Johnny Max & His So-Called Friends is a Remarkable Album

Mini-Review: Toronto's Johnny Max surrounds himself with oodles of talented artists from the Hamilton & Niagara areas for his latest remarkable album. Johnny Max & His So-Called Friends, is packed with a Blues sounds:  boogie-woogie, jazz, soul, funk, country-flavours, and more. This is all blended in to Johnny's trademark down to earth stylings and lyrics.

Available on Bandcamp, Spotify, Amazon Music

Main Band

• Johnny Max - Lead Vocals, Producer
• Jim Casson - Drums & Percussion, Producer
• Mitch Lewis - Guitars
• Dylan Wickens - Guitars
• Steve Goldberger - Bass
• Bill Evans - Keyboards

Guests

• Neil Chapman - Guitar 
• Jay Burr - Tuba
• Quisha Wint - Vocals
• Suzie Vinnick - Vocals
• Wayne Deadder - Guitars & Vocals
• Russ Boswell - Bass
• Dave Dunlop - Trumpet
• Sabine Casson - Vocals 
• Nan McAneney  - Spoken Voice

Links: Johnny Max, More Johnny Max Stories, Album above courtesy of Bandcamp

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Previous (Caissie Levy Earns Tony Award) - - - Next (Throwback Thursday: Steve Strongman in 2009)

Lest We Forget! Remembrance Day Videos ft Michael J Birthelmer, Leonard Cohen and more

Update of 2015 Post

Links: Michael Birthelmer, More Michael Birthelmer Stories, Video above courtesy of Michael Hickey



Links: Buy the Single on iTunes, Video above courtesy of Standing Strong and True



Links: Leonard Cohen, More Leonard Cohen Stories, Video above courtesy of Legion Magazine



Links: John McCormack, Video above courtesy of WW1 Photos

More Remembrance Day Songs

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Previous (Nominees for the Canadian Folk Music Awards) - - - Next (Throwback Thursday: Blues With a Feeling 2009)

Hamilton's Kyle Pacey Proclaims His Return with Road Songs

Award-winning Hamilton artist Kyle Pacey is back with a new fabulous musical collection: Road Songs. He's turned up the soul on this one without sacrificing any of the rockin' energy Kyle's known for. There's also an extra funky vibe on a few tracks.

In only 5 tunes, Kyle and the gang inject the songs with enough grooves and jazzy bits for two full albums. Kyle's unmistakable voice proclaims his victorious return as his guitar punches through with dexterity and skill. 

Joining Kyle is the main backup band consiting of  Michael Sloski (drums), Howard Ayee (bass) and Rob Gusevs (keyboards). Guests include Jay Burr, Michael Birthelmer and Donna Panchezak  (Trickbag).

Physical CDs are available at Kyle's incredible live shows. The recording's also available on his Bandcamp page, iTunes and Spotify

You can stream the album below.

Links: Kyle Pacey, More Kyle Pacey Stories, More Releases

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Previous (Canadian Country Music Awards Nominees) - - - Next (1st Annual Blues Legend & Legacy Distinctions)

Happy International Tuba Day! Jay Burr, Dave Bargeron of Blood Sweat & Tears, Rebirth Brass Band

Updated from a 2018 Post

Links: More Jay Burr Stories, FOG Brass Band, Video above courtesy of Rebecca Hennesy



Links: Tom Waits Appreciation Congregation, More Tom Waits Covers/Stories, Video above courtesy of Splashwave Productions



Links: Rebirth Brass Band, Video above courtesy of RebirthBB



Links: Blood Sweat and Tears, Video above courtesy of  charsbass1

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Previous (Accordion Day Videos) - - - Next (Blues Music Award Winners)

Check Out Some Incredible Local Songwriting at #LocalLyricsShowcase

Our fantastic marketing maven, Linda has been spotlighting the incredible songwriting prowess of our local talent though the Facebook hashtag #LocalLyricsShowcase. Every weekend, she posts lyrics and a video to a wonderful song written by a local musician. Check it out every week for new posts.

GREAT JOB LINDA! 

