Throwback Thursday: April Foolery - Justin Timberlake Recruits Local Musicians For Blues CD

Update of 2009 Post

Pop Superstar Justin Timberlake certainly knows where to find great blues musicians. He'll be working with some Hamilton talent for his new blues CD.

In a move that stunned the music world, Timberlake has turned his back on pop/dance music. "I'm sick of all the repetitive, cookie cutter, shallow, repetitive s#!+," he said.

"I've been feeling down for a while now, " he added, "I didn't want the fame, the prestige, the riches, the groupies - so becoming a Blues musician seemed to be the best choice."

A Google search landed him at this very blog where he discovered the great talent that Hamilton and Burlington had to offer.

To record his new CD, he recruited guitarist James Anthony. "This is a dream come true!" James said enthusiastically, "I have all his CDs, including his stuff with N Sync - not to mention all the posters on my wall!"

James is joined by Dale Park on drums (returning to drumming just for this project), Michael Hickey on bass, and Lou Campanella (TNT Bluesmen, Hammertones) on harp. Also in the band are Justin's rumoured love interest, Lily Sazz on keyboards and Loretta Hale on trumpet (who some say is also seeing the pop star).

This amazing band has already recorded two songs: "Britney Done Left Me"and "Wardrobe Malfunction Blues".

As a transition from his old style to his new one, Justin has decided to re-record his mega-hit SexyBack as a folky blues song with the help of Alfie Smith.

"I sing that song in the shower all the time!" Alfie exclaimed, "It'll be a privilege to finally record it."

The album will be rushed into production soon to prevent illegal downloading. It should be out in late April. "Fools will think this is impossible," Justin explains, "But they'll see I can sing the blues with the best of them."

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Treble to Star in New Sitcom

The Hamilton Blues Lovers are thrilled to announce our most ambitious media enterprise yet: a brand-new sitcom starring our very own mascot, Trebleclef, the Music Loving Monkey.

The series, titled Everybody Loves Treble, follows our favorite primate as he trades the city for the jungle after his Uncle Jed strikes it rich by discovering a "banana geyser". Trebleclef moves on up to the east side of the jungle to a deluxe treehouse in the sky.

Once settled, Treble buys radio station WMKY and recruits the eccentric Dr. Johnny Zaius to broadcast nothing but Southern Ontario’s finest tunes. He also has to contend with his wild neighbor Lamer, a gibbon with a habit of barging into the treehouse unannounced.

"Creating something this unique and original took a lot of work," says head writer and HBL blogger, Lu. "We’ve already polished the scripts and are ready to begin principal photography on April 31st."

Season One Highlights:

• Episode 1: "Banana Bursting" – Treble navigates the move and learns that more bananas mean more problems.
  
  
• Episode 2: "Whoa, Contest" – Treble and the gang compete to see who can go the longest without eating a banana.
  
  
• Episode 3: "The Trouble with Trebles" – A radioactive banana causes Treble to multiply himself all over their new boat! Guest starring William Shatner as Captain Peel.
  
  
• Episode 4: "Bottom of the Line" – Treble opens a banana-filled chocolate factory and puts Lamer on the assembly line. Spoiler: Hilarity (and chocolate) ensues.
  
  
• Episode 5: "The Shark Ages" – Treble attempts to water-ski over shark-infested waters.

"It’s going to be incredible," explains Director/Executive Producer, April Fulcilli. "We are proud to announce that Everybody Loves Treble will be the first-ever sitcom to air on the National Geographic Channel!"

Look for the premiere this fall—you’d be a fool to miss it!

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Trebleclef to Open New Restaurant & Live Venue

We here at the Hamilton Blues Lovers are proud to make the following announcement: Our cute mascot, Trebleclef will be opening a new restaurant called Treble's Diner & Hootenanny. Our monkey's been dreaming of this moment since he graduated with honours from Luigi's School of Culinary Arts & Taxidermy. 

