Showing posts with label Steve Pelletier. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Steve Pelletier. Show all posts

Monday, May 11, 2026

Spencer Mackenzie Grows by Leaps and Bounds on Empty Chairs


Mini review: Empty Chairs, the latest album from Juno-nominated Niagara Blues superstar Spencer Mackenzie is getting a lot of international attention and for good reason. He grows with each release and Empty Chairs sees him painting with a lot more colours. Lyrically, the album delves into more personal and sometimes darker themes proving his songwriting is expanding by leap and bounds. You can also hear a touch of gospel and rootsier elements to his work.

Available on: CD/Vinyl Through His Website, YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music

Released on: Gypsy Soul Records

Personnel:

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Saturday, August 13, 2022

Spencer Mackenzie Tops Himself With Phenomenal New Album

Niagara Blues master Spencer Mackenzie has been topping himself with every release and his latest phenomenal album, Preach to My Soul, is no different. This Gypsy Soul Records release (distributed by Warner Canada) is a massive step forward.

Spencer's youthful vibrancy is still in place plus he's added lot more sweet soul to his repertoire. His voice projects the experience of musicians two times his age. Whether he's rockin' out, getting his gospel on or slinking through a beautiful slow number, Spencer's playing grabs your attention and doesn't let go.

The singer/guitar slinger is aided and abetted by Miles Evans (keys), Steve Pelletier (bass), Adam Cannon (drums), Ross Hayes-Citrullo (producer, guitars on two tacks), Steve Strongman (guitar on Paranoia Blues), Chantal Williams (background vocals), Julian Nalli, and Stephen Dyte (trumpet)

Get your hands on this astounding album at his powerful live shows or Spencer's website. It also available on Spotify to stream.

Video above courtesy of Spencer Mackenzie - Topic

Links: Steve Strongman, More Steve Strongman Stories, Video above courtesy of Spencer Mackenzie - Topic

Links: Spencer Mackenzie, More Spencer Mackenzie Stories, Video above courtesy of Spencer Mackenzie - Topic, More Releases

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Sunday, February 20, 2022

Happy Family Day! Videos by TrebleTones, Laura & Ron Cole, Freedom Train & Sarah Jennings



Links: TrebleTones (singer/guitarist & bassist are married), Video above courtesy of Hamilton B. Lous





Links: Freedom Train featuring brothers Tim (drums) & Carl Jennings (bass) Carl's daughter Sarah on vocals, More Freedom Train Stories, Video above courtesy of Freedom Train

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Tuesday, February 16, 2021

Winners of Maple Blues Awards, Day Three including Hamilton's Jesse O'Brien


This year, the Maple Blues Awards are online and divided between four Mondays in February.

Day three (February 15) was streamed from Montreal.

Below is a video of the third ceremony:


Video above courtesy of the Toronto Blues Society

Here's a complete list of winners
Blast from the Past: Last Years' Winners

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Tuesday, April 7, 2020

Local Artists Honour the Late Bill Withers


Sadly, American Soul legend Bill Withers passed on March 30, 2020.

A number of local artists honoured the unforgettable artist by releasing covers of his work.



Links: Cootes Paradise, More Cootes Paradise Stories, Video above courtesy of Lily Sazz



Links: Colin James, More Colin James Stories, Video above courtesy of Colin James



Links: Human Race, More Human Race Stories, Video above courtesy of the human race



Links: Chad Pilon, More Chad Pilon Stories, Video above courtesy of chadpilon41

 Here's a video from the man himself

Previous (Canadian Folk Music Award Winners) - - - Next (Local Artists Honour John Prine)
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Sunday, March 17, 2019

CONGRATS! Local Juno Winners + More


We would like to congratulate the local winners of the 2019 Juno Awards who brought home the hardware on the weekend of March 15-17, 2019. You made us proud!

Hamilton Rockers The Arkells won for Group of the Year, and Rock Album of the Year. Their producer Eric Ratz took Producer of the Year Award. Colin James recording Miles To Go (ft Steeltown artists Jesse O'Brien and Steve Pelletier) also won Blues Album of the Year.





The Arkells also performed at the ceremony.



Links: Arkells, More Arkells Stories, More CBC Videos, Videos above courtesy of CBC Music

Also of note, Cambridge Country duo, The Reklaws performed at the televised awards gala on Sunday, March 17.