Here are a few samples from previous weeks

Links: Shawn Brush, More Shawn Brush Stories, Video above courtesy of thekrookedcowboy

Links: David Lum, More David Lum Stories, Video above courtesy of David Lum - Topic

Links: Jay Burr, More Jay Burr Stories, Video above courtesy of N. Jay Burr

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Previous (Spring Videos) - - - Next (Lowell Fulson's 100th Birthday)

Dundas Music Club Offering Phenomenal Performances Online! Videos by Sharon Washington/Scotty Bakalar, Lily Sazz, Steve Parton, Dan Medakovic, Jay Burr

The Dundas Music Club has the solution for your lockdown blues. Their Facebook page has some phenomenal videos for you to watch.

Every Wednesday at 7 pm, they run a watch party (there's usually a theme). Even if you can't make it to that, many of the incredible videos stay on the page and you can listen to them at your leisure.

Here's some of what's available now:



Links: More Sharon Washington Stories, Scotty Bakalar, More Scotty Bakalar Stories, Video above courtesy of Sharon Washington



Links: Lily Sazz, More Lily Sazz Stories, Video above courtesy of Lily Sazz



Links: Steve Parton, More Steve Parton Stories, Video above courtesy of Steve Parton



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



Links: Jay Burr, More Jay Burr Stories, Video above courtesy of Jay Burr

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Previous (Lily Nazar Passes) - - - Next (Canal Bank Blues Shuffle Videos)

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 Krawchuk, More Wayne Krawchuk Stories,  Videos above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers, More Releases

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

Experience Gritty, Vivid Storytelling on New Album from Hamilton's Dave Pomfret

The new songs on A Devil's Urge, the compelling sophomore album from Dave Pomfret will lure you in with their catchy, rootsy, pop hooks.  Once they've captured you, be ready to experience some incredible, vivid, lyrical storytelling.

Dave's gritty voice will guide you into tales of a bank robbing muscle man (a true story!), heartbreak, loss and more. Each track has its own phenomenal spirit and vibe. The layered texture of the sound also illuminates your way through this musical journey.  

Dave's chosen a number of amazing local artists to back him up.  His co-horts in the band Fry Truck are here: Dan Medakovic (baking vocals), Chris Altmann (pedal steel, piano, organ) and Matt Coleman (fiddle). Also joining him are Mike Trebilcock (guitar, vocals) , Greg Brisco (organ), Jay Burr (horns), Ross Wooldridge (saxophone) plus Lisa Winn and Brennagh Burns  on backing vocals.

You can pick up the CD at his wonderful live shows or go to Dr. Disc in Hamilton. It should be available on iTunes soon too.

Blast from the Past: Dave's Previous CD

Links: Dave Pomfret. More Dave Pomfret Stories, Videos above courtesy of Dave Pomfret, More Releases

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Previous (News Roundup: Folk Sinners, James Anthony w Wendell Ferguson, The Band) - - - Next (David Gillis Win Canadian Folk Music Award)

New CD from Grimsby's Shari Vandermolen and Quarter to Nine Is Fiery and Stirring

Grimsby's Shari Vandermolen and her amazing jazz band Quarter to Nine have put their best foot forward on the group's explosive new self titled album.  This fiery and stirring recording will leave its mark on you.

The wonderful frontlady uses an actor's craft when belting out these incredible tunes.  You can really feel the conviction and emotion in each song.  The rest of the unbelievable band bumps and bops with skill and panache  throughout.

Quarter to Nine includes such luminaries as Steve McRae (Piano), James Gannett (Bass), Michael Yeates (Drums), Jay Burr (Trombone) and Ray Chantler (Trumpet).  Urmas Soomet (Bass) and Steve Tomalty (Drums) guest on one track.

You can pick up a CD at any of the band's gripping live shows or via their website.  It's available for download at
iTunes as well.

Blast from the Past: Quarter to Nine and Other Jazz Videos



Links: Quarter to Nine, More Quarter to Nine Stories, More Releases, Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

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Previous (News Roundup: Hamilton Music Scene Group Photo, Chris Strei, Dan McKinnon, Sammy Duke) - - - Next (Janice Jo Lee Wins 2015 Oktoberfest Woman of The Year Award in the Arts and Culture Category)

Mark McNeil Brings Hamilton History to Musical Life on < Flashbacks >

History lessons don't have to be boring and dull, especially with Hamilton's colourful past.  The Hammer's Mark McNeil and his band of musical historians have taken the city's most interesting tales and brought them to vivid life on Flashbacks,

The CD is an extension of James Street, the incredible musical written by Mark. This Hamilton Music Award nominated album will tell you true tales about infamous alleged killer Evelyn Dick, a crazy monkey called Jacko, Einstein's brain, and Hamilton's military past.  History was never this fun!

