Showing posts with label Brian Griffith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Brian Griffith. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Throwback Thursday: J.P. Riemens Album: Love is a Dog + Album Release Videos

Original Post: May 14, 2009 & July 11, 2009)
Updated Post: September 25, 2025

Hamilton Canadiana musician J.P. Riemens released his wonderful CD, Love is a Dog in 2009. Unfortunately, it is currently out of print but may be available through JP. 

Guests on the album include, Danny Lockwood and Carolyna Lovely (listed as Carolyna Loveless on the CD)

Below are videos from the July 10, 2009 CD Release Party.



Monday, January 17, 2022

Trebleclef Features Local Music Trivia

Our mascot, Trebleclef the Music Loving Monkey has been doing some remote teaching during the pandemic. He's been featuring local music trivia tidbits on his Facebook page through the #ProfTrebleTrivia hashtag.

Treble's always looking for interesting local music trivia so if you'd like to share some with him, please email blueshamilton@gmail.com.

Below are a few samples of what our little monkey has been teaching.




Previous (King Biscuit Boy's Good 'Uns Turns 50) - - - Next (Robbie Burns Day Videos)

Friday, May 31, 2019

News Roundup (The Chase, Christee Palace, Walk Off the Earth, more)

Free Range

Diamond Lil
More Musical Toons

      News
        Local
        Spectator Stories
        Canada

              Adventures of Trebleclef, the Music-Loving Monkey

              Trebleclef will be back soon.

              MORE NEWS ROUNDUPS

              Wednesday, August 22, 2018

              Hamilton's Wayne Krawchuk Creates Fascinating, Stunning Album


              Love Hopped a Train, the newest awe-inspiring album from talented Hamilton singer/songwriting Wayne Krawchuk is like a musical getaway.  Every song is a wonderful destination filled with fascinating sounds and flavours. It's well worth the trip.

              You'll travel through country back rounds, Cajun hot spots and even get a taste of home with a song about legendary Hamilton Bluesman Jackie Washington. Other stops include Folk, Blues, Jazz, Soul and more. Wayne's marvelous lyrics guide you through this incredible journey.

              He's assembled an amazing array of local talent to help him on this stunning album. This includes Michael Hickey (bass), Ed Roth (keyboards + accordion), Ron Cole (keyboards + accordion), Joe Clark (mandolin, banjo, fiddle), Randall Hill (banjo), Matt Coleman (violin), Brian Griffith (guitar), Sean O'Grady (drums), Steve Sinnicks (drums), Jay Burr (tuba, trombone), Les Smith (harmonica), Carol Greene (lead/background vocals), Daniel Krawchuk of Flat 5 (bass), Ruth Sutherland (harp, background vocals), Michael J. Birthelmer (guitars, keyboards, mandolin, producer) as well as Audrey Hensen, Christine Roarke, Sue Leonard and Brennagh Burns (background vocals).

              To explore this unbelievable music, pick up the CD at any of Wayne's shows or contact him at waynekrawchuk@gmail.com. The first few have beautiful hand-crafted packaging.

              Blast from the Past: Videos by Wayne and Others





              Links: Wayne KrawchukMore Wayne Krawchuk Stories,  Videos above courtesy of Hamilton Blues LoversMore Releases

              Previous (Jimmy Rowles 100th Birthday) - - - Next (News Roundup: James Blonde, Elliott and the Audio Kings, Morgan Davis, More)

              Friday, March 9, 2018

              News Roundup (Teatro Reissue, Tim Bovaconti, Myles Goodwyn w Jack de Keyzer, Folk Awards )




              Links

              News

              Local
              Canada
              International Folk Music Award Winners (incl Canadians)
                Passings

                Sunday, December 10, 2017

                Hamilton's Carl Horton Passes

                Picture courtesy of Carl's Facebook page
                It is with sadness that we announce that Hamilton musician Carl Horton passed away recently.  Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

                UPDATE! Hamilton Spectator story about Carl's passing

                UPDATE! A musical celebration of his life will be at the First Unitarian Church of Hamilton on Wednesday, December 13 (2 pm)
                Carl started his professional music career in 1979. Highlights includes scoring numerous films/TV shows, creating over 450 advertising jingles, teaching, session work, arranging, directing and much more. He's performed for politicians and royalty.  Click here for more detailed bio.

