Hamilton's Brandon P General Honours Buddy Holly with a Stunning Covers Album

Brandon P General has taken his considerable talents to honour the legendary Buddy Holly in his latest offering, The Apartment Tapes. The Hamilton singer/songwriter released the album on February 3rd 2021, the anniversary of Holly's death. This wonderful collection is a tribute to the early rocker's final recording, also titled The Apartment Tapes.

While keeping true to Holly's spirit, Brandon does an incredible job of maintaining his own unique style and sound. This is a stripped down affair which focuses on the emotional heft of these classic tunes.

You can stream or downlaod this fabulous album through Brandon's Soundcloud page. The recording is embedded below too.

Brandon P. General · The Apartment Tapes

Links: Brandon P General, More Brandon P General Stories, More Buddy Holly Covers/Stories, More Releases

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Latest Album from Hamilton's My Flying Machine is Beautiful, Atmospheric and Unique

You'll find a beautiful, unique mix of pop, alt-folk, soul and much more on Running Out of Things to Lose, the latest album from Hamilton musical project My Flying Machine. The sound will reverberate in your psyche long after the first listen. It's infectious, atmospheric and definitely off the beaten path.

The recording is mainly the work of Brandon General and Rusty Carriere (who also produces). Also lending a hand on a few tracks are Sarah Ivy Hardy (keys), Roo O’Donnell (piano) and Brennagh Burns (harmonies).

Physical copies should be out shortly but for now it is available on Bandcamp, Spotify and most other streaming services.

You can stream the album below:

Blast from the Past: My Flying Machine's Debut EP

Links: My Flying Machine, More Brandon General Stories, More Releases

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Legendary Hamilton Broadcaster Nevin Grant Passes

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of legendary Hamilton broadcaster and author Nevin Grant (aka Mr. CKOC and "The Hitmaker") who died on May 6, 2020. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

Career highlights

• With the Hamilton radio station CKOC for 37 years (1968-2003)
• Received an Award of Merit from the Board of Governors of Mohawk College (1989)
• Wrote "Growing up with the Hits! Reliving The Best Time of Your Life 1955-1989" (2015)
• Will be inducted into the Canadian Broadcast Industry Hall of Fame in September 2020
• Will be receiving the Allan Waters Lifetime Achievement Award
• Mentored many radio personalities
• Co-wrote Plays for Stage West and performed with Theatre Ancaster

Media Roundup

• His obituary
• FYI Music News
• FYI Music News: Dave Charles Mourns Nevin
• FYI: Remembering Nevin
• The Bay Observer

Here are some social media reactions to his passing:

Brandon P General

Both Nevin Grant and Jason Farr had a hand in getting me my very first radio play waaaaay back in 1999. On oldies1150. That was a pretty great moment and remains a pretty great memory. Having a song you wrote played on the radio right before the Beatles.

Michael B Davie

Mourning the loss of friend and radio icon Nevin Grant. Nevin was one of the nicest people I've ever met in my entire life, a wonderfully thoughtful, supportive, caring music icon who went well out of his way to give Canadian artists radio airplay when so many others wouldn't give them the time of day.

Nevin helped make the careers of of Ian Thomas, Gowan, Crowbar, the Spoons, Teenage Head and countless others. He transformed the Canadian music scene and made it shine. It was an absolute pleasure to have known him and his lovely wife.

It was a privilege to have published and worked with Nevin on his book Growing Up With The Hits! relating his life story and love of music, going through the books passages and his insightful thoughts on the industry together and selecting key photos from his enormous collection of photos and albums, choosing great shots of him with Alice Cooper, Elton John, Hall & Oates, and other iconic rock stars he'd met over the years. Nevin was absolutely wonderful, and my heart aches from this loss.

Sincere condolences to Heather and their family. 

The Stampeders

It is with great sadness that The Stampeders send their deepest condolences at the passing of our very good friend and supporter of Canadian Music Nevin Grant. Thank you for playing many of our records, and being the first to broadcast, and break, our song "Wild Eyes" You will be forever missed, and remembered by Rich, Kim, Ronnie = The Stampeders, and our families. 

