In spite of another year of uncertainty in the face of a global pandemic, Canadian blues artists continued to write, record, and yes, even tour throughout Canada and beyond. Musicians of all genres faced much adversity in 2022, but the current slate of nominees for the upcoming Maple Blues Awards show that hard times can channel intense creativity. That’s the blues, in a nutshell.
Public voting opens November 2nd, 2022 at 10:01 am Eastern Time and closes December 1st, 2022 at 11:59 pm Eastern Time. Fans can vote in eligible categories at www.mapleblues.ca
Winners of the Maple Blues Awards will be announced at the gala/performance on Monday January 30th, 2023 at Koerner Hall in Toronto. Tickets are on sale now and start at $35. Tickets for the not-to-be-missed event can be purchased here.
Kitchener singer/songwriter/keyboardist John Lee is the 2021 winner of the Mel Brown Blues Award. It is named in honour of the late, legendary Kitchener bluesman.
John has worked with many other musicians throughout his career and has appeared on many recordings, as both a musician and recording engineer/producer.
John has mentored countless musicians over the years, and is an instructor at the annual Grand River Blues Camp. He is currently working on his own CD that will be available soon as a digital download.
Pearl, the final studio album from the unforgettable icon Janis Joplin was released 50 years ago this year. It was released January 11, 1971 - three months after her untimely death.
Hamilton is well-represented with Jack de Keyzer up for 2 awards (Guitarist of the Year, Producer of the Year. Jack's bandmate Richard Thornton is nominated for Horn Player of the Year. Other Hammertown nominees include Harrison Kennedy (Male Vocalist of the Year), Jesse O'Brien (Keyboardist of the Year) and Cootes Paradise (New Artists of the Year).
Also of note is Colin James' latest album, Miles to Go. It features Hamiltonians Jesse O'Brien (keys, writing), Steve Pelletier(bass)and Tom Wilson aka Lee Harvey Osmond (writing). Also, it's released by Waterdown's True North Records). That disc is up for Recording of the Year. Colin is also tied with Sue Foley for most nominations (6).
Two members of Waterloo's Soulstack, singer Jon Knight and drummer Tom Bona, were nominated as well. Another Waterloo group Elliott and the Audio Kings is in the running in the New Artistof the Year category.
Hopefully, a number of them will bring home the awards at the ceremony on February 4, 2019 at Koerner Hall in Toronto. You can help by VOTING ONLINE! Deadline is December 1, 2018 at 11:59pm.
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.
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.
The the 21st annual Maple Blues Awards will be held at Koerner Hall in Toronto on January 15, 2018. Once again, there are a number of local nominees.
Hamilton Blues legend Harrison Kennedy is up for 4 awards (Acoustic Act of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Recording/Producer of the Year and Songwriter).
Kitchener's Soulstackhas two nominated members: singer Jon Knight is up for Male Vocalist of the Year and Tom Bonais in the running for Drummer of the Year.
The artist with the most nominations is the Paul DesLauriers Bandwith the group and individual members receiving a combined total of 5 nods.
Online voting is available for various categories. the deadline is December 1st, 2017 at 11:59 pm Pacific Standard Time. Register at www.mapleblues.ca.
Play This, the debut album from Kitchener Blues veteran, Michael "Mudfoot" McDonald will hook you instantly with its dazzling guitar work. Once it has you, it won't let go until you're finished this amazing wild musical ride.
Michael and his friends have got the chops and this recording proves it without a doubt. They can get funky, do an incredible shuffle and rock out with the best of them. There's a "let's just get together and jam" spontaneous feel to the music that adds that extra energy. The talented Bluesman has assembled quite the team, including: Cory Turnbull, Pat Rush, John Lee (Pappy Johns Band), Mike Branton, Al Richardson, Chris Latta (Soulstack) , Randall Coryell, Jordan Patterson and more. No wonder the album sound so good!
So if you need a great musical pick-me-up, head over to one of Mike's live shows (including a rockin' bi-weekly Sunday afternoon jam at the Boathouse in Kitchener) or download it through iTunes.
The legendary Mo' Kauffey was working on Honey Be, the debut recording from his duo, Kauffey Temple when he sadly passed away in early 2016. The album is a wonderful addition of the music legacy he left behind.
Mo' is in amazing form here along with his musical partner, Peter Templeon harmonica and backing vocals. There are five studio tracks filled with Mo's laid-back, folky style of blues. Six live tunes follow from one of his final shows at the the Boathouse. The band do an amazing job on the originals and the handful of covers.
You can pick up a copy of this amazing disc from Encore Records or Try City Music in Kitchener. It's also available online at cdbabyand iTunes. It's a great way to remember Mo'.
Drummer Jimmy Boudreauwill be the recipient of the 2016 Mel Brown Award, a prize named after his former band leader. The one time member of Mel's Homewreckers will get the accolade as part of this year's Kitchener Blues Fest.
The Best of Canadian Blues was on display for all to hear at the Koerner Hall in Toronto on Monday, January 18, 2016. The 19th Annual Maple Blues Awardsgala celebrated the immense talent this country has to offer.
Tom Bonaof Kitchener band Soulstackand Toronto's Raoul and the Big Time won the Drummer of the Year award. Cambridge Bluesman Conor Gains received the coveted $1000 Cobalt Prize for his song Leave it on the Line.
The big winner of the night was Montreal's Steve Hillwho took home 3 awards (Entertainer, Electric Act, Guitarist). Blackie and the Rodeo Kings member Colin Linden earned two (Producer, Songwriter) as well.
The Adventures of Trebleclef, the Hamilton Blues Lovers Monkey Trebleclefattended theBarber Shop PodcastOpen House in Hamilton to celebrate the show's 3rd Anniversary. Congrats everyone!
Jon Knight & Soulstack (w guest bassist Matt Weidinger) perform Skinny Girl at The Jet Hall in Hamilton #HamOntMusic #HamOnt
Posted by Hamilton B. Lous on Thursday, December 3, 2015
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