                Carl was beloved by many in the Hamilton music community. Here are a few comments from social media:

                Jude Johnson (Carl's longtime musical partner): 
                My heart is broken....my dear friend...musical partner for 35 yrs...my brother...Carl Horton....a King of a man...unbearable loss for his beloved Tina and daughters Ali and Annie ...our community has lost a great soul...there are no words....
                Adrean Farrugia
                Carl was one of my teachers at Mohawk College in the 90’s. He was a beloved teacher, and musician—always enthusiastic about music and supportive of others. I’m sad to hear that he’s gone. I’ll miss him. It’s a reminder to make the best of each day as we never know how long we’ll be here.
                My condolences to his family. Rest In Peace Carl and thanks for the friendship and inspiration.
                We will add more comments as we find them.



                Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

                To honour his legacy, here are some of his students performing an original tune they wrote.



                Video above courtesy of Altheta Rutherford

                Blast from the Past: Carl Horton and Friends Perform at Pine Street Gardens

                Links: Carl Horton, More Carl Horton StoriesJude JohnsonMore Jude Johnson Stories,

                Previous (News Roundup, Part 2: Canada and World - Patrick Bourgeois, Awards, CBC's Top Albums, Passings) - - - Next (Yodelin' Slim Clark's 100th Birthday)

                Friday, June 3, 2016

                CONGRATS! Sim Bansal, the 1st Recipient of the Brian Lee Griffith Bursary!


                Hamilton's Sim Bansal (also of the band Sleepless) won $5,000 as the first recipient of the Brian Lee Griffith Bursary.  He recently graced the stage at Bay City Music Hall for the second annual Life of Brian benefit for the fund.

                The bursary, named in honour of the late Hamilton guitarist Brian Griffith was set up to benefit up-and-coming guitarists.  Click here to donate.



                Song above courtesy of Sim Bansal

                Blast from the Past: Brian Griffith Pasese

                Previous News Roundup: Sinburn, Chris Antonik, Ed Bertoli, More) - - - Next (Local CMAO Award Winners)

                Tuesday, November 3, 2015

                CONGRATS! 2015 Spectator Readers' Choice Award Winners


                The Hamilton Spectator readers have spoken!  After tabulating the votes, the winner of the 2015 Readers' Choice Awards were announced in the October 30, 2015 edition of the popular local paper.

                The top prize (the Platinum award) for local musicians went to folk rockers Eclectic Revival.



                Links: More Eclectic Revival StoriesVideo above courtesy of Chris McLeod

                Area Metalheads Prismind earned the Diamond award.



                Video above courtesy of JohnnyMo69

                The Gold award went to the late Hamilton guitar slinger Brian Griffith.



                Links: More Brian Griffith StoriesVideo above courtesy of Justin Dunlop

                Click here to see the rest of the top ten

                CONGRATS EVERYONE!

                Click here for a complete winners listing. Below are the music-relate categories.

                Category (Click to see top ten)
                • Platinum
                • Diamond
                • Gold
                Local Musician
                Concert Venue
                Blast from the Past: Last Year's Winners

                Links: Readers' Choice Awards, More Spec Readers' Choice Awards Stories

                Previous (Halloween Videos) - - - Next (Harrison Kennedy to Receive European Blues Award)

                Monday, May 25, 2015

                CONGRATS! 2015 Hamilton Music Award Winners


                The 2015 Hamilton Music Awards ceremony on May 24, 2015 at Theatre Aquarius was amazing! Host Ian Thomas did a wonderful job and had everybody laughing.  There were heartfelt tributes to Tava TunesBrian Griffith and Cpl. Nathan Cirrilo, a visit from mayor Fred Eisenberger and a ton of amazing area music.

