Showing posts with label Year Review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Year Review. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 1, 2019

2018: Year in Review


2018 was an eventful year for the Hamilton Blues Lovers. We turned 10 years old and had an incredible celebration to commemorate it. This was also a mixed year for the music industry.

Local musicians who passed: 
Canadian musicians who passed (highlights):
International musicians who passed (highlights):
Most Popular Blog Posts
  1. Ronnie Lodge Passes
  2. Founding Downchild Bassist Milne Passes
  3. Angela McKay Passes
  4. Mike Northcott Passes
  5. Fraser Loveman Passes
Other Highlights of the Year
Our Top 3 Reviews
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Sunday, December 31, 2017

2017: Year in Review


Like 2016, 2017 was also a  was a mixed year. Many in the musical community (both local and international) passed away but there were a number of wonderful news items as well. This year, the Hamilton Blues Lovers also proudly won the very first ever George R. Robinson Award from the Hamilton Musicians' Guild. 

Local musicians who passed away in 2017 include: Skip Prokop of Lighthouse, Carl Horton,  Kathryn Stachyra (Whisky Concussion), Bill Crawford (Caledonia Folk Club Founder), music supporter Paul C Young, Herve Basset, Greg Peltz (local supporter), Hamilton superfan Gary DePodesta, Bryon Wapole (Backbeat Brian), David Gerry and Festival of Friends Volunteer Mosche Freedman

The rest of Canada also lost quite a few musical greats: Gord Downie, Former April Wine Bassist Steve Lang, Founding Steppenwolf Keyboardist Goldy McJohn, Streetheart Singer Kenny Shields, Terry Graves of Headframe, Jurgen Peter of the Haunted, Bobby Taylor (of the Vancouvers), Music Teacher (and Oscar Peterson's sister) Daisy Peterson Sweeny, Quebec songwriter Réjean Ducharme, Quebec Singer Tex Lecor, Johnny Burke, Jan V. Matejcek (First SOCAN CEO), Canada's 'Pet' Juliette (Cavazzi), Drummer Pentti 'Whitey' Glan, Patrick Bourgeois of Les BB, 

A number of international stars passed away this year as well: Tom Petty, Fats Domino, Chuck Berry, James Cotton, Gregg Allman, Lonnie Brooks, Charles Bradley, Glen Campbell, Walter Becker (Steely Dan), Soundgarden Frontman Chris Cornell, Malcolm Young (AC/DC), David Cassidy (Partridge Family), Jim Nabors (Gomer Pyle, singer), John Wetton (Asia, King Crimson), Geoff Nicholls (Black Sabbath keyboardist), Jim Fuller (Surfaris guitarist), Sib Hashian (ex-Boston drummer), Col. Bruce Hampton, Jimmy Copley, Anita Pallenberg (Keith Richards' ex-girlfriend), Erik Cartwright (ex-Foghat guitarist), David Hlubek (Molly Hatchet), George Young (Easybeats member and AC/DC producer), Jimmy Beaumont (Skyliners singer), Michael "DikMik" Davies (Hawkwind), Johnny Halladay (French rocker), Vincent Nguini (Paul Simon Guitarist)

 Most Popular Blog Posts
  1. Herve Basset Passes
  2. Global Music Award Winners
  3. View Magazine Readers' Choice Award Winners
  4. Carl Horton Passes
  5. Hamilton Community News Reader's Choice Awards
Other Highlights of the Year
Our Top 3 Reviews
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Sunday, January 1, 2017

2016: Year in Review


2016 was a mixed year. There were many losses in the musical community (local and international) but there was also some amazing music. Trebleclef, our music-lovin' mascot got his own Facebook page and we started our own Instagram page too.

As previously mentioned, a number of area artists passed this year.  These include Gordie Tapp, Guy Coolin (local music supporter), Brian Cober, Steve Piper (Treble Men), Mark Potter (Lester and the B Flats), Harold Kudlets (promoter), Libby Ferrelli (George Arnone Big Band), Lynn Russwurm, Paul Macleod, Mo' Kauffey, Tommy Hughes and Frank Panton (Brantford Open Stage regulars), Chris Shaver (local music supporter) and Rich Dawson (Rich and the Poor Boys). 

