Throwback Thursday: Groove Corporation Debut Album - Record Prophets

Original Post: April 4, 2009

Updated: May 22, 2025

Update: The band is no longer active so it will be hard finding a CD version of this recording. This was the band's only album.

On April 4, 2009, Hamilton's Groove Corporation released their debut album, Record Prophets. This is a recording to play and boogie. Their funk, soul, R&B sound is infectious and will have you dancing.

Consisting mainly of cover tunes (Jungle Boogie, James Brown's Cold Sweat, a swing version of KISS's Detroit Rock City, and more) - the collection also has three incredible originals by the band.

The album is available through You Tube, Spotify, and Apple Music.

Band members: 

• Bass – Steve Hilbert
• Drums – Frank Vignanello
• Guitar, Vocals, Producer, Mixer – Alex MacDougall
• Keyboards, Vocals – Lily Sazz
• Lead Vocals, Congas – Kim Campagnaro
• Saxophone – Peter McFarland
• Saxophone, Vocals – Cole G. Benjamin
• Trumpet – Rich Sumstad, Rob Gellner

More information

• Engineer, Producer, Recorded By, Mixed By – Ian Nielsen
• Mastered By – Nick Blagona

Stream the album below.

Links: Groove Corporation, More Groove Corporation Stories, Album above courtesy of Groove Corporation - Topic, More Releases

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Hamilton Music Producer Nick Blagona Passes

We are saddened to hear of the passing of music industry giant, Nick Blagona on January 4, 2020. The famed Hamiltonian worked with many legends such as Cat Stevens, Tom Jones, The Police, The Bee Gees, Chicago, Deep Purple, Rainbow, April Wine, Kim Mitchell, The Tea Party, and many more. He also worked with many local artists as well. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

Nick left this comment on his Facebook page.

I am of sound mind and spirit and I wish to express my appreciation to Alex Andronache, Gil Moore, all the staff at Metalworks, for all the great years of mastering that they entrusted me with;

Lindsay and David at Yamaha as well as the crew in Germany for years of generosity for the STEINBERG sponsorship you afforded me. I am very grateful.

I thank every artist whoever entrusted me with their creative output and hope I did each of you proud. 

I thank my children for forgiveness I don’t deserve and for the love they felt for me, regardless.

For old dear friends who cared long after I moved on, and for those close friends who endured throughout my life.

Thank you God, for leaving me ears when all else failed me, physically, and now I take my leave. It’s January 4, 2020 at 10:55pm. MJ had to complete this tonight.
It has Been Real!

His wife Mary-Jane Russell left this note on her Facebook page.

Canadian Music Industry Recording Engineer/Producer legend and my partner of 32 years (who I married in late 2018) Nick Blagona, has died at age 74 of complications to kidney, heart and lung disease, last night, January 4th, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

Nick Blagona was in fact Nicolai Nicolaiavich Blagonadegny, of Russian/Prussian heritage.

Nick Blagona is survived by me, Alex Blagona, his wife Joanne Blagona and granddaughter Lilia Blagona all of Ipswich, UK and Anna Blagona and granddaughter Mila Blagona of Toronto, Ontario Canada.

There will be no funeral, to Nick’s wishes.

However he hopes folks who cared will gather and make music together, tell stories, play tunes Nick helped record, raise a glass or smoke a wee bit of him in the Spring, close to his birthday in May, at HALO STUDIO on Augusta St. in downtown Hamilton, thanks to Marcone Music.

Nick Blagona, Uncle Nick, Big Nick, The Tone Guru lived a large life and created a Body of world-class musical output that was magic in both quality and quantity. Nick leaves a legacy so few achieve. Thank you

Media stories: 

• Hamilton Spectator
• 2013 Interview with CHCH
• FYI Music News
• Canadian Musician
• Billboard
• Ultimate Classic Rock
• Guitar.com
• Society of Rock

More comments:

• Roger Glover of Deep Purple
• Michael Lee Jackson's blog.

Here are a few reactions from social media, we will post more when we find them.

