2009 featured the very first Blues With A Feeling event that HBL covered. BWF is done in honour of the late, legendary Hamilton Bluesman King Biscuit Boy.
The first part was a Blues showcase at the Corktown on June 5.
Finishing up the festivities was the inaugural BWF Blues Cruise (June 7) featuring Trickbag and many wonderful guests. To top everything off Crowbar frontman Kelly Jay got married to Tammi G Rose on the boat! Unfortunately, both have since passed.
In his early years, he was an audio technician for many bands and worked as a roadie and soundman for Crowbar. In fact, he had said that Crowbar frontman Kelly Jay was the one who encouraged him to take up acting.
Love and miss you Graham Greene, I am going to miss seeing you pop up in new shows and movies, getting excited and messaging you. Thank you so much for being there for me, our chats and for gifting me that necklace at dads funeral where we got to place the necklace with dad together. Going to miss getting to chat with you and your birthday wishes. ❤ I hope you and Kelly Jay are up there catching up and having a smile today~ Love and miss you tons, Rest in Peace, Graham Greene
A part of Possum Lodge has gone quiet. We're tipping our maneuver's caps to the memory of Graham Greene, who gave us the explosive Edgar Montrose. His presence was always a blast, and he left us with more laughs than a barrel of dynamite.
Very sad to note the passing of Graham Greene. So glad we were able to get together with him last year. In his early days in the entertainment business Graham worked as part of the crew that travelled with us on the road throughout the States and Canada when I toured with the Magic Bubble.
Graham Greene was truly one of one. From working together to becoming immediate friends, he was a working man’s Hollywood trailblazer and a Canadian through and through. He didn’t really care what people thought of him—a rarity in this industry—but he deeply cared about those he loved. He was spiritual, loved to tell an inappropriate joke, and couldn’t care less about “the scene.”
“They send me somewhere, I get paid, and then I get the hell out.” That was a Grahamism.
His stories about being a bouncer and a working man’s man were almost more important to him than his big movie stories—and he had plenty of those, too. I’ll miss his random calls (they could come at any hour, about truly anything), his humor, his spiritual nature, his toughness, his kindness, and how damn much I learned from him.
The last time we talked, a few weeks ago, was a call I will never forget. Like Graham himself, it was one of one.
I’ll miss you, Graham. Thank you for being you. I’ll never think of a cab ride the same way, and I’ll always look for that bird.
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Ray Harrison (known as Rabbit to close friends) , a legendary musician who was a member of Crowbar and the Cameo Blues Band. We do not have any details at this time but we will post it on this page when we learn more. Our condolences to his family, friends and and fans.
I had the pleasure of meeting Ray quite a few times mostly through Crowbar and the Cameo Blues Band. He was extremely talented and friendly. I will miss him greatly.
One of the highlights of my life was playing with Ray and the guys at the Hotel Isabella. Many great years with Cameo and so many great memories of this Giant of a Man.
Ray Harrison was a goliath of a player, and among my musical heroes in Crowbar. I always cherished getting to hear him play. I'll never forget him letting me use his rig when I opened for them, a true honour. Ray was the best boogie-woogie player I ever heard. A true Rock N' Roller.
I just heard the sad news that Ray Harrison has passed away. Not only was "Rabbit" Ray a fantastic pianist and organ player, he was a larger than life character who leaves behind a huge void. He had a great ear and he knew how to rock and roll. He was one of those guys that never seemed to practice, yet he was absolutely killer on his instrument. We'd been on countless gigs together and the hang between sets was always as much fun as the playing... perhaps even more. Endless stories full of laughs!
When I lived in Toronto, he would often show up at my place unannounced and say "let's go". We'd get into his van, grab some beer and drive around for hours while he showed me old haunts from his past in Toronto's Mount Dennis neighbourhood. He had some scary biker friends. He knew the best greasy spoons all over the city. He'd make that Jackie Gleason/Ralph Kramden bulging eyes expression which always made me laugh. He'd collect old things and give them to friends he knew would appreciate them, like when he gave me an old Roy Rogers harmonica. We laughed a lot.