There'll be many mouthwatering offerings, such as:

• Treble's Specials: Banana Goulash, Flambe a la Banane, Fried Bananas & Spam
• The Yellow Submarine (sub with Bananas and tuna)
• Harmonica Sammies (harmonica-shaped sandwiches - in different keys)
• I Can See Cholesterol By the Dashboard Light (Triple cheese Meatloaf with extra gravy)
• King Biscuits (Oh Boy)

The Dessert Menu:

• 'Oh What a Filling' blueberry pies 
• Let's (Milk) Shake (made with Teenage Head Beer)
• Linda Luigi cakes (90% butter frosting, 10% cake)
• Baby Won't You Drive My Carbs (3-layer chocolate cake with crumbled cookie topping served with ice cream)

The beautiful décor will also reflect Treble's love of music with:

• Drum and Guitar shaped seats
• Spotlight and visual effects lighting in the dining room.
• Record & CD shaped plates 
• Drum sticks and picks as cutlery including tuning "forks"
• Photos and memorabilia of local musicians on the walls and ceiling
• Booths for recording live music in the bathrooms
• Sheet music napkins

There's also live music for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and late at night. 

According to Lu, our blogger and main investor in Treble's Diner, there were a few challenges.

"Getting a monkey approved to work in a restaurant took a bit of doing" Lu explained. "We had to get Treble a specially-made full body-sized hairnet for government officials to give us the go ahead."

"Finding artists to come in the morning or lunch has been hard too," added April Fulcilli, the talent booker, "Any musicians interested in the breakfast, brunch and lunch shifts, please contact me."

Please note: All musicians eat and for drink free! (only bananas apply)

The grand opening/launch party will take place all day on April 31 featuring Breakfast in Canada (Supertramp Tribute), Loaf (Bread tribute),  Lunch at Allen's, and a reunion of the Dinner Belles. So come on down to 100 Kelly Jay Way and dig in!

SEE EVERYONE THERE!

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Trebleclef Training for the Olympics

Paris, France will be hosting the Summer Olympics in July and don't be surprised if you see a familiar, furry face on the podium. Our very own cute mascot, Trebleclef, will be representing Canada this year!

Canadian Olympic ambassador, Lu (who happens to be our blogger) is the man responsible for this rather interesting turn of events.

"I spoke with the Olympic committee a few years ago," he explained, "They were interested in beefing up the popularity of the games and I suggested adding music-related events." With that stroke of genius, a trio of competitions were born: Duelling Banjos, the Accordion Toss and Upright Bass Rowing. 

Duelling Banjos

The Accordion Toss

Upright Bass Rowing

"Treble, being the energetic monkey that he is," Lu added, "Asked if he could take part in all three new sports. After checking the rule book, we saw there was nothing saying that stuffed monkeys can't compete. With that, we started the little guy's training."

Thanks to sponsorship from Luigi's Used Jock Strap Emporium, Treble's team was able to get things rolling. Right away, accordion virtuoso Jordan Abraham was hired to train the mascot in the Accordion Toss. Justine Fischer will handle Upright Bass Rowing and Dan Medakovic will help him with Duelling Banjos.

April Fulcilli, Treble's sports publicist, had this to add: "Considering he doesn't have any muscles or skeletal structure to speak of, we can overcome these obstacles and bring home the gold for Canada!"

GOOD LUCK BUDDY!

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HBL Opens Unique Music School

The Hamilton Blues Lovers have decided to enter the education business in a big way!

Our first venture is Luigi’s House o’ Music Learnin’. We approached Principal April Fulcilli about LHML’s upcoming plans.

“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.”

Here’s the first batch of courses

Becoming a Great Music Mascot
by Professor Trebleclef, the Music Loving Monkey

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Pointy Dancing: Basic and Advanced (with bump) Classes
by Professors Lou and Linda

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Perfecting Your Rock Star Moves
by Dr. Dave Rave

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Techniques for Polishing Your Juno
by Professor Steve Strongman

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Restringing a Guitar While Playing Harmonica
by Dr. Doug Feaver

“The new school will be located in the old Chuck’s Income Tax and Waffle Emporium building on Main Street”, Principal Fulcilli announced.

