Throwback Thursday - Mark McNeil: Greetings From Hamilton

Original Post: August 12, 2009

Updated Post: August 20, 2026

Update: This album is not available on streaming services and is now hard to find on CD.

Spectator reporter and musician, Mark McNeil recently released his third recording: Greetings from Hamilton.

The six songs on the EP showcase Mark's expressive voice, and his amazing talent with various instruments: guitar (acoustic, electric, Hawaiian, slide), bass, ukulele, banjo and mandolin.

The music is an incredible combination of folk, country, pop and many other styles. There is even a little reggae-esque feeling on the first track, Early Bird.

Lyrically, the album is a wonderful look at the many facets of Hamilton. Mark writes about his experiences in his adopted city (he's originally from Ottawa but has lived here for over 25 years).

"It's kind of a postcard to friends from long ago - to say I'm having a good time and I don't think I'll be moving back to Ottawa any time soon." Mark wrote in the the liner notes.

Joining in his celebration of Hamilton are a few local players such as Steve Sinnicks, Aaron Goldstein, Ray Lyell, Troy Dowding, and more. The disc is produced by Mark and Dan Medakovic and Engineered by Dan Medakovic and Rob Lamothe

Links: Mark McNeil, More Mark McNeil stories, Video above courtesy of Mark McNeil, More Releases

---

Previous (Bill Durst Wins Mel Brown Award) - - - Next (Poet's Day Videos)

Throwback Thursday - Dave Pomfret: No Rush + Album Release Videos

Original Post: July 1, 2009

Updated Post: April 9, 2026

Former Munday Nuns member, Dave Pomfret's album, No Rush, is an amazing collection of songs that's hard to pin down stylistically.

Dave goes from catchy, rockin' riffs to mellow melodies. On the way, he touches on folk, rock, and even bits of pop and country thrown in.

Joining Dave in making this great music is former Nuns bandmate (and former member of the Killjoys) Mike Trebilcock on guitar and many other instruments. Mike also produced the disc.

A number of other talented performers aided and abetted the singer/songwriter, including: Mark McIntyre (bass), Aaron Goldstein (pedal steel guitar), Craig Lapsley (drums), Troy Dowding (trumpet), Darcy Hepner (sax, organ), Rosemary Hale (violin), Sarah Honeyford (cello). On background vocals there's Mary Simon, Jean Caffeine, Karen Sturrock, and the Mississippi Kings. Dave's son, Brier Pomfret, plays the piano on it as well.

Available on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube

Below are videos from his Album Release (and birthday) party on June 30, 2009. 

Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

Links: Dave Pomfret, More Dave Pomfret Stories, More CD Releases, Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

Sarah Ivanco, came up and sang to start things off. She wowed the crowd.

Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

More Videos From This Show

• Mary Simon
• Not (Punk Band)
• Alfie Smith

---

Previous (Banjo Day Videos) - - - Next (Throwback Thursday: Drummer John "Babe" Myles Passes)

Tom Wilson's Unique Voice Shines Through Digital EP

Artist: Tom Wilson

Recording: We Live In Dreams (4 song digital EP)

Mini-Review: 

Hamilton's Tom Wilson has been releasing a few beautiful singles lately and he's collected four of them into a digital EP. Tom's unique voice shines through the sparse instrumentation, leaving room for the incredible lyrics to move you. 

Available on: Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music, Bandcamp (as separate singles)

Personnel:

• Tom Wilson: vocal , acoustic guitar 
• Jesse O’Brien: piano, keyboars
• Thompson Wilson: vocals, bass (2 tracks)
• Aaron Goldstein:- pedal steel, baritone guitar (3 tracks)
• Gary Furniss: producer on all tracks - bass, guitars, keyboards (2 tracks)

Links: Tom Wilson, More Tom Wilson Stories, Video above courtesy of Tom Wilson Tehåhàhake, More Releases

---

Previous (The Kings Receive Oakville Award of Merit) - - - Next (Throwback Thursday: Jackie Washington Donates to McMaster Archives)

Videos: Legendary Hamilton Bands @ It's Your Festival 2018 (Shakers, Crowbar, Teenage Head, Junkhouse)

The 2018 It's Your Festival boasted a number of legendary Hamilton bands for the Canada Day weekend.  Luckily a few people took some footage and we'd like to showcase it here.

