Saturday, January 31, 2015
Steve Strongman and Jordan John Add Sparkle to Roly Platt's Tremendous Solo Album
Toronto harpmaster Roly Platt has been on the blues music scene for decades as an award-winning sideman. For Inside Out, his tremendous first solo album, he's enlisted the help of Hamilton Blues superstar Steve Strongman and the fabulous soulman Jordan John from Oakville.
Roly showcases his artistic mastery of the harmonica in the many soulful and funky instrumentals, He also makes some great choices for instrumental covers (Over the Rainbow, I Got A Woman, Georgia on My Mind) and does justice them all. There's also a couple of great vocal tracks (mostly featuring the aforementioned Mr. Strongman and Mr. John).
Together with John Tilden (Guitar), Russ Boswell (Bass) Al Cross (Drums) and Lance Anderson (Keys) the band create a powerful vibe. This is definitely a kick-ass team!
The album can be bought and downloaded through Roly's site or purchased through iTunes.
Video above courtesy of Roly Platt
Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers
Blast from the Past: Video of Roly Playing with Suzie Vinnick
Links: Roly Platt, More Roly Platt Stories, More Releases
Previous (News Roundup w Pearly Jenkins, IBC Winners, Karli June, Johnny Mac Slater) - - - Next (New Russ Burns CD)
Thursday, January 29, 2015
News Roundup (Pearly Jenkins, IBC Winners, Karli June, Johnny Mac Slater)
News
Local
- Barber Shop Podcast w Pearly Jenkins
Links: Pearly Jenkins, More Pearly Jenkins Stories, Video above courtesy of Barber Shop Podcast - Spec story on Grant Avenue Studios Crowd Funding Campaign
World
- Tom Petty Awarded Songwriter credit for "Stay With Me"
- Hilarious Onion Story about a Blues Woman
- 10 Years of Research Produces the Piano of the Future
- Passings: Demis Roussos (Aphrodite's Child), Edgar Froese (Tangerine Dream)
Band
- 1st Eddie Cotton (Vicksburg Blues Society)
- 2nd Noah Wotherspoon (Dayton Blues Society)
- 3rd Nico Wayne Toussaint (Southern California Blues Society)
- Best Guitarist - Band (Gibson & Category 5) Noah Wotherspoon (Dayton Blues Society)
Solo/Duo
- 1st Randy McQuay (Cape Fear Blues Society)
- 2nd Brian Keith Wallen (Dayton Blues Society)
- Best Guitarist – Solo/Duo (St. Blues Guitars) Ben Rice (Ashland Blues Society)
Previous (2015 Juno Nominations) - - - Next (Steve Strongman and Jordan John on Roly Platt CD)
Labels:
Beatles,
Blues,
Country,
Folk,
Humour,
IBC,
Johnny Mac Slater,
Maple Blues,
News Roundup,
Obituaries,
Pearly Jenkins,
Podcasts,
Tom Petty
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
GOOD LUCK! Tons of Local Artists Nominated for 2015 Junos
Not only will the Junos be held in Hamilton this year but many Steeltown musicians are up for nods at the illustrious awards show. Even the surrounding area is well-represented.
From the Hammer, we have Steve Strongman (Blues Album), Daniel Lanois (Instrumental Album), Diana Panton (Vocal Jazz Album) and Jeremy Fisher (Adult Alternative Album). Bands with a few Hamilton members were also up for awards such as jacksoul (R and B/Soul Recording) plus Blackie and the Rodeo Kings and Elliott BROOD, who are both in the running for Roots and Traditional Album: group.
Links: jacksoul, more jacksoul Stories, Video above courtesy of jacksoul
Links: Elliott BROOD, More Elliott BROOD Stories, Video above courtesy of Paper Bag 13
Other area nominees include Kitchener's Alysha Brilla (Adult Contemporary Album) and Dallas Green (aka City and Colour) for You+Me, his collaboration with P!nk. The latter is up for a Fans Choice and Group Juno awards.
