You can shake off the COVID-19 Blues by listening to Downstream, the fabulous sophomore album from local supergroup, Cootes Paradise.
Cootes lays down some funky, bluesy soul that'll shake off your woes and get your body movin'. The band can boogie it up better than any other band out there and they have the skills to show them how it's done.
I am of sound mind and spirit and I wish to express my appreciation to Alex Andronache, Gil Moore, all the staff at Metalworks, for all the great years of mastering that they entrusted me with;
Lindsay and David at Yamaha as well as the crew in Germany for years of generosity for the STEINBERG sponsorship you afforded me. I am very grateful.
I thank every artist whoever entrusted me with their creative output and hope I did each of you proud.
I thank my children for forgiveness I don’t deserve and for the love they felt for me, regardless.
For old dear friends who cared long after I moved on, and for those close friends who endured throughout my life.
Thank you God, for leaving me ears when all else failed me, physically, and now I take my leave. It’s January 4, 2020 at 10:55pm. MJ had to complete this tonight.
It has Been Real!
His wife Mary-Jane Russell left this note on her Facebook page.
Canadian Music Industry Recording Engineer/Producer legend and my partner of 32 years (who I married in late 2018) Nick Blagona, has died at age 74 of complications to kidney, heart and lung disease, last night, January 4th, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Nick Blagona was in fact Nicolai Nicolaiavich Blagonadegny, of Russian/Prussian heritage.
Nick Blagona is survived by me, Alex Blagona, his wife Joanne Blagona and granddaughter Lilia Blagona all of Ipswich, UK and Anna Blagona and granddaughter Mila Blagona of Toronto, Ontario Canada.
There will be no funeral, to Nick’s wishes.
However he hopes folks who cared will gather and make music together, tell stories, play tunes Nick helped record, raise a glass or smoke a wee bit of him in the Spring, close to his birthday in May, at HALO STUDIO on Augusta St. in downtown Hamilton, thanks to Marcone Music.
Nick Blagona, Uncle Nick, Big Nick, The Tone Guru lived a large life and created a Body of world-class musical output that was magic in both quality and quantity. Nick leaves a legacy so few achieve. Thank you
It is with profound sadness that we must announce that our beloved friend and record producer, Nick Blagona died last night. We will miss him terribly, and vow to finish the project we started together a few months ago. It was very important to him. We send our deepest condolences to his beautiful and devoted wife, Mary-Jane Russell.
My heart is broken over the loss of my dear friend, Nick Blagona, who died last night. I am among the lucky individuals who called him a close friend. My last visit with him on Wednesday was more than 2 hours of sharing laughter, stories, and deep thoughts of successes and regrets. My husband Paul and I will miss him terribly, and I weep as I write this. Mary-Jane Russell, his wife, showed such love and devotion throughout all of this, and I can only pray that there is some relief together with the grief, knowing that Nick is now free.
Sad New in Rock History today. Legendary Rock N Roll producer & Engineer Nick Blagona has passed away. RIP.
Nick; I want to thank you for the amazing music you produced through the years, your resume is nothing short of incredible. I remember meeting you in the early 90's taking on a spec project with "Paradise Alley" My first opportunity to work with one of the greats, an you where so freaking cool , Me: are we going to use a click for this track ? .... You : why is your time that bad? Ha .. yah it turned out to be a hell of a track.. thank you for that brother! Also in that time I had the privilege to meet your lovely wife MJ, you two are such an awesome couple always kind and always had encouraging things to say to me which helped me get to where I am. Gracias! Through the years we stayed in touch and kept running into each other, from Ian Gillan's Deep Purple concerts, Tea Party recordings in Metal Werks, while I was tracking with Headstones and later mastering for us. Most recent collaboration with Tommy Grasley. I wish the circumstances were different but with life comes death. You where loved by all who know you and the work you have done is timeless art that will be appreciated forever! Until we meet again brother. Love and respect .
Last words from a man last night with a recording history that others could only dream of, and many in the business of recording, with the highest credentials, hold in esteem and reverence the body of work Nick left behind, a quick look at his discography would reveal many hundreds of famous albums, artists and hit singles too long to list here, but we've All heard them thru our lives.
I worked on only two relatively small projects with Nick and throughout those short weeks the stories and experiences he would share were also the stuff dreams are made of.
Nick helped make dreams come true for soo many artists globally, it's no stretch to say he left behind a major portion of what we've come to know as the recording industry,he was a key figure in its on going success. I'll take a chance here to speak on behalf of all of us in the business around the world in wishing him God bless and thank you Nick.
Nick mixed and mastered my 2015 album Crazy Things and I was over the moon to have him do it. Not only was Nick is a legend who will be dearly missed, but he was a helluva great guy.
Mary, our family and I wish to extend our most heartfelt condolences to the wonderful Mary-Jane Russell as well as all of Nick’s family and many friends.
