Throwback Thursday - Dave Pomfret: No Rush + Album Release Videos

Original Post: July 1, 2009

Updated Post: April 9, 2026

Former Munday Nuns member, Dave Pomfret's album, No Rush, is an amazing collection of songs that's hard to pin down stylistically.

Dave goes from catchy, rockin' riffs to mellow melodies. On the way, he touches on folk, rock, and even bits of pop and country thrown in.

Joining Dave in making this great music is former Nuns bandmate (and former member of the Killjoys) Mike Trebilcock on guitar and many other instruments. Mike also produced the disc.

A number of other talented performers aided and abetted the singer/songwriter, including: Mark McIntyre (bass), Aaron Goldstein (pedal steel guitar), Craig Lapsley (drums), Troy Dowding (trumpet), Darcy Hepner (sax, organ), Rosemary Hale (violin), Sarah Honeyford (cello). On background vocals there's Mary Simon, Jean Caffeine, Karen Sturrock, and the Mississippi Kings. Dave's son, Brier Pomfret, plays the piano on it as well.

Available on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube

Below are videos from his Album Release (and birthday) party on June 30, 2009. 

Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

Links: Dave Pomfret, More Dave Pomfret Stories, More CD Releases, Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

Sarah Ivanco, came up and sang to start things off. She wowed the crowd.

Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

More Videos From This Show

• Mary Simon
• Not (Punk Band)
• Alfie Smith

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Christmas Videos by Paul James, Raoul Bhaneja, Steve Strongman, Dave Rave, Chris Ayries & André Bisson

Links: Paul James, More Paul James Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

Links: Raoul and the Big Time, More Raoul Bhaneja Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

Links: Steve Strongman, More Steve Strongman Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

Links: Dave Rave, More Dave Rave Stories, Video above courtesy of Dave Rave - Topic

Links: Chris Ayries, More Chris Ayries Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

Links: Andre Bisson, More Andre Bisson Stories, Video above courtesy of André Bisson

 More Christmas Videos

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GOOD LUCK! Local Maple Blues Awards Nominees (incl complete nominees list)

The 2020 Maple Blues Awards nominee list is jam packed with local artists. Hopefully, a number of them will bring home the hardware at the ceremony on February 3, 2020 at Koerner Hall in Toronto.

You can help them out by voting online  - open from November 1st, 2019 at 12:01am through December 1st, 2019 at 11:59pm. Click here to vote.

From Hamilton we have both Harrison Kennedy and Steve Strongman vying for Male Vocalist of the Year. Jack de Keyzer is up for Electric Act of the Year and Guitarist of the Year. Jack's bandmate Richard Thornton is in the running for Horn Player of the Year as is Loretta Hale of the Andre Bisson Band. Jesse O’Brien is another Steeltown hopeful (Piano/Keyboard Player of the Year). Also of note is the Matt Andersen album - Halfway Home By Morning which was released by Waterdown's True North Records.



Links: Harrison Kennedy, More Harrison Kennedy Stories, Video above courtesy of Canal Bank Shuflle



Links: Jack de Keyzer, More Jack de Keyzer Stories, Video above courtesy of Jack de Keyzer

Other area nominees include Downchild Blues Band (including remembers from Brantford and Niagara) for Entertainer of the Year as well as group member Gary Kendall for Bassist of the Year . Matchedash Parish (featuring Kitchener's Matt Weidinger and local bassman Mark McIntyre) are up for New Artist of the Year. Tom Bona (from Waterloo band Soulstack) is in the running for drummer of the Year.



Links: Downchild Blues Band, More Downchild Stories, Video above courtesy of Downchild Blues Band



Links: Matchedash Parish, Video above courtesy of Montreal Blues Society

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

Other Maple Blues Awards stories

• FYI Music News
• Hamilton Spectator

Here's a complete list of nominees. Local musicians are bolded.

