Thursday, November 13, 2014

New Phenomenal Acoustic CD from Kitchener's Lynn Jackson and Chris Boyne


Kitchener Duo Lynne Jackson and Chris Boyne (Sex Dwarf) have teamed up to build an incredible stripped down, rootsy album, The Acoustic Sessions (through Busted Flat Records).  Lynne's phenomenal songs are reconstructed into pure and simple forms filled with beauty and grace.

Her magical voice and the duo's wonderful harmonies will carry you away through the realms of country, folk and a little soul.  The discs live-off-the-floor feel creates a wonderful, inviting atmosphere.

Guest musicians include Joe Dunn (also of Sex Dwarf), Scott Fitzpatrick, Nick Storring, Steve Wood (Stony Lonesome), Wendy Wright on violin and Norman Blake from Teenage Fanclub.

You can pick up the disc at her unforgettable live shows or buy (and download) through the Busted Flat Online Store.  It can also be downloaded through iTunes and eMusic.





Videos above courtesy of Busted Flat Records

Links: Lynne Jackson, More Lynn Jackson Stories, More Releases
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Sunday, November 9, 2014

Take a Musical Trip with Kitchener's Alysha Brilla on Her Stunning New CD: Womyn


Can't afford a trip this year?  Get a copy of Kitchener singer/songwriter Alysha Brilla's new disc, Womyn and she'll transport you around the globe.  There's even some time travel at no extra cost - The lady can kick it old school or go modern.

She really knows how to fuse different musical elements into one interesting gumbo of sound.  You'll hear jazz pop, soul, reggae and ska along with African and Cajun beats. Her unique voice blends in well with this vibrant cultural intermingling!

Done with assistance from some great musicians such as Eon Sinclair (Bedouin Soundclash) and Mic Dainjah, the disc's infectious rhythms will capture your attention and lift your spirits.  Now that'll be a fun trip!

You can pick up this phenomenal album from her website or download it using iTunes or eMusic.







Videos above courtesy of Alysha Brilla

Click here for more releases
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Thursday, November 6, 2014

News Roundup (Philip Bast, Dinner Belles, Darcy Feaver, Aaron Goldstein)


Kitchener Music Scene Booster Philip Bast Passes

Our condolences to his family and friends.  The Kitchener music scene has lost an important figure.

Here are a few social media comments:

Amber McLean: "I am so deeply saddened. I have just learned of the loss of our wonderful and so genuine and kind Philip Bast. He was a friend and a fan but most important of all, he was a gentle, thoughtful and beautiful human being. Philip was a devoted supporter of the local KW music scene but his passion for the arts reached so many communities. I feel so much gratitude when I think of all he did for me, so generously, throughout my career. Rest well Philip. My heart is with you and your family."

Shane Guse (Western Swing Authority): Shocked and sad to hear about Philip Bast's passing. He was a real supporter of the arts in our community, a great guy and always eager to help. And that voice....you could never mistake that voice that started countless videos promoting the work of endless artists. Condolences to all his family and friends.

Brenda Lewis: This is such a shock and so heartbreaking. Deep gratitude to Philip for his unending support to those of us in the arts in the Waterloo region. I'll miss running into you with your trusty video cam at so many music events, too, since you retired.
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Sunday, November 2, 2014

GOOD LUCK! Local Musicians Up for the 2015 Maple Blues Awards


Once again, the Maple Blues Awards have nominated a lot of local artists for their prestigious awards ceremony.

Hamilton boy Steve Strongman is up for a trio of awards (Entertainer, Electric Act, Guitar Player) as is Steeltown Blues Legend Harrison Kennedy. (Acoustic Act, Male Vocalist, Songwriter).  Former Hammertown Bluesman Jack de Keyzer will be in the running for Electric Act too.



Links:  Harrison Kennedy, More Harrison Kennedy Stories, Video above courtesy of David Stephen

Other area nominees include Niagara's Suzie Vinnick (Female Vocalist), Brantford's Chuck Jackson (Male Vocalist + his band, Downchild is up for Electric Act and Recording), Kitchener's Jon Knight of Soulstack (Male Vocalist) and  Oshweken's Joel Johnson (New Artist).



