“Every music school teaches singing, guitar, drums, etc,” she explained, “We’ve decided to think outside the box with classes that’re a bit more unique.”
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Hamilton guitarist Dylan Matthews. He was currently in the band Doctor Tongue and was also a member of Torque Hound and Hammer of the Gods. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans. We'll post more information on this page as we learn more.
A little over a week ago, I recorded what I consider to be one of the greatest guitar performances I have ever heard from one of the most talented, soulful and caring people I have ever met. I’m not sure why things like this happen to the best people, but I can tell you firsthand that Dylan Matthews was the best musician I’ve ever played music with. Above that, he was a best friend. Dylan had that quality. He made everyone around him feel counted and recognized.
Dylan, I will never forget how you elevated a room, a rehearsal, a recording session, a party and our friendship. Love you, brother.
Today my heart and spirit is broken. Almost a year ago, this beautiful soul welcomed me into his band with open arms and an open heart. He crafted some of the most memorable musical experience’s that I had the honour of being a part of. Dylan Matthews, you are one of the greatest musicians I have ever worked with. You’re creativity was genius. My deepest condolences to all your family. You are my musical brother and friend… you are loved and I will miss you.
We met when we were so young. You were starting out at Mohawk College's elusive music program. Circa 2005. We were crossing paths. I was graduating and you were trying to get accepted into the program.
I became your Mohawk mentor. I showed you Blue Monk and (probably) So What. Made you learn your triads up and down the neck. Taught you jazz voicings. You wanted to learn it all. Then I sat in on your audition. I remember it well. Dave McMurdo was doing the audition. He's tough on guitarists, but I was pretty close with him by then. Anyway, you nailed your audition and was accepted.
You moved in with me. Remember that apartment? Down the street from the Cat N Fiddle. I introduced you to JJ Cale. You couldn't get enough of Troubadour. You leaned all those country licks and taught me them, plus many other killer licks. Good times.
However, we were on different trajectories: You we're just starting out, opening doors, I was closing doors, searching for new ones.
Ultimately, you finished school, and I spent the next 6 years playing original heavy rock.
Then it ended. By now it's Jan 2015, and I just announced I left RFU. After 4 intense years of single-pointed hard work, I was musically exhausted. I had nowhere to turn. I had no clue what was about to come my way.
The day after I made my announcement you reached out, inviting me to join Torque Hound. This would be the greatest favour anyone could've offered me. Suddenly, I was introduced to these funky exciting musicians. We played Frontier Town and opened for the Fatties on Halloween. Bucket List gigs. Everything that's happened to me since is a result of you throwing me a solid.
Dylan, I've been thinking about you all night. Can't stop wondering what would've happened had you not reached out. Had you not invited me to join your band. Where would I be now? Anyway, I don't know how you died, but I hope it was with a smile on your face and a guitar close by.
I met Dylan years ago via This Ain't Hollywood. The 1st time we brought Johnny Winter into the club, Dylan FREAKED! He asked me if I could hold two tickets for him until the week of the show. Johnny Winter was an artist that both Dylan and his dad loved.
So, the deal was that he was going to tell his dad that they were going to come to TAH to see watch "some band play". I think Dylan's dad had no idea that we booked Johnny Winter. Imagine walking into the bar and then finding out that Johnny Winter was playing?? Nicely orchestrated!
Over the years, Dylan, always thanked me for holding those tickets for him. That Johnny Winter show was a paramount moment for the both of them. Having the opportunity to watch a guitar player that he and his father admired so much in a joint like This Ain’t Hollywood. Memories like these are forever precious and important.
I will always remember Dylan for having such a big heart and always being respectful. I never got tired of his thanks because he always got so excited about telling me the Johnny Winter story. Everyone knows that I am a huge Johnny Winter fan. Dylan and his dad attending the show is my greatest memory about having Johnny play This Ain't Hollywood twice.