Cootes Paradise

It is with profound sadness that we must announce that our beloved friend and record producer, Nick Blagona died last night. We will miss him terribly, and vow to finish the project we started together a few months ago. It was very important to him. We send our deepest condolences to his beautiful and devoted wife, Mary-Jane Russell.

Lily Sazz (Cootes Paradise)

My heart is broken over the loss of my dear friend, Nick Blagona, who died last night. I am among the lucky individuals who called him a close friend. My last visit with him on Wednesday was more than 2 hours of sharing laughter, stories, and deep thoughts of successes and regrets. My husband Paul and I will miss him terribly, and I weep as I write this. Mary-Jane Russell, his wife, showed such love and devotion throughout all of this, and I can only pray that there is some relief together with the grief, knowing that Nick is now free.

Lily also made and posted this video.



Video above courtesy of Lily Sazz

 Dale Harrison (Headstones drummer)

Sad New in Rock History today. Legendary Rock N Roll producer & Engineer Nick Blagona has passed away. RIP.

Nick; I want to thank you for the amazing music you produced through the years, your resume is nothing short of incredible. I remember meeting you in the early 90's taking on a spec project with "Paradise Alley" My first opportunity to work with one of the greats, an you where so freaking cool , Me: are we going to use a click for this track ? .... You : why is your time that bad? Ha .. yah it turned out to be a hell of a track.. thank you for that brother! Also in that time I had the privilege to meet your lovely wife MJ, you two are such an awesome couple always kind and always had encouraging things to say to me which helped me get to where I am. Gracias! Through the years we stayed in touch and kept running into each other, from Ian Gillan's Deep Purple concerts, Tea Party recordings in Metal Werks, while I was tracking with Headstones and later mastering for us. Most recent collaboration with Tommy Grasley. I wish the circumstances were different but with life comes death. You where loved by all who know you and the work you have done is timeless art that will be appreciated forever! Until we meet again brother. Love and respect .

Bill Dillon

Last words from a man last night with a recording history that others could only dream of, and many in the business of recording, with the highest credentials, hold in esteem and reverence the body of work Nick left behind, a quick look at his discography would reveal many hundreds of famous albums, artists and hit singles too long to list here, but we've All heard them thru our lives.

I worked on only two relatively small projects with Nick and throughout those short weeks the stories and experiences he would share were also the stuff dreams are made of.
Nick helped make dreams come true for soo many artists globally, it's no stretch to say he left behind a major portion of what we've come to know as the recording industry,he was a key figure in its on going success. I'll take a chance here to speak on behalf of all of us in the business around the world in wishing him God bless and thank you Nick.

Duane Rutter

Nick mixed and mastered my 2015 album Crazy Things and I was over the moon to have him do it. Not only was Nick is a legend who will be dearly missed, but he was a helluva great guy.

Mary, our family and I wish to extend our most heartfelt condolences to the wonderful Mary-Jane Russell as well as all of Nick’s family and many friends. 

Patricia Lynn (Buckshot) Bebee

Thank you Nick for giving everything you've got to our musical community. I will be forever grateful that you mixed and mastered "Merchants of Youth" and for suggesting I go on tour with Nina Haugen - lol. You got me and I was so lucky to have gotten to know you...read your silly jokes and know that we just lost a genious! Your spirit will live on......may you rest in peace. Love Lynn. 

TommyGunn

Nick Blagona. A LEGEND.
I was fortunate to work with Nick a number of times. He was funny and brilliant. I loved hearing his stories. His mix and mastering was both genius and magical.

Nick was a generous man. One evening he introduced me to Deep Purple in Hamilton. As we were being introduced, my friend Tom Browner and I experienced the true Love of brothers and true friends when Ian Gillian, Nick and Mary-Jane we’re reunited. You could feel the love.Looking back it was the last time they would see each other after Decades of work. Our favourite songs.

He was “The Tone Guru.”
Nick, I will miss you. Until we meet again,
Keep on ROCKIN. XO 

Blast from the Past: Nick Wins 2016 Hamilton Music Award

Links: Nick Blagona, More Nick Blagona Stories, Videos above courtesy of Bridge The Atlantic

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Cootes Paradise Debut is World Class

Pretty much everything about the self-titled debut album of Dundas band Cootes Paradise screams 'world-class'. From the beautiful look of the CD art to the phenomenal production and, of course, the astonishing music - it's all impressive.

