Showing posts with label James Anthony. Show all posts
Showing posts with label James Anthony. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Throwback Thursday: April Foolery - Justin Timberlake Recruits Local Musicians For Blues CD

Update of 2009 Post

Pop Superstar Justin Timberlake certainly knows where to find great blues musicians. He'll be working with some Hamilton talent for his new blues CD.

In a move that stunned the music world, Timberlake has turned his back on pop/dance music. "I'm sick of all the repetitive, cookie cutter, shallow, repetitive s#!+," he said.

"I've been feeling down for a while now, " he added, "I didn't want the fame, the prestige, the riches, the groupies - so becoming a Blues musician seemed to be the best choice."

A Google search landed him at this very blog where he discovered the great talent that Hamilton and Burlington had to offer.

To record his new CD, he recruited guitarist James Anthony. "This is a dream come true!" James said enthusiastically, "I have all his CDs, including his stuff with N Sync - not to mention all the posters on my wall!"

James is joined by Dale Park on drums (returning to drumming just for this project), Michael Hickey on bass, and Lou Campanella (TNT Bluesmen, Hammertones) on harp. Also in the band are Justin's rumoured love interest, Lily Sazz on keyboards and Loretta Hale on trumpet (who some say is also seeing the pop star).

This amazing band has already recorded two songs: "Britney Done Left Me"and "Wardrobe Malfunction Blues".

As a transition from his old style to his new one, Justin has decided to re-record his mega-hit SexyBack as a folky blues song with the help of Alfie Smith.

"I sing that song in the shower all the time!" Alfie exclaimed, "It'll be a privilege to finally record it."

The album will be rushed into production soon to prevent illegal downloading. It should be out in late April. "Fools will think this is impossible," Justin explains, "But they'll see I can sing the blues with the best of them."

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Thursday, February 13, 2025

Throwback Thursday: James Anthony Releases Acoustic CD: All Spruced Up

Original post: January 24, 2009
Updated: February 13, 2025


Burlington musician, James Anthony's CD, All Spruced Up, is a collection of solo acoustic numbers.

It includes original songs, traditional tunes (Worried Life Blues, Tell 'Em Now) and a cover of John Prine's All the Way With You.

In the liner notes, James says it was done in one take across two sessions.

"This is about as raw as it gets," he added, "Guess you can say its the real me sitting in your kitchen singing"

The CD will be sold at his shows and through his web site. Click here to contact him to order.

Wednesday, January 11, 2023

Throwback Thursday: King Biscuit Boy, Nine Big Dogs, Songwriters' Circle

This is our first in a recurring series of 'Throwback Thursday' posts where we celebrate the wonderful past of the local music scene (specifically pre-2000). If you know of any videos, old posters, trivia bites, etc that would be perfect for this, please email us at blueshamilton@gmail.com

Links: King Biscuit Boy, More KBB Stories, Video above courtesy of Lori Newcomb


Links: Nine Big Dogs, Video above courtesy of Yrret Noskcaj

Former member Mike Daley had this to say on social media:

Baytides Cafe on King St. at Victoria was a coffeehouse with nightly performances by the likes of Edgar Breau, Russ Brice, Ken Brown, myself and Alex Bako. Ken, a talented guitarist/flautist, put together a project with Alex around '89 called the Bogus around Alex's funny and sardonic songs. Alex, who was also an actor, knew bassist Tim Hopkins from the Toy Town Troupers, who brought in Greg Allworth, a drummer that he knew from the York music programme. 

The band was renamed Nine Big Dogs and they entered a battle of the bands at Mohawk College. They won, and the prize was a recording session leading to a demo tape. That demo tape was heard by Jim Skarratt, who decided that he wanted to add Nine Big Dogs to his roster, which would eventually include Guitar Mikey, the Phantoms and electric violinist Mark Wood. 

Ken quit the band at that point and I, a 21-year-old jazz student at Mohawk, was asked to join on electric guitar. We signed recording, publishing and management contracts with Spy, a classic conflict of interest. Our album was recorded and mixed in Fort Erie at River Audio with Ed Stone over a couple of weekends. It came out in 1991, distributed by A&M, on CD and cassette. 

"Dougie's Lament" was picked up by Don Berns at CFNY and given regular rotation for a time, which helped us to get bookings at the Horseshoe, Lee's Palace, a couple of months of Mondays at Ultrasound, the Rivoli and many more. 

