Showing posts with label Trickbag. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Trickbag. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Throwback Thursday: April Foolery - Justin Timberlake Recruits Local Musicians For Blues CD

Update of 2009 Post

Pop Superstar Justin Timberlake certainly knows where to find great blues musicians. He'll be working with some Hamilton talent for his new blues CD.

In a move that stunned the music world, Timberlake has turned his back on pop/dance music. "I'm sick of all the repetitive, cookie cutter, shallow, repetitive s#!+," he said.

"I've been feeling down for a while now, " he added, "I didn't want the fame, the prestige, the riches, the groupies - so becoming a Blues musician seemed to be the best choice."

A Google search landed him at this very blog where he discovered the great talent that Hamilton and Burlington had to offer.

To record his new CD, he recruited guitarist James Anthony. "This is a dream come true!" James said enthusiastically, "I have all his CDs, including his stuff with N Sync - not to mention all the posters on my wall!"

James is joined by Dale Park on drums (returning to drumming just for this project), Michael Hickey on bass, and Lou Campanella (TNT Bluesmen, Hammertones) on harp. Also in the band are Justin's rumoured love interest, Lily Sazz on keyboards and Loretta Hale on trumpet (who some say is also seeing the pop star).

This amazing band has already recorded two songs: "Britney Done Left Me"and "Wardrobe Malfunction Blues".

As a transition from his old style to his new one, Justin has decided to re-record his mega-hit SexyBack as a folky blues song with the help of Alfie Smith.

"I sing that song in the shower all the time!" Alfie exclaimed, "It'll be a privilege to finally record it."

The album will be rushed into production soon to prevent illegal downloading. It should be out in late April. "Fools will think this is impossible," Justin explains, "But they'll see I can sing the blues with the best of them."

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Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Throwback Thursday: Blues With A Feeling 2009 Overview

Original Posts: June 1-8, 2009
Combined post: November 13, 2009


2009 featured the very first Blues With A Feeling event that HBL covered. BWF is done in honour of the late, legendary Hamilton Bluesman King Biscuit Boy.

The first part was a Blues showcase at the Corktown on June 5.

Here are the videos we took from that show: 



This was followed by a fabulous show at the Leander Boat Club on June 6.

Videos:




Finishing up the festivities was the inaugural BWF Blues Cruise (June 7) featuring Trickbag and many wonderful guests. To top everything off Crowbar frontman Kelly Jay got married to Tammi G Rose on the boat! Unfortunately, both have since passed.

Videos (all ft Trickbag):


Thursday, November 21, 2024

The Shakers Sound is Unmistakable on Long-Awaited EP


It's been about 40 years since Hamilton's legendary group, the Shakers released an album of new material. With their spanking new EP, Left for Alive, it's like they never took a break.

The four original members (Rick Andrew, Claude DesRoches, Dave Rave and Tim Gibbons) deliver that unmistakable Shakers sound of no-nonsense early rock. Instruments are all amped up and the vocals are powerful. 

Also, the great Steve Beach lends his incredible keyboardist skills to the mix.

Copies of the CD/Vinyl can be purchased at their live shows or through their website.



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Tuesday, April 2, 2024

New Hamilton Musicians' Guild Honourees

The past few months the Hamilton Musicians' Guild presented a number of local artists with a number of honours.

They include:

Monday, March 25, 2024

Incredible Double Shot from Hamilton Bluesman Paul Coombs

Recently, Hamilton veteran Bluesman, Paul Coombs released two wonderful albums: Paul's Blues (solo) and Steeltown Blues (with his band). Each release shows a different side of him and they're both great additions to his fabulous body of work.


Paul's Blues is a ragged, stripped down, raw affair. Throughout the album, Paul's voice boasts the power of a fire-and-brimstone preacher. His sermons are street-level stories and cautionary tales punctuated by incredible guitar work. You can feel the grittiness in every tune.

Guests: Richard Elliott/Mike Travale/Paul Panchezak of Trickbag (drums/percussion), Chantal Marulaz (backing vocals), Bill Good (bass), David Delaunay (keyboards).

Available at his live shows, iTunes and Spotify

Video above courtesy of Release - Topic


Another musical side is apparent on Steeltown Blues from the Paul Coombs Blues Band . While still down-to-earth lyrically, the group creates a full sound packed with energy. They add some flourishes of country, funk, jazz and more. It's working class music to get ya jumpin'.

Main band: Paul Coombs (vocals, guitar), Bill Good (bass), Mike Travale (drums)

Guests: David Delaunay (keyboards), Sugar Brown (harmonica), Billy Daly (saxophone), Joe Clark (fiddle), Donna Panchezak of Trickbag (backing vocals)

Available at the band's live shows, iTunesSpotifyYouTube

Links: Paul Coombs Band, More Paul Coombs StoriesAlbum above courtesy of Paul Coombs Blues Band - TopicMore Releases


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Friday, August 4, 2023

Hamilton's Kyle Pacey Proclaims His Return with Road Songs


Award-winning Hamilton artist Kyle Pacey is back with a new fabulous musical collection: Road Songs. He's turned up the soul on this one without sacrificing any of the rockin' energy Kyle's known for. There's also an extra funky vibe on a few tracks.