                As always, the local scene was in the spotlight the whole show and the award winners were announced. Rockers the The Arkells and songstress Laura Cole took home three trophies each that night.  Blues veteran Harrison Kennedy also won a pair well-deserved awards.



                Links: Laura ColeMore Laura Cole StoriesVideo above courtesy of Richard Crawford



                Links:  ArkellsMore Arkells StoriesVideo above courtesy of Oskar Covers



                Links: Harrison KennedyMore Harrison Kennedy StoriesVideo above courtesy of RandallStaffordCook

                Click here for the Spectator story.

                Congrats everyone.


                Blast from the Past: Last Year's Winners


                Previous (Hamilton Music Industry Award Winners) - - - Next (Country Music Association of Ontario Award Winners)

                Saturday, May 23, 2015

                CONGRATS! 2015 Hamilton Music Industry Award Winners (Including Us!)


                The Hamilton Blues Lovers website was only one of the many winners in the 2015 Hamilton Music Industry Awards.  Many deserving members of the local music community were recognized on May 23, 2015 at the Dofasco Centre for the Arts.

                Lou, our blogger had this to say: "Thank you to all my fellow nominees who help get the word out about the amazing Hamilton music scene and thanks to all the amazing musicians.  It is an honour to receive this award."

                The big winner of the day was classical musician Strat Andriotis, who earned three awards.



                Video above courtesy of Dekatria Records

                The night was also special because of the late, great Brian Griffith, who won the Guitarist of the Year Award.  His son accepted the award on his behalf.  Many of the speakers paid tribute to this amazing musician.  There were many touching moments.



                Links: More Brian Griffith StoriesVideo above courtesy of Doug Smith 

                Click here for the CBC Hamilton story

                Click here for pictures of the event

                Click here for picture of our Mascot at the awards

                CONGRATULATIONS EVERYONE!

                Here is a complete list of winners.

                Previous (Harrison Kennedy on New Eric Bibb Album)

                Saturday, April 18, 2015

                Hamilton Music Industry Awards Nominees Announced - Including One for This Blog!


                Nominees for the Hamilton Music Industry Awards were recently unveiled and this very blog received our first nod!  Many of the best and brightest that the Hammer has to offer were recognized for their wonderful work.  Winners will be announced on May 23, 2015 during a ceremony at the Dofasco Centre for the Arts.

                A word from Lou, our blogger: "I am truly honoured to be nominated for an HMA and I'm definitely in great company!  It's wonderful being acknowledged by Hamilton's incredible music scene.  Thank you!"

                Here are some highlights:

                Website/Online Publication
                Guitarist
                Drummer
                Bassist
                Instrumental Record
                Ethnic Recording 
                Dance Recording
                Piano/Keyboard Player
                Special Instrumentalist
                Instrument Retailer
                Studio Engineer
                Producer (s)
                Recording Studio
                Artist Website
                Best Album Artwork
                Record Label
                Music Retailer
                Music Director (Radio)
                Publicist
                Radio Show
                Media Person 
                Radio Station
                Print Publication
                Major Concert Venue
                Live Club
                Theatre
                Talent Buyer
                Booking Agent
                Tour Manager
                Live Sound Engineer 
                Sound and Lighting Company 
                Event Photographer

                Previous (News Roundup w Doug Feaver, Glenn Kimberley, Guitar Mikey, Mark McNeil, Percy Sledge) - - - Next (Country Music Association of Ontario Award Nominees)

                Thursday, April 9, 2015

                News Roundup (Tom Wilson, Peter Sabourin, Ensemble!, Shrimp Daddy)



                Lots of Tom Wilson stories this week: Tom Wilson to Publish MemoirsCP24 StorySpec Story


                News


                Recently Added


                Nothing right now - check back next week.  

                Birthdays

                Thursday, April 9
                Friday, April 10
                Saturday, April 11
                Sunday, April 12
                Tuesday, April 14
                Wednesday, April 15
                Thursday, April 16

                Featured Video



                Links: Shrimp Daddy, More Shrimp Daddy StoriesVideo above courtesy of East Coast Blues Society