When I mentioned to him last year that so many friends our age were passing away, he said, "Yeah, they're plowing our row". He'd often comment on my FB posts with one word, "Whoosh".... a private joke. Whoosh, now you're gone. You will be missed, but something tells me the stories and anecdotes will go on and on. Rest in peace my friend.
My fondest memory of Ray Harrison ... I had played with him for a bit on and off on different shows. This time we were at the Shipdeck Stage at Harbourfront. The band was all set up and we got a rain call and had to relocate inside. Everyone dashed off with their gear except for Ray and I. Ray's gear was being moved by the crew and gone and Ray stood by me, telling me not to move anything, that the crew would move it all and for me not to move a thing. (I would have moved it all myself without Ray) I always felt good when Ray was on the gig. He always made you laugh and he always put his heart into everything he played.
On another occasion, I had a band called The Panthers....Ray found an old tv light, it was a panther light...and then he found a second panther light. I was thrilled. Ray knew I loved bulldogs, pugs and any dogs like them. He came over with a beautiful white French bulldog milk dispenser that matched my cookie jar perfectly (he had no idea)...then he brought over a pug cookie jar. I treasure these items, as I have with Ray's friendship. Sure gonna miss you Ray. I'm leaving the light on for you. RIP
It's a hearty blues stew with remarkable flavors of sound; seasoned with tales of reckless living, rambunctious Cajun grooves, and a 'mouth of steel' charisma that impacts every listener and puts them in the heart of contentful chaos that resolves in grace. A great musical influence gone but not forgotten.
King Biscuit Boy’s album was the only album I ever owned that came wrapped in burlap. I think that was because inside the music was so hot that it needed a sturdy cover to stop the music from leaking out. The album is filled with classic King Biscuit Boy. His harmonica soars into the blues stratosphere. Just listen to Boom Boom Out Goes The Light. It is classic King Biscuit Boy and this was always the last song he’d play to close out a live gig. Hamilton was lucky to have witnessed such a talent.
The 32nd SOCAN Awards will be handed out on the week of May 24, 2021 but SOCAN recently announced the winners of a series of new Guardian Awards. These awards are to honour people who helped boost Canadian music over the years. It's all part of the 50th anniversary of the Canadian Content (aka CanCon) rules. A number of amazing local people got the nod.
Here is a complete list of winners - area ones are bolded:
There are many tales to tell in I'm Your Boyfriend, the breathtaking new album from Burlington singer-songwriter, Judi Rideout. Fascinating characters come to life as we experience their passions, sorrows and joys. This is a Roots/Country/Americana masterpiece.
Both Judi's lyrics and vocals carry emotional heft. This, along with the stirring instrumentals entice us into the interesting narratives.
On the album, Judi ably handles the vocals and acoustic guitar. Joining her are the late, great Bob Lanois, (harmonies and harmonica), Mark Foley (electric guitar and bass) and Sonnie Bernardi of Crowbar on drums.
You can listen and/or download this phenomenal album on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon Music and other online sources.
In 2021, Bad Manors, the classic album from the legendary Crowbar, turns 50 years old! This was the unforgettable Hamilton band's second offering and the first just under just its own name (their debut was technically King Biscuit Boy with Crowbar). This was, of course, the album that would feature their biggest hit, the ever-eternal Oh, What a Feeling.
We asked a few local musicians to give their thoughts on this incredible album.
Paul Panchezak (Trickbag, King Biscuit Boy and touring member of Crowbar)
In Melody Maker, Paul McCartney called "Oh What A Feeling" the "party record of the year". I read it with my own eyes as a young high school student. It made me very proud of my home town.
When I first dove into the world of classic rock and album hunting my aunt told me stories of this glorious band that lived and partied together in this old mansion. That sounded like the life to me! I ran out and picked up a used copy at Cactus Records in Oakville which I still own and play today!
I got such a kick out of how fun this band sounded with the cool train imitations on Train Keep Rolling to the hoots, hollering and yodeling on Baby Let's Play House and of course, the iconic shouts on Oh What What a Feeling.
The album was just jammed packed with Blues, Rocking boogies, boogie woogie piano, whaling harp, and screaming guitar! I'd stare at the picture on the center fold of these wild and crazy Canuck hippies out in the snow! This album was a masterpiece that makes you proud to be a Canadian musician
For me it was one of the heaviest sounds I had heard up to that time! It proved that Canadian musicians could hold they're own with the best in the world! And in most cases surpassing!