Links: City and Colour, More City and Colour Stories, You+Me, Video above courtesy of You + Me
The 2015 Junos will be televised live on March 15, 2015.
GOOD LUCK EVERYONE.
Below are a few highlights:
BLUES ALBUM
- Steve Strongman: Let Me Prove It To You
- JW-Jones: Belmont Boulevard
- Steve Hill: Solo Recordings, Vol. 2
- The 24th Street Wailers: Wicked
- The Harpoonist and The Axe Murderer: A Real Fine Mess
- Matt Andersen: Weightless
- Amelia Curran: They Promised You Mercy
- Catherine MacLellan: The Raven’s Sun
- Del Barber: Prairieography
- James Hill: The Old Silo
- Blackie and The Rodeo Kings: South
- Elliott BROOD: Work and Love
- The Bros. Landreth: Let It Lie
- The Deep Dark Woods; Jubilee
- The Once: Departures
- Alysha Brilla: Womyn
- Coeur de pirate: Trauma: Chansons de la série télé (saison no. 5)
- Jann Arden: Everything Almost
- Ndidi: Dark Swing
- Sarah McLachlan: Shine On
- Jeremy Fisher: The Lemon Squeeze
- Bahamas: Bahamas Is Afie
- Jenn Grant: Compostela
- Leonard Cohen: Popular Problems
- The Barr Brothers: Sleeping Operator
R and B/SOUL RECORDING
- jacksoul: Got to Have It
- Ben Stevenson: Dirty Laundry
- JRDN: JRDN
- Melanie Durrant: Four Seasons
- The Weeknd: Often
- You+Me
- Arcade Fire
- Bobby Bazini
- Drake
- Hedley
- Leonard Cohen
- Magic!
- Michael Bublé
- Nickelback
- Serge Fiori
VOCAL JAZZ ALBUM
- Diana Panton: Red
- Angela Galuppo: Angela Galuppo
- Elizabeth Shepherd: The Signal
- Julie Crochetière: Counting Dreams
- Molly Johnson: Because of Billie
INSTRUMENTAL ALBUM
- Daniel Lanois: Flesh and Machine
- Canadian Brass: Great Wall of China
- John Stetch: Off With the Cuffs
- Quartango: Encuentro
- Sultans of String: Symphony!
- Dallas Smith: Lifted
- Jess Moskaluke: Light Up The Night
- Kira Isabella: Caffeine AND Big Dreams
- MacKenzie Porter: Road Angel
- The Road Hammers: Wheels
- Bobby Bazini: Where I Belong
- Hedley: Wild Life
- Leonard Cohen: Popular Problems
- Nickelback: No Fixed Address
- Serge Fiori: Serge Fiori
BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST
SONGWRITER
JAZZ ALBUM: SOLO
- Jim Head: Zoetrope
- Kirk MacDonald: Vista Obscura
- Lenny Breau: LA Bootleg 1984
- Marianne Trudel: La vie commence ici
- Owen Howard: Drum Lore Vol. 2 – More Lore
- Andrew Downing, Jim Lewis and David Occhipinti: Bristles
- Bobby Rice: Latin Jazz Big Band: X-Treme Latin Jazz
- Brian Dickinson Trio: Fishs Eddy
- Jane Bunnett and Maqueque: Jane Bunnett and Maqueque
- Myriad3: The Where
- Crystal Shawanda: The Whole World’s Got the Blues
- Digging Roots: For The Light
- Leela Gilday: Heart of the People
- Tanya Tagaq: Animism
- Tomson Highway: The (Post) Mistress
Blast from the Past: Last Years' Winners
Links: Juno Awards, More Juno Stories
Previous (Shea D Duo Earn Niagara Entrepreneur Award Nomination) - - - Next (News Roundup w Pearly Jenkins, IBC Winners, Karli June, Johnny Mac Slater)
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
St. Catharines Duo Juliet Dunn and Peter Shea Nominated for Entrepeneur Award
St. Catharines performers Juliet Dunn and Peter Shea (aka the Shea D Duo) were recently honoured with a nomination for the 2015 Niagara Entrepreneur of the Awards Awards. This was in recognition of their incredible work with the Twilight Jazz series through the Mahtay Cafe.