We'll keep you posted!

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Hamilton Blues Lovers' 1st Musical Theatre Production

The Hamilton Blues Lovers are getting into the musical theatre business and we’re kicking it off with a masterpiece! Writer/director Trebleclef has a sure-fire sensation in his hot little paws: Treeside Story. It’s an extremely unique tale of love between members of two feuding gangs: chipmunks and squirrels. The show follows the romance of Romero and Julie, star-crossed lovers whose forbidden relationship causes friction within their groups.

Treble wrote many future hit tunes for our inaugural production.  When You’re a Squirrel, I Feel Nutty and Springtime for Chipmunks will have people dancing in the aisles. Treeside Story will debut early next year at the Shecky McGillicutty Memorial Concert Theatre.

Lou (show producer and HBL blogger) is very optimistic about the project’s chances. “Our accountant Leo Bloom is a financial genius”, Lou explained, “Together, we got 50% of the funding from Luigi’s Nut Hut, 50% from the Gullible Old Widows Association and the final 50% from Bubba’s Used Underwear Emporium.”

Casting director April Fulcilli recently announced that open auditions will begin next week. All chipmunks and squirrels who can sing and dance are encouraged to come. Sponsor Luigi’s Nut Hut will be providing the refreshments (and supplying the performer payment).

We’ll keep you updated with details of this world-class production. Soon, we’ll be Broadway-bound! 

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Hamilton Blues Lovers Getting Into Comic Book Publishing

The Hamilton Blues Lovers empire is expanding!

HBL has decided to get into the comic book business big time.

Lou, our esteemed blogger and CEO has been a comic book fan for decades and has decided to throw his hat into the funny book arena.

"After a lifetime of reading comics, "Lou's said, "I've now embarked on a new business journey and will publish the best comics around. I spared no expense in hiring the most talented comics book creators in the business: Todd McFarlane, John Byrne, Alan Moore, Neil Gaiman, Neal Adams, and April Fulcilli."

The first issue to come out of this soon-to-be-legendary venture is Super-Treble Comics, a new monthly series starring our monkey mascot Treble in super-heroic adventure that puts the Avengers to shame.

Click here for a free preview of the first fabulous issue!

Other comic book titles will to come out in the next couple of months, including:

• Crisis on Infinite Monkeys (a 12 issue multi-world epic)
• M.O.N.K.I.E. Agents (super-hero spy team)
• Treble vs the Banana Zombies (horror series)
• Simian Romance 
• Astro-Monkey (sci-fi)
• Game of Chimps (fantasy)
• The Banana Peel Gang (humour)

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Hamilton's Own Trebleclef & Erin McGean to Join KISS

BREAKING NEWS! The 'Hottest Band in the World' is about to become even hotter. Legendary rockers KISS have chosen two immense talents from the Hammer to replace founders Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley once their 'End of Road' tour is finished.

Our little monkey mascot, Trebleclef will take over the 'Demon' persona (and bass duties) and local singer Erin McGean will be the new 'Starchild' and rhythm guitarist.

A while back, there were top secret auditions to replace the two original members and continue the KISS legacy. The Hamilton Blues Lovers recently got the OK to unveil the band's new blood to the world.

"I knew the band deserved nothing but the best to continue the monster that is KISS," Gene Simmons announced, "I called up my good friend Lou (our blogger) at his mansion and he arranged tryouts with Hamilton musicians. It's amazing how much wonderful talent this city has. It blew my mind."

In the end, there could be only two. Trebleclef won them over with his growling voice and willingness to learn how to breathe fire (which is a little tricky when you have flammable fur on your face). Erin's incredible vocals and stage presence impressed everybody involved.

According to the group's press agent, April Fulcilli, the debut of the new lineup will be an invite-only intimate show at Luigi's House of Pasta. They'll definitely play the newly changed 'Hamilton Rock City'.

