Showing posts with label Pete Sisk. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pete Sisk. Show all posts

Thursday, July 20, 2023

Legendary Musician Mark LaForme Passes


It is with sadness that we announce the recent passing of legendary local musician Mark LaForme. More details to follow. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

Mark was a musical force who could handle Rock, Blues, Folk, Country and more. He performed with Stompin' Tom, Ronnie Hawkins and many, many other performers. His storied career also included nationally charting solo singles and co-writing Git Along Little Doggie with Dallas Harms, recorded by Gene Watson.

The following was places on his Facebook page:
I am filled with unbearable sadness  and emptiness  as I inform you of Mark's passing. He loved his fans and was always amazed at how many of you loved him and his music.

A word from Lou, our blogger:

It was always great to see Mark LaForme perform. His talent was evident at every show and he was always very friendly with his fans. My heart goes out to anyone whose life he touched.

Social Media Reaction

Derek Miller

Mark Laforme, I call him The Rattler, is another musical guiding light, he was on the charts in the 1980’s and was Stompin Tom’s musical director. Always so supportive and a pillar to the music community here in Six Nations and New Credit, sad to hear the news he is gone.

Colin Connors

I just heard of his passing. Some amazing memories sharing the stage with this incredible musician and all around great human being. Love and hugs to Jenn and all his family.

The Galley Pump

It is with a heavy heart we see another legend cross over the heavenly gates. 

Mark Laforme made an impact on many people's lives in and out of The Galley Pump. He brought so much spirit and energy to his performances and always drew amazing crowds. 

Our hearts are with Mark's family, we are sorry to hear of your loss and we are here for you when you need us.

Video above courtesy of  Armadillo Killer

Video above courtesy of Mark LaForme

Links: Mark LaForme, More Mark LaForme Stories, More Hank Williams Covers/Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton B Lous


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Saturday, November 15, 2014

Hamilton Loses Brian Griffith, One of Its Guitar Giants


It is with sadness that we announce the passing of the super-talented Hamilton guitarist Brian Griffith.  He passed away in his sleep on Friday, November 14, 2014.  Condolences to his family, friends and fans.

In a city full of amazing guitarists, he was one of the most in demand and sought after players.  The man could play country, soul, blues, rock, reggae and anything that was thrown at him - he was a true professional.  His amazing work led him to team up with such international stars as Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, Daniel Lanois and more.

Brian was also one of the most beloved figures in the Steeltown musical scene. His good nature and generosity as a musician will always be remembered.

A word from Lou, our blogger: "I'm sad to hear of the passing of my friend Brian.  I had seen him numerous times with different musicians and he always knocked it out of the park.  On top of that, he always had a smile and a laugh to share with me.  Brian's good nature was infectious.  I'll truly miss him"

The outpouring of love on social media was incredible.

Harrison Kennedy: " I am heartbroken deeply. He played anything and everything well on any guitar."

Shawn Brush: "Brian was a fine human being and will be missed by many. He would often greet me with a hug or a kiss on the forehead. He was a friend and a fan who admired and encouraged me with my music. I will miss him, but will endeavor to keep his presence alive and felt through my performances. I know there are many people that will miss him."

Paul Langille: "A kind gentle man with a wicked sense of humour, and one of the most talented musicians I have ever had the honour of working with."

Robin Benedict: "There is a dark cloud that is overwhelming my city tonight and forever!! Brian Griffith, you have been such a light in this Musically electric place and you have made your mark all over the world!"

Tomi Swick: "We lost one of the most amazing beautiful people and players any of us will ever know, I have your words on my skin brother. No matter where we go no matter what we do we will always be brothers of the wind."

Michael Hickey: "If one could hear love...you could certainly hear it in every note Brian played."

Paul Panchezak (Trickbag): "His phenomenal talent was surpassed by his beautiful soul. He was always an encouraging friend. A gentle man. And a gentleman. We loved sharing the latest boxing news when our paths crossed. I can't believe he's gone."

Justin Sawicki: "Brian Griffith was a pillar in the Hamilton music scene. He was was the first act I saw when I moved to Hamilton just over a decade ago. I can remember seeing him play for the first time and thinking it was impossible to do what he did with a guitar, yet somehow those impossible notes were flowing mightily out of his fingers. You will be missed dearly in this Steel Town. Your town."



