CONGRATS EVERYONE!
Links: Readers' Choice Awards, More Spec Readers' Choice Awards Stories
Previous (Maple Blues Award Winners, Day 4)- - - Next (New Swingin' Blackjacks EP)
Tuesday, February 23, 2021
Winners of Maple Blues Awards, Final Day, Including Hamilton's Smoke Wagon Blues Band
This year, the Maple Blues Awards are online and divided between four Mondays in February.
The last day - day four (February 22) was streamed from Vancouver.
Below is a video of the final ceremony:
Video above courtesy of the Toronto Blues Society
- New Artist: Smoke Wagon Blues Band (Hamilton)
Links: More Smoke Wagon Blues Band Stories, More Fats Domino Covers/Stories, Video above courtesy of Corey Lueck - Male Vocalist: Matt Andersen
Links: More Matt Andersen Stories, Video above courtesy of Folk Roots and Blues - Horn Player: Mark Leclerc (Fuel Junkie) / Mat “Moose” Mousseau (Ben Racine Band) TIE!
Video above courtesy of Fuel Junkie - Topic
Links: More Ben Racine Stories, Video above courtesy of Blues Rock This Time - John Valenteyn Blues Booster of the Year: Cindy McLeod
Video above courtesy of Cindy Mcleod Music
Blast from the Past: Last Years' Winners
Links: Maple Blues Awards, More Maple Blues Awards Stories, Day 1 of 2021, Day 2 of 2021, Day 3 of 2021
Previous (Crowbar's Bad Manors Turns 50) - - - Next (Hamilton Spectator Readers' Choice Award Winners)
Saturday, February 20, 2021
Crowbar's Bad Manors Turns 50!
In 2021, Bad Manors, the classic album from the legendary Crowbar, turns 50 years old! This was the unforgettable Hamilton band's second offering and the first just under just its own name (their debut was technically King Biscuit Boy with Crowbar). This was, of course, the album that would feature their biggest hit, the ever-eternal Oh, What a Feeling.
Details:
- Released early 1971
- On Daffodil label
- Crowbar members: Kelly Jay (piano, percussion), John Gibbard (guitar), Rheal Lanthier (guitar), Roly Greenway (bass), Sonnie Bernardi (drums), Josef Chirowski (organ)
- Guests: King Biscuit Boy (yodels), Steve Kennedy (Lighthouse, Dr. Music) on horns, Bob Bryden (vocals), Ritchie York (tambourine).
We asked a few local musicians to give their thoughts on this incredible album.
Paul Panchezak (Trickbag, King Biscuit Boy and touring member of Crowbar)
In Melody Maker, Paul McCartney called "Oh What A Feeling" the "party record of the year". I read it with my own eyes as a young high school student. It made me very proud of my home town.
Corey Lueck (Smoke Wagon Blues Band)
When I first dove into the world of classic rock and album hunting my aunt told me stories of this glorious band that lived and partied together in this old mansion. That sounded like the life to me! I ran out and picked up a used copy at Cactus Records in Oakville which I still own and play today!
I got such a kick out of how fun this band sounded with the cool train imitations on Train Keep Rolling to the hoots, hollering and yodeling on Baby Let's Play House and of course, the iconic shouts on Oh What What a Feeling.
The album was just jammed packed with Blues, Rocking boogies, boogie woogie piano, whaling harp, and screaming guitar! I'd stare at the picture on the center fold of these wild and crazy Canuck hippies out in the snow! This album was a masterpiece that makes you proud to be a Canadian musician
For me it was one of the heaviest sounds I had heard up to that time! It proved that Canadian musicians could hold they're own with the best in the world! And in most cases surpassing!
Links: Crowbar, More Crowbar Stories, Videos above courtesy of UnidiscMusic, More 50th Anniversary Albums
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Tuesday, February 16, 2021
Winners of Maple Blues Awards, Day Three including Hamilton's Jesse O'Brien
This year, the Maple Blues Awards are online and divided between four Mondays in February.
Day three (February 15) was streamed from Montreal.
