Mini-Review: The world is constantly chaging and Hamilton's Kyle Pacey reflects that in his poignant new EP, After the Fall. With genre-blending precision, Kyle weaves between pessimism, optimism, hope and disaster. Emotional storytelling and innovative sonic landscapes take listeners on an almost philosophical journey.
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of the legendary, Fort-Erie born keyboardist Michael Fonfara. We do not have many details but we will will post it here as we know more. Our condolences to this family, friends and fans.
It is with heavy hearts that we sadly announce the passing of our dear friend and longtime bandmate, Michael Fonfara. He was an incredible musician, a gentle soul and we were honoured to share the stage with him every time we performed. He will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. There will be a celebration of life once we are all safely able to get together.
I've heard Donnie Walsh say many times "He's the best musician I've ever worked with". I echo those words. Yesterday we lost a brother, a band mate, a co-writer and a dear friend. His important role away from the music business was as a husband, father and grandfather. If you met him, you loved him. A creative genius and a band leader's worst nightmare. I was very fortunate to share space with him in recording studios, big stages, small stages, vans, cars, planes, hotels and restaurants. Fonf has left us but we'll continue to play music that he wrote, arranged or just made better by his presence. Thanks for the memories, see you on the other side.
Musical genius, bandmate, innovator, wild man, loyal friend and sweet sweet soul. From the very first time I worked with him 15 or so years ago, he instantly became one of my biggest supporters and encouragers. It was never a handshake with Fonf, always a hug. We played a ton of gigs together on some huge stages and also tiny clubs, recorded together many times, misbehaved together once in a while and laughed our asses off more times than I can remember, and through it all I was always amazed by his playing, which really was out of this world. No matter his preparation or more often lack thereof, HE was the one who moved the crowd. Always. He was a star and our world is a little dimmer tonight because of this massive loss.
Fonf was a true genius. Every time I played with him he would amaze me. I would often look at Gary Kendall or Mike Fitzpatrick and they were amazed too. I would ask guys who played with him a lot more than I did and they said the same thing. You don't see too many musicians who could play like Fonf.
I only got to know him in the last 10 years or so. He was always smiling and laughing. He was just a sweet guy.
He always had time to say hello. When he talked to you he was intense and focused.
I was so fortunate to get to play and hang out with Mike. His musical gifts will be missed by so many. His sweet personality will be missed even more.
Fonf's enthusiasm and joy for playing was infectious!! Whether there were 2 people or thousands he always gave 110%. I always looked forward to playing with him when I knew he was on the gig. RIP Fonf love you !!
Love Hopped a Train,the newest awe-inspiring album from talented Hamilton singer/songwriting Wayne Krawchukis 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.
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.
The Pine Street Concert Series always offer the most incredible, intimate music experiences around. It's all held in a beautiful outdoor garden. To reserve your tickets email birthelmer@sympatico.ca or call 905-522-1409.
Here is this year's schedule, along with a few videos:
Recordings from Grammy-Nominated Hamilton Singer/SongwriterKyle Paceyare an all too rare occurrence. Luckily, he recently released an amazing album that's well worth the wait. So Close, his latest collection, features him at his best. Brimming with rocking, high-stepping tunes, the CD is a high-caliber affair. Blues, rock, jazz, swing, folk and more blend together with Kyle's unique voice to create an impressive mix of powerful tunes.
Live from Pine Street!, the debut from Hamilton trio, the Harmones is brimming with heavenly harmonies and a wonderful, laid-back sound. It's a joy from start to finish.
Featuring three talented local singers (Carol Greene, Christine Roarke, Audrey Hensen) the album is a collection of enjoyable, organic sounding versions of classics. Big Yellow Taxi, Da Do Run Run, Bye Bye Love and my others are covered wonderfully by the remarkable trio.
A number of brilliant local musicians add to the delight. Wayne Krawchuk (acoustic guitar), Ed Roth (Accordion) and Daniel Krawchuk of Toadhouse (bass) all add their skills to the mix.
You can pick up a copy of the CD at their incredible live shows.