He toured and recorded with Illinois Jacquet from 1947 to 1953, recording in Detroit with Jacquet's all-star band which included Sonny Stitt, Leo Parker, Sir Charles Thompson, Maurice Simon and Shadow Wilson before returning to play with Heywood again from 1954 to 1956. He also recorded in the 1950s with Ruby Braff, Charlie Byrd, and Teddy Wilson. He worked primarily as a studio musician in his last two decades,[1] backing up groups at Apollo Theater performances, playing jazz only occasionally. Lucas died in New York City on June 19, 1983.
The March 2023 'Sold On Hamilton with Judy Marsales' radio show was broadcast on March 4, 2023 on CHML 900AM in Hamilton). This show features of James Meerveld of Danasy Lanscaping, Hamilton musician Don Oakie and Craig McLean from from Judy Marsales Real Estate Ltd
This wonderful program 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.
Copperpenny was a Canadian rock band from Kitchener, Ontario. They were formed in 1965 by Kenny Hollis and Rich Wamil, and were originally known as the Penny Farthings, to reflect the British Invasion. Not long after their formation they adopted Copperpenny as their new moniker, after a B-side by Toronto band The Paupers.
1975 saw them sign on with Capitol Records. They made several appearances on television shows such as "Keith Hampshire's Music Machine". Copperpenny even had a short-lived variety show that launched the career of a then unknown magician named Doug Henning.
During this period, they had continued success with the singles "Disco Queen", "Good Time Sally" and "Suspicious Love". They toured Canada in support of the Fuse album opening for the Swedish band Blue Swede. Their touring line-up included Mark Stephen Gendel on guitar, Bill Mair on bass and Jim Minas on Drums.
By the time their final record, Fuse, was released, most of the original members had already left the band. Rich Wamil supported the effort as Rich Wamil & Copperpenny, but the remaining band split up in 1978.
The opening night of the 2023 Junos saw two local acts awarded with the coveted statuettes. The rest of the awards will be handed our at a televised ceremony on Monday, March 13 at 8pm on CBC.
In the 90s, Sarah Hodgson asked Mike (Dik) Johnson to join her band, Sinister Dude Ranch. He accepted, but with one condition, that the band change its name to I Love My Shih Tzu. The band's first song was actually a Dik Van Dykes song, Too Much Like Fun. The band broke up in the early 21st century.
Boogalator, the newest kick-ass recording from Tim Gibbons and the Swampbusters should come with a warning: "Keep out of reach of bland, over-produced albums". It's so tough 'n' gritty, it'll send namby-pamby CDs crying home to mommy.
With the usual Swampbusters take no prisoners approach, Boogalator hooks you in with swampy, bluesy grooves and Tim's unmistakable vocals. Filled with rough and tumble numbers, as well as some funky and jazzy moments, it'll get your juices flowin'.
You can pick up a CD at any of Tim's unforgettable live shows. You can also pick it up at Dr. Disc in Hamilton.
Ottawa-born Sue Foley recently received two Austin Music Awards on Sunday, February 26, 2023. Her current town voted her tops in both the Best Blues and Best Guitarist categories. Currently, she's signed to Waterdown's Stony Plain Records.
I remember seeing the mighty Junkhouse live for the first time in the late 90's at a festival in Spencer Smith Park, Burlington. The guys played a then-unreleased tune called Lean on Your Peers and I was really blown away by it and looked forward to hearing it on CD. Unfortunately, the band broke up not that long after.
A while later, I discovered the track on Blackie and the Rodeo Kings' 1999 album, Kings of Love and was grateful that this amazing song finally saw the light of day. Years after, I managed to experience a reformed Junkhouse rock the tune live again.
The Cornerstones are firing on all cylinders here. They were all revved up at this concert and it shows. Guitars, harmonica and vocals lead the way through the musical twists and turns. This is pedal to the metal rockin' Blues at it's finest.
The album can be downloaded through the group's bandcamp page or bought at their spectacular live shows. It's also available many streaming sites.
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