It's a hearty blues stew with remarkable flavors of sound; seasoned with tales of reckless living, rambunctious Cajun grooves, and a 'mouth of steel' charisma that impacts every listener and puts them in the heart of contentful chaos that resolves in grace. A great musical influence gone but not forgotten.
King Biscuit Boy’s album was the only album I ever owned that came wrapped in burlap. I think that was because inside the music was so hot that it needed a sturdy cover to stop the music from leaking out. The album is filled with classic King Biscuit Boy. His harmonica soars into the blues stratosphere. Just listen to Boom Boom Out Goes The Light. It is classic King Biscuit Boy and this was always the last song he’d play to close out a live gig. Hamilton was lucky to have witnessed such a talent.
The International Song Contest this year was judged by an independent panel of Ten jurors who are currently part of the Worldwide Blues & Roots Radio team, they are all active in their music communities in Canada, USA, Europe and Australia, a number of the jurors sit on regional and national award panels in their respective countries.
Thank you to everyone who submitted their songs to this years contest, we had a record number of entries from around the world, the quality of entries was extremely high making it a difficult task for our jurors.
Listed below are the chosen finalists (25) in each category.
Category winners to be announced January 20th 2022. ($250 CAD Cash Prize )
Overall winner to be announced January 30th 2022 (Annual Award + $1000 CAD Cash Prize)
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Canadian Blues great Harpdog Brown on January 7, 2022. He was from Vancouver, BC but played our area quite a lot. Harpdog won various awards and was nominated for a Juno.
It is with great sadness to have to inform all of Harpdog's fans.. friends.. and everyone he has touched.. that the legend himself passed away today in his home. Peacefully.. now he will be jamming with all his music mentors he talks of and loved to play their songs. He loved you all!
Such sad news this morning. Harpdog Brown passed away last night. The epitome of big hearted. An old school blues man; hard living, hard driving, fun loving and a generous soul. He lived and loved the blues. Dog you will be missed by many. RIP.
OMG... what a terrible loss to the harp AND music community! Absolutely the most wonderful person you could ask for... my thoughts go out to HD’s family, friends and fans. RIP Harpdog Brown, I will always remember your support and kind conversations...
Damn sad to hear about Harpdog Brown passing. Bluesman. Trouble-maker. Long-winded. Lover. Larger-Than-Life-Personality. Purist. Real-Deal. He lived like the legends of the music he played, a lot of the time. We first met in about 2002 I think when he had me on his radio show in Edmonton. We played together many times and the fit was natural. What a guy... what a loss...RIP
On Saturday, January 8, 2022, our blogger Lou and HBL marketing maven Linda were guests on the 'Sold On Hamilton with Judy Marsales' radio show on CHML 900AM in Hamilton.
This wonderful show is generally broadcast on the first Saturday on the month between 11am and 12pm. It is hosted by Judy Marsales, owner of Judy Marsales Real Estate Ltd (a proud HBL sponsor) and an amazing local music supporter. The program showcases the best and brightest citizens of the Hammer, including many musicians. Judy also discusses the Hamilton housing market.
Below is the episode Lou and Linda were on - they were interviewed at the 23:39 mark.