In only 5 tunes, Kyle and the gang inject the songs with enough grooves and jazzy bits for two full albums. Kyle's unmistakable voice proclaims his victorious return as his guitar punches through with dexterity and skill. 

Joining Kyle is the main backup band consiting of  Michael Sloski (drums), Howard Ayee (bass) and Rob Gusevs (keyboards). Guests include Jay Burr, Michael Birthelmer and Donna Panchezak  (Trickbag).

Physical CDs are available at Kyle's incredible live shows. The recording's also available on his Bandcamp pageiTunes and Spotify

You can stream the album below.



Previous (Canadian Country Music Awards Nominees) - - - Next (1st Annual Blues Legend & Legacy Distinctions)

Wednesday, February 22, 2023

Throwback Thursday! Trickbag 35th Anniversary Edition

This is part of our recurring series of 'Throwback Thursday' posts where we celebrate the wonderful past of the local music scene (specifically pre-2000). If you know of any videos, old posters, trivia bites, etc that would be perfect for this, please email us at blueshamilton@gmail.com

Local Blues legends, Trickbag will be turning 35 this year so we're celebrating along with them. Their official 35th anniversary celebration will be Sunday, February 26, 3-6pm at Stonewalls. They'll be joined by Smoke Wagon Blues Band.


Pictures courtesy of Trickbag

Biographical Bits






Monday, February 20, 2023

Trickbag, Lester Smith & Smoke Wagon Blues Band Videos

Links: TrickbagMore Trickbag StoriesVideo above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

Links: Les SmithMore Les Smith StoriesSong courtesy of Lester Smith with Trickbag

Links: Smoke Wagon Blues BandMore Smoke Wagon Blues Band StoriesVideo above courtesy of Corey Lueck


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Wednesday, November 23, 2022

Sonny Del Rio's Hamilton Hometown Christmas (December 11)


The Holiday season wouldn't be complete without Sonny Del Rio's Hamilton Hometown Christmas Show! This amazing festive event will rock the Leander Boat Club on Sunday, December 11, 2022 at 7pm. Tickets are only $20. Proceeds will go to the Bob Pedler Fund and the venue will be collecting non-perishable food items for the Good Shepherd Food Bank.

This year's incredible lineup includes

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Friday, May 27, 2022

Fiery New Album from Lester Smith & Trickbag

Ancaster singer/songwriter Lester Smith has teamed with his good pals in Trickbag to forge a fiery new album, Another Day in Paradise. Together, they've created a wonderful melding of Blues, Roots and a little Country. 

As always, Les is a skilled songwriter and storyteller. He touches on themes of love, hope, disaster, survival and more. The tracks can be touching, fun, inspiring, intimate and poignant. Above all - it will move you. Les and Trickbag can also groove with the best of them.

You can pick up this unforgettable album at the CD Release on at Stonewalls (Hamilton) on May 28th at 8pm or at any of his other live shows. Picks and Sticks (Hamilton) and Looney Tunes (Burlington) have copies on hand as well. Also, it can be download via Bandcamp soon


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Monday, May 16, 2022

The Triumphant Return of 'Blues With a Feeling'


The biggest Blues night in the land is back in 2022! After a COVID-caused hiatus, Blues With a Feeling is making a triumphant return. This incredible fundraiser honouring the late Blues giant King Biscuit Boy is always the highlight of the year.

On Saturday, June 4th, 2002 at 8pm, the Leander Boat Club will be rockin' to the sounds of Trickbag (featuring guests Lester Smith & Sonny Del-Rio), Tim Gibbons and the Swampbusters plus the Cameo Blues Band. A great deal for only $25.



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Wednesday, December 8, 2021

CONGRATS! New Hamilton Musicians' Guild Honourees


At the October 12, 2021 Hamilton Musicians' Guild general meeting, quite a few local artists were presented with their AFM  (American Federation of Musicians) Life Membership Certificate and Pin

They include:

Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Local Music Superfan and Early Blues Lovers Supporter Dale Park Passes


From our blogger, Lou:

I am heartbroken to report the passing of Dale Park, one of Hamilton's biggest local music fans. My love goes out to his friends and family, especially his beloved wife Susan.

Dale was the very first person who answered the Kijiji ad where I posted about my new group, The Hamilton Blues Lovers. We developed a wonderful friendship over the years and shared many stories as well as our love of local music. He was my earliest supporter.

I have many cherished memories of him. During a Blues With a Feeling fundraiser, Dale kept pushing me to dance with Linda, who at the time was a friend who hung out with us but later became my wife. We shared many incredible Trickbag shows together. Being invited to his wedding and seeing him dance with his new bride was another unforgettable moment.