Separately, local performers Sue Leonard, Brennagh BurnsandCindy Dell are three of the most talented solo musicians around. When these ladies connect together, they forge an unmistakable, powerful folk sound packed with sultry blues and sweet soul! The trio, now known as Leonard Burns & Dell have released their debut EP (from Sonic Magpie Records) titled after their former band name, Perfect Strangers.
With an impressive mix of amazing vocal stylings, LBD take each well-crafted song and give it a grit and shine all its own. On top of of everything, these singer/songwriters offer up some beautiful, angelic harmonies.
Pick up a CD at their wonderful live shows or order via the Sonic Magpie Store(downloads available). If you prefer, it can also be purchased through iTunes.
Hamilton band The Folk Sinners have cooked quite a musical gumbo with Move That Rock, their kickin' debut album. When their music's playing you'll be guaranteed a good ol' time.
The gang takes some old-fashioned Country goodness and spice it up with some Zydeco, latin rhythms and a dashes o' funk n' soul. You'll find some songs of love, heartache and salvation to strike your fancy.
It's been about five years since local songstress extraordinaire Rae Billing released a CD. The long silence has now been broken with Walls and Fences (through HUG-MUSIC). It's well worth the wait!
With her character-filled, one of a kind voice and incredible lyrics, Rae weaves a unique, rootsy, alt-country atmosphere. Occasionally dark and sometimes deeply personal, Walls and Fences is an album of substance worth exploring.
The Hammer meets New Orleans is the best way to describe the latest wonderful disc from local bluesman, Shawn O'Halloran.
Usually seen playing great straight-ahead blues with the Stingrays, Shawn has stepped into the spotlight with some great Cajun-infused, jazzy tunes. There's a lotta fun, a lotta soul, and a lotta funk!
Joining this party are Paul Panchezak of Trickbag (drums), Lindsay Harnett (guitar and uke), Neil Nickafor (bass), Ed Roth (accordion, keyboards), Leo Sullivan (sax), and Wayne Krawchuck (harmony vocals). The whole package is ably produced byMichael J. Birthelmer.
You can catch this CD at the Stingrays shows or contact Shawn through the Stingrays site.
Hamilton singer/songwriter Michael J. Birthelmer has released two of his classic albums on CD for the first time.
Zanibar has a wonderful tropical feel throughout most of the disc. This isn't your typical island dance music but an amazing fun sound with its roots in folk. The storytelling is just superb.
Your Number is a fabulous musical voyage featuring different elements such as jazz, pop, oriental sounds, psychedelic passages, and synthesizers.The songwriting is top notch here as well.
Michael co-horts this time out include Carl Horton, Michael Hickey & Paul Panchezak (of Trickbag), and many others.
To get one (or both) of these stunning CDs, you can contact Michael through his web site.
It's been a long while (over 10 years) since we've heard a new CD from hometown boy Paul Langille. Pine and Locke breaks that silence with great style.
On this impressive release, Paul uses his trademark growl but also goes beyond . You can experience the singer's range in the emotion of songs like Broken and Just a Broken Soul. Then there's the blues power of Kind of Girl, the country style of Honky Tonk, the ragtime sounds of Home Sweet Home and more. He can do it all!
One thing you won't find a lot of on Edgar Breau's latest CD, patches of blue is repetition. The local singer/songwriter covers a whole lot of ground in just 12 songs.
While mainly known as a member of the proto-punk/psych band, Simply Saucer, his solo endeavors are more on the rootsier side. Edgar explores all aspects of the genre: folk, country, blues, celtic, and much more. Every single song has a unique spirit.
Highlights include the trippy title track, the funky One Kind of Love, the wonderfully folky Dreams of Jack Kerouac, and the island sounds of Maria the Sea and the Sun.Joining Edgar in his musical explorations are Mike Trebilcock, Kyle Pacey, Bill Dillon, members of Trickbag (Michael Hickey, Paul Panchezak), Joe Clark, Brian Griffith, Ed Roth, Simply Saucer bassist Kevin Christoff, and Michael Birthelmer (who also produced).
The CD is available at his live shows as well as cdbaby and as downloads on eMusic, iTunes, and cdbaby.
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