Links: Suzie Vinnick, More Suzie Vinnick Stories, Video above courtesy of Quimiqua



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

On Monday, January 20, 2014 in Toronto, prizes will go to the top Canadian Blues talent.  You can vote for your favourite starting on November 5, 2014.  Deadline is December 5, 2014.  Click here to vote!

Entertainer
Electric Act
Acoustic Act
Male Vocalist
Female Vocalist
New Artist or Group
Recording/Producer
Guitar Player
Harmonica Player
Horn Player
Blues with a Feeling Award (Lifetime Achievement Award)
International Artist
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Saturday, November 1, 2014

2014 Hamilton Spectator Readers' Choice Award Winners


The Hamilton Spectator has tallied all of their 2014 Readers' Choice votes and the people of Steeltown have chosen the best of their city.

This year, they included a Local Musician category.  Popular cover band, Freedom Train won the Platinum Award followed by Ginger St. James with Diamond and Shanya Lynn Dawson with Gold. Congratulations!



Links: Freedom Train, More Freedom Train Stories,  More Louis Armstrong covers/stories,, Video above courtesy of Freedom Train



Links: Ginger St. James, More Ginger St. James Stories, Video above courtesy of Bill Griffin



Links: Shanya Lynn Dawson, More Shanya Lynn Dawson Stories, Video above Courtesy of Janice Pinch

Here are the results of the music related categories.

Local Musician
Festival
Concert Venue
Live Entertainment
Record/CD Store - NEW
Record/CD Store - USED
Musical Instrument Store
Music School
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Thursday, October 30, 2014

News Roundup (Chris Altmann, Kim Deschamps, Rod Standish, Jack Bruce)

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Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Harry Manx Videos








Videos above courtesy of Dog My Cat Records

Blast from the Past: Video of Harry Manx and Other@2012 Kitchener Blues Festival

Links: Harry Manx, More Harry Manx Stories
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Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Guelph's Jane Lewis Releases a Perfect Pop-Folk CD: Stay With Me

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/janelewis5

Guelph singer/songwriter Jane Lewis has a perfect gem on her hands with her latest album, Stay With Me.  This mainly piano-driven disc is filled with stunning musical moments.  Her gorgeous voice and elegant lyrics supply many of those.

Though primarily a folk-pop recording, Jane and her friends pepper the album with primal funky rhythms, soul and blues.  For proof, check out the stunning jazzy cover of the Beatles' Come Together and the reggae feel of Evening Come!

 Her backup group includes Gathering Sparks bandmates Sam Turton (guitar) and Eve Goldberg (harmony vocals) along with Jesse Turton (bass) and Adam Bowman (drums). Special guests include Jason Fowler, Doug Wilde, Katherine Wheatley, Tannis Slimmon, Linda McLean, and the Levy Sisters.

You can pick up a physical CD from Jane's live shows or her website.  It can also be downloaded through cdbaby and iTunes.



Video above courtesy of Jane Lewis



Video above courtesy of MaySound1

Blast from the Past: Gathering Sparks Debut EP 

Links: Jane Lewis, More Jane Lewis Stories, More Releases
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Hamilton's Toadhouse Fill their Debut Album, Bufo with Funky, Rockin' Jams


Hamilton Jamband Toadhouse dropped their debut incredible full-length album Bufo a little while back and boy, does it ever reflect their explosive live shows!  They've filled it with funk, classic rock and a whack of jazzy improvisation. 

The tunes never get boring as they twist and turn to different changes - you'll never know when a wonderful musical surprise will hit you.  These boys really know how to keep the groove going while making some excellent left turns.  If you're looking for progressive music with a sense of fun and adventure, this is the album for you!

You can pickup this dazzling CD at their live performances or download a copy through their Bandcamp page. 







Videos above courtesy of Toadhouse

Links: Toadhouse, More Toadhouse Stories, More Releases
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Thursday, October 23, 2014

News Roundup (Barbershop Podcast, Bob MacLean, Crosstown Traffic, Cpl. Cirillo, Nicola Jones)

http://www.thespec.com/news-story/4928712-slain-hamilton-soldier-cpl-nathan-cirillo-had-big-military-dreams/
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