It's no wonder since Cootes Paradise is a super-group. Members include:

• Sue Leonard (lead and background vocals)
• Wayne Krawchuk (guitar, lead and background vocals)
• Lily Sazz (keys, lead and background vocals)
• Amy Di Nino (drums, percussion, background vocals)
• Ian Taylor (bass)
• Mark Volkov (multiple instruments)

Together, they've forged a collection of well-crafted songs that are bluesy, funky, soulful and more. Each and every song has its own unique flavour. They all have the talent to pull off this wondrous genre-blending with panache.

To top it all off, there's the legendary Nick Blagona doing production, mixing and mastering (as well as some percussion).  Other highlights include a visit from the remarkable Grand River Voices choir on one track and some extraordinary co-writing by Sharon Washington, Daniel Cavasant, Tom Shea and others.

You've gotta get your hands on this album so pick it up at one of the group's unforgettable live shows. Stores carrying the CD include Dr. Disc in Hamilton and Ellënoire in Dundas. It's also available through their website, cdbaby and itunes.

Links: Cootes Paradise, More Cootes Paradise Stories, Videos above courtesy of Cootes Paradise, More Releases

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CONGRATS! 2016 HMA Gala Award Winners!

On May 28, 2016, Bay City Music Hall was home to the first ever, Gala Awards (formerly the  Hamilton Music Industry Awards)  It was an incredible celebration of the behind the scenes work done for our local scene.  The legendary Ian Thomas did a wonderful, hilarious job as host!

This site was nominated for Website/Online Publication of the Year. but lost to the amazing ihearthamilton.ca.

The big winners of the the night were Monster Truck (5 awards), CFMU (4) and Lou Molinaro  (2 for him + 2 for his club, This Ain’t Hollywood)

Click here for pictures of the event

Here's a complete list of winners:

Website/Online Publication: ihearthamilton.ca

Female Vocalist: Terra Lightfoot
Canadian Recording: Terra Lightfoot: Every Time My Mind Runs Wild
Rising Star: Camille Intson





Links: Camille Intson, More Camille Intson Stories, Video above courtesy of Camille Intson

Male Vocalist: Jon Harvey (Monster Truck)
Guitarist: Luke Doucet (Whitehorse)

Drummer: Steve Kiely (Monster Truck)
Bassist: Jon Harvey (Monster Truck)

Piano/Keyboard Player: Jesse O'Brien (Andre Bisson)

Special Instrumentalist: Gianni ‘Luminati’ Nicassio (Walk Off The Earth)

Instrumental Record: Brad Cheeseman Group: Brad Cheeseman Group
Children's Album: Diana Panton: I Believe In Little Things
Electronic Recording: Junior Boys: Big Black Coat

Video: Monster Truck: Don't Tell Me How To Live 



Links: Monster Truck, More Monster Truck Stories,  Video above courtesy of Monster Truck

Instrument Retailer: Picks and Sticks
Studio Engineer: Nick Blagona
Producer (s): Graham Walsh (Young Rival, Etiquette, Metz, Viet Cong, Alvvays)
Recording Studio: Catherine North
Artist Website: ilovemonstertruck.com
Best Album Artwork: Whitehorse: Leave No Bridge Unburned
Record Label: True North
Music Retailer: Dr. Disc
Music Director (Radio): Rachel Connell (CFMU)

Publicist: Adam Bentley (Auteur Research)
Radio Show: Lou's Control (CFMU)
Media Person: Ric Taylor (CFMU, View Magazine)
Radio Station: 93.3 CFMU Print Publication: Urbanicity
Major Concert Venue: Gage Park
Live Club: This Ain’t Hollywood
Theatre: The Staircase Theatre
Talent Buyer: Lou Molinaro (This Ain’t Hollywood)
Artist Manager (Local): ‘Parkside’ Mike Renaud 
Artist Manager (International): Oliver Mitchell (Bedlam Music Management)
Talent Agency (Local): Spherical Productions
Talent Agency (International): United Talent Agency 
Tour Manager: John Morely 
Live Sound Engineer: Doug Smith (This Ain’t Hollywood)
Sound and Lighting Company : Soundbox Productions 
Event Photographer: Misha Fotos
Music Teacher (elementary school): Dawn Martens - Buchanan Park
Music Teacher (secondary school): Brian Jones - St. Mary's
Music Teacher (post-secondary school) - Jamshed Turel - Mohawk College
Music Teacher (independent school) - Kate Quigley