Video above courtesy of Stellablu477



Links: Lori Yates, More Lori Yates Stories, Video above courtesy of Michael Hickey

Blast from the Past: Brian Griffith Performs With Friends at Pine Street Gardens

Links: Brian Griffith, More Brian Griffith Stories

Previous (News Roundup w Jesse Elliot Band, Finis Tasby, Khea, Mike Gravitis) - - - Next (New Matt Paxton EP)

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Ginger St. James and the Grinders' New CD, Diesel and Peas is Raucous, Saucy and Dynamic!

https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/diesel-and-peas/id879144004

Binbrook gal, Ginger St. James and her band, the Grinders, have unleashed another amazing CD filled with dynamic, saucy grooves. Diesel and Peas, the lady's latest disc, is brimming with her trademark raucous spirit.

With a country girl soul and a jazz diva's sultry heart, she fuses her influences into an extremely explosive sound. Swing, Blues and lots o' Rockabilly are also on the menu. Her powerful pipes are at home in any genre. 

As for the Grinders, they do an incredible job of keeping the groove and adding much flair to the proceedings.  The band includes guitarist (and producer) Snow–Heel Slim, Greg Brisco on keyboards, Pete Sisk on bass and drummer Andre Tellier.  

Go ahead and pick up your copy at the band's superb shows or download it on iTunes.







Videos above courtesy of Shotgun Jilly

Blast from the Past: Ginger St James EP - Tease

Links: Ginger St. James, More Ginger St. James Stories, More CD Releases

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Saturday, March 5, 2011

New Yitka CD: Diplomatic Dream

Diplomatic Dream, the latest CD by local singer/songwriter Yitka, is definitely well-named. A global theme is certainly prevalent throughout the disc.

Yitka's accent (she immigrated from the Czech Republic) adds an international flavour to all the songs. On top of that, she includes Latin sounds (To Mexico, Maria), some reggae (the title track), and much more. This is all while adding a wonderful pop/rock/folk feel. To finish things off, there's also a cover of Marianne Faithfull's Broken English

Many talented musicians worked with Yitka to create this amazing disc: Peter Sisk, Ray Poirier, Sandi Stirling, Joe Mavety, Steve Negus, and Danny Z (also producer and engineer).

The CD is available at her live shows and can be ordered though CDbaby, as either a CD or download. You can also get it on iTunes.

See below for live performances of songs from the album.





Saturday, February 6, 2010

New Barry Mac CD: Figment of My Mind

Don't let the Cowboy hat on the cover fool you. Barry Mac's new CD, Figment of My Mind, is far from your typical country album.

This singer/songwriter masterfully blends his country sound with flourishes of blues, folk, rock, and more. Standout tracks include Now You're Gone, Start Right Now, You and Me, and the extemely catchy I'm Not Looking For A Friend.

As if Mac's unique voice and talented guitar work weren't enough, he's joined by an incredible group of local players: Russ Wilson (Junkhouse) - who also co-produces, Mike Blackborow (Backroom 11), Midnight Jon, Jesse O'Brien, Joe Clark and the beautiful harmony vocals of JP Riemens, Lianne Cranfield and Lena Montecalvo.

You can pick up the CD at his shows.

Links: His Web site - More Barry Mac Stories

Check out the videos below from his CD Release party at This Ain't Hollywood, featuring Mac and his One-Eyed Jacks: Mike Blackborow (guitar), Spider Costello (drums), Lena Montecalvo (harmony vocals), Pete Sisk (bass), and Greg Brisco (keys).

Click here if you can't see the videos.







Click here to see the opening act of the night: The Thunderbolt Brothers (JP Riemens and Dan Walsh.

Friday, November 27, 2009

Fred D. Smith and Friends - Artword Artbar (Nov. 21, 2009)


Fred D. Smith (vocals, guitar) was joined by Pete Sisk (bass), Midnight Jon (guitar/banjo) and Karen Corinth (Harmony vocals)







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Karen Johnson takes the mic



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Fred and Karen take five as Midnight Jon sings a tune with Pete and Dorothy Carey backing him up.



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Now Pete Sisk belts it out



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