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Crowbar bassist/vocalist Roly Greenway (from Guelph) who died on December 22, 2020 after a brave battle with cancer. Out condolences to his family, friends and fans.
Yes indeed, Roly was one of a kind. I first met and saw Roly performing with the Ascots at the Concord Tavern ( presently the home of Toronto's largest Long and McQuade outlet) I was 13 or 14 working for my parents in the cloakroom, hanging up customers coats and glued to the band every moment I could.
Roly and Rheal were together back then and what a performer Roly was. I recall during our recent "Storm the Munk" visit where we converged on him at his home in Guelph and took him from a painful afternoon to a barrage of laughs, jokes and great memories that we had all shared over the years together. We knew he was declining and was awaiting placement in one of two local hospice locations, so along with some now legal influences and some toasting with some well aged double malt scotch, we proceeded to redirect his pains and finished with an early birthday celebration because we were unsure as to what visiting restrictions might be in place at the hospice, so we gave Roly a well deserved send off.
He bravely fought a long battle and chose to face up to the obvious results of declining any further treatments. We are so glad we made the visit and we know he felt the love.
Roly came to see Mo Kauffey and I at one of our many shows at the Wooly in Guelph several years back. We had met a few times, but he still kinda freaked me out because he was like royalty to me. When on our break, Roly treated me like an old friend and gave me some extremely kind words (which I will not share) that meant so much to me.
This year (2020), Official Music, the legendary album by King Biscuit Boy with Crowbar turns 50 years old. It was the explosive debut for both Crowbar and King Biscuit Boy, who sang lead on all the tracks. The recording featured the late, great Biscuit's biggest hit - his definitive cover of Corrina, Corrina as its first single.
Crowbar members - King Biscuit Boy (lead vocals, harmonica, some guitar), Kelly Jay (piano, percussion), John Gibbard (guitar), Rheal Lanthier (guitar), Roly Greenway (bass), Larry Atamanuik (drums), John R (percussion)
There was little, if any pre-production work done before recording Official Music. Most of the material had been worked up while we were performing as "And Many Others", Ronnie Hawkins backup band.
It was a pretty loose session. I remember there was a galvanized metal tub filled with ice and beer on the floor of the studio.
The Dr. Music players joined in at one point, and audibly arranged horn parts etc. 'on the fly'. Their input made a huge difference!
It was a rare air experience for me, as it was my first recording session.
Paul Panchezak (Trickbag drummer, played in a touring version of Crowbar as well as King Biscuit Boy's solo band)
I first heard this record when it received an exclusive preview by Nevin Grant on CKOC
(Official Music is) still a knock-out. It was the success of this album which led Daffodil to also sign Christmas. We opened for Richard several times.
I had this album as a kid. (I still have the vinyl copy). I was dabbling in both guitar and harp. It was this album that turned me toward playing Harp as my primary instrument. Richard was as important to me as Little Walter, Paul Butterfield, and Charlie Musselwhite were.
I remember woodshedding to 'Biscuit Boogie', 'Hoy, Hoy Hoy', 'Corrina, Corrina' to name a few. That was no easy task, to sit in the basement, picking up the stylus and putting it down over and over again to figure out what he was doing. It was may fav band, & album for a couple of years till Biscuit left.
The first time I heard him live, was when I was 16. It was at the Sauble Beach Pavillion. The 'King' title was very appropriate at the time. He was among the best. I recall meeting Richard at 'The Station Hotel' in Kitchener. This was approx around 1990, and he was in his final few years. He had declined a little bit, but was excellent in the 2nd set. We sat and talked between sets, and it was a wonderful time, sitting with one of my harmonica hero/mentors.
Its too bad he had some demons that he could not overcome, however, I remember all the positives, and how great he was, and basically what a nice guy he was. And yes he could also sing really well. RIP Richard Newell AKA King Biscuit Boy,
Our mini-review:
This album is arguably the best Canadian Blues album of all time. Biscuit and the boys were firing on all cylinders and helped make a musical statement that Hamilton was the Great White North's home of the Blues. A must for all serious Blues fans.
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.
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