Thank you for your friendship and all the great memories Dale. I'll miss you

In your honour, here's a track from his favourite band, Trickbag.



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Saturday, February 20, 2021

Crowbar's Bad Manors Turns 50!


In 2021, Bad Manors, the classic album from the legendary Crowbar, turns 50 years old! This was the unforgettable Hamilton band's second offering and the first just under just its own name (their debut was technically King Biscuit Boy with Crowbar). This was, of course, the album that would feature their biggest hit, the ever-eternal Oh, What a Feeling.

Details: 

We asked a few local musicians to give their thoughts on this incredible album.

Paul Panchezak (Trickbag, King Biscuit Boy and touring member of Crowbar)
In Melody Maker, Paul McCartney called "Oh What A Feeling" the "party record of the year". I read it with my own eyes as a young high school student. It made me very proud of my home town.

Corey Lueck (Smoke Wagon Blues Band

When I first dove into the world of classic rock and album hunting  my aunt told me stories of this glorious  band that lived and partied together in this old mansion. That sounded like the life to me! I ran out and picked up a used copy at Cactus Records in Oakville which I still own and play today!

I got such a kick out of how fun this band sounded with the cool train imitations on Train Keep Rolling to the hoots, hollering and yodeling on Baby Let's Play House and of course, the iconic shouts on Oh What What a Feeling.

The album was just jammed packed with Blues, Rocking boogies, boogie woogie piano, whaling harp, and screaming guitar! I'd stare at the picture on the center fold of these wild and crazy Canuck hippies out in the snow! This album was a masterpiece that makes you proud to be a Canadian musician

For me it was one of the heaviest sounds I had heard up to that time! It proved that Canadian musicians could hold they're own with the best in the world! And in most cases surpassing!

Links: CrowbarMore Crowbar Stories, Videos above courtesy of UnidiscMusicMore 50th Anniversary Albums


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Sunday, December 6, 2020

King Biscuit Boy with Crowbar's Official Music Turns 50!


This year (2020), Official Music, the legendary album by King Biscuit Boy with Crowbar turns 50 years old. It was the explosive debut for both Crowbar and King Biscuit Boy, who sang lead on all the tracks. The recording featured the late, great Biscuit's biggest hit - his definitive cover of Corrina, Corrina as its first single.

Details: 

Local Musician Comments

Original Crowbar Guitarist John Gibbard
There was little, if any pre-production work done before recording Official Music. Most of the material had been worked up while we were performing as "And Many Others", Ronnie Hawkins backup band.
It was a pretty loose session. I remember there was a galvanized metal tub filled with ice and beer on the floor of the studio.
The Dr. Music players joined in at one point, and audibly arranged horn parts etc. 'on the fly'. Their input made a huge difference!
It was a rare air experience for me, as it was my first recording session.

Paul Panchezak (Trickbag drummer, played in a touring version of Crowbar as well as King Biscuit Boy's solo band)

I first heard this record when it received an exclusive preview by Nevin Grant on CKOC

Bob Bryden (singer, guitarist for the Canadian band, Christmas)

(Official Music is) still a knock-out. It was the success of this album which led Daffodil to also sign Christmas. We opened for Richard several times. 

Peter Temple

I had this album as a kid. (I still have the vinyl copy). I was dabbling in both guitar and harp. It was this album that turned me toward playing Harp as my primary instrument. Richard was as important to me as Little Walter, Paul Butterfield, and Charlie Musselwhite were.

I remember woodshedding to 'Biscuit Boogie', 'Hoy, Hoy Hoy', 'Corrina, Corrina' to name a few. That was no easy task, to sit in the basement, picking up the stylus and putting it down over and over again to figure out what he was doing. It was may fav band, & album for a couple of years till Biscuit left.

The first time I heard him live, was when I was 16. It was at the Sauble Beach Pavillion. The 'King' title was very appropriate at the time. He was among the best. I recall meeting Richard at 'The Station Hotel' in Kitchener. This was approx around 1990, and he was in his final few years. He had declined a little bit, but was excellent in the 2nd set. We sat and talked between sets, and it was a wonderful time, sitting with one of my harmonica hero/mentors. 

Its too bad he had some demons that he could not overcome, however, I remember all the positives, and how great he was, and basically what a nice guy he was. And yes he could also sing really well. RIP Richard Newell AKA King Biscuit Boy, 

Our mini-review:

This album is arguably the best Canadian Blues album of all time. Biscuit and the boys were firing on all cylinders and helped make a musical statement that Hamilton was the Great White North's home of the Blues. A must for all serious Blues fans.

 

Links: King Biscuit BoyMore KBB StoriesCrowbarMore Crowbar StoriesVideos above courtesy of King Biscuit Boy, Crowbar - TopicMore Album 50th Anniversaries


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