Entertainer 

• Downchild Blues Band
• Dawn Tyler Watson
• Miss Emily
• Samantha Martin and Delta Sugar
• Sue Foley

Male Vocalist

• Harrison Kennedy
• Steve Strongman
• Harpdog Brown
• Matt Andersen
• Steve Marriner

Electric Act

• Jack de Keyzer
• Colin James
• Paul DesLauriers Band
• Samantha Martin and Delta Sugar
• Sue Foley

New Artist

• Matchedash Parish (ft Kitchener's Matt Weidinger and Mark McIntyre)
• Bywater Call
• Durham County Poets
• Miss Emily
• Robert Connely Farr

Guitarist

• Jack de Keyzer
• Anthony Gomes
• Garrett Mason
• Paul DesLauriers
• Sue Foley

Piano/Keyboard

• Jesse O’Brien
• David Vest
• Duane Blackburn
• Jenie Thai
• Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne

Horn Player

• Loretta Hale (Andre Bisson Band)
• Richard Thornton (Jack de Keyzer Band)
• Chris Whiteley
• Kaven Jalbert (Ben Racine Band)
• Mat “Moose” Mousseau (Ben Racine Band)

Drummer

• Tom Bona (Sue Foley)
• Chris Nordquist (Steve Kozak, Cannery Row)
• Gary Craig (Colin Linden, Steve Dawson)
• Lindsay Beaver
• Sam Harrisson (Paul DesLauriers Band)

Bassist

• Gary Kendall (Downchild, Mighty Duck Blues Band)
• Alec Fraser
• Alec McElcheran (Paul DesLauriers Band)
• Keith Picot
• Leigh-Anne Stanton (Wicked Grin)

Recording/(Producer)

• Matchedash Parish - Saturday Night (Lance Anderson)
• Matt Andersen - Halfway Home By Morning released by Waterdown's True North Records (Steve Dawson)
• Colin Linden and Luther Dickinson - Amour (Colin Linden)
• Dawn Tyler Watson - Mad Love (François Thiffault and Dawn Tyler Watson)
• Harpdog Brown - For Love and Money (Steve Dawson)

Acoustic Act

• Big Dave McLean
• Harry Manx
• Manx Marriner Mainline
• Matt Andersen
• Michael Jerome Browne

Female Vocalist

• Angel Forrest
• Dawn Tyler Watson
• Miss Emily
• Samantha Martin
• Shakura S'Aida

International Artist

• Buddy Guy
• Christone "Kingfish" Ingram
• Ghost Town Blues Band
• Larkin Poe
• Mavis Staples

Songwriter

• Big Dave McLean
• Colin Linden
• Dawn Tyler Watson
• Robert Connely Farr
• Sue Foley

Blues with a Feeling Award (Lifetime Achievement Award)

• Alec Fraser
• Brent Parkin
• Danny Brooks
• Joe Murphy
• Ken Whiteley
• Michael Fonfara
• Michael Jerome Browne
• Tom Lavin

Harmonica Player

• Al Lerman
• Harpdog Brown
• Jim Zeller
• Roly Platt
• Steve Marriner

Blast from the Past: Last Years's Winners

Links: Maple Blues Awards, More Maple Blues Awards Stories

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Previous (Sax Day Videos ft Gordon Aeichelle) - - - Next (News Roundup)

Hamilton's Jacob Moon and Niagara's Joel Parisien (The Commissionaires) Team Up for Electrifying, Soulful Album

Hamilton's Jacob Moon and Niagara's Joel Parisien have combined their considerable talents in an amazing new project: The Commissionaires.  Shelter Me, their electrifying debut album, is the result of this incredible melding.

Packed full of spiritual and soulful cover songs, the recording proves without a doubt that they make a superb duo. With unbelievable harmonies, good old-fashioned rock and some gospel thrown in, Shelter Me is a wondrous musical showcase. The two do justice to songs originally performed by Buddy and Julie Miller, Ben Harper, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Jonny Lang and more.

They have an amazing team behind them as well: Richard Moore (bass), Mark McIntyre (bass), Lyle Mozan (drums), Joey Landreth (slide guitar, backing vocals), Chantal Williams (vocals), Quisha Wint (backing vocals) and Robyn Pauhl (backing vocals).

You can grab a copy of the CD at any of their solo/group live shows. It's also available through Jacob's online shop, the band's online shop or cdbaby.



More Stevie Wonder Covers/Stories





More Buddy Miller Covers/Stories

Blast from the Past: Great Jacob Moon Compilation Album

Links: Commissionaires, Jacob Moon, More Jacob Moon Stories, Joel Parisien, More Joel Parisien Stories, Videos above courtesy of Jacob Moon, More Releases

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Dundas' Colour Film (aka Matthew de Zoete) Launches Wonderful, Cinematic EP

The EP, Super 8 is the debut recording under Dundas singer/songwriter Matthew de Zoete's new musical identity, Colour Film.  With this new name comes a wonderful, cinematic style of music.