Spy took us out to Halifax in a tour bus where we showcased at the COCA conference for university and college bookers, where we met (and were blown off the stage by) an unsigned band doing a similar act named the Barenaked Ladies. 

Dissatisfaction was growing as very little money was coming in for these strenuous efforts, and in '92 Tim Hopkins quit the group to be replaced by a young bassist named Mike Arsenault. A highlight with Mike was a live recording for CFNY at the Ultrasound complete with recording truck. Finally Alex quit the band and the whole thing was over. For me in retrospect it was a valuable lesson in the risks and rewards of the music business and a lot of fun while it lasted.


Featuring: Cindy Dell (Host), Lee Anne Wesseling, John Loucks, Duane Rutter, Stephen Hogg, Sue Sweetman, JP Riemens, Terry Sumsion, Kris St. Louis, James Anthony, Judi Rideout, and more.

Video above courtesy of Cindy Dell

More Throwback Thursday Posts


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Monday, July 20, 2020

James Anthony Band Matinee Live Returns to Burlington


Now that most of Ontario is in stage 3, live music will slowly be returning. James Anthony has quickly put his Saturday matinee (1:30-5pm) at the Uptown Social House in Burlington back in action. He will also be playing acoustic with a guest on Thursdays from 7 to 10.

For only $5, you can see James Anthony and his talented guests rock the place in person!

Here are the guests he has scheduled:

July 25: Chuck Jackson of Downchild Blues Band



Links: Chuck Jackson, More Downchild Stories, More Muddy Waters Covers/Stories, Video above courtesy of ABCooper Media

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August 1: Djino LeFrancois



Links: Djino LeFrancois, Video above courtesy of daragent2

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August 8: Terry Chisholm



Links: Terry Chisholm, Video above courtesy of Colin Cherry

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August 15: Danny B



Links: Danny B, More Danny B Stories, Video above courtesy of  Kimberley Leonard

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August 22: Brant Parker



Links: Brant Parker, More Brant Parker Stories, Video above courtesy of Canal Bank Shuffle

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August 29: Amber Durette



Links: Amber Durette, Video above courtesy of Grant Lyle

Here's a bonus video of James playing solo.



Links: James Anthony, More James Anthony Stories, Video above courtesy of James Anthony

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Friday, April 3, 2020

Virus/Isolation Videos by Lester Smith, Dan Medakovic, JP Cormier, Troy Harmer, James Anthony


We hope everyone out there is safe and healthy as we go through this unprecedented time in our history. Please remember to STAY HOME as much as possible and reach out (through phone or computer) to those who may be alone. We are in this together!

Thank you to all the people who are still out there working to keep our essential services going.

Just a reminder that this is a perfect opportunity to go online to discover new local musical artists. You can support them by purchasing their music and tipping when they have streaming concerts.



Links: Les Smith, More Les Smith Stories, Video above courtesy of Lester Smith



Links: Danny Medakovic, More Dan Medakovic Stories, Video above courtesy of Dan Medakovic



Links: JP Cormier, More JP Cormier Stories, Video above courtesy of J.P. Cormier



Links: Troy Harmer, More Troy Harmer Stories, More Neil Diamond Covers/Stories, Video above courtesy of Troy Harmer Live In Concert At Your Place



Links: James Anthony, More James Anthony Stories, Video above courtesy of James Anthony

Any local artist have a virus/isolation song? Please email us at blueshamilton@gmail.com

Links: More COVID-19 Videos, Guide to Helping Musicians during COVID-19

Previous (Trebleclef and Erin McGean Join KISS) - - - Next (Canadian Folk Music Award Winners)

Sunday, March 22, 2020

Local Music Scene Reacts to Kenny Rogers' Passing


Sadly, American Country Music Legend Kenny Rogers passed away on March 20, 2020. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

Local Media
A number of local artists posted covers of some of his incredible songs in honour of the unforgettable musician.



Links: Chopped Liver, Video above courtesy of Chopped Liver Bluegrass Band



Links: Whitehorse, More Whitehorse Stories, Video above courtesy of Melissa McClelland

Tim Hicks did a Kenny cover a few years ago



Links: Tim Hicks, More Tim Hicks Stories, Video above courtesy of Tim Hicks

Here are some local social media reactions. We will add more as we find it.

