Hamilton 's own Chris and Christa are a duo with a bright future ahead of them. The combination of Chris' incredible acoustic guitar work and Christa's amazing vocal range make for a wonderful musical experience.
Together, these two can handle rockers, ballads, folk tunes, and much more with style. Also, the lyrics behind the couple's originals are very poetic and beautiful, enhancing the quality of their work.
Currently, their only solo recording available is a sweet Christmas song from the latest Design Hope CD. Here's hoping there'll be a full length album release soon!
According to his Wikipedia entry, KBB reportedly started his career by stealing a harmonica from a Hamilton Mountain store. His love of music led him to play with many bands in the early 60s.
He performed with Ronnie Hawkins who fired the entire band, including KBB. This group came together to form Canadian music legends, Crowbar. After recording just one album, Official Music, he went solo.
His career included deals with Epic records, Juno nominations plus playing with Janis Joplin, Muddy Waters, Joe Cocker, and more. KBB was also the first Canadian Blues artist on the Billboard hot 100 charts, Rolling Stone Magazine called him "legendary" and his fans included Keith Richards and Paul McCartney.
Sadly, Richard passed away in January of 2003. Since then, the Friends of King Biscuit Boy organization have held a yearly Blues With a Feeling fundraiser in his honour. Proceeds go to a music scholarship fund at Mohawk College.
This great musician has left a legacy in both local, Canadian and international circles but at heart, he was just a Hamilton boy.
Local singer/songwriter, Fred Magie, recently released his latest incredible disc, Window to the World.
Fred's wonderful guitar work and expressive vocals permeate the album. His sound is a beautiful mix of pop, modern folk, and more. Highlights include the catchy More Than One Way, the tender and sweet Cedar Lane, Co-Star, and the title track.
He also enlisted the aid of Hamilton musicians Lisa Winn (vocals), Andrew Aldridge (guitar) and Tone Valcic (drums)- all of whom add a great, unique feel to the recordings.
You can pick up the disc at his shows but they're also available on iTunes
Earlier this year, local singer/songwriter Jesse Lewis (aka Jesse Polk-Lewis) released his latest album, Still Life as a free online download.
Jesse's sound mixes traditional acoustic folk with many modern pop and alternative elements. Each song is a unique creation.
Highlights include the catchy Prison of the Mind, the haunting Worthwhile and amazing acoustic versions of Prince's When Doves Cry and Teenage Head's Something on My Mind.
If you've ever seen Ginger St. James live, you know the sultry songstress does it all: blues, swing, country, rockabilly and more. Her debut CD EP (with the Grinders), Spank Sparkle & Growl is a reflection of her diverse talent.
While most of the six songs in this collection lean toward the lounge/swing sound (Swing About You, Boom Boom Room, Don't Deceive Me), there are elements of rockabilly (Lonely Cryin' Blues, Devil Dance), and pop (Lullaby).
The Grinders - (Snow-heel Slim: guitar, Tyrone Ramsey: upright bass, Greg Brisco: keys, and Andre Tellier: drums) play with a lot of energy and deliver a rockin' beat to back up Ginger's wonderful vocals.
The CD is available at her shows.
Below are some live performances of songs from this CD.
Chris and Christa are a duo with a bright future ahead of them. The combination of Chris' incredible acoustic guitar work and Christa's amazing vocal range make for a wonderful musical experience.
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