They'll be competing with many other teams on February 20, 2015 at the Marriott Gateway on the Falls Hotel. GOOD LUCK!
Links: Carolyn Credico, Bob Shields, Mike Felice, Peter Shea, More Peter Shea Stories, Video above courtesy of Juliett Dunn
Links: Juliet Dunn, More Juliet Dunn Stories, Le Trio Parisisen, Video above courtesy of Peter Shea
Video above courtesy of Juliet Dunn
Blast from the Past: News Roundup w Shea D Duo Video
Previous (Braithwaite and Whiteley Videos)
Labels:
Awards,
Bob Shields,
Carolyn Credico,
Jazz,
Juliet Dunn,
Le Trio Parisien,
Mike Felice,
Peter Shea,
Shea D Duo
Sunday, January 25, 2015
Braithwaite and Whiteley with Colina Phillips Videos
More Sonny Boy Williamson II Covers/Stories
More Muddy Waters Covers/Stories
More Slim Harpo Covers/Stories
Links: Diana Braithwaite and Chris Whiteley, More Braithwaite and Whiteley Stories, Videos above courtesy of The Hamilton Blues Lovers
Blast from the Past: Braithwaite and Whiteley Videos and More
Previous (New Low Country Hill Album) - - - Next (Shea D Duo Earn Niagara Entrepreneur Award Nomination)
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Hamilton's Low Country Hill Debuts with an Exquisite, Atmospheric Sound
Low Country Hill, the new musical project from Hamilton's Paul Hogeterp, exploded on the scene with an exquisite album. With an atmospheric soundscape, well-crafted lyrics, and Paul's striking vocals, the recording rises well above the usual, predictable alt-folk.
It's low-key approach works well with the introspective, contemplative feel of the whole project. The listener can explore the artistry of the many layers and textures contained within. You'll definitely want multiple listens on this one.
Produced by Dave King and with appearance by the great Bill Dillon and Pat Sansone of Wilco, this album is essential to anyone who appreciates original, unique music.
You can pick up a physical CD at Low Country Hill's live shows or through the website, It can also be downloaded using Bandcamp, iTunes, or eMusic.
Video above courtesy of Low Country Hill
Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers
Links: Low Country Hill, More Low Country Hill Stories, More Releases
Previous (News Roundup w Brandon P General, Jocelyn Fairman. Bryce K Moore, Alberta Country Award Nominations) - - - Next (Braithwaite and Whiteley Videos)
Labels:
Bill Dillon,
CD Releases,
Dave King,
Folk,
Low Country Hill,
Pat Sansone
Thursday, January 22, 2015
News Roundup (Brandon P General, Jocelyn Fairman. Bryce K Moore, Alberta Country Award Nominations)
News
Local
- Barber Shop Podcast w Brandon P. General
Links: Brandon General, More Brandon General Stories, Video above courtesy of Barber Shop Podcast - CHCH Video of American Rogues
World
- Kim Fowler Passes (Producer/Writer/Musician)
Recently Added
Birthdays
Thursday, January 22
Saturday, January 24
Thursday, January 29
Thursday, January 22
Saturday, January 24
- Bryce Moore
Links: More Eagles Covers/Stories, Video above courtesy of Savoury and Sweet
- Mark Reeves
- George Olliver
- Greg Smith (Groove Corporation)
- Willie Leigh (Stingrays)
- Tony Sciara
- Mikie Bray (Bethany & Mikie)
- Dave Neigh (Steel City Rovers)
Thursday, January 29
Previous (Bettye LaVette and Walkervilles Videos) - - - Next (New Low Country Hill Album)
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Bettye LaVette and Walkerviles Videos
Video above courtesy of Brock University
Video above courtesy of Vrerom
Links: Bettye LaVette, Video above courtesy of Kelly 12 Creations
Links: Walkervilles, Video above courtesy of the Walkervilles
Previous (2014 Maple Blues Award Winners) - - - Next (News Roundup w Brandon P General, Jocelyn Fairman. Bryce K Moore, Alberta Country Award Nominations)
Labels:
Bettye LaVette,
Blues,
Soul,
Walkervilles
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
2015 Maple Blues Award Winners
Unfortunately, none of the local musicans nominated for 2014 Maple Blues Awards won at the ceremony on January 19, 2015 in Toronto. On the plus side Tom Bona (who is part of Kitchener's Soulstack) took home Drummer of the Year honour for the second year in a row!