Heather Sinclair (H&G Entertainer Services)
One of the best storyteller singers there was...and so many of us got pulled into his stories. The last hand is folded.
Brad Hails (Killin' Time Band)
I still remember the day My Dad brought home two cassette tapes (Ktel) Kenny Rogers greatest hits and Elton John's greatest hits. I was maybe 6 or 7 years old and I played them till they didn’t work anymore. Kenny Rogers was my favourite back then and I still know every word on that tape off by heart. It has come in handy many times when an audience drunkenly chants until we give in and play the Gambler but so many great classic 70s country songs. Thank you to my Dad Alan Hails for bringing those tapes into my Life and thanks to Kenny Rogers for singing some great slick country stories that were music to a 6 year olds ears! RIP Kenny, you sure made some good chicken. I will be spinning and picking some Classic KG today!
James Anthony
Back in around 1970 Dan Munro and I played a gig in The West End of Toronto. A girl asked us to go to a house party in Misissauga after . We of course went and found ourselves upstairs in the living room hanging with another new band called the "First Edition" Another young singer Mac Davis and I pulled out our guitars and jammed for while on the porch and we all got really high lol. I actually showed Mac a few blues licks Great memory and nice people. Kenny was a really great guy.RIP... 

Previous (Spring Videos) - - - Next (Sean Cunnington Passes)

Friday, October 25, 2019

Hamilton's Shawn O'Halloran Passes


It is with sadness that we announce the passing of the talented Hamilton musician, Shawn O'Halloran. He passed away on Thursday, October 24, 2019 . Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

Click here for his obituary.

Shawn was a veteran of the area music scene and had played with Crowbar, King Biscuit Boy, Trickbag, the Stingrays, Neon Moon, and was a celebrated solo act as well.

A word from Lou, our blogger
I was lucky enough to meet Shawn on a number of occasions and considered him a good friend. He was extremely friendly and humble plus had immense musical talent. I will miss him terribly.
There was lots of social media reaction to his passing. Here are a few examples. We will add more as we discover them.

Michael Hickey
I was glad to have played with him in Trickbag all those years ago...the original Trickbag. Paul and Donna...Larry and Lindsey Shawn and me....The last show I played with Shawn was a CD release show for his last recording...included in that band our friend Carl Horton....also not with us any more. So sad. My pal Michael J. Birthelmer had been working on a new CD of Shawn's...he was a good songwriter...that CD is almost done...so I'm told...you know something? sometimes life seems so unfair...mostly we font get a chance to say goodbye...but we do get to remember the music....rest Shawn...God Bless....
Bill Dillon
We'd just finished an album that he sang some backgrounds for, he did a beautiful job, what a gorgeous voice, such a lovely guy,, and I was to play on a track for Shawn's yet to be finished and mixed record.
A lifelong member of Hamilton's music community and dear close friend to so many left in shock today, we just turn around and they're gone. 
Thank you Shawn for your friendship, your fine example, and your gift to all.
There's a special place for you now, our hearts.
George Bakhuis (Neon Moon)
A sad day for NEON MOONERS. Shawn O'Halloran who was our bass player for a few years in NEON MOON passed away. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Our condolences to Shawn's family and friends.
 James Anthony
He was the bass player in my Father in law Ernie Vargas band years ago and I played with him a few times also. Great guy. I wish I knew him better. I took him up to Gravenhurst once for a weeks gig.





Links: Shawn O'Halloran, More Shawn O'Halloran Stories, Videos above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

Blast from the Past: Shawn's Jumpin' the Gun on Mardis Grad Album Review

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Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Hamilton Music Legend Dallas Harms Passes


It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Canadian Country Music Legend Dallas Harms. The fabled Hamiltonian passed away on October 12, 2019. Our condolences to his family, friend and fans.

Dallas had many chart-topping hits including his number one smash Honky Tonkin' (All Night Long) and  Paper Rosie (later recorded by American Gene Watson as a top 3 single and title track to his album).

He was inducted to the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame in 1989 and won the Hamilton Music Awards Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.  Also Paper Rosie was inducted into Canadian Songwriting Hall of Fame in 2018.

Click here for the Hamilton Spectator story.

Click here for the FYI Music News story.

There was a lot of social media reaction regarding his passing. Here are a few samples:

James Anthony
My father in law Ernie Varga goes back many years with him. Dallas was with him when my wife was born...I played with him a few times and he gave me his old Sunn amp a few years back. RIP. Sad news.
George Belmore
It was an honour to play for you and call you friend. Godspeed.
TommyGunn
He brought Rock and Roll to Canada in the form of RONNIE HAWKINS!
We'll add more comments as we find them.