The rest of Canada also lost quite a few musical greats: John Mays (Fathead), Bob Walsh, Leonard Cohen, Doug Edwards (Chilliwack), Oscar Brand, Brian Rading (Five Man Eletrical Band), Bobby Curtola and John R Bellone (Bellone's Music in London, ON)

A number of international stars passed away this year as well: Greg Lake/Keith Emerson (ELP), Sharon Jones (Dap Kings), Leon Russell, Mose Allison, Phil Chess (Chess Records), Buckwheat Zydeco, Scotty Moore (Elvis guitarist), Sir Mack Rice ('Mustang Sally' songwriter), Dave Swarbrick (Fairport Convention), Guy Clark, Candye Kane, Lonnie Mack , George Martin  (Beatles producer), Paul Kantner/Signe Anderson (Jefferson Airplane Founders), Glenn Frey (Eagles),  Prince, George Michael, David Bowie, Natalie Cole and many more.

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



Links: Dallas Harms, More Dallas Harms Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton B.Lous



Links: Matt Andersen, More Matt Andersen Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton B. Lous



Links: Jesse O'Brien, More Jesse O'Brien Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton B. Lous

Here's to an ever better 2017!!!!

Blast from the Past: 2015 in Review
Previous (Remembering Gordie Tapp) - - - Next (Harry Manx Videos)
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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 Rush, Steve Tom (Daddy Long Legs bassist), Hamilton music supporter Bill Kerr and pianist Harry McDade.  Canadian musicians Ron Hynes, Buddy "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 MacKenzie, More Spencer Mackenzie Stories, Video 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 Johnson, More Jude Johnson Stories, Video 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 Stories, More Daniel Lanois Covers/Stories, Video 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)
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Thursday, January 1, 2015

2014: Year in Review


2014 turned out to be another great year filled with amazing local music and a few sad moments as well.  This was the year that we partnered up with sponsors to help spread the word about the wonderful music scene.  You can check them out on the right side of our blog.  In 2014, we also started covering a lot more country music and had tons of fun doing it.

Speaking of country, this was definitely the year for St. Catharines good ol' boy Tim Hicks,  Not only did he get a much deserved Juno nomination but he added quite a few awards to his shelf (Canadian Radio Music, CMAO, CCMA, SOCAN, and Top Country).  We reviewed two of his spectacular CD's (Throwdown and 5:01) as well,

Another St. Catharines singer/songwriter, Ron Sexsmith, made many appearances on our pages.  This year he won a Juno, won a Niagara Music Award, was in CBC's top Canadian songs of all time, receieved an honorary degree from Brock and played on a wonderful Jazz tribute CD.

Canadian supergroup Blue Rodeo brought Hamilton guitar master Colin Cripps into the fold and released their first album with him this year.  He turned into quite a good luck charm as the band had a lot happen to them in 2014.  There was a Juno nomination, winning a Governor General's Award, getting on CBC's top Canadian songs list twice and releasing a kick ass Christmas CD.

Blues institution Downchild (whose roster includes a few local players) had quite a banner year as well.  Bassist Gary Kendall won a Maple Blues Award early in the year.  The entire band released a stellar album, Can You Hear the Music?, which won a Juno and a was nominated for both an Indie and a 2015 Maple Blues Award.

On a sadder note, we lost a many talented musicians in 2014.  Hamiltion guitar legend Brian Griffith passed away as did Tava Lesku (aka Tava Tunes), Roy Pongetti, Philip Bast, Jesse Winchester and Andy Grigg.  On the international front the great Johnny Winter, Joe Cocker, Pete Seeger, Jerry Vale, Phil Everly, Casey Kasum, and Paul Revere of the Raiders also left us this year.

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



Links: Fred Eaglesmith, More Fred Eaglesmith Stories



Links: Steve Sinnicks, More Steve Sinnicks Stories



Links: Fearing and White, More Stephen Fearing Stories, More Andy White Stories

Here's to an ever better 2015!!!!