Matthew has always been an amazing lyricist but he's outdone himself on the EP by consciously creating imagery for the listener to experience.  Each tune tells an interesting story set to incredible pop folk melodies and strong vocal harmonies.

Backing him up on this project is  Julie Fader (of Etiquette, Great Lake Swimmers), Mark McIntyre and producer Les Cooper.

This outstanding EP can be purchased and/or downloaded through Bandcamp, cdbaby or iTunes.  It's also available at Dr Disc, Cheapies, Revolution Records and Records on Wheels.



Video above courtesy of Colour Film

Stream the album below



Blast from the Past: Matthew's Previous Album

Links: Colour Film, More Colour Film Stories, More Releases

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Previous (News Roundup: Trickbag, Kitchener Blues Fest Vids, Tomi Swick and Joel Guenther) - - - Next (SueFest Videos)

New Album From Waterloo Bluesman Jordan Patterson Demands to Heard!

In 1996, Waterloo Bluesman Jordan Patterson released an acclaimed debut album.  Unfortunately, he dropped out of performing a few years later to focus on concert promotion.  Now he's back with The Back on Track Recording Project, a bold musical statement that'll make listeners take notice.

There's an intensity here and Jordan uses it well.  Hard driving, soulful and funky, the project demands to be heard and experienced.  It's not so much an album as it is a rhythmic call to arms.  The music will lift your spirits and re-energize you.

Inducted into his Blues cause are Benjamin Rollo (drums), Mark McIntyre (bass) plus Darryl Romphf of Lumberjunk and Bobby Thompson (guitars). Guests Skyler Jordan (vocals) and Scott Galloway (keys) are enlisted as well.

You can get his album into your hands through cdbaby or iTunes.



Video above courtesy of Shy lina



Video above courtesy of NewBluesRocker2015

Links: Jordan Patterson, More Releases

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Previous (News Roundup: Jay Pollman, Soulstack, Wicked Grin w Andre Bisson)

Dundas's Frank Koren Launches Singer/Songwriter Career With Amazing CD!

Not only is Dundas's Frank Koren one of the most popular and in-demand guitarists around but he's now taken the big leap to becoming a singer/songwriter in his own right. Red Chair marks Frank's recording debut as a lead vocalist and he's simply amazing.

With a newly-discovered voice filled with character and soul, Frank meshes perfectly with the rockin' Folk/Americana sound on most of the album.  The band also gets wonderfully experimental with guitar effects and beats near the end of the disc (including some beatboxing from Hachey the MouthPeace).  The whole recording is folky, funky and free-spirited.

Many of Frank's talented musical friends have joined in helping him launch his debut CD.  They include his family (daughter Marrakech and wife Kim Koren,) along with Mark McIntyre, Ed Mortenson, Amy King, Nick Czarnogorski, Jake Payne, Melissa Bel, Harrison Kennedy, Paul Inston, Glenn Milchem (Blue Rodeo), Greg Brisco, Bob Doidge, Danny Lockwood, Aaron Goldstein, Andy Gingerich, Vince Rinalldo, and Donnie McDougall.

This incredible CD will be released soon in many local stores and online as well (check back on this page for more information).  You can also get a copy at his CD Release Party at the Casbah on November 14th.



Blast from the Past: Frank Wins Debbie Clause Recording Fund

Links: Frank Koren, More Frank Koren Stories, More Releases, Video above courtesy of Lisa Millar

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Previous (New Lynn Jackson CD) - - - Next (News Roundup : Help Mo' Kauffey, Blind Mule, Shawn Brush, James-Alphonse)

'Roll up the Night Sky' by Dana Sipos is Ethereal, Organic and Artistic

You can really hear Dana Sipos' exquisite voice on her latest album, Roll Up the Night Sky (released through Muddy Roots Recordings).  The local singer/songwriter (she has lived in Hamilton and Guelph among other places) has created a wonderfully sparse, organic album that still manages to fill the room.

Its ethereal sound will haunt you after listening.  Dana knows how to set a mood using minimal instrumentation.  The feel is very artistic and cinematic.

