Showing posts with label Shawn Brush. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shawn Brush. Show all posts

Friday, March 26, 2021

Check Out Some Incredible Local Songwriting at #LocalLyricsShowcase

Our fantastic marketing maven, Linda has been spotlighting the incredible songwriting prowess of our local talent though the Facebook hashtag #LocalLyricsShowcase. Every weekend, she posts lyrics and a video to a wonderful song written by a local musician. Check it out every week for new posts.

GREAT JOB LINDA! 

Here are a few samples from previous weeks

Links: Shawn Brush, More Shawn Brush StoriesVideo above courtesy of thekrookedcowboy

Links: David LumMore David Lum StoriesVideo above courtesy of David Lum - Topic

Links: Jay BurrMore Jay Burr StoriesVideo above courtesy of N. Jay Burr


Previous (Spring Videos) - - - Next (Lowell Fulson's 100th Birthday)

Saturday, October 27, 2018

Waterdown Sax Man Peter McFarland Passes


It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Waterdown Sax Man Peter McFarland. He passed away on October 26, 2018. Peter played with many local artists and was also a member of Groove Corporation. We will add details as we learn about them. Our condolences to his family, friend and fans.

Here are some social media comments about Peter.

Shawn Brush
It’s hard to know what to say today. Some of you May already know that Peter McFarland has passed. For those of you who don’t, I’m sorry to be the bearer of the news. Peter was a wonderful person and a great saxophone player. He will be missed in our musical Community. Rest in peace PETER.
David Battrick
I am deeply saddened by the loss of friend and fellow musician Peter McFarland today . He was my favourite local Sax player, the guy who "Got It". Now he can play with the angels.
Peter Griffin
Very sad to hear of the loss of a member of our musical community today. Peter McFarland was a talented musician and a warm gentleman. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to share the stage with him on occasion. He will be missed by many. RIP Pete.
William Schwendiman (The Casbah)
In the early 1990's while a student at McMaster University, I had a job with the City of Hamilton at the municipal golf course cutting the greens. My boss was a laid back, gentle man named Peter McFarland. Soft-spoken, but as an employer, carried a strong authoritative energy that caused you the desire to always do good work. That was one of my favourite jobs and ran the course of 4 years while in school. 
Years later my path navigated to music, and eventually owning a club and promoting concerts. It was only then that I figured out Peter was a talented musician. Not once during the 4 years that I worked for him did he mention he was one of the city's best saxophone players. Not one to self-promote, humble and again..soft-spoken.
It saddens me that my friend has passed away today. He will be missed.
Chris Chambers
He and my father worked together for 30+ years and he was the guy who introduced me to the entire circle of musicians who brought me up as a player when I was a really young kid. He was a hell of a guy and a great player. He’ll be missed.
His Groove Corporation bandmate, Lily Sazz, created this beautiful YouTube video shortly before his passing.



Links: Groove CorporationMore Groove Corporation Stories, Video above courtesy of Lily Sazz

If anyone else knows of any other videos with Peter, please email us at blueshamilton@gmail.com and we will add it.

Previous (News Roundup: Dallas Harms, Tragedy Ann, Fred Penner, More) - - - Next (Video Previews of HBL 10th Anniversary Bash Performers)

Friday, October 19, 2018

News Roundup (Mark Lalama, Helix, Barn Katz, Shawn Brush)



Argyle Sweater
More Musical Toons

News

Local
      Spectator Stories
      Canada
      World

            Adventure of Trebleclef, the Music-Loving Monkey

            Trebleclef had fun at Doug Feaver's show at the Brantford Knights of Columbus!


            Click here for more videos from the event

            -----------

            He also spent some time at the incredible Shawn Brush fundraiser at the Boston Manor in Burlington.


