You'll find a lot of infectious folk rock on Grateful, the latest marvellous album from Ancaster's Caroline Wiles. Her beautiful voices meshes with stunning harmonies and world-class instrumentation.
Themes of love and family permeate the recording. Caroline and her friends navigate expertly through delicate/emotional numbers, catchy tunes and a little country music.
The second remarkable episode of the current season of Ensemble!will be starting up soon. The incredible Cable 14 Hamilton TV show will feature two wonderful area singer/songwriters: Rae Billing and Andy Griffths (bothbacked up by the fabulous Justine Fischer on bass). Big Rude Jakecontinues as the host. The episode was filmed at Hamilton's Birchway Sound.
It's taken twenty years but Crybabyhas been resurrected like a Phoenix and is now blazing a musical trail with reborn energy. Paintings, the incredible debut album was released to much international fanfare in the mid 90s. Sadly, they broke up after only four years together but now they're back in action!
Hamilton songstress Rae Billingrecently revived her critically acclaimed alt-country band, A while back, the reformed group unleashed Still, a remarkable new album that'll help cement its well-deserved legacy as one of the most spectacular country bands on the scene.
Rae's expressive voice is in full force here, backed by a beautiful, rich sonic landscape. There's a lot for the listener to explore and lose themselves in.
Along with original members, Rae (guitar, vocals) Steve Koch (guitar) and Lucky Pete Lambert(drums) the gang is now joined by Andrew Aldridge (guitar), Greg Brisco (piano, rhodes, organ) and Scott Bell (bass). James Henry plays on bass on two songs.
Strange Weather, the debut full-length album from Hamilton's Matty Simpsonwill grab you, shake you, and take you on a wild ride you'll never forget. From its opening salvo of classic rock meets alternative (Come Upstairs) to the rootsy beauty of the closing number (Headlights on the Horizon), each song demand your attention.
Matty's made quite the opening statement to kick off his recording career. The guitar wails and the vocals punch through to make themselves known. Most of the tunes are hard rockin', infectious and powerful. The slower tunes also show off his incredible versatility.
Justine Fischer (bass, keys) and Matt Burns (drums, percussion) round out the trio that made that deliver this musical manifesto. They do an amazing job of adding to the incredible sound of the piece. All three produced the disc as well, along with Jeff Ciraolo and Andrew Aldridge.
Hamilton guitar slinger Matty Simpson has released a limited edition, self-titled teaser EP to offer up a taste of his upcoming album. This 5-song recording has all the musical impact of a full-length album.
It kicks off with a trio of hard-drivin' bluesy rock tracks that mean business. Every song is fueled by Matty's phenomenal guitarwork, songwriting and dynamic vocals. The final two tracks feature an exquisite, rootsy, unplugged sound. Matty proves equally adept at the acoustic guitar and harmonica.
He has some world-class musicians by his side on the initial 3 tunes: Justine Fischer (bass) and Matt Burns (drums). The EP is also co-produced by Andrew Aldridge and Jeff Ciraolo.
Please note that the full-length release will feature different musical arrangements than those on this teaser EP.
You can pick up this limited edition CD at any of his amazing live shows or by contacting him through his website.
Congrats to Matty Buzanko (bassist for the Overplayers and the Rest) and Hannah Bissell on their recent wedding! Below is a video where the recently wedded Matty joined the Kevin Maclean Band at their ceremony. WE'LL HAVE PICTURES SOON!
The Adventures of Trebleclef, the Hamilton Blues Lovers Monkey Trebleclefwent to theCollective Arts Brewingopen house. The Hamilton company teams up with the artistic community to create wonderful products.
Duane Rutter is rightfully one of the most respected singer/songwriters around. Armed with an incredible backing band, he now has a reputation as one of the most rockin' Americana/Country acts in Canada as well. You can hear this new, fuel-injected sound on his latest amazing CD, Crazy Things (released through Busted Flat Records).
Without sacrificing his usual beautifully crafted, rich songwork, Duane's souped up his tunes with infectious grooves and powerful guitars. It's a perfect melding of lyricism and cool riffing. A couple of graceful slower tracks show off the band's chops as well.