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Vote Trebleclef for Prime Minister!

In the next federal election, the Canadian people will finally have a sensible choice for their next government. Our monkey mascot, Trebleclef has recently founded the Canadian Monkey Business Party to help our great country. 

Here are highlights of the party platform.

• Hamilton will become the new capital of Canada
• Let's Shake will be the new Canadian national anthem.
• All musicians live tax free.
• During question period, if a politician  asks a question that's been asked over and over, a horde of wild monkeys will be unleashed upon them (guess Treble's trying to find jobs for his family)

Here are some of the cabinet members he is planing to to use upon winning the election, include

• Luis Pereira - Minister of Getting Bananas for the PM
• Jamie Reid - Minister of Business
• Mark McNeil - Minister of Media Relations
• JP Riemens - Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
• Donna Panchezak (Trickbag)- Minister of Education

Treble's campaign manager, April Fulcilli has this say: "The CMBP will be a different kind of government. We know there's gonna be some monkey business in politics - you might as well have someone who knows how to do that right."

There'll be a rally to kick off the new political party on April 31st at 7pm! It'll be held at Luigi's Chocolate Covered Calamari Stand on 656 Botulism Ave. There'll be music, games for the kids, meet and greet with your candidates and more.

Remember VOTE CMBP!

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Trebleclef to Become the Easter Monkey Next Year!

If you bump into the Easter Bunny this Easter, you may want to say goodbye. After decades of hard work, he's decided to hang up his basket and move to Florida. In more incredible news, Trebleclef, our little monkey mascot has been hired to replace him.

"I've had a great run," the Easter Bunny admitted, "I'm looking forward to playing cards and shuffleboard at the Roundtree Retired Rabbit Residence. My buddies Thumper, Bugs, Peter and Oswald are already there.

Easter Inc. C.E.O. April Fulcilli had to make the hard choice of replacing the legendary rabbit.

"There was a lot of competition," she explained, "Due to Easter Inc's diversity mandate, we opened it up to all species. A flood of creatures came through the door" Applicants included the Tazmanian Devil, Animal from the Muppets, Jaleel White (Urkel from Family Matters), Ed the Sock, TC (Ti-Cats mascot) and of course, Treble.

"There'll definitely be changes," said Lou (Treble's manager and also our esteemed blogger), "Not only will kids get the usual tasty treats but we've decided to add something for the adults."

Starting next Easter, Treble will be hiding local CD's to help promote the area music scene! Keep your eyes peeled in 2019!

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Trebleclef to Release a Candid, Torrid, Scandalous Autobiography!

Trebleclef, our cute little mascot, has lived quite an interesting life! Recently, he put pen to paper for a brand-new autobiography - Too Much Monkey Business: The Wild Life and Crazy Times of a Music Loving Monkey. It’ll be dropping on June 31st from the prestigious Luigi Publishing.

Trebleclef’s holding nothing back! You’ll read tales of his early days as a roadie for Crowbar, Teenage Head and The Smoke Wagon Blues Band. There’ll also be candid stories of his struggles with banana schnapps addiction, smoking banana peels with Ozzy and epic drinking contests with Keith Moon. Readers will finally find out about his much rumoured, torrid, doomed love affair with Cher and other juicy stuff.

He’s even included a chapter about his short lived band, Monkey See Monkey Want. The book discloses how they journeyed from the slums of Ancaster to international stardom, opening for many huge acts. Trebleclef reveals the sordid details of their ill-fated final tour, ending with his vicious attack on the headliner, the Banana Splits.

Co-written with local, Oprah Book Club ignored author April Fulcilli, it promises to be the page turning tell-all of the summer.

Be one of the first to pick up this shocking book at the official book launch on June 31st. It’ll be held at Slappy’s House of Books and Tacos on Cheetah Memorial Drive in Hamilton. There’s even rumours of a Monkey See Monkey Want reunion (depending on whether they can raise bail).