Below is a video of the third ceremony:
Video above courtesy of the Toronto Blues Society
Here's a complete list of winners
- Piano/Keyboard: Jesse O'Brien (Hamilton)
Links: More Jesse O'Brien Stories, Steve Marriner, More Steve Marriner Stories, Video above courtesy of The Basement Sessions - Harmonica Player: Steve Marriner
- Songwriter: Colin Linden
Links: Colin Linden, More Colin Linden Stories, Gary Craig, More Gary Craig Stories, Video above courtesy of bluesinbronte - Drummer: Gary Craig (Colin Linden, Steve Dawson)
Blast from the Past: Last Years' Winners
Links: Maple Blues Awards, More Maple Blues Awards Stories, Day 1 of 2021, Day 2 of 2021, Day 4 of 2021
Previous (Mardi Gras Videos) - - - Next (Crowbar's Bad Manors Turns 50)
Monday, February 15, 2021
Sunday, February 14, 2021
Happy Family Day! Videos by Wayne Krawchuk & Carol Greene, Ariana and David Gillis, Dunlop Brothers
Links: Wayne Krawchuk, More Wayne Krawchuk Stories, Carol Greene, More Carol Greene Stories, Video above courtesy of Carol Greene
Links: Ariana Gillis, More Ariana Gillis Stories, David Gillis, More David Gillis Stories, More Warren Zevon Covers/Stories, Video above courtesy of Richard Sugarman
Links: Dunlop Brothers, More Dunlop Brothers Stories, Video above courtesy of The Unicorn Project GTA
Click here for more Family Day videos.
Previous (Trebleclef's 6th Birthday) - - - Next (Mardi Gras Videos)
Previous (Trebleclef's 6th Birthday) - - - Next (Mardi Gras Videos)
Happy 6th Birthday Trebleclef!
Click here for more of Trebleclef's adventures.
These past few months, since he couldn't attend a lot of music events, he's been giving mini-reviews of Canadian/local books and teaching cool local music trivia.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUDDY!
Links: ZZ Top, More ZZ Top Stories, Video above courtesy of ZZTopOfficial1
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUDDY!
Links: ZZ Top, More ZZ Top Stories, Video above courtesy of ZZTopOfficial1
Saturday, February 13, 2021
Friday, February 12, 2021
Happy World Radio Day! Videos by No Sugar Tonight, Rush, Patrick Ballantyne
Links: No Sugar Tonight, More NST Stories, More Guess Who Covers/Stories, Video above courtesy of NosugarTonight22
Links: Rush, More Rush Stories, Video above courtesy of Rush
Links: Patrick Ballantyne, More Patrick Ballantyne Stories, Video above courtesy of Northwood Music
Previous (Year of the Ox/Cow Videos) - - - Next (Valentine's Day Videos)
Thursday, February 11, 2021
Wednesday, February 10, 2021
Happy Get Out Your Guitar Day ft Blake Halladay
Links: Blake Halladay, More Blake Halladay Stories, Videos above courtesy of Blake Halladay More 'Get Out Your Guitar Day' Videos
Previous (Carole King's tapestry Turns 50) - - - Next (Year of the Ox/Cow Videos)
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Carole King's Tapestry w Burlington's Suzanne O
Today (February 10, 2021), Carole King's classic album, Tapestry turns 50 years old.
To celebrate, here are a few videos of Burlington's Suzanne O, who has performed a tribute to Carole on many occasions.
Links: Suzanne O, More Suzanne O Stories, Videos above courtesy of Suzanne O
We asked Suzanne to give her thought about the classic album. Here is what she had to say:
For me, every song on Tapestry is a brilliant display of great song writing that is delivered with simplicity, heart, and the perfect mix of musicians. It is an album that universally touched people’s souls the instant the needle hit the vinyl.
The title track, ‘Tapestry’ is one that can make me cry, so I must be careful in approaching it during live performances. The message of life’s journey is instilled here so aptly, and hits home - more so during these times.
Lou Adler intuitively produced these songs in such a natural surrounding with all musicians together in Studio B at A&M; and that was part of the secret. This album holds the magic that was created not only by the outstanding songs written by Carole King (w/ G Goffin and T Stern), but the ambience of the studio space, and the sign of the times in 1971 when it was recorded.
Each song seems to carry its own vibe and meaning for me, especially playing it live, so I embrace every track on the album with open arms and full heart. I think this recording affects people on such an emotional level that it cannot really be described by most.