Helping her out is a few amazing performers: Ben Hermann, Mark McIntyre, Michael Feuerstack, John Tielli, and Pietro Amato.

There are many places to download this incredible album: Bandcamp, eMusic and iTunes.



Video above courtesy of Dana Sipos



Video above courtesy of Morgan Orion

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EXTRA MINI-REVIEW!

Some albums escape our radar, so occasionally we'll be catching up with some mini-reviews!

The pop folk sound of 2011's Lay of the Land shows another side of Dana.  This banjo-laden, infectious collection is perfect for some good times (though there are some impressive slower tunes as well).  She doesn't skimp on the well-crafted lyrics though.

This is also available via Bandcamp, eMusic and iTunes.



Video above courtesy of Elysium Wishes

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Links: Dana Sipos, More Dana Sipos Stories, More Releases

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Previous (New Tia McGraff Album) - - - Next (New Nathan Day Project EP)

New Steve Strongman CD: Let Me Prove it to You

After proving his amazing acoustic talent (and even winning a Juno last year) with the CD, A Natural Fact, Hamilton's pride and joy, Steve Strongman, has changed gears and revved up again. The bluesman's electric sound is back with the latest album, Let Me Prove it to You (through Sonic Unyon Records) and he's sounding more powerful than ever.

If this CD doesn't get you up and dancing, you must be dead.  The band's energy is infectious and they know how to groove.  Steve and the gang throw in funk, soul, rock, a little country and more into the mix and keep it raucous!

There some wonderful local boys backing Steve up, including Dave King, Mark McIntyre, and Jesse O'Brien.  He's also enlisted Marc Rogers, Emma-Lee, Adam Warner, Alec Fraser, and Quebec harmonica master Guy Bélanger.  Good friend Rob Szabo once again co-produced the album with the hammertown bluesman.

If you want to get blown away by this great disc, it can be purchased through his website or downloaded using iTunes.



Video above courtesy of Mako Funasaka



Video above courtesy of Richard Bryan

Blast from the Past: Steve Strongman CD - A Natural Fact

Links: Steve Strongman, More Steve Strongman stories, More Releases

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Tim Louis Videos

Videos below courtesy of Tim Louis









Click here for Tim Louis' website

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Area Musicians on Blues Underground Network's Best of the Year Lists

Local artists were a big part of the Blues Underground Network's best of 2013 lists.  The popular website listed Daddy Long Legs, Soulstack, Dan McKinnon and Andre Bisson as some of their favourites of the year. It also featured works produced by Jack de Keyzer and backed up by Steve Strongman and Mark McIntyre.

CONGRATULATIONS GUYS!



Links: Daddy Long Legs, More Daddy Long Legs Stories, Video above courtesy of Dave Sloane



Links: Andre Bisson, More Andre Bisson stories, Video above courtesy of Andre Bisson



Links: SoulStack, More Soulstack Stories, Video above courtesy of Soulstack

The complete list is below.

Canadian Blues Albums

1. Marshall Lawrence: House Call
2. Sunday Wilde: He Gave Me A Blue Nightgown
3. Daddy Long Legs: The Devil's In The Details
4. MonkeyJunk: All Frequencies
5. Sean Pinchin: Rust Bucket (featuring Mark McIntyre and Steve Strongman)
6. Holly and Jon: 1929: The Summit Sessions
7. Uncle Wiggly's Hot Shoes Blues Band: Still Burnin It Up
8. Sabrina Weeks & Swing Cat Bounce: Got My Eye On You
9. Mark "Bird" Stafford: Live At The Delta
10. Al Lerman: Live At The Acoustic Grill

Canadian Blues Rock Albums

1. Chris Antonik: Better For You
2. Plain Dirty Blues Band: Slow Burn
3. Dan McKinnon: As Sharp As Possible (Produced by Jack de Keyzer)
4. Ross Neilsen Band: Resurrection
5. David Gogo: Come On Down
6. James Boraski & Momentary Evolution: Comin' Home (Produced by Jack de Keyzer)
7. Texarillo: Black Satin Blues
8. The Perpetrators: Stick 'Em Up
9. Jake Chisholm: Diamond In A Coalmine
10. Big Crush: Temptation

• Best Debut Album (Artist) (Canada): Dan McKinnon: As Sharp As Possible (Produced by Jack de Keyzer)
• Best Debut Album (Band) (Canada): Plain Dirty Blues Band: Slow Burn
• Best Rhythm & Blues Album:  Andre Bisson: Till The Real Thing Comes Along