We couldn't find anything from Crowbar so if anyone knows of any videos, please email us at blueshamilton@gmail.com and we'll add it to this page.



Links: Shakers, More Shakers Stories, More footage from this show, Video above courtesy of TetsuOmega



Links: Crowbar, More Crowbar Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers



Links: Teenage Head, More Teenage Head Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton B. Lous



Links: Junkhouse, More Junkhouse Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton B. Lous

---

Previous (Canada Day Videos) - - - Next (News Roundup: The Band, The Lay Awakes, more)

News Roundup (Harrison Kennedy, Ags Connolly Covers Sexsmith, The Crystals, Aaron Goldstein)

Photo by Ivan Sorensen

FYI Music News: A Conversation w Harrison Kennedy

---

News

Local

• Video: Ags Connolly Covers Ron Sexsmith at Under the Apple Tree Sessions
  
  
  
  Links: Ags Connolly, Ron Sexsmith, More Ron Sexsmith Stories, Video above courtesy of WhisperingBobTV, More Under the Apple Tree Sessions

Canada

• Talkin' Blues Podcast ft Tinsley Ellis
• Open Stage Adventure: TWB (Kitchener), Ukuleles At Bull's Eye (Kitchener)

Passings

• Barbara Alston (Crystals singer)
  
  
  
  Links: The Crystals, Video above courtesy of Brandon Parker
  

---

Featured Video

Links: Aaron Goldstein, More Aaron Goldstein Stories, More Tragically Hip Covers/Stories, Video above courtesy of Mike Shennan

MORE NEWS ROUNDUPS

---

Previous (CHCH Videos) - - - Next (Hamilton Community News Readers' Choice Nominees)

Jay Pollman Debut Features High Energy Rootsy Blues

Hamilton born and Cayuga raised Jay Pollman has kicked-started his solo career with Head in the Clouds, a fabulous debut album filled with groovy, acoustic, rootsy Blues.  The former Gruve member's new recording will have you stomping your feet with an energy and power rarely seen in an acoustic setting.

He and his spectacular band blend the feel of an intimate, musical kitchen party with the funk and soul of a Blues Rock act.  All the while, the music is rooted in wonderful lyrics and expressive vocals.

Jay's enlisted some top-notch help with the disc. Anna Ruddick  and Derek Downham of the The Beauties handle bass and drums respectively. Album producer Aaron Goldstein  lends his multi-instrumental skills (guitar, pedal, steel, drums, organ) and Eric Pollmann also plays bass.

You can pick up a copy of the CD at his unique live shows or you can download it through cdbaby or his online shop.



Blast from the Past: Jay Pollman and Ian Andrews Videos

Links: Jay Pollmann, More Jay Pollman Stories, Video above courtesy of Jay Pollman, More Releases

---

Previous (Amy King and Diana Panton Nominated for Hamilton Women of Distinction Awards) - - - Next (Spencer Mackenzie Wins Maple Blues Award)

Dundas's Frank Koren Launches Singer/Songwriter Career With Amazing CD!

Not only is Dundas's Frank Koren one of the most popular and in-demand guitarists around but he's now taken the big leap to becoming a singer/songwriter in his own right. Red Chair marks Frank's recording debut as a lead vocalist and he's simply amazing.

With a newly-discovered voice filled with character and soul, Frank meshes perfectly with the rockin' Folk/Americana sound on most of the album.  The band also gets wonderfully experimental with guitar effects and beats near the end of the disc (including some beatboxing from Hachey the MouthPeace).  The whole recording is folky, funky and free-spirited.

Many of Frank's talented musical friends have joined in helping him launch his debut CD.  They include his family (daughter Marrakech and wife Kim Koren,) along with Mark McIntyre, Ed Mortenson, Amy King, Nick Czarnogorski, Jake Payne, Melissa Bel, Harrison Kennedy, Paul Inston, Glenn Milchem (Blue Rodeo), Greg Brisco, Bob Doidge, Danny Lockwood, Aaron Goldstein, Andy Gingerich, Vince Rinalldo, and Donnie McDougall.