Blast from the Past: Last Year's Winners

Links: Hamilton Music Awards, More HMA Stories

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'Crazy Things' by Duane Rutter a Perfect Melding of Lyricism and Cool Riffing

Duane Rutter is rightfully one of the most respected singer/songwriters around.  Armed with an incredible backing band, he now has a reputation as one of the most rockin' Americana/Country acts in Canada as well.  You can hear this new, fuel-injected sound on his latest amazing CD, Crazy Things (released through Busted Flat Records).

Without sacrificing his usual beautifully crafted, rich songwork, Duane's souped up his tunes with infectious grooves and powerful guitars.  It's a perfect melding of lyricism and cool riffing.  A couple of graceful slower tracks show off the band's chops as well.

Joining him on his new quest are his current bandmates Andrew Aldridge (guitars/Producer), Carrie Ashworth (bass), Steve "Honeyboy" Wood (pedal steel), Nick Burson (drums), Lisa Winn (vocals) and JB Reed of Human Orchestra (vocals).  Guests on the top notch album include Mark Lalama and Garth Hudson of The Band (both on keys) as well as "Sister" Maud Hudson (vocals). Mixing is done by the legendary Nick Blagona.

So if you're looking for an album to that'll put a spring in your step, you can pick a copy up at any of Duane's live shows (including the upcoming CD Release at the Casbah on October 10, 2015).  CDs can be purchased at Encore Records in Kitchener as well.  It can also be downloaded using iTunes.

Blast from the Past: Duane@Artword Artbar

Links: Duane Rutter, More Duane Rutter Stories, More Releases, Videos above courtesy of Skumm60

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New Album From Port Dover's Tia McGraff Packed with Excitement and Wonder

Possessing one of the most expressive voices in Country Music, Tia McGraff is at her peak on her newest album, Crazy Beautiful.  With songs that blur the lines between Pop-Folk and Alt-Country, it wonderfully mixes both into a beautiful sound.

It contains a well-balanced collection of rockin' hooks, mid-tempo foot tappers and tender ballads.  The excitement and wonder just oozes out of the speakers.

A few local and international musicians join in. Tommy Parham, Dave Sanger of Asleep At The Wheel, Tommy Harden, Dave Labruyere.Andrew Aldridge, Alfonso Spoto of the Acoustics, Mary-Jane Russell and Jonathan Edwards are all out in full force.  It's all engineers by the legendary Nick Blagona.

The CD is available at cdbaby (also as a download) or through her website.

Videos above courtesy of WhisperingBobTV

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EXTRA MINI-REVIEW!

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

2010's Diversity boats a number of amazing storytelling songs enhanced by her distinct vocals.  Lyrically, it veers from politics, love, motivation and all points in between.  This is a wonderful album!

You can download it via cdbaby, iTunes or through her website.

Video above courtesy of Tia McGraff

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Blast from the Past: Tia's Break These Chains Album

Links: Tia McGraff,  More Tia McGraff Stories, More Releases

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CONGRATS! 2015 Hamilton Music Industry Award Winners (Including Us!)

The Hamilton Blues Lovers website was only one of the many winners in the 2015 Hamilton Music Industry Awards.  Many deserving members of the local music community were recognized on May 23, 2015 at the Dofasco Centre for the Arts.

Lou, our blogger had this to say: "Thank you to all my fellow nominees who help get the word out about the amazing Hamilton music scene and thanks to all the amazing musicians.  It is an honour to receive this award."

The big winner of the day was classical musician Strat Andriotis, who earned three awards.



Video above courtesy of Dekatria Records

The night was also special because of the late, great Brian Griffith, who won the Guitarist of the Year Award.  His son accepted the award on his behalf.  Many of the speakers paid tribute to this amazing musician.  There were many touching moments.



