Showing posts with label Jude Johnson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jude Johnson. Show all posts

Monday, July 6, 2020

Hamilton-Born Singer/Broadway Star Nick Cordero Passes


It is with sadness that we report on the passing of Nick Cordero, a Hamilton born singer and Tony-nominated Broadway star. He passed away on July 5 after a much publicized brave battle with COVID-19.Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

Please consider donating to help his family by clicking here.

Media Stories:
His wife posted the following:
RIP Nick  7/5/20: God has another angel in heaven now. My darling husband passed away this morning. He was surrounded in love by his family, singing and praying as he gently left this earth.  I am in disbelief and hurting everywhere. My heart is broken as I cannot imagine our lives without him. Nick was such a bright light. He was everyone’s friend, loved to listen, help and especially talk. He was an incredible actor and musician. He loved his family and loved being a father and husband. Elvis and I will miss him in everything we do, everyday.
 - Amanda Kloots 
Here's a sampling of the social media response:

Jesse O'Brien
There just aren't words. RIP Nick Cordero. So young, funny and talented.From his early days at Westdale to "Tony n' Tina's Wedding", to writing/recording his fantastic music, truly a shining star in any room he walked in, it's easy to see why his star shone so bright on Broadway. Sending love to the entire Cordero family.
Shari Dunn
He was a beautiful person inside and out. He was talented in so many ways. He knew how to laugh and have a great time. And oh how we laughed. He knew how to make you feel special and worthy and listened to and loved. He was one in a million. I’m so honoured to have called you a friend. I’ll never forget you for as long as I live. Thank you for being a part of my life. You were just too bright a star. Your life should have blown up the sky for many more years to come. Love you Nick Cordero. I’m just gutted. Sending peace and love to Amanda, Elvis, Nick’s family and all who had the pleasure of knowing you. Rest In Peace and Love
Jude Johnson
Such a vibrant soul...unbelievable...rest now sweet prince....your light will forever shine in the hearts of all who met you, heard you sing, saw you dance...you were a King among men...a gentle soul...a husband and father, a son and brother...a friend to all...so young.
Click here for the  story.



More Louis Armstrong covers/stories



Links: Nick Cordero,, Videos above courtesy of Michael J Moritz Jr

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Thursday, May 14, 2020

GOOD LUCK! 2020 Hamilton Arts Award Nominees



Hamilton's creative strength will shine even through the quarantine thanks to the 2020 City of Hamilton Arts Awards. Click here to view the nominee list.

From the awards website:
In light of the COVID-19 crisis, adjustments to the Arts Awards have been necessary to ensure the well-being of all program participants and public safety. We will continue to celebrate 2020 nominees and award $35,000 in cash prizes to recipients.  The event will shift from a live award ceremony to a series of web-based performances and award presentations. These videos will be posted during Hamilton Arts Week June 11 to 20.  Details to follow.
Musical nominees include:
GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

CONGRATS! Catching Up with the Hamilton Musicians Guild Honourees



It's been a while since we've updated the list of artists that the Hamilton Musicians' Guild have been honouring at their general meetings.

Here's a quick rundown:

September 30, 2019

June 3, 2019
  • Steve Beach (vocals, keys, Trickbag): Life Membership Certificate and Pin
  • Andrew Uranowski (conductor, Concordia Pops Orchestra): AFM Life Membership Certificate and Pin
  • Joey Dimarco (drummer, The Collective R&B):  AFM Life Membership Certificate and Pin



    Video above courtesy of Joey "Pocket" DiMarco

  • Peter MacDonald: Life Membership Certificate and Pin
  • Bob Richardson: Certificate of Live Membership
  • Jon Richardson: 25 Year AFM Membership Pin
  • Diane Kennedy: 25 Year AFM Membership Pin
November 26, 2019

    Previous (Hamilton Spectator Readers' Choice Awards) - - - Next (New Famous and Betty CD)

    Wednesday, November 21, 2018

    Videos: Sonny Del Rio, Trickbag, Smoke Wagon, Big Johnny Blue, Jude Johnson, Rockets


    Sonny Del Rio's annual X-Mas bash is always the highlight of the holiday season and this year's edition will be packed with fabulous music. It's also a celebration of Sonny's 75th birthday and a release party for his new live DVD/CD. Even Santa himself is planning a visit to check out the festivities.