Thank you Nick for giving everything you've got to our musical community. I will be forever grateful that you mixed and mastered "Merchants of Youth" and for suggesting I go on tour with Nina Haugen - lol. You got me and I was so lucky to have gotten to know you...read your silly jokes and know that we just lost a genious! Your spirit will live on......may you rest in peace. Love Lynn.
Nick Blagona. A LEGEND.
I was fortunate to work with Nick a number of times. He was funny and brilliant. I loved hearing his stories. His mix and mastering was both genius and magical.
Nick was a generous man. One evening he introduced me to Deep Purple in Hamilton. As we were being introduced, my friend Tom Browner and I experienced the true Love of brothers and true friends when Ian Gillian, Nick and Mary-Jane we’re reunited. You could feel the love.Looking back it was the last time they would see each other after Decades of work. Our favourite songs.
He was “The Tone Guru.”
Nick, I will miss you. Until we meet again,
Keep on ROCKIN. XO
On Saturday, October 26, Hamilton's Stonewalls Restaurant will be rocking to a good cause. From 12-6pm, a number of incredible steeltown artists will be performing to help help raise money for the Bob Pedler Memorial Fund. It's only $10 and you'll be guaranteed a great time!
From the event's press release:
It (the fund) raises money for the Local’s BOB PEDLER FUND which financially
aids Hamilton musicians who are unable to perform due to injury or ongoing health issues. The fund is named for the late BOB PEDLER, a popular musician and music store owner in the city and a former member of the executive board of the Hamilton Musicians’ Guild. Bob is also the father of the well- known Hamilton based drummer Jack Pedler (Teenage Head).
Also, during the event, the George R Robinson Award will be handed out to our friend and sponsor Judy Marsales and Dr. John Chong of the Hamilton Musicians’ Clinic. The award is given every year to individuals who have helped support local live music.
Canadian music has lost one of its titans. Steeltown legend Kelly Jay (born Blake Fordham) passed on June 21, 2019 after a long, brave medical battle. His incredible keyboard skills and booming voice helped create the unforgettable sound of the mighty Crowbar. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.
Here are some career highlights
Played with Ronnie Hawkins (the backing band would turn into Crowbar)
Recorded one of the first Canadian live albums Larger Than Life with Crowbar in 1971
I had the pleasure of meeting Kelly Jay and seeing him perform on numerous occasions. He had a smile for me every time and his good nature was always on display. I'll miss him terribly.
Here are a few social media reactions (we will add more as they come)
Hank Fordham (son)
I adored my father. After my mother’s death in 2006, his wife's death of 15 years in 2012 and his recent medical complications, I took to calling him daily — initially out of concern, then because I found that I really enjoyed talking with him. As we traded daily phone calls over the last few years, with a visit mixed in twice a week, our relationship deepened and sweetened. Now, I’ve lost not only my dad, but I’ve also lost my friend. (Click here for the full statement)
I just wanted to say I love you dad, and that I look forward now to getting to see you on the other side some day. There's a show up in heaven today, and the world is left with your gift of music.
Bella Fordham (daughter)
It breaks my heart that some people don't have a wonderful father and I consider myself very lucky. Everyone knows my dad as a legendary rockstar. I know him for the man that has raised my siblings and I with an unfathomable amount of love.
You have taught me so much and I will always be grateful for having such a strong, inspirational man as my dad.
2018 was an eventful year for the Hamilton Blues Lovers. We turned 10 years old and had an incredible celebration to commemorate it. This was also a mixed year for the music industry.
Our Hamilton Blues Lovers 10th Anniversary Bashwas a smashing success. The Corktown was packed and there was lots of amazing music. Thanks to all the performers, the Corktown, sponsors, companies who donated doors prizes and all those who attended. I would like to personally thank my wife, Linda for all her hard work in planning the show and during the event as well. I LOVE YOU LINDA!
Hamilton is well-represented with Jack de Keyzer up for 2 awards (Guitarist of the Year, Producer of the Year. Jack's bandmate Richard Thornton is nominated for Horn Player of the Year. Other Hammertown nominees include Harrison Kennedy (Male Vocalist of the Year), Jesse O'Brien (Keyboardist of the Year) and Cootes Paradise (New Artists of the Year).
Also of note is Colin James' latest album, Miles to Go. It features Hamiltonians Jesse O'Brien (keys, writing), Steve Pelletier(bass)and Tom Wilson aka Lee Harvey Osmond (writing). Also, it's released by Waterdown's True North Records). That disc is up for Recording of the Year. Colin is also tied with Sue Foley for most nominations (6).
Two members of Waterloo's Soulstack, singer Jon Knight and drummer Tom Bona, were nominated as well. Another Waterloo group Elliott and the Audio Kings is in the running in the New Artistof the Year category.
Hopefully, a number of them will bring home the awards at the ceremony on February 4, 2019 at Koerner Hall in Toronto. You can help by VOTING ONLINE! Deadline is December 1, 2018 at 11:59pm.
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