Links: More Brian Griffith Stories, Video above courtesy of Doug Smith 

Click here for the CBC Hamilton story

Click here for pictures of the event

Click here for picture of our Mascot at the awards

CONGRATULATIONS EVERYONE!

Here is a complete list of winners.

• Website/Online Publication: Hamilton Blues Lovers
• Video: Yitka Karlik: Wonderbus #2
  
  
  
  Links: More Yitka Stories, Video above courtesy of Yitka Karlik
  
  
• Guitarist: Brian Griffith (Harrison Kennedy, Mimi Shaw)
  
• Female Vocalist: Ginger St. James
• Male Vocalist: Harrison Kennedy
• Drummer: Nick Burson (Rae Billing)
• Bassist: Justin Bozzo (The Zilis)
• Instrumental Record: Strat Andriotis: Liars Incorporated
• Ethnic Recording: Kenny C: Live Life
• Dance Recording: The Bryan Sorensen Groove Trio: Stealing from the DJ
• Classical Composition: Strat Andriotis: Liars Incorporated
• Classical Recording: Strat Andriotis: Liars Incorporated
• Electronic Recording: Caribou: Our Love
• Piano/Keyboard Player: Greg Brisco (The Dinner Belles)
• Special Instrumentalist: Hachey the MouthPEACE (Beatbox)
• Canadian Recording: Arkells: How Long
• Studio Engineer: Nick Blagona
• Producer: Steve Bigas
• Recording Studio: Porcelain Records
• Artist Website: www.jeremyfishermusic.com
• Best Album Artwork: Jeremy Fisher: The Lemon Squeeze
• Record Label: Six Shooter Records
• Musical Event: Supercrawl
• Instrument Retailer: Long and McQuade
• Music Retailer: Dr. Disc
• Music Director (Radio): Ben Robinson (CFMU)
• Publicist: Listen Harder
• Artist Manager: Madeline Wilson
• Radio Show: Lullabies in Razorland (CFMU)
• Media Person: Kristin Archer (ihearthamilton.com, CFMU)
• Radio Station: 93.3 CFMU 
• Print Publication: View Magazine
• Major Concert Venue: First Ontario Centre
• Live Club: This Ain’t Hollywood
• Theatre: The Pearl Company
• Talent Buyer: Lou Molinaro (This Ain’t Hollywood)
• Booking Agent: Spherical Productions
• Tour Manager: Duke Foster
• Live Sound Engineer : Shaun Shuell
• Sound and Lighting Company:Bates Audio
• Event Photographer: Kyle Weir
• Music Teacher (Elementary): Kate Quigley (Dundas Valley Montessori School)
• Music Teacher (Secondary): Jonathan Abell (Westdale)
• Music Teacher (Post-Secondary): Jamshed Turel (Mohawk College)
• Music Teacher (Independent School: Kate Quigley (Dundas Valley Montessori School)

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Hamilton Blues Legend Harrison Kennedy Goes All Out on 'This is From Here'

Steeltown music veteran Harrison Kennedy has kicked things up a notch with This Is From Here (thru Electro-Fi).  The legendary Bluesman and his electric backing band are highly energized and ready to rock.

You can hear him showing off the power of his vocals.  Harrison can really go all out and show the younger musicians how it's done.  When the man needs to be slow and soulful though, his pipes are more than up to the task.  While the music is still rooted in country Blues, the sound has been kick-started and revved up.

Joining Harrison on this dynamic album are the late, great Brian Griffith, Jesse O'Brien (who also co-produces), Colin Linden, Chris Caddell, Gary Craig, John Dymond, Terry Wilkins, and Nick Blagona.  Keeping up with Mr. Harrison can't be easy but these boys do an amazing job!

The robust CD can be purchased at Picks N Sticks, Dr. Disc or via the Electro-Fi Records website.  It can also be downloaded using iTunes.

Video above courtesy of Lighthouse Blues Festival

Blast from the Past:  Harrison Kennedy's Soulscape Album

Links: Harrison Kennedy, More Harrison Kennedy Stories, More Releases

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