This incredible CD will be released soon in many local stores and online as well (check back on this page for more information).  You can also get a copy at his CD Release Party at the Casbah on November 14th.



Blast from the Past: Frank Wins Debbie Clause Recording Fund

Links: Frank Koren, More Frank Koren Stories, More Releases, Video above courtesy of Lisa Millar

---

Previous (New Lynn Jackson CD) - - - Next (News Roundup : Help Mo' Kauffey, Blind Mule, Shawn Brush, James-Alphonse)

Beautiful Scars by Lee Harvey Osmond is a Folk-Rock Masterpiece!

Beautiful Scars, the latest creation from musical collective, Lee Harvey Osmond, is another rugged, raw, folk-rock masterpiece.  Hamilton legend, Tom Wilson (Junkhouse, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, Florida Razors) has outdone himself as the main creative force behind this stunning album.

Tom's unmistakable growl is all over this Latent Recordings release.  He blurs the lines between folk, blues, jazz and rock to create bayou swamp music with incredibly poetic lyrics.  There's little gloss and sheen here, it's all about the beautiful grit and dirt!

As always, the Lee Harvey Osmond lineup is ever evolving.  This time we have many local musical compatriots such as Ray Farrugia (Junkhouse), Jesse O'Brien, Tom's son Thompson Wilson (Harlan Pepper), Aaron Goldstein and Darcy Hepner.  Other contributors include  Josh Finlayson (Skydiggers), Andrea Ramolo, John Dymond (Blackie and the Rodeo Kings), Alan Anton (Cowboy Junkies) plus producer Michael Timmons (also of the Cowboy Junkies) and Bluesman Colin James, who co-writes three tracks.

This must-have CD is available at Tom's live shows and a number of physical and online stores.  It's also offered through the Latent Recordings Online Shop and iTunes.

Video above courtesy of Lee Harvey Osmond

Blast from the Past: Lee Harvey Osmond CD-The Folk Sinner

Links: Lee Harvey Osmond, More Lee Harvey Osmond Stories, More Releases

---

Previous (Bobby Cameron Debut CD) - - - Next (News Roundup w Matty Simspon, David Essig, Mike Todd, Elyse Saunders)

News Roundup (Duane Rutter, Bob Bryden, Joe Cocker, Bear Band)

Click above to see more Rubes cartoons

---

News

Local

• Barber Shop Podcast w Bob Bryden
  
  
  
  Links: Bob Bryden, More Bob Bryden Stories, Video above courtesy of Barber Shop Podcast
  
  
• Barber Shop Podcast w Duane Rutter and Friends
  
  
  
  Links: Duane Rutter, More Duane Rutter Stories, Video above courtesy of Barber Shop Podcast
  
  
• Globe and Mail Interview with Tom Wilson
• Spectator Story on Aaron Goldstein
• Video: Jerome Godboo with Jack de Keyzer Band
• Video: Doug Feaver Busking

Canada

• Mississauga Bluesman Buddy "The Bear" Armstrong Passes
  
  
  
  Video above courtesy of Al Weir
  
  
• Top 5 Christmas Movies Starring Canadian Country Stars

World

• Joe Cocker Passes
• Guitarist/Producer Chip Young Passes
• Ex-Grateful Dead Manager Rock Scully Passes
• Producer John Fry Passes
• Popular Songs Written by the Person You Least Expect
• Vintage Christmas Carols That Are Really About Sex (Mature Content)

---

Previous (2014: Year in Review) - - - Next (New Jack de Keyzer Live CD)

News Roundup (Philip Bast, Dinner Belles, Darcy Feaver, Aaron Goldstein)

Kitchener Music Scene Booster Philip Bast Passes

Obituary

Waterloo Record Story
Check out his amazing YouTube page filled with great local music

Our condolences to his family and friends.  The Kitchener music scene has lost an important figure.