Links: Trebleclef's Facebook Page, Click here for some more monkey business, More April Foolery

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TREBLECLEF COMING TO A THEATRE NEAR YOU!

Although they'll always have a passion for music blogging, the Hamilton Blues Lovers have now set their sights on a new challenge: movie production. These ambitious plans include Trebleclef, their beloved monkey mascot.

We caught up with HBL CEO Lou at one of his many mansions, where we asked him about how it all started.

“I was sailing in my yacht, hanging with Steven Spielberg”, he explained humbly. When Lou introduced him to Trebleclef, the famous director was immediately enamored with his acting skills.

"Steven begged him to star in his films," he added, "but being a loyal little monkey, he checked with me first. That's when the idea popped into my head. I decided to use my vast wealth to start my own movie production company with Treble as my main star. His acting range is so incredible that I started the ball rolling on all types of films: sci-fi, action, drama and even romance.”

Lou also decided to use this project as a way to cast people involved in the local music scene in many important parts. Dave Rave, Wendell Ferguson, Donna Panchezak (of Trickbag), Kevin Barber, and Tomi Swick have all signed on.

If anyone else is interested, please contact April Fulcilli, the personnel manager at HBL Movie Productions. They share an office with Luigi’s Sauerkraut Warehouse on Main Street East.

In an exclusive scoop, we have the movie posters for the soon-to-be-Oscar-winning movie masterpieces.

Blast from the Past: HBL Starts Music Label

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Hostile Takeover at Hamilton Blues Lovers!

Shortly, after being introduced as the new mascot for the Hamilton Blues Lovers, Trebleclef the monkey has seized control of the company.  Thanks to a well-played hostile takeover, he's now the CEO of Hamilton Blues Lovers Inc and has moved into the official mansion.

Recently fired HBL PR manager, April Fulcilli accused Trebleclef blackmailing the board of directors.  Reporters asked her if  he had candid videos of crimes and/or infidelities.

"Worse," she replied, "Videos of them listening to Justin Bieber!"

Word is the monkey has let this new found power go to his head,  Thanks to the influence of the important position, he petitioned to proclaim a Davy Jones day in Hamilton, erect a statue of King Kong in Gore Park and have weekly, mandatory Planet of the Apes marathons at all theaters.  A run for mayor is also in the planning stages.

We tracked former HBL CEO Lou, at his new living quarters (a cardboard box by Luigi's All You Can Eat Chicken Feet Hut).

"That banana munching bastard!!!," he screamed, "I let him into the company when he was just an organ grinder's monkey and this is the thanks I get!"

Links: More Trebleclef Stories

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1st Annual Southern Ontario Roots Endowment Coming to Hamilton

On the heels of those piddly Junos comes a new major awards show that will put all others to shame: the Southern Ontario Roots Endowment (the SOREs) will be debuting in Hamilton on April 31, 2014.

This brand-new organization is the brainchild of Hamilton Blues Lovers CEO, Lou.  We met up with the elusive blogger to discuss why we needed more awards.

"Most of those programs are about talent, skill, songwriting and other such nonsense," Lou stated, "It's about time there was an awards ceremony for what really matters in the music world."  The result has been unique categories such as bodacious hair, coolest beard, sexiest blogger and more.

"The SOREs are open to any roots musician in the Southern Ontario area," Lou added, "and instead of handing out useless trophies like other TV shows I won't name, we plan on giving them something musicians can always use: an extra large pizza.  Now that's an endowment well done!"

Our esteemed blogger has decided to pull out all the stops for this stupendous ceremony.  After a huge search, they've decided to hold the first celebration at April Fulcilli's House of Used Pasta (where their motto is "You'd almost swear it's fresh!").

Sparing no expense, the SORE committee have also hired Jaleel White, "Urkel" from Family Matters, as the MC.

"It was important that we get a major A-List star for the debut," Lou explained, "Thanks to a sponsorship from Luigi's 8-Track Hut, we were able to get him.  Luckily, he had a hole in his busy schedule".