Blast from the Past: 2013 in Review
Previous (12 Videos of Christmas 9-12) - - - Next (News Roundup w Duane Rutter, Bob Bryden, Joe Cocker, Bear Band, Tom Wilson, more)
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Wednesday, January 1, 2014

2013: Year in Review


2013 was another incredible year for local music.  Area musicians made headlines, Hamilton got a Blues Fest to call its own and the Hamilton Blues Lovers turned 5 years old.  This was also the first year that HBL started giving away free tickets to some fabulous shows.  There should be more amazing contests in 2014.

Much like last year,  Harrison Kennedy was very busy.  The blues legend beat cancer in 2013 and released his best album to date, Soulscape.  The disc earned him a Hamilton Music Award as well as nominations for the Maple Blues Awards and Blues Music Awards.  He also guest starred on an album by Pete Tigchelaar.

Steve Strongman was also a big news maker as he took home a Juno, three Maple Blues Awards, a View Magazine Readers' Choice Award and was a finalist in the International Songwriter competition.  Steve was also instrumental in organizing the successful 1st Annual Hamilton Blues and Roots Festival.

2013 was also wonderful for Kathleen Edwards.  She found herself nominated for two Junos and on two CBC top lists (Canadian Singers, Canadian Albums). One of her songs was also used for a great John Denver Tribute

Hamilton music duo Whitehorse had a noteworthy year as well.  There was an album, a live covers EP, and they were on the shortlist for the Polaris Music Prize.  On top of all that, Whitehorse member Luke Doucet appeared on a CD by Lindy Vopnfjord.

Unfortunately, we lost a number of talented artists this year.  They include Al Carter, Jason Lees (The Plain Steel), Alex MacDougall (Groove Corporation), John Willet (Powerhouse), Stompin' Tom,  Tam Kearney,  Rita MacNeil, Ray Manzerak  (Doors), Lou Reed, JJ Cale, Ray Price, Slim Whitman, Precious Bryant, and more.

 Most popular blog posts of 2013:
Other 2013 Highlights
Top 3 YouTube Videos



Links: Fred Eaglesmith, More Fred Eaglesmith Stories, More From This Show





Links: Darrell Webb Band, More From This Show

Here's to an ever better 2014!!!!

Blast from the Past: 2012 in Review

Previous (12 Videos of Christmas w/ Andre Bisson, Tim Gibbons, Leadbelly & Matt Anderson) - - - Next (News Roundup w Free Songs, Passings, Cartoons and More)
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Tuesday, January 1, 2013

2012: Year in Review

It turns out that 2012 was an incredible year for local music.  Many of our local performers received some well-deserved recognition and there was a ton of great local shows to enjoy.

One of the biggest local newsmakers this year was bluesman Harrison Kennedy.  He seems to have been nominated for everything in 2012: Hamilton Music Awards, Blues Music Awards, Maple Blues Awards, Junos.  The musician earned an HMA and later in 2013, we should find out if Harrison will win the others (Good luck!).  Also this year, fans were treated to his incredible Shame the Devil CD, he worked with Shakura S'Aida on Time ..., which ended up on Saturday Night Blues' Top 10 list of 2012, and had one of the best tracks on the Santa's Got Mojo 2 compilation.

 Steve Strongman also made a major splash in 2012 with the release of his acoustic CD, A Natural Fact.  The disc's producer, Rob Szabo won a Canadian Folk Music Award for his work on it and the disc was nominated for a 2013 Maple Blues Award (Steve won the MBA for guitarist of the year in early 2012).  On top of all that, A Natural Fact was on Saturday Night Blues' Top 10 list. Also in 2012, he played on one of the initial episodes of Ensemble and performed at the Blues With a Feeling Gala, 

On a sad note, we also lost a number of talented musicians such as Larry Coad, Steve Didemus, Levon Helm (the Band), Earl Scruggs, Davy Jones (Monkees), and Etta James. Our condolences to all their fans, friends, and family.

Most popular blog posts of 2012:
Other 2012 Highlights
Top 3 YouTube Videos


Links: Chuck Jackson, More Downchild Stories


Links: Arrogant Worms, More Arrogant Worms Stories


Links: Barn Katz - More Barn Katz Stories

Here's to an ever better 2013!!!!

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