Strong Debut from Hamilton's Garnetta Cromwell

As a former Olympic weight-lifter, Hamilton musician Garnetta Cromwell knows all about strength. Actually, strength can be the main theme of her incredible debut solo album, Time to Shine. There are songs about strong women, tunes about having a strong will and more. Even the slower songs have a strong vibe to them. Powerful Funk, Soul and Blues beats flex their way into each and every number throughout this brawny album.

Her band, DaGroovmasters:

• GARNETTA CROMWELL (Lead vocals, Congas, Percussions)
• ROBIN HOUSTON (Drums)
• MARK HOWE (Bass)
• TOSHIHIRO OTANI (Electric Guitar)
• SABIAN CROSSWELL (Piano, Wurlitizer Electric Piano, Hammond Organ, Nord Keyboard)
• JUAN ARCE (Tenor Sax, Alto Sax, Horn arrangements)

Guests: 

• KEN WHITELEY (Electric Guitar, Hammond Organ, Harmony vocals, producer)
• QUISHA WINT (Harmony vocals)
• SELENA EVANGELINE (Harmony vocals)
• REBECCA HENNESSY (Trumpet, Additional horn arrangements)
• COLLEEN ALLEN (Alto Sax)
• CARRIE CHESNUTT (Tenor Sax)
• ELENA KAPELERIS (Baritone Sax)

Available: live shows, Bandcamp, Spotify, YouTube

Stream the album below

Links: Garnetta and DaGroovmasters, More Garnetta and DaGroovmasters Stories, Album above courtesy of GARNETTA CROMWELL - Topic, More Releases

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The Late Tony "Rush" Wachnuik Honoured by Local Musicans

Unfortunately, Hamilton musician Tony "Rush" Wachnuik passed away on August 25, 2015 due to complications from a traffic accident. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

Tony was a beloved member of the local music community and a valued member of a number of bands, including the TNT Bluesmen, Hell County and most recently, the King Street Band.

Wayne Janus, his Hell County bandmate had this to say: "Tony brought a level of energy to the music that I've only experienced while performing with him. He knew how to "connect" and his placement of his musical energies inspired me to give it all as if it were the last note to ever be played. I learned so much from him. I am forever grateful for our time together on and off the stage. Tony had a big heart and "continually" expressed compassion for my fathers failing health. Tony will always have a place in my heart and he will always have a place in the music that I will continue to play. Love you brother T"

A note from Lou, our blogger: "Tony was one of the first musicians I befriended after starting the Hamilton Blues Lovers.  I remember his no-nonsense approach to life, his energy and amazing musical talent. We'll all miss him."

Reaction to his passing hit social media.  Here a few comments. We'll be adding more later.

Mike Almas: "Lots of tears for Tony, what a character, what a great friend, so very glad to have known him, gonna miss him a lot."

Mike Branton: "Nobody fought the good fight as fiercely as Tony did. Nobody stuck it harder to the phonies. And when it was time to play and I mean really play there was nobody who could touch him. Not in a million years.. .A true friend and bluesman!

Steven Collett: "Rest in peace to my friend Tony Rush that played a wonderful Ibanez bass similar to the one I had. It was so great to play with him and we will miss the wide eyed spirit he had."

There will be a memorial show on Saturday, September 5, 2015 at the Homestead Bar from 4-8pm.  Donations will be accepted for Tony's family.

Video above  (with Tony Rush on bass) courtesy of Hell County

Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

Blast from the Past: Tony Rush Jam@Rebel's Rock

Link: More Tony Rush Stories

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Previous (News Roundup: Tony Rush Passes, Winds of the North, Mountain and the Wood, Terra Lightfoot) - - - Next (New Steve Goldberger Album)

News Roundup (Tony Rush Passes, Winds of the North, Mountain and the Wood, Terra Lightfoot)

Tony Rush (right) with Wayne Janus Band

It is with sadness that we report the passing of Hamilton musician Tony "Rush" Wachnuik on August 25, 2015 . Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.  Click here for more information.

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News

Local

• Barber Shop Podcast w Winds of the North
  
  
  
  Links: Winds of the North, Video above courtesy of Barber Shop Podcast
  
  
• CHCH Videos: Scotty James, Terra Lightfoot
• New Reviews: George CW Douglas, Leslie Hudson, Hailee Rose

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The Adventures of Trebleclef, the Hamilton Blues Lovers Monkey

Trebleclef  attended the incredible Guitar Mikey Homecoming Show

With comedian Paul Settle
(click for his video- Warning: mature content)

Click here for all the photos from this event

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Recently Added

Our Performer List

• Emma Elena Grace
• Larry Melton
• Mountain and the Wood
  
  
  
  Links: Mountain and the Wood  More Mountain and the Wood Stories, Video above courtesy of Mountain and the Wood
  
  
• Adrian Raso

Our Venue List

• FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre (St. Catharines)

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Birthdays

Thursday, August 27

• Ian Taylor

Friday, August 28

• Bernie Moffat (RIP)
• Jesse Parent

Saturday, August 29

• Greg Preston
• Tone Valcic

Sunday, August 30

• Darren Hancock

Monday, August 31

• Andrew Aldridge (Mississippi Bends)
• David Nicoloff (HellBent Rockers) 
• Tyler Schwende

Tuesday, September 1

• Dave Gould

Wednesday, September 2

• Elmo Lewis (Zilis)
• Makeda Taylor (Music Blogger)

Thursday, September 3

• Johanna Pavia

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Previous (New Hailee Rose EP) - - - Next (Tony Rush Passes)

Hell County Debut CD

The self titled debut CD from local power trio, Hell County is not for the feint of heart.  This is stunning, raw, super-heavy rock with a blues soul.

The powerful, gritty voice and infectious, loud guitar workouts of Wayne Janus set the stage for the whole disc. Tony "Rush" Wachnuik (bass) and Robin Houston (drums) meet him blow for blow as they create a shack shaking sound guaranteed to wake the neighbours.

This ain't just head bangin' music either.  There's enough boogie infused in here to make you shake your booty as well as your head.

If you think you can handle it, you can pick up a CD at one of the band's (or Wayne's solo) live shows.  It can also be downloaded through cdbaby or iTunes.

Video below courtesy of Hell County's YouTube page.



Blast from the Past: Videos - Hell County and others play the Locke Street Fest

Links: Hell County, More Wayne Janus Stories, More CD Releases

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