Links: Reklaws, More Reklaws Stories, More CBC Videos, Video above courtesy of CBC Music

 CONGRATS EVERYONE!

 Photos from the Spectator

Here's a complete list of winners.
Previous  (St. Patrick's Day Videos) - - - Next (News Roundup)
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Tuesday, February 5, 2019

CONGRATS! Hamilton-Packed Album Wins Maple Blues Award


Canadian Blues legend Colin James swept the Maple Blues Awards with 5 wins. He was a similar face at the podium during the ceremony on February 4, 2019 at Koerner Hall in Toronto. His fabulous recording Miles to Go 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).



Links: Colin James, More Colin James Stories, Steve Pelletier, More Steve Peletier Stories, Jesse O'Brien, Lee Harvey Osmond, More Lee Harvey Osmond Stories, More Jesse O'Brien Stories, Video above courtesy of Colin James - Topic

CONGRATS EVERYONE!

Here is a complete list of winners
Blast from the Past: Last Years's Winners
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Friday, February 1, 2019

GOOD LUCK! Local 2019 Juno Nominees


Whether it's Rock, Blues, Classical, Country or any other genre, Hamilton (and the surrounding areas) are well represented in the 2019 Juno nominees list. On March 16-17, 2019 in London, the awards will be handed out and hopefully a few of our local musical heroes will bring home some hardware.

 The Rock Album of the Year category alone has three Hammertown bands: The Arkells, Monster Truck and The Trews. The Arkells are also up for Group of the Year, Producer of the Year and Album Artwork of the Year.

Links: The Trews, More Trews Stories, Video above courtesy of THE TREWS

As for Blues Album of the Year, Hamilton Bluesman Jack de Keyzer is one of the nominees and is also a guest on another nominated recording: Myles Goodwyn: Friends of the Blues. Steeltown artists Jesse O'Brien and Steve Pelletier work on the nominated Colin James album Miles To Go.



Links: Jack de Keyzer, More Jack de Keyzer Stories, More Robert Jordan Covers/Stories, Video above courtesy of Jack de Keyzer

Other Hamilton musicians up for Junos include Whitehorse (Adult Contemporary Album of the Year), Diana Panton (Vocal Jazz Album of the Year) and  David Braid (Classical Album, Vocal or Choral, of the Year).



Links: Diana Panton, More Diana Panton Stories, Video above courtesy of Diana Panton - Topic

St. Catharines Country superstar Tim Hicks and and the Reklaws from Cambridge are both in the running for Country Album of the Year. Elora's Kevin Breit is also nominated for Instrumental Album of the Year.

Links: Kevin Breit, More Kevin Breit Stories, Video above courtesy of Stony Plain Records

 GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

Here's a complete list of nominees.