    For only $20, you 'll get the see all of the incredible bands showcased below at the Leander Boat Club in Hamilton. Sunday, November 25, 2018, 1-5pm. IT'LL BE A MAGICAL NIGHT!



    Links: Sonny Del Rio, More Sonny Del Rio Stories, More 5-Star Revue Stories, More Louis Jordan Covers/Stories, Video above courtesy of James Goodrick



    Links: Trickbag, More Trickbag Stories, Video above courtesy of Trickbag Canada



    Links: Smoke Wagon Blues Band, More Smoke Wagon Blues Band Stories, Video above courtesy of Corey Lueck



    Links: Big Johnny Blue, More Big Johnny Blue Stories, Video above courtesy of Vesna Trkulja-Stevens




    Links: Jude Johnson, More Jude Johnson Stories, Carl Horton, More Carl Horton Stories, Video above courtesy of Jude Johnson



    Links: The Rockets, More Rockets Stories, Video above courtesy of Vesna Trkulja-Stevens

    Blast from the Past: Sax Day videos ft Sonny Del Rio

    Previous (Videos: Treeline on Cultivate Music) - - - Next (News Roundup: Don Hayter Passes, Rachel + Timothy Senko, Maggies, Cambridge Times Readers Choice, More)

    Friday, February 16, 2018

    Patty Andrews of the Andrews Sisters 100th Birthday


    Today (Friday, February 16, 2018) would have been the 100th birthday of Patty Andrews of the Andrews Sisters. She's the last of the famous trio to reach that milestone.

    We asked local musicians for comments on the group. Here's a sampling:

    Jude Johnson
    The family genetic harmony of the Andrew Sisters is astounding, seamless in its tonal quality and flawless in its execution. These chicks could sing! swingingest, boogie woogie blowing...the family compact
    Karen Thornton
    Love those sisters and the music from that era. Their harmonies and vocal blend was so amazing, phrasing and intonation was spot on!

    In her honour, here's a video of the Hamilton All-Star Jazz Band performing the trio's biggest hit.



    Links: Hamilton All-Star Jazz Band, More HASJB Stories, Video above courtesy of Reginald Doel

    Here are some videos from the ladies themselves.



    Video above courtesy of aSmokersDelightI



    Video above courtesy of ILOveOldies



    Video above courtesy of David Shelton

    Click here for more 100th birthday celebrations

    Previous (Trebleclef Turns 3) - - - Next (Year of the Dog Videos)

    Sunday, December 10, 2017

    Hamilton's Carl Horton Passes

    Picture courtesy of Carl's Facebook page
    It is with sadness that we announce that Hamilton musician Carl Horton passed away recently.  Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

    UPDATE! Hamilton Spectator story about Carl's passing

    UPDATE! A musical celebration of his life will be at the First Unitarian Church of Hamilton on Wednesday, December 13 (2 pm)
    Carl started his professional music career in 1979. Highlights includes scoring numerous films/TV shows, creating over 450 advertising jingles, teaching, session work, arranging, directing and much more. He's performed for politicians and royalty.  Click here for more detailed bio.

    Carl was beloved by many in the Hamilton music community. Here are a few comments from social media:

    Jude Johnson (Carl's longtime musical partner): 
    My heart is broken....my dear friend...musical partner for 35 yrs...my brother...Carl Horton....a King of a man...unbearable loss for his beloved Tina and daughters Ali and Annie ...our community has lost a great soul...there are no words....
    Adrean Farrugia
    Carl was one of my teachers at Mohawk College in the 90’s. He was a beloved teacher, and musician—always enthusiastic about music and supportive of others. I’m sad to hear that he’s gone. I’ll miss him. It’s a reminder to make the best of each day as we never know how long we’ll be here.
    My condolences to his family. Rest In Peace Carl and thanks for the friendship and inspiration.
    We will add more comments as we find them.



    Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

    To honour his legacy, here are some of his students performing an original tune they wrote.