Check below to see who was nominated and who won

Most Bodacious Beard

Mo Kauffey VOTE

Dan Walsh  WINNER! VOTE

Tom Wilson  VOTE

Coolest Hair

Sean O'Grady WINNER! VOTE

Doug Feaver VOTE

Michael Hickey (Trickbag) VOTE

Sexiest Blogger

Lou, Hamilton Blues Lovers WINNER!   VOTE

Glen Brown, Greater Hamilton Musician VOTE (Sorry, link out of order)

Gunner Smith, gunnersmith.ca VOTE (Sorry, link out of order)

Fabulous Headgear

Cindy Dell VOTE

Sue Sweetman (Barn Katz) WINNER! VOTE

Wax Mannequin VOTE

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

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Ex-Pope to Rock the Hammer

When Pope Benedict XVI announced his retirement, reports came out that he wanted to concentrate on music.  Everyone probably assumed it would be writing church hymns.  Boy were they wrong! The ex-pontiff has decided to start playing some good ol' rockin' blues. In a wonderful turn of events, he'll be using local musicians to back him up and will be touring the hammer as well.

Since beloved Hamilton Blues Lovers Inc. C.E.O. and blogger, Lou is also the music consultant for the Vatican, Benedict approached him for help.

"Benny, as I call him, told me he wanted to use only the most wholesome and virtuous musicians available " Lou explained, "That's not too hard to find in our little home town so I managed to finagle quite a respectable band for him."

Pope Benedict himself will be handling the lead singing and rhythm guitar duties. The rest of the band includes Brian Griffith (lead guitar), Jack Pedler of Teenage Head (drums), Matty Buzanko of the Rest/Overplayers (bass) and Corey Lueck of the Smoke Wagon Blues Band (harmonica/backing vocals).

The gang worked hard before his holiness's retirement to unleash his debut blues CD, Abstinence Blues (through Luigi Records). They recorded such amazing hard-rockin' songs as Soul Man, No Nookie Tonight and a reworked version of a Teenage Head classic entitled Teenage Rosary Praying Party.

Lucky for Hamilton, Benedict has decided to start the tour in our fair city.  It kicks off with a CD release party at Our Lady of Muddy Waters parish on Calloway Drive .  Opening the show will be the amazing Banned From Heaven. Festivities start at 5pm and as the ex-pope said, "If we're feeling frisky we'll be playing really late, maybe even 'til 9pm. It's OK - After all, we're on a mission from God!"

Other stops of the tour include St. Jake's, St. Elwood's, and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Banjo. Please contact the band's manager April Fulcilli at afulcilli@luigirecords.com for tickets.

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Vote for the Canadian Music Party

HBL (Hamilton Blues Lovers) Inc doesn’t usually get involved in politics but we’ve decided to help spread the good word about the newly formed Canadian Music Party. A few local musicians were tired of the current political climate and decided to take matters into their own hands.

Our very own blogger, Lou, was put in charge of propaganda. “We think it’s about time musicians had a say in how this country is run,” he explained.

“At our last meeting, we chose singer/songwriter/artist Tom Wilson as our leader and hopefully, the next Prime Minister,” Lou added, “There were many worthy candidates. In the end, it was hard to ignore Mr. Wilson’s passion and commitment (not to mention his height) when the final tally was counted.”

Mr. Wilson and the party have already outlined the main points of their future election campaign:

• Immediate decriminalization of marijuana
• All government business will only start after 2 pm.
• Groupies can now be listed as dependents on income tax
• Instruments can now be listed as dependents on income tax
• Requesting “Mustang Sally” or “Freebird” is punishable by life in prison
• Stealing musical instruments will be punishable by death
• Musicians to get LCBO tax discounts
• Hamilton will become the Canadian capital
• "Oh Canada" to be replaced by "Oh What a Feeling" as the national anthem
• The Queen will be replaced by King Biscuit Boy on all money
• Frankie Venom will be put on the $50 bill.
• Jackie Washington will now be on the $100 bill

Even though the next election is still far away, the party have already started hiring for various positions:

• Head of security: Shawn Brush, the Krooked Cowboy
• Head of the Children's Taskforce: Paul Langille
• Minister of the Environment: Dan Medakovic
• Minister of Transportation: Mark Vanderheyden

With this many musicians in one place, Lou says they were going to advertise a groupie wrangler position but luckily, local music fan and videographer Jill Johnson graciously accepted the job as an unpaid volunteer. “We’d like to thank Jill for her selfless act and for saving us some money. I’m sure she’ll take real good care of those groupies!”