Blues Album
Rock Album 
Group
Country Album
Fan Choice
  • Alessia Cara
  • Avril Lavigne
  • bülow
  • Elijah Woods x Jamie Fine
  • KILLY
  • Loud Luxury
  • NAV
  • Shawn Mendes
  • The Weeknd
  • Tory Lanez
Single
  • Alessia Cara: Growing Pains
  • bülow: Not A Love Song
  • Loud Luxury: Body
  • Shawn Mendes: In My Blood
  • The Weeknd/Kendrick Lamar: Pray For Me
International Album
  • Camila Cabello: Camila
  • Cardi B: Invasion of Privacy
  • Maroon 5: Red Pill Blues
  • Post Malone: beerbongs and bentleys
  • Travis Scott: ASTROWORLD
Album
  • Hubert Lenoir: Darlène
  • Jann Arden: These Are The Days
  • Shawn Mendes: Shawn Mendes
  • The Weeknd: My Dear Melancholy
  • Three Days Grace: Outsider
Artist
  • Alessia Cara
  • Michael Bublé
  • Shawn Mendes
  • The Weeknd
  • Tory Lanez
Breakthrough Artist
  • bülow
  • grandson
  • Johnny Orlando
  • KILLY
  • Meghan Patrick
Breakthrough Group
  • 88Glam
  • Dizzy
  • Elijah Woods x Jamie Fine
  • Loud Luxury
  • The Washboard Union
Songwriter
  • Bahamas
  • Donovan Woods
  • Frank Dukes
  • Jessie Reyez
  • Shawn Mendes
    Adult Alternative Album
    • Bahamas: Earthtones
    • Dan Mangan: More Or Less
    • Gabrielle Shonk: Gabrielle Shonk
    • Rhye: Blood
    • The Barr Brothers: Queens Of The Breakers
    Alternative Album
    • Destroyer: ken
    • Dizzy: Baby Teeth
    • Fucked Up: Dose Your Dreams
    • Tokyo Police Club: TPC
    • U.S. Girls: In A Poem Unlimited
    Pop Album
    • bülow: Damaged
    • Chromeo: Head Over Heels
    • Hubert Lenoir: Darlène
    • Shawn Mendes: Shawn Mendes
    • Tyler Shaw: Intuition
    Jazz Album (Solo)
    • Alexis BaroL Sandstorm
    • Alison Young: So Here We Are
    • Larnell Lewis: In the Moment
    • Renee Rosnes: Beloved of the Sky
    • Robi Botos: Old Soul
    Jazz Album (Group)
    • Allison Au Quartet: Wander Wonder
    • Andrew Rathbun Large Ensemble: Atwood Suites
    • Andy Milne and Dapp Theory: The Seasons of Being
    • Liebman/Murley Quartet: Live at U of T
    • Quinsin Nachoff's FLUX: Path of Totality
    Francophone Album
    • Cœur de pirate: en cas de tempête, ce jardin sera fermé
    • Hubert Lenoir: Darlène
    • Loud: Une année record
    • Philippe Brach: Le silence des troupeaux
    • Tire le coyote: Désherbage
    Children's Album
    • Beppie: Let's Go Bananas
    • Ginalina: It Takes a Village
    • Raffi: Dog on the Floor
    • Sonshine and Broccoli: It's Cool To Be Kind
    • Splash'N Boots: You, Me and the Sea
    Classical Album (Solo or Chamber)
    • Andrew Wan and Richard-Hamelin: Beethoven: Violin Sonatas Nos. 6, 7, 8
    • Angela Hewitt; Scarlatti: Sonatas Vol.2
    • Blake Pouliot with Hsin-I Huang: Ravel and Debussy: Sonates
    • Gryphon Trio: The End of Flowers: Works by Clarke and Ravel
    • Marc-André Hamelin: Schubert: Piano Sonata in B Flat Major D.960; Four Impromptus D.935
    Classical Album (Large Ensemble)
    • Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra/Orchestre du Centre National Des Arts du Canada conducted by Alexander Shelley: New Worlds/Nouveaux Mondes
    • James Ehnes with Seattle Symphony and Detroit Symphony Orchestra: Newton Howard and Kernis: Violin Concertos; Tovey: Stream of Limelight
    • Louis Lortie with BBC Philharmonic: Saint-Saëns: Piano Concertos Nos. 1, 2 and 4
    • Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra conducted by Arthur Post with Gryphon Trio: Into the Wonder