USA Blues Albums

1. Studebaker John's Maxwell Street Kings: Kingsville Jukin
2. Granvil Poynter: Another Day Singing The Blues
3. Smokin' Joe Kubek and Bnois King: Road Dog's Life
4. Chris James & Patrick Rynn: Barrelhouse Stomp
5. John Primer and Bob Corritore: Knockin' Around The Blues
6. Andy T - Nick Nixon Band: Drink, Drank, Drunk
7. Tail Dragger: Stop Lyin'
8. Little G Weevil: Moving"
9. Tip Of The Top: From Memphis To Greaseland
10. Matt Baxter and Jake Sampson: Haunted

USA Blues Rock Albums

1. Dudley Taft: Deep Deep Blue
2. Samantha Fish: Black Wind Howlin
3. Bobby Messano (Featuring Deanna Bogart): Welcome To Deltaville
4. Sean Chambers: The Rock House Sessions
5. Todd Wolfe Band: Miles To Go
6. Jason Elmore and Hoodoo Witch: Tell You What
7. Nuno Mindelis: Angels and Clowns
8. Mark Robinson: Have Axe - Will Groove
9. Too Slim And The Taildraggers: Blue Heart
10. Aaron Williams And The Hoodoo: Live Loud Harmony

• Best Debut Album (Artist) (USA): Granvil Poynter: Another Day Singing The Blues
• Best Debut Album (Band) (USA): Andy T - Nick Nixon Band: Drink, Drank, Drunk

International Blues Albums

1. Bottleneck John: All Around Man (Sweden)(Best European Album)
2. Hans Theessink: Wishing Well (Austria)
3. Craig Hughes: Losers And Bastards (Best UK album)
4. Laurence Jones: Thunder In The Sky (UK)
5. Bare Bones Boogie Band: Tattered and Torn (UK)(Best UK Blues Rock Album)
6. Danny Bryant: Hurricane (UK)
7. Jock's Juke Joint: Contemporary Blues From Scotland Vol 3 (UK)
8. Crow Black Chicken: Electric Soup (Ireland)
9. Federal Charm: Federal Charm (UK)
10. Stevey Hay's Shades Of Blues (UK)

• Best Australian Blues Album: Mr. Black and Blues w Chris Wilson: Blow These Tracks - Live On The Blues Train
• Best Debut Album (Artist) (Europe): Noam Dayan: A Whole New Land (Isreal)
• Best Debut Album (Band) (Europe) & Best European Blues Rock Album: Pristine: Detoxing (Norway)
• Best Debut Album (Artist) (UK): Laurence Jones: Thunder In The Sky (UK)

Multi Genre Albums

1. Petey Hop: The Levee (USA)
2. John Pippus Band: Howl At The Moon (Canada)
3. Eric Bibb: Jericho Road (USA)
4. Moreland and Arbuckle: 7 Cities (USA)
5. Claude Hay: I Love Hate You (Australia)
6. Toronzo Cannon: John The Conquer Root (USA)
7. Jerome Tucker and Tim Bastmeyer: Jerome Tucker and Tim Bastmeyer (Canada)
8. Soulstack: Five Finger Discount (Canada)
9. The Communal Well: Under A Western Sky (France)
10. The Tilt: Howlin (USA)

• Best Live Blues Album:  Mr. Black and Blues w Chris Wilson: Blow These Tracks - Live On The Blues Train (Australia)
• Best Live Blues Rock Album: Aaron Williams And The Hoodoo: Live Loud Harmony (USA)
• Best Blues Tribute Album: Omar Dykes: Runnin' With The Wolf (USA)
• Best Finger Picking Style Album: Toby Walker: What You See Is What You Get (USA)
• Best Gospel Blues Album (Band): Dusty King James: Bound For Glory (USA)
• Best Blues Compilation Album (Tie): Jock's Juke Joint: Contemporary Blues From Scotland Vol 3 (UK)/Blues Society of Western Pennsylvania: Blues From The Burgh 3 (USA)
• Best Blues/Blues Rock EP: Justin Saladino Band: Sometimes Called The Blues (Canada)
• Best Roots and Blues EP: Steve Hill: Solo Recordings Volume 1 1/2 (Canada)
• Best Roots and Blues Album: Steve Howell And The Mighty Men: Yes, I Believe I Will (USA)
• Best Roots/Rock Album: Don Ray Band: Kickstands Up (USA)
• Best Blues Instrumental Album: Andres Roots Roundabout: Three (Estonia)
• Best Rock Album: Black Angel: Pleasuredome (USA)
• Best Classic Rock Album: Brad Curtis and The SOME x 6 Band: The Devil's In My Pocket (Canada)
• Best Blues CD/DVD Combo: Murali Coryell: Live (USA)