Here are a few social media comments:

Amber McLean: "I am so deeply saddened. I have just learned of the loss of our wonderful and so genuine and kind Philip Bast. He was a friend and a fan but most important of all, he was a gentle, thoughtful and beautiful human being. Philip was a devoted supporter of the local KW music scene but his passion for the arts reached so many communities. I feel so much gratitude when I think of all he did for me, so generously, throughout my career. Rest well Philip. My heart is with you and your family."

Shane Guse (Western Swing Authority): Shocked and sad to hear about Philip Bast's passing. He was a real supporter of the arts in our community, a great guy and always eager to help. And that voice....you could never mistake that voice that started countless videos promoting the work of endless artists. Condolences to all his family and friends.

Brenda Lewis: This is such a shock and so heartbreaking. Deep gratitude to Philip for his unending support to those of us in the arts in the Waterloo region. I'll miss running into you with your trusty video cam at so many music events, too, since you retired.

---

News 

Local

• Barbershop Podcast w the Dinner Belles
  
  
  
  Links: Dinner Belles, More Dinner Belles stories, Video above courtesy of Barber Shop Podcast
  
  
• Kitchener Music Scene Booster Philip Bast Passes
• Cashbox Canada story on Ian Thomas

World

• Blues Blast Music Award Winners

---

Blasts From the Past 

• 2009: John M Crawford CD: Got Soul
• 2010: Videos of Busted Flat Anniversary Show
• 2011: Andy Griffiths CD: Looking at a Life
• 2012: Derek Miller Wins Aboriginal People's Choice Award
• 2013: Videos of Festival of Friends Workshop w Steve Sinnicks, Darrelle London, David Knopler, D'Arcy Wickham, Ken Whiteley

---

Recently Added

Our Performer List

• Shane Bowley
• Darcy Feaver
  
  
  
  Links: More Darcy Feaver Stories, Video above courtesy of Darcy Feaver
  

Our Venue List

• David's (Port Dover)

---

Thursday, November 6

• Ariana Gillis
• Tim McDonald (Barn Katz)
• Rick Prinsthal (Paperboys, Deacons, Krickets, 3Ds)
• Rob Reed

Friday, November 7

• Jon Daly (City and the Sea)
• Mimi Shaw
• JoJo Worthington

Sunday, November 9

• Scotty Campbell
• Yitka Karlik

Wednesday, November 12

• Jackie Washington (RIP)

Thursday, November 13

• Steve Sinnicks

---

Featured Video

Links: Aaron Goldstein, More Aaron Goldstein Stories,  More Gordon Lightfoot Covers/Stories, Video above courtesy of Lightfootfan

---

Previous (Local Musicians Up for Maple Blues Awards) - - - Next (New Alysha Brilla CD)

Oxford Blue Debut Album: (Introducing) Oxford Blue

Guelph Singer/Songwriter Oxford Blue's first musical volley, (Introducing) Oxford Blue, really hits the mark.  Its genre-blending wonder is the start of something spectacular.

Seamlessly mixing pop, rock, folk and country elements, the debut CD has a wonderful modern edge.  Strong songwriting, stirring vocals and amazing instrumentation enhance the superb experience.

The album was produced by Hamilton's Aaron Goldstein, and Welland's Daniel Romano, who also perform.  Other guests include Ian Romano, Ross Miller, Jack Brenchley, and Wes Martin.

This outstanding album can be downloaded through his Bandcamp page and iTunes.

Videos below courtesy of Oxford Blue.







Links: Oxford Blue, More Oxford Blue Stories, More Releases

---

Previous (News Roundup w Celtic Radio Music Awards, Reklaws, Kim Lister) - - - Next (Janice Lee and the Free Radicals Debut Album)

Danielle Beaudin Debut CD: Wait For Your Love

Wait for Your Love is the first CD from local singer/singer songwriter Danielle Beaudin.  If this debut disc is any indication, we should expect a lot of great things from this talented lady.

Boasting  a few high energy tunes (Sun Will Shine, Everything and Nothing), great bluesy numbers (Take a Little More) and beautiful softer moments (Don't Walk Away, Little Bird), the disc is an incredible, multi-faceted musical ride.