My feeling is that it transports them to a place of peace and a feeling of pure joy in hearing musical excellence. I love performing the entire album during our shows, because of the effect it has on the listener. We take a little trip together that seems to make time and space evaporate. That’s the magic!
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Here are a few videos from the lady herself.
Links: Carole King, More Carole King Stories/Covers, Videos above courtesy of Carole King, More 50th Anniversary Albums
Previous (Maple Blues Award Winners, Day 2) - - - Next (Get Out Your Guitar Day ft Blake Halladay)
Winners of Maple Blues Awards, Day Two
This year, the Maple Blues Awards are online and divided between four Mondays in February.
Day two (February 8) was streamed from Ottawa.
Below is a video of the second ceremony:
Video above courtesy of the Toronto Blues Society
Below is a complete list of winners
- Female Vocalist: Angel Forrest
Links: More Angel Forrest Stories, Video above courtesy of Angel Forrest - Topic - Entertainer : Dawn Tyler Watson
Links: More DTW Stories, Video above courtesy of Dawn Tyler Watson - Topic - Blues with a Feeling Award (Lifetime Achievement Award): Ken Whiteley/Joe Murphy
Links: Video above courtesy of Ken Whiteley - Bassist: John Dymond (Colin Linden)
Links: Colin Linden, More Colin Linden Stories, More John Dymond Stories, Video above courtesy of randallstaffordcook
Monday, February 8, 2021
Please Support Local Charities
Please Support Local Charities
The Hamilton Blues Lovers (HBL) want to showcase a deserving local charity every week. HBL is not affiliated with these charities nor does it fund raise for them.
Saturday, February 6, 2021
Hamilton's Brandon P General Honours Buddy Holly with a Stunning Covers Album
Brandon P General has taken his considerable talents to honour the legendary Buddy Holly in his latest offering, The Apartment Tapes. The Hamilton singer/songwriter released the album on February 3rd 2021, the anniversary of Holly's death. This wonderful collection is a tribute to the early rocker's final recording, also titled The Apartment Tapes.
While keeping true to Holly's spirit, Brandon does an incredible job of maintaining his own unique style and sound. This is a stripped down affair which focuses on the emotional heft of these classic tunes.
You can stream or downlaod this fabulous album through Brandon's Soundcloud page. The recording is embedded below too.
Thursday, February 4, 2021
Please Support Our Wonderful Sponsors
Their service is friendly and reliable. In person and remote assistance available.
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
Honouring the Day the Music Died w Videos by Hwy 24 Band, Sonny Boy Mick, The Big Bopper
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Click pic to learn about 'The Day The Music Died" |
Links: Sonny Boy Mick, More Buddy Holly Covers/Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers
Previous (Day 1 of Maple Blues Awards) - - - Next (Brandon P. General's Buddy Holly Covers Album)
Local Artists Win on Day 1 of 2021 Maple Blues Blues Awards
This year, the Maple Blues Awards are Online and divided between four Mondays in February.
Day one (February 1) was streamed from Toronto and a number of local artists won some of the first batch of awards.
Below is a video of the first ceremony:
Video above courtesy of the Toronto Blues Society
Below is a complete list of winners. Locals are bolded.
- Recording/Producer: Smoke Wagon Blues Band – Ballad Of Albert Johnson / Self (Steve Sherman)
Links: More Smoke Wagon Blues Band Stories, Video above courtesy of Corey Lueck - Electric Act: Jack de Keyzer
Links: More Jack de Keyzer Stories, Video above courtesy of Jack de Keyzer - Acoustic Act: Matt Andersen
Links: More Matt Andersen Stories, Video above courtesy of Matt Andersen - Guitarist: Garrett Mason
Video above courtesy of Garrett Mason - B.B. King International Artist: Ghost Town Blues Band
Links: Video above courtesy of Ghost Town Blues Band
Links: Maple Blues Awards, More Maple Blues Awards Stories, Day 2 of 2021, Day 3 of 2021, Day 4 of 2021
Previous (Play Your Ukulele Day Videos) - - - Next (Honouring the Day the Music Died)
Monday, February 1, 2021
Happy Play Your Ukulele Day ft Carl Jennings and Friends
Links: Dave Rave, More Dave Rave Stories, Video above courtesy of Dave Rave, More Beatles Covers/Stories
Previous (Black History Month Videos) - - - Next (Day 1 of Maple Blues Awards)
Please Support Local Charities
From their webiste: The Cancer Assistance Program is a community-based, not-for-profit organization, led by a team of volunteers and staff, offering free services to ease the physical, emotional and economic impact of those in our community affected by cancer.