    Video above courtesy of Altheta Rutherford

    Blast from the Past: Carl Horton and Friends Perform at Pine Street Gardens

    Links: Carl Horton, More Carl Horton Stories, Jude Johnson, More Jude Johnson Stories,

    Previous (News Roundup, Part 2: Canada and World - Patrick Bourgeois, Awards, CBC's Top Albums, Passings) - - - Next (Yodelin' Slim Clark's 100th Birthday)

    Wednesday, October 4, 2017

    Music in Honour of Gary De Podesta


    Local music superfan Gary DePodesta passed away recently and there was a wonderful  musical celebration of his life at the Pearl Company in Hamilton on Friday, October 6, 2017. All monies raised will paid for the rental of the venue as well as to Gracenotes (which helps fund local music projects in Hamilton).

    There are some amazing musical acts, including:

    Previous (New Low Country Hilll EP) - - - Next (News Roundup: Tom Petty, Purple Helmet, Shjaane Glover, Colin Cripps)

    Friday, June 16, 2017

    News Roundup (Jacob Moon, Jude Johnson, Patrick Campbell + Michael Hogg)


    Anita Pallenberg, Keith Richards' ex-girlfriend passes

    News

    Local
    World

      Adventure of Trebleclef, the Music Loving Monkey

      Trebleclef went to Architecture Crawl 2.0 in Hamilton to see Jacob Moon perform an amazing solo show!




      Click here for more pictures from the event

      -----------

      Our little monkey also helped out and had fun at the Concession Streetfest


      Saturday, July 16, 2016

      Hamilton's Kyle Pacey Creates Powerful, High-Caliber CD!



      Recordings from Grammy-Nominated Hamilton Singer/Songwriter Kyle Pacey are 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.

      Kyle's chosen a crack team of area musicians to work with him on this wonderful album.  They include Neil Nickafor, Danny Lockwood, Ed Michael Roth, Kevin Christoff (Simply Saucer), Michael Sloski, Paul Panchezak (Trickbag), Darcy Hepner, Michael Birthelmer (co-producer), Chris Skrzek (Skirt Check) plus the fabulous harmony vocal stylings of Jude Johnson and Sue Leonard.

      There are many places to pick up a copy of this amazing CD.  There's his live shows as well as
      Revolution Records, The Acoustic Room, Flow Lifestyle Boutique, Picks and Sticks, SC Boutique (all in Hamilton).  Also, you can purchase a copy via his website or download it using Bandcamp and cdbaby.







      Links: Kyle Pacey, More Kyle Pacey Stories, Videos above courtesy of Kyle Pacey, More Releases

      Previous (News Roundup: Basic White, Lindy Vopnfjord, Bry Webb) - - - Next (Local CCMA Award Nominations)

      Friday, January 1, 2016

      2015: Year in Review


      2015 was an amazing year for local music.  Hamilton received official designation as the Blues Capital of Canada.  The Hamilton Blues Lovers Blog also won it's first Hamilton Music industry Award.  This was also the year that we introduced Trebleclef, our music-lovin' mascot. His travels took him across the region as he met wonderful musicians and supporters of live music.

      On a sad note, we lost a number of local luminaries such as John Hess (harmonica player), Billy Berman (Rick and the Krickets bassist), Bill Powell (Festival of Friends founder), Tony Rush, Steve Tom (Daddy Long Legs bassist), Hamilton music supporter Bill Kerr and pianist Harry McDade.  Canadian musicians Ron Hynes, Buddy "The Bear" Armstrong and Peter "Sab" Sabourin passed away in 2015 as well.

      On the international front, one of the biggest Blues men of all time, BB King died. Others losses included Cory Wells (Three Dog Night), Smokin' Joe Kubek, Ornette Coleman, Clark Terry , and Kim Fowler (Producer/Writer/Musician).

      Most Popular Blog Posts
      Other Highlights of the Year
      Our Top 3 Reviews
      Our Top 3 Videos 


      Spencer Mackenzie, Jack de Keyzer, Neil Nickafor, Steve Barnes & Bill Holinaty cover Dylan
      Posted by Hamilton B. Lous on Sunday, November 1, 2015


      Links: Spencer MacKenzie, More Spencer Mackenzie Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton B. Lous


      Jude Johnson and Friends: Jingle Bells @ Hamilton Hometown Christmas at Bay City Music Hall #HamOntMusic #HamOnt Carl Horton, Paul Panchezak, Wayne Krawchuk, Sonny Del-Rio, Lily Sazz - Musician, Mark Volkov, Mike Malone
      Posted by Hamilton B. Lous on Saturday, December 19, 2015


      Links: Jude Johnson, More Jude Johnson Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton B. Lous


      Shawn Brush covers Daniel Lanois's The Maker w Mark Foley and Harry White #BurlOnMusic #HamOntMusic #HamOnt
      Posted by Hamilton B. Lous on Wednesday, October 28, 2015


      Links: Shawn Brush, More Shawn Brush Stories, More Daniel Lanois Covers/Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton B. Lous

      Here's to an ever better 2016!!!!