Danielle's voice handles it all with style and the instrumentation is amazing.  She's joined here by members of Freedom Train (Carl Jennings even co-wrote the songs and produced the CD), Tim Allard, and Aaron Goldstein (Lee Harvey Osmond, Huron).

The CD is available at her wonderful live shows and as a download through her website.

Videos below courtesy of Danielle's YouTube Page







Links: Danielle Beaudin, More Danielle Beaudin Stories, More CD Releases

---

Previous (Videos from a Private Show w/Crucial Groove, Michael Maguire, Donna Ceighton, Don McGeoch) - - - Next (News Roundup w/Sarah Beatty, Shawn Brush, Jane Lewis)

News Roundup (Aaron Goldstein, Daniel Lanois, Paul Langille)

Local

• Paul Langille's First 2 CD Reissues available on iTunes: Life After December, Same Way . . . Different
• View story on Steve Strongman

Canada

• Bluegrass Music Association of Canada Facebook Page
• Muddy Fraser passes

World

• Nothing But the Blues Podcast #190
• Blues CD New Releases for May 2012
• Mike "Iron Man" Burkes passes

Funny Stuff

• Superhero Blues cartoon

Blasts from the Past

• 2009: Performer of the Week: Kim Lister
• 2010: New Caretakers CD + Release Party
• Tiny Bill Cody@Moonshine Cafe

Featured Videos

Links: Aaron Goldstein, More Aaron Goldstein Stories, Video couresy of High or Hurtin'



Video courtesy of Werleysv



Links: Daniel Lanois, More Daniel Lanois Stories, Video courtesy of Stardust2

Hamilton Music Award Winners

The 2010 Hamilton Music Awards were given out on Sunday November 21 at the McIntyre Theatre in Mohawk College.

Below is a complete list of winners. Congratulations

• Female Artist of the Year: Sarah Harmer
• Male Artist of the Year: Harrison Kennedy
• Local Group of the Year by the People’s Choice: Dry Country
• New Artist/Group of the Year: Harlan Pepper
• Folk/Roots Recording of the Year: Harlan Pepper - Young And Old
• Folk/Traditional Recording of the Year: Scantily Plaid - This One's For You
• ArcelorMittal Dofasco Industry Lifetime Achievement Award – Bob Payne
• Rock Recording of the Year: The Reason - Fools
• Blues Recording of the Year: Harrison Kennedy - One Dog Barking
• Alt/Country Recording of the Year: Ginger St. James and the Grinders - Spank, Sparkle & Growl
• Jazz Recording of the Year: Diana Panton - Pink
• ArcelorMittal Dofasco Music Lifetime Achievement Award (Posthumous) – Gene Lees
• Country Recording of the Year: Tia McGraff - Diversity
• Female Adult Alternative Recording of the Year: Sarah Harmer - Oh Little Fire
• Male Adult Alternative Recording of the Year: Luke Doucet – Steel City Trawler
• Religious Recording of the Year:Peter Tigchelaar - Gracious Window
• ArcelorMittal Dofasco Artist Lifetime Achievement Award – Skip Prokop
• Instrumental Recording of the Year: Carter Lancaster - Case Closed
• Songwriter of the Year: Luke Doucet
• Female Vocalist of the Year: Diana Panton
• Male Vocalist of the Year: Harrison Kennedy
• Piano/Keyboard Player of the Year: Adrean Farrugia
• Special Instrumentalist of the Year: Carter Lancaster
• Guitarist of the Year: Aaron Goldstein
• Drummer of the Year: Ray Farrugia
• Bassist of the Year: Colin Lapsley
• Canadian Recording of the Year by People’s Choice: The Reason: Fools
• Record of the Year: Luke Doucet - Steel City Trawler
• Alternative/Indie Recording of the Year: Cowlick - Wires
• Loud/Metal Recording of the Year: The Video Dead - Damn Disco
• Punk Recording of the Year: Pull Start Rockets - Pull Start Rockets
• Rap/Hip Hop Recording of the Year: Nilla - From The Ground Up
• Electronic Recording of the Year: Caribou - Swim
• Star Search Competition: Dawn and Marra