So if you're looking for an album to that'll put a spring in your step, you can pick a copy up at any of Duane's live shows (including the upcoming CD Release at the Casbah on October 10, 2015). CDs can be purchased at Encore Records in Kitchener as well. It can also be downloaded using iTunes.
Niagara-on-the-Lake singer and multi-instrumentalist Steve Goldberger, has always mastered a range of styles (he leads the Americana/Roots band Old Winos and Blues/Soul outfit The Niagara Rhythm Section). His 6th album, Cosmic Cowboy, shows him at his best.
Steve and a number of his talented musical friends have put together an astounding mix of covers (including fabulous versions of Rodney Crowelland Nanci Griffithtunes)and unique originals. Folk, Bluegrass, Country, Cajun, Roots and everything in-between are all performed with gusto.
If you want a copy of this amazing CD you can order one at Steve's live shows or through his online shop. It can also be downloaded viaiTunes, cdbabyoreMusic.
Possessing one of the most expressive voices in Country Music, Tia McGraff is at her peak on her newest album, Crazy Beautiful. With songs that blur the lines between Pop-Folk and Alt-Country, it wonderfully mixes both into a beautiful sound.
It contains a well-balanced collection of rockin' hooks, mid-tempo foot tappers and tender ballads. The excitement and wonder just oozes out of the speakers.
The CD is available at cdbaby (also as a download) or through her website.
Videos above courtesy of WhisperingBobTV EXTRA MINI-REVIEW! Some albums escape our radar, so occasionally we'll be catching up with some mini-reviews!
2010's Diversityboats a number of amazing storytelling songs enhanced by her distinct vocals. Lyrically, it veers from politics, love, motivation and all points in between. This is a wonderful album!
Separately, local performers Sue Leonard, Brennagh BurnsandCindy Dell are three of the most talented solo musicians around. When these ladies connect together, they forge an unmistakable, powerful folk sound packed with sultry blues and sweet soul! The trio, now known as Leonard Burns & Dell have released their debut EP (from Sonic Magpie Records) titled after their former band name, Perfect Strangers.
With an impressive mix of amazing vocal stylings, LBD take each well-crafted song and give it a grit and shine all its own. On top of of everything, these singer/songwriters offer up some beautiful, angelic harmonies.
Pick up a CD at their wonderful live shows or order via the Sonic Magpie Store(downloads available). If you prefer, it can also be purchased through iTunes.
Newly minted Steeltown band, Mississippi Bends have unleashed their fury with an amazing self-titled EP. This is rockin' Americana made by some of the best musicians around.
The group features incredible singer/songwriter, Mary Simon(vocals, acoustic guitar), in-demand electric guitarist Andrew Aldridge with talented veterans Carrie Ashworth (bass) and Robin Pirson (drums), Each one has an amazing musical resume on their own but together they've forged a high-energy, kickin' Country sound with soul.
Also adding a little twist to the album is Hamilton legend Tom Wilson, who co-wrote the fabulous Go Boy Go with Simon.
You can purchase a physical CD at the band's stunning performances or at Dr. Disc in Hamilton. It can also be download it via their Bandcamp page.
Both children and adults alike will find a lot to enjoy on A Mighty Tribe, a local kids music compilation featuring some incredible songs. Best of all, proceeds go to help childhood promote literacy.
It features both previous and unreleased material from some of the most talented Hamilton-area performers. It's simple enough for youngsters to enjoy but catchy enough for the grown ups to get into the groove! Even the packaging is fabulous. Adorned with beautiful Tom Wilson artwork, the CD case is a sight to see.
You can pick this great disc up at Picks N Sticks and Bryan Prince Bookseller or through the Bookbus website. You'll be glad you did!
Recently, the nominees for the 2014 City of Hamilton Arts Awards were unveiled. Many deserving local artists (divided into Established and Emerging sections) are up for these prestigious accolades. Winners will be announced at a FREE ceremony at Theatre Aquarius on May 29, 2014.
Of course, the music category would be of main interest to our readers and there are some amazing local musicians listed:
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