So please remember to vote for your local CMP candidate when the next election rolls around. We need to put some more groove into Canadian parliament.

If you’d like to volunteer, please contact our volunteer coordinator, Ms. Luigi at 905-555-5555. For all other information, please call our secretary April Fulcilli at the same number.

Local Monkees Tribute CD Fundraiser (First HBL Records Release)

The Hamilton Blues Lovers have decided to get into the music business. Our first release will be Monkeeing Around, a charity CD featuring the songs of the Monkees covered by local, talented musicians.

We caught up with the ever-elusive Hamilton Blues Lovers Inc. CEO, Lou, for an exclusive interview at his mansion.

“Our initial offering had to be special, so I immediately thought of doing a fundraising album,” he explained. “There are many worthy non-profit organizations around but I wanted to do something unique. Then I thought - What better cause than to help our poor politicians? Despite all their money, there's still one thing they can’t seem to afford - A CLUE. Heck, we'd just need to buy one for them and we're all set!”

As a result, Lou founded a new organization: the Democratic Understanding House - dedicated to buying a clue for our politicians. Then, after watching a parliamentary debate on TV, inspiration hit Lou like a flash - “MONKEES!”. He decided the disc would be a tribute to the classic band.

After intense negotiations with the Monkees' management (“The band were holding out for 2 buckets of chicken each,” Lou explained) he got their blessing, and searched for local musicians to help him.

A number of tracks have already been recorded:

• Monkees Theme by the Dharlings
• Last Train to Clarksville by Frank and Kim Koren
• Daydream Believer by Barry Mac and Lena Montecalvo
• (I’m Not Your) Stepping Stone by Mark Vanderheyden
• I’m a Believer by Les Smith (Trickbag)

The CD will be available exclusively at Eatons, Consumers Distributing, and Luigi's House of Muffins 'N' Haggis.

In related news - After hearing Les Smith's work on the disc, the Monkees have decided to hire him as a replacement for Mike Nesmith, who won’t be part of their upcoming reunion tour. Good Luck Les!

Sample cover artwork provided by April Fulcilli.

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Local Musicians in Playgirl's "Canadian Rocker" Special

You probably know that Hamilton has the most talented musicians but did you also know we have the sexiest as well?

An upcoming special issue of Playgirl will feature tasteful nude shots of popular Canadian musicians such as Randy Bachman, Gordon Lightfoot, Neil Young, and many others. The best part is three of the studliest models are from right here in the Hammer.

It all started when a Playgirl photographer visited Lou, our illustrious blogger, webmaster and CEO of Hamilton Blues Lovers Inc.

We'll let him tell the story:

"Once again, Playgirl sent a photographer to my house to beg and bribe me with tons of cash to get me to pose for the magazine," he said, "As always, I refused, but this time I told her to check out the local musicians and see if they're interested."

In a special deal with Playgirl Magazine, we've been given permission to post the pictures from our local performers. Since this is a family blog, we've had to censor them. Don't worry, the special issue comes out soon and all you ladies (and men too - we don't discriminate here at HBL) will be able to see them in all their glory.

Photos by April Fulcilli

Andre Bisson's soulful voice isn't his only asset. Check out his band, Andre and the J-Tones around Southern Ontario.

Voodoo Chicken singer and journeyman drummer, Spider Costello can make both drums and hearts beat fast!

When Rick Prinsthal is not rockin' out with his band Rick and the Krickets, he likes to just kick back and relax.

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