Andy Kim

The headline reads Nevin Grant Radio Legend and Champion of Canadian Artists. And he was. Although he programmed CKOC Hamilton, his talent crossed borders & helped so many of us who were just starting out. He often told me “I just love my job”

Onto the light Dear Nevin

Video above courtesy of etaradio

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Gord Downie of the Tragically Hip Passes

The world is still reeling from the loss of one of Canada's most distinctive voices.  Gord Downie, the lead singer of the legendary Tragically Hip passed away on October 18, 2017 after a brave battle with cancer.  He left behind an unforgettable legacy.  Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

Local media stories: Hamilton Spectator, CHML, St. Catharines Standard, 

Here is the official statement from his family.

Last night Gord quietly passed away with his beloved children and family close by.
Gord knew this day was coming — his response was to spend this precious time as he always had — making music, making memories and expressing deep gratitude to his family and friends for a life well lived, often sealing it with a kiss on the lips.

Gord said he had lived many lives. As a musician, he lived “the life” for over 30 years, lucky to do most of it with his high school buddies. At home, he worked just as tirelessly at being a good father, son, brother, husband and friend. No one worked harder on every part of their life than Gord. No one.

We would like to thank all the kind folks at KGH and Sunnybrook, Gord’s bandmates, management team, friends and fans. Thank you for all the help and support over the past two years.

Thank you everyone for all the respect, admiration and love you have given Gord throughout the years — those tender offerings touched his heart and he takes them with him now as he walks among the stars.

Love you forever Gord.

The Downie Family

Local reaction from social media.

Lou Molinaro (This Ain't Hollywood)

The very first time I met Gord Downie was in Ottawa at Barrymore's. I think The Hip's first album just came out. We started chatting about music. I asked him what some of his fave bands were. Within the first 3 names, TEENAGE HEAD was mentioned. Not a bad way to meet a singer in a rock n roll band. RIP Gord Downie.

Brandon P. General (My Flying Machine) 

Gord Downie wasn't just the Hip. He was a spokesman for the country. Whenever he had the chance, he spoke for us. 

As an indigenous person, I felt the things he said on a personal level. He spoke for the rights of all of us and spent his last days fighting for us.

We all knew it was coming, but we all hoped he would fight it. He can't be cut down so needlessly. We all hoped that he would beat this.

As a Canadian, it's a huge loss. He was the benchmark for what someone in his position should do with their fame. I will be listening to The Hip today with the rest of you and mourning the loss. RIP Gord Downie

Sarah Smith

Gord Downie. Thank you for being such a beautiful example of what it is like to be Canadian. We are blessed to have shared this lifetime with your music and your stories. You have created new folklore to pass through the generations and have left a powerful legacy of pride, hope, love and togetherness.

In his honour, here are a few area performers covering Gord's amazing work.



Links: Sarah Harmer, More Sarah Harmer Stories, Barenaked Ladies (Jim's Band), More Barenaked Ladies Stories, Video above courtesy of q on CBC



Links: Selective Soul, Video above courtesy of Selective Soul Band

Here are two songs from the man himself



Video above courtesy of nbowen76



Links: Sadies, More Sadies Stories, Video above courtesy of wesleync

Blast from the Past: The Hip on CBC Top Canadian Songs List

Links: Tragically Hip, More Tragically Hip Covers/Stories

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News Roundup (Brandon P General, Jocelyn Fairman. Bryce K Moore, Alberta Country Award Nominations)

Hi and Lois

Free Range

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News

Local

• Barber Shop Podcast w Brandon P. General
  
  
  
  Links: Brandon General, More Brandon General Stories, Video above courtesy of Barber Shop Podcast
• CHCH Video of American Rogues

Canada

• Association of Country Music in Alberta Award Nominees

World

• Kim Fowler Passes (Producer/Writer/Musician)

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Recently Added

Main List of Sites

• Brian Berneker (You Tube)
• Music, Mayhem and More (YouTube)

Our Performer List 

• Brief Shining Moments
• Jocelyn Fairman
  
  
  
  Video above courtesy of Jocelyn Fairman
  
  
• Flat 5
• Fortunate Son
• Brad Krauss
• Tony Sciara
• Torquehound
• Dylan Wickens
• Tianna Woods

