The little guy also popped in to Urban Hamilton Artists (co-owned by musician Maggie Ciere) to check out their great printing services and wonderful music merch!
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.
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.
Shameless Subversion (from Boxo Studios) is not just an amazing compilation of local music. The project's also an important, artistic, social statement featuring the best singer/songwriters in the area. According to producer Kevin Barber, "It's main goal is as a stigma-busting, mood-altering showpiece on the power of music."
Every song speaks to an aspect of mental health: from the many challenges to how music can be used as therapy for the performer as well as the listener. Never clinical or preachy, these well-written tunes reveal pieces of the puzzle.
You'll find a lot of variety here. All manner of vocals, from raw and rough to smooth and enchanting, proclaim their wonderful lyrics. Musically, there's high quality folk, blues, country, roots and everything in between. Each song has its own soul but together, they form a fabulous testimony of the mental health world.
Here's the impressive track listing. Click song titles for more information about the individual track
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.
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.
Alfie's gritty blues growl and Nicole's sweet voice give the disc a wonderful contrast, especially when the two sing in harmony. They even switch it up with Nicole adding an edge to her vocals on a few tracks and Alfie showing his softer side on others. Of course, this is on top of the stunning guitar and flute work from the talented pair. The only other performer on the album is Nick Burson, who contributes some tasty percussion.
Listeners get the best of both worlds with this mix of classics (the title track, Cakewalk into Town, You Are My Sunchsine, Hound Dog, Iko Iko) and marvelous original songs.
You can pick up a physical CD at their outstanding live shows or through the Busted Flat website(it can be downloaded here too). Downloads can also be purchased via cdbaby or iTunes.
It's been about five years since local songstress extraordinaire Rae Billing released a CD. The long silence has now been broken with Walls and Fences (through HUG-MUSIC). It's well worth the wait!
With her character-filled, one of a kind voice and incredible lyrics, Rae weaves a unique, rootsy, alt-country atmosphere. Occasionally dark and sometimes deeply personal, Walls and Fences is an album of substance worth exploring.