      Blast from the Past: 2014 in Review

      Previous (Christmas Pics w Trebleclef) - - - Next (Local Artists on CBC's Top 50 Canadian Albums of 2015 List)

      Sunday, December 20, 2015

      Hamilton Hometown Christmas! Part 2!

      Click here for more pictures from the event (including lots with our little monkey)
      On December 6, 2015. Sonny Del-Rio's 15th Annual Hamilton Hometown Rock and Roll Christmas Show came to the Bay City Music Hall.  Some of the best musical talents from the Hammer were on hand to  help raise money for charity.

      Click here for Part 1 of the videos.

      Here are some videos from that amazing show!



      Cootes Paradise: Unnecessarily Mercenary @ Hamilton Hometown Christmas, Bay City Music Hall #HamOnt #HamOntMusic Sue Leonard Lily Sazz Wayne Krawchuk Amy Di Nino Mark Volkov and Ian Taylor
      Posted by Hamilton B. Lous on Sunday, December 20, 2015



      Cootes Paradise is a local supergroup featuring Sue Leonard (solo, Leonard Burns and Dell), Lily Sazz (Groove Corporation, Trailblazers), Wayne Krawchuk (aslo, ex Banned from Heaven), Amy DiNino (Cindy Dell Band), Mark Volkov and Ian Taylor.  This was their live debut!

      Links: Video above courtesy of Hamilton B. Lous





      Jude Johnson, Sonny Del-Rio, Mike Malone, Paul Panchezak, Carl Horton: Silver Bells @ Hamilton Hometown Christmas, Bay City Music Hall #HamOntMusic #HamOnt
      Posted by Hamilton B. Lous on Sunday, December 20, 2015



      Links: Sonny Del Rio, More Sonny Del Rio Stories, Jude Johnson, More Jude Johnson Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton B. Lou

      If you like these videos, please click below to donate to Spec Kids Charities


      Previous (Hamilton Hometown Christmas Videos, Part 1) - - - Next (Christmas Pics w Trebleclef)

      Saturday, December 19, 2015

      Hamilton Hometown Christmas! Part 1!

      Click here for more pictures from the event (including lots with our little monkey)
      On December 6, 2015. Sonny Del-Rio's 15th Annual Hamilton Hometown Rock and Roll Christmas Show came to the Bay City Music Hall.  Some of the best musical talents from the Hammer were on hand to  help raise money for charity.
      Here are some videos from that amazing show!




      The Smoke Wagon Blues Band: Candy Cane Swing Bay City Music Hall for the Hometown R&R Christmas #HamOntMusic #HamOnt
      Posted by Hamilton B. Lous on Thursday, December 17, 2015



      Links: Smoke Wagon Blues Band, More Smoke Wagon Blues Band Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton B. Lous




      Sonny Del-Rio and the 5 Star Revue: Fat Ass Blues @ Hamilton Hometown R&R Christmas Bay City Music Hall #HamOntMusic #HamOnt
      Posted by Hamilton B. Lous on Friday, December 18, 2015



      Links: Sonny Del Rio, More Sonny Del Rio Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton B. Lous




      Jude Johnson and Friends: Jingle Bells @ Hamilton Hometown Christmas at Bay City Music Hall #HamOntMusic #HamOnt Carl Horton, Paul Panchezak, Wayne Krawchuk, Sonny Del-Rio, Lily Sazz - Musician, Mark Volkov, Mike Malone
      Posted by Hamilton B. Lous on Saturday, December 19, 2015



      Links: Jude Johnson, More Jude Johnson Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton B. Lous




      Cootes Paradise: Hamilton Hometown Rock and Roll Christmas @ Bay City Music Hall #HamOnt #HamOntMusic Sue Leonard Lily Sazz Wayne Krawchuk Amy Di Nino Mark Volkov and Ian Taylor
      Posted by Hamilton B. Lous on Saturday, December 19, 2015


      Cootes Paradise is a local supergroup featuring Sue Leonard (solo, Leonard Burns and Dell), Lily Sazz (Groove Corporation, Trailblazers), Wayne Krawchuk (aslo, ex Banned from Heaven), Amy DiNino (Cindy Dell Band), Mark Volkov and Ian Taylor.  This was their live debut!