Our Venue List

• Corks (Niagara-on-the-Lake)
• Riff's Lounge (Woodstock)

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Birthdays

Thursday, January 22

• Scott Taplay
• Matt Weidinger

Saturday, January 24

• Bryce Moore
  
  
  
  Links: More Eagles Covers/Stories, Video above courtesy of Savoury and Sweet
  
  
• Mark Reeves

Sunday, January 25

• George Olliver
• Greg Smith (Groove Corporation)

Monday, January 26

• Willie Leigh (Stingrays)
• Tony Sciara

Tuesday, January 27

• Mikie Bray (Bethany & Mikie)
• Dave Neigh (Steel City Rovers) 

Wednesday, January 28

• Harpdog Brown

Thursday, January 29

• Evan Champagne
• Alex Kadet (Tewlips)
• Ed Vandendool

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Hamilton's My Flying Machine Debut is Stunning

My Flying Machine, the fascinating new musical project featuring Hamilton boy Brandon General defies categorization.  The genre blending debut EP Happiness is a Learned Behavior has synthesized both modern and traditional elements perfectly.

It has a stunning 60's wall of sound feel with lush harmonies (sometimes even choir-like) and catchy hooks.  Many songs also blend in a modern alt-pop folk sound which works surprisingly well. A little bit of swing and soul make their way into the mix to add some bounce.  This is most evident in the infectious version of Blind Willie McTell's Pal O' Mine.  Brandon's beautiful, poetic lyrics tie everything together nicely.

The core of My Flying Machine consists of Brandon (guitar, piano, bass, vocals) with James Prasek of Dunnville's Cover Story (drums) and Hamilton gal Brennagh Burns (harmonies/choir).  Other musicians on the EP include  Kyle Rowe of Cover Story (electric guitar), Wes Martin of Ol' CD (bass), Justin McCabe (bass), Ben Pierson (sax), Brad Gaudreau (trombone), Eric McIntyre (trumpet) and Port Dover's Cindy Dell (violin) and Roxanne Rendle (choir).

You can download this wondrous EP at My Flying Machine's Bandcamp Page.



Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers



Video above courtesy of Brandon General



Blast from the Past: Brandon General, Brennagh Burns and other on an episode of Ensemble!

Links: My Flying Machine, More Brandon General Stories, More Releases

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2 New Episodes of Ensemble Online

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Links: Fred Magie, Darin Martin, Christopher Clause, Stephen Foster



Links: Brennagh Burns, Brandon General, Troy Harmer, Adam Carter (Human Race)

More episodes of Ensemble

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News Roundup (Brennagh Burns, Colin Linden, Magic Slim)

Local

• Loud City Podcast #2
  

Canada 

• Province aims to boost live music

 World

• Passings: Magic Slim, Dan Toler (Allman Brothers), Cleotha Staples, Otis "Damon" Harris (Temptations)
• Podcasts: Roadhouse 417, Nothing But the Blues 231
  

 Funny & Weird

• Site adds John Bonham to any song

 Blasts from the Past

• 2009: Rick and the Krickets: Right as Rain CD
• 2010: Shrimp Daddy and Guests@Hooters 
• 2011: Rhyme N Reason@Brant Hills Church
• 2012: Jay Linden and Duane Rutter@Moonshine Cafe 

Featured Videos



Links: Brennagh Burns, More Brennagh Burns Stories, Video courtesy of Brandon General  



Links: Colin Linden, More Colin Linden Stories, Video courtesy of CBC Music  



Links: Magic Slim, Video courtesy of Charley Stevens

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Previous (Midnight Savory@Brantford Station Gallery) - - - Next (Strongman Finalist in International Songwriting Competition)

Run For The Hills@Artword Artbar (February 15, 2013)

Run for the Hills is Amy Di Nino (percussion/piano), Brandon General (guitar), Brennagh Burns (guitar, mandolin, kazoo), Cindy Dell (guitar, vioin), Les Smith (guitar, harmonica)












More Blind Willie McTell covers/stories

Blast from the Past:  Dharlings (w Cindy, Brennagh & Amy)@Moonshine Cafe

Links: Run for the Hills, More Cindy Dell Stories

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