            Click here for more pics from the event 

            Here are some videos from the show:



            Links: Barn Katz, More Barn Katz StoriesVideo above courtesy of Hamilton B. Lous



            Links: Shawn Brush, More Shawn Brush StoriesVideo above courtesy of Hamilton B. Lous

            Wednesday, November 29, 2017

            Merle Travis' 100th Birthday



            Wednesday, November 29, 2017 would have been Merle Travis' 100th birthday.

            Recently, we asked a number of local musicians for comments about this legendary country performer.  Here are a few responses:

            Marty Allen
            Merle Travis, the template of Americana. It still moves me so!
            Shawn Brush
            Travis picking… How many people have a style named after them?
            Ty Baynton
            Merle Travis was a great songwriter and unique guitar player. I still use his picking style now and then while playing acousticly at shows or radio spots and I'm sure he influenced many other players as well.
            Jonathan Knight (Soulstack)
            Merle Travis is one of the cornerstones of my guitar playing. Travis picking was one of my first few chosen challenges and it's still part of my practise routine everyday
            Tim McDonald (of the Barn Katz) responded with his cover of Merle's biggest hit: 16 Tons.



            Links: Barn Katz, More Barn Katz StoriesVideo above courtesy of Tim McDonald

            Here are a few videos from the man himself.



            Video above courtesy of antonichkov



            Video above courtesy of justformusicvideos



            Video above courtesy of TVHotRock


            Previous (Hamilton Blues Lovers Turns 9) - - - Next (News Roundup: Ben Bowman, Easy Lemon, The Band, Canadian Grammy Nods)

            Friday, January 1, 2016

            2015: Year in Review


            2015 was an amazing year for local music.  Hamilton received official designation as the Blues Capital of Canada.  The Hamilton Blues Lovers Blog also won it's first Hamilton Music industry Award.  This was also the year that we introduced Trebleclef, our music-lovin' mascot. His travels took him across the region as he met wonderful musicians and supporters of live music.

            On a sad note, we lost a number of local luminaries such as John Hess (harmonica player)Billy Berman (Rick and the Krickets bassist)Bill Powell (Festival of Friends founder)Tony RushSteve Tom (Daddy Long Legs bassist), Hamilton music supporter Bill Kerr and pianist Harry McDade.  Canadian musicians Ron HynesBuddy "The Bear" Armstrong and Peter "Sab" Sabourin passed away in 2015 as well.

            On the international front, one of the biggest Blues men of all time, BB King died. Others losses included Cory Wells (Three Dog Night), Smokin' Joe Kubek, Ornette Coleman, Clark Terry , and Kim Fowler (Producer/Writer/Musician).

            Most Popular Blog Posts
            Other Highlights of the Year
            Our Top 3 Reviews
            Our Top 3 Videos 


            Spencer Mackenzie, Jack de Keyzer, Neil Nickafor, Steve Barnes & Bill Holinaty cover Dylan
            Posted by Hamilton B. Lous on Sunday, November 1, 2015


            Links: Spencer MacKenzieMore Spencer Mackenzie StoriesVideo above courtesy of Hamilton B. Lous


            Jude Johnson and Friends: Jingle Bells @ Hamilton Hometown Christmas at Bay City Music Hall #HamOntMusic #HamOnt Carl Horton, Paul Panchezak, Wayne Krawchuk, Sonny Del-Rio, Lily Sazz - Musician, Mark Volkov, Mike Malone
            Posted by Hamilton B. Lous on Saturday, December 19, 2015


            Links: Jude JohnsonMore Jude Johnson StoriesVideo above courtesy of Hamilton B. Lous


            Shawn Brush covers Daniel Lanois's The Maker w Mark Foley and Harry White #BurlOnMusic #HamOntMusic #HamOnt
            Posted by Hamilton B. Lous on Wednesday, October 28, 2015


            Links: Shawn Brush, More Shawn Brush StoriesMore Daniel Lanois Covers/StoriesVideo above courtesy of Hamilton B. Lous

            Here's to an ever better 2016!!!!

