Backbeat Brian's After Christmas Party - This Ain't Hollywood (Dec 28, 2009)

If you can't see the videos below, click here

Quick Links: Previous videos - YouTube page - Dave Battrick - Alfie Smith - Spider Costello



Joanne Augustyn

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Alfie Smith

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Ron MacDonald

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Doug Smith - I'm a Ram

Hamilton Blues Lovers | MySpace Video


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Hey Bo Diddley - Big Joe Rhodes

Hamilton Blues Lovers | MySpace Video

New Halton Blues Society Live CD

One of the greatest live shows of the year has finally been released on CD, courtesy of the Halton Blues Society.

The Saturday Sermon Live: Volume 2is a recording of a fantastic charity concert at Carrigan Arms on May 30, 2009. Money raised went to Halton Women's Place. Click here for our story of the event.

The backing group was the James Anthony Band (James Anthony - guitar and vocals on a few tunes, Garth Vogan - bass, Dave Russell - drums, and Mike Doyle - Organ). Joining this talented bunch were an astounding array of vocalists such as April Mazzone, Jack Civiletto, Chris Kenny, Miss Jaye, Jay Douglas, and Hamilton legend Harrison Kennedy (he performs on 3 tracks).

The disc is filled with many blues/rock classics like Walkin' the Dog, Malted Milk, Ain't No Sunshine, I Just Want to Make Love To You, and more.

This incredible CD is available through James Anthony

Links: More James Anthony stories - More Harrison Kennedy stories - Videos of the event

Blues New Bites (Eaglesmith, Kirby, Max Wray, Stones)

Local

• Free Kirby Christmas song MP3 download
• New Dave Rave blog about upcoming CD

National

• Fred Eaglesmith Helps Steelworkers 
• Top 20 CDs of 2009 from Roots Music Canada
• Leonard Cohen to get Lifetime Achievement Grammy
• Live Neil Young CD from 1992 now available

International

• Rolling Stones are decade's top selling live act

Funny/Weird Stuff

• Cool music toons: Rubes, Bizarro

Videos

Video of Max Wray on INDI FM




Links: Matt Paxton, More Matt Paxton Stories

New Rob Reed and James Anthony CD: Merry Christmas

Talented Burlington musicians Rob Reed and James Anthony have teamed up to create a wonderful Holiday CD entitled Merry Christmas: Festive Holiday Selections from the Heart.

Rob handles the vocals for most of the traditional tunes such as Do You Hear What I Hear, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, White Christmas and more. James sings mainly his incredible, original yuletide compositions like She Ran Off With Santa Claus, To Be With You, Don't Leave Me Alone A Christmas, and others.

So whether you're looking for a slow, soft, seasonal song or an upbeat, rocking holiday tune, this one has it all.

Rob and James, who also play keyboards and lead guitar respectively, are joined by Peter Griffin on drums and Garth Vogan on Bass.

This was truly a labour of love for everyone. "We went into the studio and played these tunes straight from the heart just for you." it says in the liner notes, "Live off the floor - to your ears. It's 4 guys, their instruments, a couple of vocalists and a lot of soul. It's our Christmas gift of song to you!"

The CD is available at their shows.

Links: James Anthony, More James Anthony Stories

New Dave Rave and Rick Andrew CD: Music for Christmas

Former members of the legendary Shakers, Dave Rave and Rick Andrew have released a wonderful holiday album called Music for Christmas.

It has Dave Raves's usual amazing catchy rock/pop sound but also has elements of country, folk, blues and more.

Joining the duo are a great collection of local musicians. Their former Shaker co-horts Tim Gibbons and Claude DesRoches. Other special guests include Doug Feaver, Lori Yates, Jack Pedler (Teenage Head), Trickbag, and lots more.

The collection is available on iTunes.

This is a great rockin' way to celebrate the season.

Click here for more Dave Rave stories

Perfomer of the Week: Kirby

Kirby is a talented local musician who offers incredible modern sounding folk with a bit of an alternative edge.

Previously, he was the frontman for First Time Fallen, a Burlington prog-rock band. When Kirby went solo, he concentrated his haunting voice on the folk/roots sound.

In 2008, the singer/songwriter released an astounding EP, The Good Fight and toured across Canada 3 times. US and European dates are in the works.

Links: Main Site/Blog, MySpace, Twitter, YouTube



This is the last Performer of the Week for the year.

Michael Pickett @ Artword Artbar - Dec. 12, 2009

If you can't see the videos below, click here

Quick Links: Previous videos - YouTube page - Michael Pickett - Artword Artbar

New Ariana Gillis CD: To Make It Make Sense

Local singer/songwriter Ariana Gillis recently released her amazing debut CD, To Make It Make Sense.

Ariana skillfully manages to make her music catchy and poppy but still have the heart of the folk/roots sound. Blueberry Ocean (originally available on a Design Hope charity CD in 2008) starts the disc off with a bang. You can't help but sing along and dance. There are exquisite quiet moments to balance things out as well. Her unique voice enhances each tune, regardless of tempo.

This wonderful disc came out in time to be nominated for Hamilton Music Awards (Female Artist, New Artist, Adult Alternative). Ariana has also recently won a Canadian Folk Music Award (Young Artist).

Joining the talented singer on the album are area performers Josh Lamothe, David Gillis (who also produces), Mark McIntyre and others. Canadian guitar great, Kevin Breit also lends his axe to a tune.

Currently, the CD can be purchased at her shows and through Maple Music. It should be available through iTunes shortly

More Ariana Gillis stories

Blues News Bites (John Ellison, Dylan, Arrogant Worms)

Canada

• Carlos Del Junco's out of print early CD's with Bill Kinnear and Thom Roberts now available as MP3 downloads on CDBaby

 World

• Lost John Lennon tapes allegedly found
• Beatles have best selling CD of the decade
• Clapton to tour with the Who's Roger Daltrey
• Dylan angry over accusation that his Christmas CD is a joke 
• New Tom Waits Live CD 

Videos

John Ellison: Some Kind of Wonderful at Hamilton Music Awards


Funny Video: Arrogant Worms: Christmas Blues

New Jacob Moon CD: Maybe Sunshine

Hamilton singer/songwriter Jacob Moon has released an amazing new 6-song CD titled "Maybe Sunshine".

The songs feature his incredible voice and a fabulous folk/pop sound. There are wonderful tender ballads and catchy hooks. All have insightful lyrics.

The disc is currently available through his web site for only $10 (PayPal) as well as CD Baby.

Click here for more Jacob Moon stories