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Previous (Kennedy Suite Concept Album with Cowboy Junkies, Skydiggers, Lee Harvey Osmond, Harlan Pepper, Sarah Harmer and More) - - - Next (Lots of Juno Nominations for the Area)

Steve Strongman and Mark McIntyre on New Sean Pinchin CD: Rustbucket

Toronto/Mississauga Bluesman Sean Pinchin's enlisted some amazing local talent to back him up on his current CD, Rust Bucket. The result is a highly entertaining and polished disc.

You can hear Sean's awesome slide guitarwork and his marvelous voice everywhere on this collection.  His lyrics are very passionate and personal as well.

Area musician Mark McIntyre offers up his substantial bass skills to the album. Also helping with the bottom end is superb drummer Adam Warner.  Toronto singer/songwriter, Emma-Lee handles backing vocals with style.  Juno winner (and Hamilton boy) Steve Strongman joins in the fun by showcasing his extensive guitar and harmonica chops on the track Wanna Stay in Bed.  Producer Rob Szabo (also a Juno Winner) gave everything a live off the floor feel.

You can pick up this marvellous CD at Sean's gigs, on the 'Net through his online shop or  cdbaby.  It can also be downloaded through cdbaby and iTunes.



Video above courtesy of Klibbe Klibbson



Video above courtesy of TheKevTone

Blast From the Past: Mark McIntyre on Emma-Lee CD

Links: Sean Pinchin, More Sean Pinchin Stories, More CD Releases 

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Mark McIntyre and Luke Doucet on new Emma-Lee CD: Backseat Heroine

Toronto singer/songwriter Emma-Lee has spiced up her latest CD, Backseat Heroine (from eOne Entertainment), with the inclusion of two local musicians.

Local bassist Mark McIntyre plays on the disc and so does Whitehorse member and solo artist Luke Doucet. The latter contributes co-lead vocals to the song Today's Another Yesterday (he also co-write it).

This album has a great folk/rock/sometimes jazzy sound. Emma-Lee's vocals run the full gamut from softer ballads to ballsy rockers. It's a must for all modern roots fans.

Also helping her in making these wonderful songs are Denis Keldie, Devrim Eldelekli, Kevin Mendes, and many others.

The CD is available through her web site and as a download through iTunes and eMusic (both have a bonus track)

Below are a few videos from the album courtesy of Emma's YouTube page.





Click here for Emma-Lee's site

Lamothe and McIntyre on New Brennagh Burns EP: The Winter Project

Dunnville singer/songwriter Brennagh Burns has enlisted Hamilton's Rob Lamothe (guitar, producer), his son Zander (drums) and Mark McIntyre (bass) to play on her debut CD EP, the Winter Project.

The four-song collection features Brennagh's striking vocals and great songwriting. Instrumentality, the CD has a very modern alt-folk feel to it.

The disc is available at Brennagh's outstanding live performances. We'll be posting some footage of a recent show soon.

Below are a few videos of her performing songs from the EP.





Links: Brennagh Burns - More Brennagh Burns Stories - Rob Lamothe - More Rob Lamothe Stories - More Mark McIntyre Stories

Christopher Clause and Friends - Westside Theatre (September 24, 2010)

Click here if you can't see the videos.







He is joined by Mark McIntyre (bass) and Michael Scott (drums)



The band is joined by Amy King (keys, vocals), Lisa Winn (vocals), Andrew Aldridge (guitar), Chris' wife Rose-Fraces on tambourine and their children Emma & Riley on Ukulele



Links: Christopher Clause - More Christopher Clause Stories

More of Christopher's Round CD Release Party

• Chris and Christa
• Bob Bryden
• Review + video footage
• Pictures of the show

New Kim Koren CD + Release Party

Dundas singer/songwriter Kim Koren's new album, Raven Heart, is an amazing evolution of her previous work.