    • Toronto Symphony Orchestra conducted by Peter Oundjian featuring Louis Lortie, Sarah Jeffrey, and Teng Li: Vaughan Williams
    Classical Composition
    • Ana Sokolović: Golden Slumbers Kiss your Eyes
    • Bekah Simms: Granitic
    • Cassandra Miller: About Bach
    • Nicole Lizée: Katana of Choice
    • Vincent Ho: Arctic Symphony
    Rap Recording
    • 88Glam: 88GLAM RELOADED
    • Belly: IMMIGRANT
    • KILLY: Surrender Your Soul
    • NAV: RECKLESS
    • Tory Lanez: LoVE me NOw
    Dance Recording
    • AZARI: Gotasoul
    • Dzeko and Tiësto: Jackie Chan (ft. Preme and Post Malone)
    • Jacques Greene: Avatar Beach
    • Keys N Krates: CURA
    • Loud Luxury: Body
    RnB/Soul Recording 
    • Anders: Twos
    • Black Atlass: Pain and Pleasure
    • Charlotte Day Wilson: Stone Woman
    • Jessie Reyez: Being Human In Public
    • The Weeknd: My Dear Melancholy
    Reggae Recording 
    • Blessed:Money Don't Grow on Trees
    • Chelsea Stewart: Genesis
    • Dubmatix: Sly and Robbie meet Dubmatix – Overdubbed
    • Exco Levi: Narrative
    • Kafinal ft. Queen Ifrica: Talk Or No Talk
    Indigenous Music Album
    • Elisapie:  The Ballad of the Runaway Girl
    • Jeremy Dutcher: Wolastoqiyik Lintuwakonawa
    • Leonard Sumner: Standing in the Light
    • Northern Cree: Nitisanak - Brothers and Sister
    • Snotty Nose Rez Kids: The Average Savage
    Contemporary Roots Album
    • AHI: In Our Time
    • Donovan Woods: Both Ways
    • Kaia Kater: Grenades
    • Megan Nash: Seeker
    • The Deep Dark Woods: Yarrow
    Traditional Roots Album
    • David Francey" The Broken Heart of Everything
    • Pharis and Jason Romero: Sweet Old Religion
    • The Slocan Ramblers: Queen City Jubilee
    • The Wailin' Jennys: Fifteen
    • Vishtèn: Horizons
    Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album
    • Brian Doerksen: Grateful
    • LOVECOLLIDE: Tired Of Basic
    • Manic Drive: Into the Wild
    • Tim Neufeld and The Glory Boys: The Buffalo Roadshow
    • Warren Dean Flandez: Speak
    World Music Album 
    • Ayrad: Zoubida
    • Boogát: San Cristóbal Baile Inn
    • Emmanuel Jal and Nyaruach: Naath
    • Telmary y Habana Sana: Fuerza Arara
    • Wesli: Rapadou Kreyol
    Recording Engineer
    • Ben Kaplan
    • Jason Dufour
    • Robbie Lackritz
    • Shawn Everett
    • Steve Bays
    Video
    • No Depression -- Bahamas
    • Places -- Alaskan Tapes
    • Powerless -- Classified
    • Hang Ups -- Scott Helman
    • Have A Nice Day - SonReal
    Electronic Album
    • Ekali: Crystal Eyes
    • Felix Cartal: Next Season
    • iamhill: Give It a Rest
    • Milk and Bone: Deception Bay
    • REZZ: Certain Kind of Magic
    Metal/Hard Music Album
    • Beyond Creation: Algorythm
    • Cancer Bats: The Spark That Moves
    • KEN Mode: Loved
    • Kobra And The Lotus: Prevail II
    • Voivod: The Wake
    Comedy Album
    • Chanty Marostica: The CHANTY Show
    • Dave Merheje: Good Friend Bad Grammar
    • Debra DiGiovanni: Lady Jazz
    • Mayce Galoni: Awkwarder
    • Pat Thornton: Chicken!
    Misc
    • Canadian Music Hall of Fame: Corey Hart
    • Humanitarian Award : David Foster
    • Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award: Duff Roman
    Previous (Steve Strongman Triumphant at International Blues Challenge) - - - Next (News Roundup: Gary Santucci, Awards, Wayne Janus, more)
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    Wednesday, November 7, 2018