The Hamilton Blues Lovers (HBL) want to showcase a deserving local charity every week. HBL is not affiliated with these charities nor does it fund raise for them.
Previous (Work Songs from Willie P. Bennett, Paul Templeton, Mo Kauffey & Manitoba Hal) - - - Next (Back to School Videos: Rick & the Krickets, John Kay of Steppenwolf, Beach Boys)
Sunday, January 31, 2021
Kicking Off Black History Month w Videos ft John Ellison, Jackie Washington, Sharon Musgrave, Viola Desmond
Historical Bits
- John Ellison is the writer of the world-famous song Some Kind of Wonderful which he first recorded as part of the Soul Brothers Six.
- John moved from the States to Canada. He became a Canadian citizen in 2006.
- He currently resides in Dundas.
Links: John Ellison, More John Ellison Stories, Video above courtesy of John Ellison - Topic
Historical Bits:
- Jackie spent most of his life in Hamilton, Ontario.
- In 1948, Jackie became the first Canadian black disc jockey when he was hired by Hamilton's CHML
- Jackie was a major force in the Canadian blues scene for decades.
- He passed away in 2009.
Links: Jackie Washington, More Jackie Washington Stories, Video above courtesy of Jackie Washington - Topic
Historical Bits:
- Sharon was born and currently lives in Hamilton.
- Sharon had an international hit with Fascinating Rhythm w the UK band Bassomatic.
- She performed on Curtis Mayfield's Other Side of Town.
Previous (Carol Channing & Mario Lanza's 100th Birthday) - - - Next (Play Your Ukulele Day Videos)
Carol Channing & Mario Lanza's 100th Birthday
Today (January 31, 2021) would have been the 100th birthday of Carol Channing and Mario Lanza. Both were famous American actors and musicians.
Biography highlights from Wikipedia
- Born (January 31, 1921)
- Began starring in roles as a musical actress (1949)
- Won a Tony for Hello Dolly. (1964)
- Oscar nomination for Thoroughly Modern Millie (1967)
- Performed at the first Superbowl half-time show (1970)
- Received Lifetime Achievement Tony Award (1995)
- Passed away (January 15, 2019)
Mario Lanza
Biography highlights from Wikipedia
- Born (January 31, 1921)
- Made opera debut (1942)
- Signed movie contract with MGM (1947)
- Passed away (October 7, 1959)
- Movie debut with That Midnight Kiss (1949)
Previous (Local & Canadian Blues Music Award Nominees) - - - Next (Black History Month Videos)
Saturday, January 30, 2021
GOOD LUCK! Local & Canadian 2021 Blues Music Awards Nominees
Below is a complete list of nominees.
Canadians are in bold.
Acoustic Blues Artist
- Harrison Kennedy (Hamilton)
Links: Harrison Kennedy, More Harrison Kennedy Stories, Video above courtesy of Harrison Kennedy - Topic - Dom Flemons
- Catfish Keith
- Doug MacLeod
- Keb‘ Mo’
Contemporary Blues Female
- Sue Foley (new album by Waterdown's Stony Plain Records) (Ottawa)
Links: Sue Foley, More Sue Foley Stories, Video above courtesy of Stony Plain Records - Shemekia Copeland
- Samantha Fish
- Ruthie Foster
- Shaun Murphy
Album
- Rise Up, Ronnie Earl and The Broadcasters (released by Waterdown's Stony Plain Records)
Links: Ronnie Earl, Video above courtesy of Ronnie Earl - Topic - 100 Years of Blues, Elvin Bishop and Charlie Musselwhite
- Rawer Than Raw, Bobby Rush
- Too Far From the Bar, Sugar Ray and The Bluetones featuring Little Charlie
- Uncivil War, Shemekia Copeland
Acoustic Blues Album
- Prove It On Me, Rory Block (released by Waterdown's Stony Plain Records)