Mark has enlisted some amazing Steeltown talent to add amazing music to these wonderful stories: Michael Hickey (bass), Paul Panchezak of Trickbag (drums/percussion), Jeff Griffiths (drums), Steve Parisien (guitar), Jay Burr (tuba/trombone), Charly Chiarelli (harmonica), Steve Fuller (fiddle), Cyndi Devereux (fiddle), Geoff Somers (fiddle), Allison Lupton (flute), Gayle Bridger (bodhran/cajon), Major Michael Rehill and the RHLI Military Band, Orange McFarland (bass). Background vocals by Mike Trebilcock, Paula Grove, Jon Gordon Odegaard, Kris Rochard and Scott Cameron Smith.

Copies of his historical CD can be picked up at  The Hamilton Store and the front Desk of the Hamilton Spectator building or ordered online vie The Spec Store,   Downloads are available through Bandcamp.







Blast from the Past: Videos from the Musical James Street

Links: Mark McNeil, More Mark McNeil stories, Videos above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers, More Releases

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Previous (News Roundup w Alfie Smith, Hamilton Gets Special Juno, Hairy Mulligan, Brad Soucie) - - - Next (Troy Harmer Wins Randy Bachman Guitar Solo Competition)

New Danny Medakovic CD, Jolley Cut, Makes You Dance and Makes You Think

Dundas singer/songwriter Danny Medakovic has struck the perfect balance between lyricism and rhythm.  On his latest CD, Jolley Cut, the words either tell a story or set a mood.  Also, he and his band give almost everything an infectious bounce.  It's great to dance to but also a little more artistic than your average release.

There's definitely a lot of fun on this album as he takes the listener to the great outdoors, Central America, on the road, and more.  For contrast, the tunes also touch on heartbreak, longing, and nostalgia.

Danny's superb team includes his Fry Truck bandmates Matt Coleman and Carrie Ashworth as well as ex-Fry Trucker Mike Trebilcock.  Other great guests on the album are Marshall Bureau, Chris Altmann, Mary Simon, Ben Bowen, Jay Burr, Troy Dowding, Aaron Zukewich, Jeff Pearce, and Jeff Ball.

You can pick up the CD at his phenomenal live shows or online at Indiepool.  It can also be downloaded through iTunes.








Videos above courtesy of Dan Medakovic

Blast from the Past: Video of Dan and Friends at the West Town

Links: Danny Medakovic, More Dan Medakovic Stories, More Releases

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Previous (Johannes Linstead Videos) - - - Next (New Will Ross CD)

New Carol Greene with Wayne Krawchuk CD: The Crazy Love Recordings

The Crazy Love Recordings, the amazing new CD from Carol Greene with Wayne Krawchuk is a fabulous trip through the musical landscape. It's packed with remarkable cover songs.  Recorded by Jay Burr, the CD is a live off the floor affair with a ton of warmth.

You can hear great versions of timeless tunes such as the McCoy's Hang on Sloopy, Van Morrison's Crazy Love, Neil Young's Comes a Time, and John Prine's Angel from Montgomery.  Also, the band do a stupendous job on works by Hamilton's Daniel Lanois, Jonathan Byrd, Emmylou Harris, Lucinda Williams, Jayhawks, Steve Earle, and Gillian Welch. 

Carol's beautiful voice definitely offers something new to these classic tracks.  She handles rhythm guitar and ukulele too.  Wayne offers up his vocal talents (they harmonize extremely well) and tremendous guitar skills. The duo, along with the talented Ron Cole on accordion and the skilled Joe Gravina on drums, forge everything with a fantastic country/roots sound and a bit of Cajun style.

If you're interested in a copy of this wonderful disc, please email waynekrawchuk@hotmail.com.



Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

Blast from the Past: Videos - Carol sings with Banned from Heaven (featuring Wayne)

Links: Carol Greene, More Carol Greene Stories, Wayne Krawchuk, More Wayne Krawchuk Stories, More CD Releases

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Previous (News Roundup w Sue Leonard, Johanna Pavia and Mike Almas) - - - Next (2 Episodes of Ensemble Online)

News Roundup (Music Legends Revealed, Tuba4, Crowbar)

Local

• Spec story on Dave Rave
• Kathleen Edwards on Exclaim's top folk albums of 2012
• Star story on Hamilton's culture
• Glenn Brown (Hamilton Musician Mag) interviewed on Cable 14

Canada

• Saturday Night Blues names top X-Mas tracks
  

World

• Podcasts: Nothing But the Blues 221, Blues & Roots 175
• Legends Revealed: Was "Wild Horses" named after something Marianne Faithful said?, Did McCartney write a song under an assumed name?, What did Petula Clark do to keep Harry Belafonte from being cut from her TV special?
• Rush, Albert King & Heart in R&R Hall of Fame
• 2013 Blues Grammy nominees

Funny/Weird

• Beatles Related Toon

Blasts From the Past

• 2009: Trickbag@Buddy's
• 2010: Tiny Bill Cody@Artword Artbar 
• 2011: Matthew deZoete@Artword Artbar

Featured Videos



Links: Brodie Dawson, Tuba4, More Tuba 4 Stories, Video courtesy of Brodie Dawson



Links: Crowbar, More Crowbar Stories, Video courtesy of Mandoflash

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Previous (New Mike Allen CD) 

Debut Tuba4 CD: To the Head (+ Videos)

If you love your music on the jazzy side but want a little extra kick to it, Tuba4's debut CD, To the Head is for you. Together, they create a sound that blends lounge, funk, swing, and much more.

Tuba4 is a trio consisting of music veterans, Bruce Tournay (vocals, keys), Jay Burr (tuba), and Danny Lockwood (drums). The disc also has special appearances by local guitarists Mark LaForme and Mike Daley.

Highlights include the extra funky Suck it Up and Overbite (Girl in the Corner) as well as a killer version of Little Richard's Tutti Frutti.

The CD is available at their live shows (including a weekly Monday night gig at Cat N Fiddle)

Below are a few peromances from their CD release party at the Cat N Fiddle on September 26, 2011.









Click here for Tuba4's YouTube page

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Previous (Dharlings@Station House) - - - Next (Bob Basiuk/Mike Hogg@Pheasant Plucker) 

Michael Birthelmer and Friends@Pine Street Garden Concert Series (July 14, 2011) Part 2

Click here if you can't see the videos.

Left to right: Paul Panchezak (Trickbag), Ed Roth, Michael Birthelmer, Jay Burr











Click here for part 1

Links: Michael Birthelmer, More Michael Birthelmer Stories


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Previous (Michael Birthelemer@Pine Street, Part 1) - - - Next (Felicia McMinn@Artword Artbar)

Michael Birthelmer and Friends@Pine Street Garden Concert Series (July 14, 2011) Part 1

Click here if you can't see the videos.

Left to right: Paul Panchezak (Trickbag), Ed Roth, Michael Birthelmer, Jay Burr









More footage from this show to come later . . .

Bonus video courtesy of Focus Media 100



Links: Michael Birthelmer, More Michael Birthelmer Stories


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Previous (Mark Jungers@Moonshine Cafe) - - - Next (Michael Birthelmer@Pine Street, Part 2)

Choir Deets @ Artword Artbar (July 3, 2010)

Click here if you can't see the videos.

Choir Deets are Mike Trebilcock (guitar, vocals) and Jay Burr (tuba). They were celebrating the birthday of Mississippi John Hurt.













Links: Choir Deets - More Mike Trebilcock Stories

Burlington Ribfest - September 6, 2009 (Part 2)

If you can't see the videos below, click here

Quick Links: Part 1



Mike Stevenson, More Beatles Covers/News Stories

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Michael Keys

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Links: James Anthony, More James Anthony Stories
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Downchild

Burlington Ribfest - September 6, 2009 (Part 1)

Mike Stevenson

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Michael Keys

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Andre and the J-Tones

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Links: James Anthony, More James Anthony Stories
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Downchild

Dundas Cactus Festival (Aug 14, 2009)

More Beatles Covers/News Stories

Links - Mike Trebilcock site - More Mike Trebilcock stories

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Links: Crawlin' Kingsnakes site, More Crawlin' Kingsnakes Stories