As always, the melodies are superb plus her voice is powerful and warm. In this collection though, she has increased the musical energy.

Not only can Kim really rock out (If There's a Way, She's Got) but she can also be wonderfully delicate (Where Are You Living Now and the lovely lullabye, Spiders and Snails). There is even a bit from a tape recording of herself at 5 years old singing Let There Be Peace on Earth.

Joining this talented musician are her husband Frank Koren (guitar), Mark McIntyre (bass), Danny Lockwood (drums), and Colin Lapsley (Wurlitzer). As well, the CD has appearances from Lisa Winn, Steve Strongman, and Amy King. Local rock legend Tom Wilson also lends a hand by co-writing the great title track.

The CD is available at her shows and through iTunes.

Links: Kim Koren Site - Frank Koren Site - More Kim Koren Stories - More Frank Koren Stories

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Previous (Paul Langille@Brantford Station House) - - - Next (Dawn & Marra@Studio at Hamilton Place)

New Open Mind CD + Release Party

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of their debut, the recently reunited Hamilton duo (Chantal Chamberland and Cynthia Kerr), Open Mind released Over Oceans - a wonderful disc of reworked classics and new songs.

This is their first recording in 16 years. The title is an apt one as it was recorded across continents (Kerr is now based in Australia) using the latest technology.

The end result isn't cold and mechanical though. Each song has the great pop/folk sound the band was famous for in the 1990s. It runs the gamut from catchy (Why, Open Hands) to soft and sweet (Touch the Water, Wishful Thinking), and everything in between. There are even a few middle eastern and Spanish elements in the mix as well.

Click here for song samples from the album.

The disc is available at CD Baby and iTunes.

Below are videos from the CD release at the Westside Concert Theatre on June 26, 2010. They were joined by Dan Lockwood (drums), Mark McIntyre (bass), Amy King (keyboards), and Bob Doidge (guitar/percussion).

Click here if you can't see the videos.





Links: Open Mind Site - More Open Mind Stories

New Mary Simon CD + Release Party@This Ain't Hollywood (April 15, 2010)

In recent interviews, Hamilton singer/songwriter Mary Simon declared that her new sound is fun and upbeat. This is definitely evident in her new disc, No More Maybes.

While there are superb somber moments on the CD to balance things out (Curse, See You Fight, Goodbye), the overall vibe is energetic. Many songs are incredibly catchy (Come Love, Big Sore Heart) and rocking (All Night, the title track, Juliana). Mary and her gang find the perfect mix of pop, rock, and some folk.

There were many hands involved in the making of this cool album (her first in six years). Mary's joined by Andrew Aldrdige, David Gillis, Rob Lamothe, Greg Brisco, Mark McIntyre, Lisa Winn, Shelley Adams, and more.

Of course the new CD is available at her shows and website but it can also be downloaded through iTunes.

Check out the videos from her CD Release Party at This Ain't Hollywood on April 15, 2010.

Click here if you can't see the videos.

Left to Right: Andrew Aldrdige (guitar), Mary Simon (guitar, vocals, keys on Goodbye), Joel Anderson (drums), Nick Czarnogorski (bass), Lisa Winn (backing/harmony vocals), Greg Brisco (keys)











Click here for more Mary Simon stories

The opening act was Kirsten Jones. Click here for that performance.

New Ariana Gillis CD: To Make It Make Sense

Local singer/songwriter Ariana Gillis recently released her amazing debut CD, To Make It Make Sense.

Ariana skillfully manages to make her music catchy and poppy but still have the heart of the folk/roots sound. Blueberry Ocean (originally available on a Design Hope charity CD in 2008) starts the disc off with a bang. You can't help but sing along and dance. There are exquisite quiet moments to balance things out as well. Her unique voice enhances each tune, regardless of tempo.

This wonderful disc came out in time to be nominated for Hamilton Music Awards (Female Artist, New Artist, Adult Alternative). Ariana has also recently won a Canadian Folk Music Award (Young Artist).

Joining the talented singer on the album are area performers Josh Lamothe, David Gillis (who also produces), Mark McIntyre and others. Canadian guitar great, Kevin Breit also lends his axe to a tune.

Currently, the CD can be purchased at her shows and through Maple Music. It should be available through iTunes shortly

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