Links: Dallas Harms, More Dallas Harms Stories, Videos above courtesy of K Burgess

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Friday, March 1, 2019

News Roundup, Part 1 (Jackie Shane Passes, James Anthony + Ted Peters, Coachmen + Spencer Mackenzie)



Adventures of Trebleclef, the Music-Loving Monkey

Trebleclef returned to the Coach and Lantern in Ancaster to see the Coachmen's weekly Saturday matinee. Their guest was the explosive Spencer Mackenzie.

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Later on, he also went to the Uptown Social House in Burlington again. This time the James Anthony Band teamed up with the fabulous Ted Peters.




Previous (CHCH Videos) - - - Next (News Roundup, Part 2)

Friday, February 22, 2019

News Roundup (Covenant Awards, James Anthony, Brant Parker, Blues Pirates)

Reality Check

More Musical Toons


News

Local
  • Collaboration: Infinitely More and Drew Brown - My Soul Is Spoken For



    Links: Infinitely More, Drew Brown, Video above courtesy of InfinitelyMoreBand

  • Instrumental Song: Drew Brown- Shadows and Light
  • Rap Song: Drew Brown and Cyril Guerette - Good Friday
  • Seasonal Album: Drew Brown - Beauty Bright
  • Artist: The Color
  • Album: The Colour - First Day Of My Life
  • Album Artwork Design: Brian Doerksen - Grateful (art by Roberta Landreth)
  • Children's Album: Q-Town - Break Free
  • Children's Song: Brad Guldemond and Greg Sykes - Even More
  • Country Song: Rosemary Siemens, Billy Sprague and Joe Beck: Heavenly Harvest
  • Country/Southern Gospel Album: Canada's Double Portion - There Is More
  • Female Vocalist: Brooke Nicholls
  • Folk Album: Infinitely More - The Beauty Of The One
  • Folk Song: Brian Doerksen - Scars On His Hands
  • Francophone Album: Mylen Quéry - Amour
  • Francophone Song: Sandie M - A La Croix
  • Gospel Album: Warren Dean Flandez - Speak
  • Gospel Song: Brian Doerksen and  Jaylene Johnson - If Jesus Is The Face Of God
  • Group: The Color
  • Inspirational Album: Brian Doerksen - Grateful
  • Inspirational Song: Mat Crisp, Joanna Lafleur, Steve Lensink, Brooke Nicholls and Chris Vacher: I Will Sing
  • Instrumental Album: Steve Wingfield - Amazing Grace - Songs Of Inspiration
  • Jazz/Blues Song: Johnny Summers - My God, He Said
  • Male Vocalist: Jordan St.Cyr
  • New Artist: Jordan St.Cyr
  • Pop/Rock Album: The Colour - First Day Of My Life
  • Pop Song: Jordan St.Cyr and Ben Calhoun - In My Lifetime
  • Praise and Worship Album: C4 Worship - What Is A Mountain - EP
  • Praise and Worship Song: Greg Sykes and Darren Mulligan - No Greater Love (How Marvelous)
  • Producer: Roy Salmond
  • Radio Single: The Color - Let It Be Love
  • Recorded Song: Jordan St.Cyr - In My Lifetime
  • Rock Song: West Of Here - The Other Side
  • Seasonal Song: Derin Bello and Andrew Horrocks: A Merry Christmas To You
  • Song: Jordan St.Cyr and Ben Calhoun - In My Lifetime
  • Southern Gospel Song: Christina Hemmerling, Debbie Hemmerling and Duncan A Hemmerling - Hands
  • Urban/Rap Album: Warren Dean Flandez - Speak
  • Urban Song: Chelsea Amber and Nate Savage - Face The Waves
  • Video: The Color - Let It Be Love

            Adventures of Trebleclef, the Music-Loving Monkey

            Trebleclef visited the Uptown Social House in Burlington for the first time. He checked out the incredible James Anthony Band's weekly Saturday Blues matinee. The guest that week was the electrifying Brant Parker.




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            The next day, he went back to Stonewalls in Hamilton, They've got a weekly Sunday Blues matinee. The Blues Pirates were the stars of the show. Treble had lots o' fun!