Industry Awards

• Music Teacher of the Year (independent school) by People’s Choice: Kate Quigley
• Music Teacher of the Year (elementary school) by People’s Choice: Tanya Sanders, W.H Ballard Public School
• Music Teacher of the Year (secondary school) by People’s Choice: James Moore, Sir John A. Macdonald
• Music Teacher of the Year (post-secondary school) by People’s Choice: Mike Malone, Mohawk College
• Artist Manager of the Year: Parkside Mike Renaud
• Instrument Retailer of the Year: Long & McQuade
• Studio Engineer of the Year: Trevor Titian
• Producer of the Year: Dan Achen
• Recording Studio of the Year: Grant Avenue Studio
• Website/Online Publication of the Year: www.hellbound.ca
• Artist Website of the Year: www.sarahharmer.com
• Video of the Year: LeE HARVeY OsMOND, Cuckoo's Nest – Ryan Furlong
• Best Album Artwork: Luke Doucet, Steel City Trawler – David Collier
• Record Label of the Year: Sonic Unyon Recording Company
• Music Retailer of the Year: Cheapies
• Music Director (Radio) of the Year: Sonja Maurin – Indi 101
• Publicist of the Year: Sean Palmerston
• Radio Show of the Year: Lou's Control – Indi 101
• Media Person of the Year: Lou Molinaro – Indi 101
• Radio Station of the Year: CFMU 93.3
• Print Publication of the Year: H Magazine
• Poster Artist of the Year: Kristie Ryder
• Major Concert Venue of the Year: Hamilton Place
• Live Club of the Year: This Ain’t Hollywood
• Live Sound Engineer of the Year: Steven Foster
• Musical Event of the Year by People’s Choice: Harlan Pepper CD release party
• Theatre of the Year: Studio at Hamilton Place
• Talent Buyer of the Year: Lou Molinaro — This Ain’t Hollywood
• Booking Agent of the Year: Paquin Entertainment
• Road Manager of the Year: Ace Piva
• Sound and Lighting Company of the Year: Lou’s Music
• Event Photographer of the Year: Stephanie Bell
• Musical Event of the Year: Supercrawl

----------------------------------------------------------

Previous (New Burnin' Ethyl CD) - - -  Next (Carter Lancaster@Westside Theatre) 

New Stumbleweed CD: 7 Favourites

Alt-country band, Stumbleweed have released their dazzling debut CD, 7 Favourites.

This supergroup consists of pedal steel guitarist Aaron Goldstein (Huron, Lee Harvey Osmond), guitarist Craig Gatchme from the Fat Cats, Steven Elmo Murphy (vocals, harmonica, acoustic guitar) & Shelby Kerr (vocals) from the Steven Elmo Murphy Band, and the Diesel Dog rhythm section of Ricky Neu (drums) and Ike Richardson (bass)

On the new disc, the band does an amazing job of balancing a traditional old-school country sound with a good-time, party rocking flavour. They've even called it "southern-fried, whiskey-soaked hippie country." That's definitely an apt description of their unique music.

Currently, the album is available at their shows.

Check out some footage from their CD Release Party at This Ain't Hollywood on April 10, 2010. Aaron couldn't make it so he was ably replaced by Dan Walsh. The first video is a song from the new CD.

Click here if you can't see the videos









More Stories: Aaron Goldstein - Fat Cats

Blues News Bites (Huron, Sawicki, Mayall)

Local

• Huron interview in View Magazine
  

World

• CNN iReport in the Blues
• Robert Johnson's home to be restored 
• Blues Musician Peter Lang needs help
• John Mayall's Bluesbreakers album with Clapton being reissued

Video

Justin Sawicki performs song from upcoming CD

Tom Wilson - Burlington Ribfest (Sept, 4, 2009)

The band Harlan Pepper (featuring Tom Wilson's son Thompson) opened the show with a few tunes.



-------------------------

Tom Wilson's band included Jesse O'Brien (keyboards), Ray Farrugia (Junkhouse) (drums), Johnny Diamond (bass), and Aaron Goldstein (Lee Harvey Osmond)(guitar)





Thompson Wilson joined his dad for a few numbers



Both bands got together for the finale





More Tom Wilson stories