      Links: Video above courtesy of Hamilton B. Lous

      If you like these videos, please click below to donate to An Instrument for Every Child!



      Previous (News Roundup: Bill Dillon, Joel Johnson Band, Dwayne LaForme) - - - Next (Hamilton Hometown Christmas, Part 2)

      Sunday, December 1, 2013

      New Sonny Del-Rio Compilation CD: Blow Your Horn Man!

      http://www.emusic.com/album/sonny-del-rio/blow-your-horn-man/12994788/
      Hamilton music veteran Sonny Del-Rio made a name for himself playing fabulous music for over 50 years.  His latest release, Blow Your Horn Man! is a "best of" compilation of some of the saxman's greatest work.

      It's hard to create a CD that encapsulates such a storied career but Blow Your Horn Man! succeeds quite well.  Not only is it a wonderful historical document - its a kick ass disc as well.  The album was even nominated for a Hamilton Music Award this year.

      Compiled from many of his solo CDs and other sources, it features work with such luminaries as Trickbag, King Biscuit Boy, Jack Pedler (Teenage Head), Neil Nickafor, Mike Williams, Dan Thomas (Hammertones), Jesse O'Brien and many more.

      As an added bonus, there's an amazing unrelased holiday tune, Merry Christmas to You, where Sonny teams up with a who's who of the Hamilton music scene: Tom Wilson, Dave Rave, Skip Prokop (Lighthouse), Jude Johnson, Ray Materick, Harrison Kennedy, and others.

      You can pick this CD at any of Sonny's live shows or download it through eMusic or iTunes.

      Video below courtesy of Jim Unsworth.



      Video below courtesy of Canada Jams



      Blast from the Past: Sonny Del-Rio and We Got Blues@Boon's House

      Links: Sonny Del Rio, More Sonny Del Rio Stories, More CD Releases

      Previous (Videos from Locke Street Fest w Uncorked, Mike Vallely, Banned From Heaven, and B.O.B.) - - - Next (Videos of Alex MacDougall Tribute, Part 1 - Mike Blackborow, Sonny Del-Rio, Brian Blain, Tim Gibbons)

      Tuesday, August 27, 2013

      Michael J. Birthelmer's Zanzibar & Your Number Now on CD

      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.

      Michael is backed up dutifully by Bob Doidge, Ed Roth, Bill Dillon, Brian Griffith and others.  The background vocals by Ian Thomas, Dave Rave, and Jude Johnson are a real treat as well.

      Video below courtesy of Ohanakamakame





      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.

      The video below is a song from the CD.



      Blast from the Past: Videos-Michael Birthelmer@Pine Street

      Links: Michael Birthelmer, More Michael Birthelmer Stories, More CD Releases 

      Previous (John McKinley Recieves Mel Brown Award) - - - Next (Freedom Train & Dave Rave@Waterdown Ribfest)

      Wednesday, June 12, 2013

      New Paul Langille CD: Pine and Locke

      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!

      The CD's title isn't the only nod to the singer/songwriter's steeltown roots.  Michael J. Birthelmer produced the disc at his Hamilton studio.  A bevy of area talent was also brought in to support Paul.  Members of Trickbag (Les Smith, Mike Hickey, Paul & Donna Panchezak) , Lily Sazz (Groove Corporation), Ed Roth, Brian Griffith, Lisa Winn, Jude Johnson, and others make wonderful contributions.  Paul also covers Playing to Win, a song by local musician Wayne Krawchuk (Banned From Heaven)

      The marvellous CD is available at his live shows and as a download on iTunes.

      Below is a track from the disc.



      Blast from the Past: Paul Langille@Brantford Station Gallery

      Links: Paul Langille, More Paul Langille Stories, More CD Releases

      Previous (Videos: Trickbag w/James Anthony@Fool and Flagon) - - - Next (News Roundup w/Jesse O'Brien, Steve Dall and a new Canadian Blues book)

      Thursday, January 10, 2013