            Friday, August 31, 2018

            News Roundup (Remembering Rick Bissell, Timid the Brave, Arkells, More)

            Former Simply Saucer Manager Rick Bissell Passes


            Facebook comments from Edgar Breau (Simply Saucer)
            Rick was the 'discoverer' of Simply Saucer in 1974, our first manager. He set up the Master Sound studio sessions with the Lanois Brothers that ultimately became side one of Cyborgs Revisited. Husband of his beloved and beautiful Monique, father of Shawn.
            Originally from Montreal, Rick came to Hamilton and set up one of the first import record stores here, Hermandad Records in the Lister Block in the early 1970's. Some of you record collectors out there will remember the cool imports you could buy at the store. He was a communications consultant for Bell and AT&T, brought his family with him to Saudia Arabia for a time where he did consulting work there. 
            Well there's much more to tell about our friend but tonight's the time to mourn the passing of our cherished friend, Rick. May he rest in peace.

              News

              Local
              Spectator Stories
              Canada
              Passings

                Adventure of Trebleclef, the Music-Loving Monkey

                Trebleclef saw his friends Trickbag at the Chicken and Corn Roast at the Brant Naval Veterans Association. He had tons of fun.


                Click to see more pictures from the event.

                Monday, August 27, 2018

                Kitchener's Peter Shaw Passes


                It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Kitchener teacher and musical entertainer Peter Shaw. He passed away on Monday, August 27, 2018. There will be a viewing on Friday, August 31 at Henry Walser in Kitchener from 2-4pm, 7-9pm. The funeral service is on Saturday, Sept 1, 2018, 10 am at St. Clement's Church in Cambridge. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

                Here are a few social media comments. We'll add more as we find them.

                James Anthony
                Lost my good friend Peter Shaw this morning. Sad day here...Great man, teacher and singer. He will be missed by so many.
                Jesse Webber
                Rest in eternal happiness Mr Peter Shaw. God speed. 




                More Elton John Covers/Stories



                More John Denver Covers/Stories

                Links: Peter Shaw, Videos above courtesy of Daniel Shaw

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                Wednesday, December 20, 2017

                More FREE Amazing Valleyview Studios Christmas Albums



                A few years ago, we wrote about the amazing FREE holiday music offered through Valleyview Studios.  It features incredible, multi-genre seasonal tracks from many talented local artists.

                Here's what they've been up to since. Click the song title to listen and download.

                2016 Compilation
                1. Carl Didur and Mike McLean - I've Been Away for a While
                2. Dave Rave - Not Just Christmas Time



                  Links: Dave Rave, More Dave Rave Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

                3. Doug Feaver - All Because It's Christmas Time
                4. Gary Pig Gold - East West
                5. Hailee Rose - It's Christmas Time Again
                6. Kris Kringle and The Jingled Bells - Santa's High (Above On Christmas Eve)
                7. Kyle Kuchmey - Welcome Christmas
                8. Rick Andrew - Long Way Down
                9. Rocket and The Renegades - Lonely Jew At Christmas
                10. Ruth Sutherland - The Coventry Carol
                11. The Horsewig Singers - The Holidaze
                12. Trickbag - Merry Christmas Baby
                13. Vader's Raiders - Older By Year And Younger By Soul
                1. Carl Didur and Mike McLean - O Christmas Tree
                2. Chloe and Tom Forsyth - The Man With The Bag
                3. Chris Wheeler, James Gannett and Matt Burns - Mr. Grinch Medley
                4. Dave Rave - Come On Now (It's Christmas)
                5. Doug Feaver - Christmas Night
                6. Doug Feaver - It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
                7. Hailee Rose - I Cannot Wait
                8. James Anthony - All I Want For Christmas
                9. Kyle Kuchmey - Music from Edward Scissorhands
                10. Lester Smith - Christmas Ain't Christmas (Without My Missus)



                  Links: Les Smith, More Les Smith Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

                11. Rick Andrew - Alone At Christmas Blues
                12. Robin Magder (aka Rocket) - Lowdown Christmas
                13. Ruth Sutherland - Carol of the Bells
                14. Scott McLeod and Alistair Shields - Jelly of the Month
                15. The Sheanderthals - Glasgow's Cryin' (Teenage Head cover)
                16. Tim Gibbons - Like An Old Christmas Tree
                17. Trickbag - Who Took The Merry Out Of Christmas? (Staples Singers cover)

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