Links: Rory Block, More Rory Block Stories, Video above courtesy of Rory Block - Topic - Dustin Arbuckle and Matt Woods, Dustin Arbuckle and Matt Woods
- Rawer Than Raw, Bobby Rush
- Three Pints of Gin, Richard Ray Farrell
- Traveling Man – Live, Watermelon Slim
Entertainer
- Shemekia Copeland
- Rick Estrin
- John Németh
- Sugaray Rayford
- Lil’ Ed Williams
Band
- Anthony Geraci and The Boston Blues Allstars
- John Németh and The Blue Dreamers
- Rick Estrin and The Nightcats
- Southern Avenue
- Sugar Ray and The Bluetones
Song
- “All My Dues Are Paid” – written by Kathy Murray, Rick Estrin, Frank Bey, Kid Andersen (performed by Frank Bey)
- “All Out of Tears” – written by Walter Trout, Marie Trout, and Teeny Tucker (performed by Walter Trout)
- “Blues Comin’ On” – written by Dion DiMucci and Mike Aquilina (performed by Dion Feat. Joe Bonamassa)
- “Is It Over” – written by Don Bryant and Scott Bomar (performed by Don Bryant)
- “Uncivil War” – written by John Hahn and Will Kimbrough (performed by Shemekia Copeland)
Best Emerging Artist
- Hard Workin‘ Man, Andrew Alli
- Harlem, King Solomon Hicks
- Here I Come, Jose Ramirez
- High Risk Low Reward, Ryan Perry
- Peace In Pieces, Betty Fox Band
Blues Rock Artist
- Tinsley Ellis
- Reverend Peyton
- Ana Popovic
- Kenny Wayne Shepherd
- Mike Zito
Blues Rock Album
- Ain’t Done Yet, Savoy Brown
- Ice Cream In Hell, Tinsley Ellis
- Mike Zito and Friends – Rock ‘n’ Roll: A Tribute to Chuck Berry, Mike Zito
- Mississippi Suitcase, Peter Parcek
- Ordinary Madness, Walter Trout
Contemporary Blues Album
- Cry Out, Kat Riggins
- My Blues Pathway, Kirk Fletcher
- Self-Made Man, Larkin Poe
- Stronger Than Strong, John Németh
- Uncivil War, Shemekia Copeland
Soul Blues Male Artist
- William Bell
- Don Bryant
- John Németh
- Johnny Rawls
- Curtis Salgado
Soul Blues Album
- All My Dues Are Paid, Frank Bey
- Found! One Soul Singer, Sonny Green
- That’s What I Heard, Robert Cray Band
- Where Have All The Soul Men Gone, Johnny Rawls
- You Make Me Feel, Don Bryant
Traditional Blues Female Artist
- Rory Block
- Rhiannon Giddens
- Diunna Greenleaf
- Trudy Lynn
- Teeny Tucker
Traditional Blues Male Artist
- Billy Branch
- Sugar Ray Norcia
- John Primer
- Jontavious Willis
- Kim Wilson
Traditional Blues Album
- 100 Years of Blues, Elvin Bishop and Charlie Musselwhite
- Blueswoman, Nora Jean Wallace
- Every Day of Your Life, Jimmy Johnson
- Rise Up, Ronnie Earl and The Broadcasters
- Too Far From the Bar, Sugar Ray & The Bluetones featuring Little Charlie
Contemporary Blues Male Artist
- Selwyn Birchwood
- Chris Cain
- Rick Estrin
- Christone “Kingfish” Ingram
- J.P. Soars
Vocals
- Thornetta Davis
- Ruthie Foster
- John Németh
- Sugar Ray Norcia
- Sugaray Rayford
Guitar
- Christoffer “Kid” Andersen
- Chris Cain
- Laura Chavez
- Kirk Fletcher
- Christone “Kingfish” Ingram
Bass
- Willie J. Campbell
- Larry Fulcher
- Danielle Nicole
- Patrick Rynn
- Michael “Mudcat” Ward
Drums
- Tony Braunagel
- June Core
- Derrick “D’Mar” Martin
- Bernard Purdie
- Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith
Harmonica
- Billy Branch
- Rick Estrin
- Dennis Gruenling
- Jason Ricci
- Kim Wilson
Piano
- Mike Finnigan
- Anthony Geraci
- Johnny Iguana
- Bruce Katz
- Jim Pugh
Horn
- Mindi Abair
- Jimmy Carpenter
- Doug James
- Mark “Kaz” Kazanoff
- Nancy Wright
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