    GOOD LUCK! Local Maple Blues Award Nominees! VOTE! Deadline is Dec 1


    Local musicians are a big part of 2019's Maple Blue Award nominee list.

    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).



    Links: Jack de Keyzer, More Jack de Keyzer Stories, More Richard Thornton Stories, Video above courtesy of Stellablu477



    Links: Cootes Paradise, More Cootes Paradise Stories, Video above courtesy of Cootes Paradise

    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).



    Links: Colin James, More Colin James Stories, Steve Pelletier, More Steve Peletier Stories, Jesse O'Brien, Lee Harvey Osmond, More Lee Harvey Osmond Stories, More Jesse O'Brien Stories, Video above courtesy of Colin James - Topic

    Down Niagara way, Gary Kendall, the bassist for Downchild and St. Catherines' Mighty Duck Blues Band was nominated for Bassist of the Year.



    Links: The Mighty Duck Blues Band, More MDBB Stories, Video above courtesy of jimcasson

    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 Artist of 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.

    GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

     Male Vocalist
    New Artist
    Recording/Producer
    Entertainer
    Electric Act
    Acoustic Act
    Songwriter
    Blues with A Feeling Award (Lifetime Achievement Award)
    Harmonica Player
    B.B. King International Artist
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    Tuesday, January 16, 2018

    CONGRATS! Local 2018 Maple Blues Award Winners


    Shortly after being nominated for a pair of  Blues Music Awards, Hamilton Blues veteran Harrison Kennedy has brought a Maple Blues Award for Songwriter of the Year to Steeltown!  It all happened on January 15, 2018 at Koerner Hall.

    Click here for the Spectator story on Harrison's win.



    Links: Harrison Kennedy, More Harrison Kennedy Stories: Video above courtesy of Luther Blues

    Colin James' latest album Blue Highways (ft Hamilton's Steve Pelletier and Jesse O'Brien) won for Recording/Producer of the Year. Colin is also the only multiple winner, having earned the top spot in the Guitarist of the Year category.

    Links: Colin James, More Colin James Stories, Steve Pelletier, More Steve Peletier Stories, Jesse O'Brien, More Jesse O'Brien Stories, Video above courtesy of BelAxeBluesFlames

    Cambridge Bluesman Conor Gains was a runner up for the coveted Cobalt Music Prize. Thanks to his song Walking Alone, he earned a $250 dollar payout.

    Here's a complete list of winners.

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    Wednesday, November 1, 2017

    GOOD LUCK! Local Maple Blues Award Nominees!



    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).



    Links: Harrison Kennedy, More Harrison Kennedy Stories: Video above courtesy of Luther Blues

    Colin James' latest album Blue Highways (ft Hamilton's Steve Pelletier and Jesse O'Brien) is also up for Recording/Producer of the Year.

    Links: Colin James, More Colin James Stories, Steve Pelletier, More Steve Peletier Stories, Jesse O'Brien, More Jesse O'Brien Stories, Video above courtesy of BelAxeBluesFlames

    Kitchener's Soulstack has two nominated members: singer Jon Knight is up for Male Vocalist of the Year and Tom Bona is in the running for Drummer of the Year.

    Links: Soulstack, More Soulstack Stories, Video above courtesy of Soulstack

    Gary Kendall, a member of St. Catharines Blues band Mighty Duck Blues Band (as well as the legendary Downchild Blues Band) was nominated for Bassist  of the Year.


    The artist with the most nominations is the Paul DesLauriers Band with 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.

    Here's a complete list of nominees.

    Acoustic Act
    Male Vocalist
    Recording/Producer of the Year
    Entertainer
    Electric Act
    Female Vocalist
    New Artist
    B.B. King International Artist
    Blues with a Feeling Award (Lifetime Achievement Award)
    Guitarist
    Harmonica Player
    Piano/Keyboard Player
    Horn Player
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    Monday, August 21, 2017

    CONGRATS! Local 2017 Independent Blues Award Winners


    GREAT NEWS! All the local musicians nominated for 2017 Independent Blues Awards won this year! Results were unveiled on August 13, 2017.

    Hamilton's Smoke Wagon Blues Band earned 3 awards: Best Modern Roots CD (for Cigar Store), Best New Artist, and Best RnB/Soul Song (for Set Me Free). They were nominated for 5.

    Frontman Corey Lueck had this to say:
    "We know there's big awards like Grammys and Junos but being independent artists for our whole career and knowing the struggle, we are especially proud of theses awards and so honored to be listed among such great musicians and songwriters. We are ecstatic that "Cigar Store" has been so well received, thanks so much to blues fans and the the Independent Blues Awards - it means the world to us that folks are listening."


     Links: Smoke Wagon Blues Band, More Smoke Wagon Blues Band Stories, Video above courtesy of SoundofBlues (Alessandra)

    The Best Blues Rock CD category went to Colin James: Blue Highways (featuring work by Hamilton's own Steve Pelletier and Jesse O'Brien).



    Links: Colin James, More Colin James Stories, Steve Pelletier, More Steve Peletier Stories, Jesse O'Brien, More Jesse O'Brien Stories, Video above courtesy of Blues Rock

    The big winner of the year was Joe Bonamassa, with 5 awards, followed by Smoke Wagon and Bobby Rush with 3,

    CONGRATS EVERYBODY!

    Here's a complete list of winners

    Blast from the Past: Our Review of Smoke Wagon's Nominated Album
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