            Blast from the Past: 2014 in Review

            Previous (Christmas Pics w Trebleclef) - - - Next (Local Artists on CBC's Top 50 Canadian Albums of 2015 List)

            Thursday, October 29, 2015

            News Roundup (Help Mo' Kauffey, Blind Mule, Shawn Brush, James-Alphonse)



            Veteran singer/songwriter Mo' Kauffey was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 liver cancer.
            He needs help with his day to day expenses and treatment options


            THANK YOU!



            Links: Mo' KauffeyMore Mo' Kauffey StoriesVideo above courtesy of Mo' Kauffey


            News

            Local

            Canada
            World



            The Adventures of Trebleclef, the Hamilton Blues Lovers Monkey

            Trebleclef 
            checked out Shawn Brush and Friends at the Bristol in Burlington

            Trebleclef with Shawn Brush


            Shawn Brush covers Daniel Lanois's The Maker w Mark Foley and Harry White #BurlOnMusic #HamOntMusic #HamOnt
            Posted by Hamilton B. Lous on Wednesday, October 28, 2015


            Links: Shawn Brush, More Shawn Brush Stories, More Daniel Lanois Covers/StoriesVideo above courtesy of Hamilton B. Lous

            Bass Master Harry White
            Judi Rideout and Mark Foley

            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 YatesMore Lori Yates StoriesVideo 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, January 30, 2013

            2 More Episodes of Ensemble on YouTube

            All videos courtesy of Cable 14



            Links: Wendell Ferguson, Jon Brooks, Judy Rideout, Shawn Brush



            Links: Astrid Young, Dave Rave, Bill Culp, David Lum

            Click here for more episodes

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            Previous (Darrell Webb Band@Private Show) - - - Next (News Roundup + Videos of Steve Sinnicks, Ed Vandendool and Felicia McMinn)

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            Sunday, April 1, 2012

            Vote for the Canadian Music Party


            HBL (Hamilton Blues Lovers) Inc doesn’t usually get involved in politics but we’ve decided to help spread the good word about the newly formed Canadian Music Party. A few local musicians were tired of the current political climate and decided to take matters into their own hands.

            Our very own blogger, Lou, was put in charge of propaganda. “We think it’s about time musicians had a say in how this country is run,” he explained.

            “At our last meeting, we chose singer/songwriter/artist Tom Wilson as our leader and hopefully, the next Prime Minister,” Lou added, “There were many worthy candidates. In the end, it was hard to ignore Mr. Wilson’s passion and commitment (not to mention his height) when the final tally was counted.”

            Mr. Wilson and the party have already outlined the main points of their future election campaign:
            • Immediate decriminalization of marijuana
            • All government business will only start after 2 pm.
            • Groupies can now be listed as dependents on income tax
            • Instruments can now be listed as dependents on income tax
            • Requesting “Mustang Sally” or “Freebird” is punishable by life in prison
            • Stealing musical instruments will be punishable by death
            • Musicians to get LCBO tax discounts
            • Hamilton will become the Canadian capital
            • "Oh Canada" to be replaced by "Oh What a Feeling" as the national anthem
            • The Queen will be replaced by King Biscuit Boy on all money
            • Frankie Venom will be put on the $50 bill.
            • Jackie Washington will now be on the $100 bill
            Even though the next election is still far away, the party have already started hiring for various positions:
            With this many musicians in one place, Lou says they were going to advertise a groupie wrangler position but luckily, local music fan and videographer Jill Johnson graciously accepted the job as an unpaid volunteer. “We’d like to thank Jill for her selfless act and for saving us some money. I’m sure she’ll take real good care of those groupies!”

            So please remember to vote for your local CMP candidate when the next election rolls around. We need to put some more groove into Canadian parliament.

            If you’d like to volunteer, please contact our volunteer coordinator, Ms. Luigi at 905-555-5555. For all other information, please call our secretary April Fulcilli at the same number.