Links: SoulStack, More Soulstack Stories, Video above courtesy of Jon Knight
The big winner of the night was Montreal's Steve Hill who won all the awards he was nominated for (4).
Links: Steve Hill, More Steve Hill Stories, Video above courtesy of Livetoune
The only other multiple winner was Angel Forrest with two awards.
Links: Angel Forrest, Video above courtesy of Randall Stafford Cook
This was also the first year that the Cobalt Prize (sponsored by the Toronto Blues Society and Bluesman Paul Reddick) was awarded. Digging Roots were the inaugural recipients of the $1,000 prize.
Below is a complete list of winners.
- Entertainer: Steve Hill
- Electric Act: Steve Hill
- Acoustic Act: Brandon Isaak
- Male Vocalist: Matt Andersen
- Female Vocalist: Angel Forrest
- New Artist or Group: Wicked Grin
- Recording/Producer: Steve Hill: Solo Recordings Vol. 2 - Producer: Steve Hill
- Guitar Player: Steve Hill
- Songwriter: Angel Forrest
- Piano or Keyboard Player: David Vest
- Bassist: Greg Morency (Paul Deslauriers Band)
- Drummer: Tom Bona (Soulstack/Raoul and The Big Time
- Harmonica Player (tie): Guy Bélanger, Harpdog Brown
- Horn Player: Jon Wong
- Blues with a Feeling Award (Lifetime Achievement Award): Nannette Workman
- International Artist: Johnny Winter
- Blues Booster: Peter North
- Cobalt Prize: Digging Roots
Previous (Area Artists on Blind Lemon Top 20 List)
Saturday, January 17, 2015
CONGRATS! Area Artists Shine in Blind Lemon Radio's Top 20 List
As always, many talented Blues musicians from our area were honoured. Hamiltonians Andre Bisson (5), Jack de Keyzer (9) and Steve Strongman (15) all make appearances on the list. Oshweken's Joel Johnson and Downchild (with members from the Niagara and Brant regions) earned the 17th and 18th spots respectively.
CONGRATULATIONS
Here is the full list as well as the honourable mentions
- The MacKenzie Blues Band: Slam! Bam!
- Bill Durst: Hard And Heavy
- Wicked Grin: Shame On Me
- Paul DesLauriers Band: Self Titled
- Andre Bisson: Bad Scene
Links: More Andre Bisson stories, Video above courtesy of Andre Bisson
- Brian Cober: Austin Wired
- Steve Hill: Solo Recordings Vol 2
- Carolyn Fe Blues Collective: Bad Taboo
- Jack de Keyzer: VooDoo Boogie
- Angel Forrest: My Pleasure - Live Love
- 24th Street Wailers: Wicked
- MonkeyJunk: Tiger In Your Tank (Re-Issue)
- Sunday Wilde: He Digs Me
- Tim Bastmeyer and Jerome Tucker: Self Titled
- Steve Strongman: Let Me Prove It To You
Links: More Steve Strongman stories, Video above courtesy of Tasha Heart
- Johnny Cox: Thin Blue Line
- Joel Johnson: Blues Joose Vol. 2
- Downchild: Can You Hear The Music
Links: Downchild Blues Band, More Downchild Stories, Video above courtesy of Folk Roots and Blues Music
- Jerome Godboo: Sanctuary City
- JW Jones: Belmont Boulevard
- Harpdog Brown: What It Is
- Terry Whalen Band: Two Steps Forward
- Highway 125: Off The Floor
- Joe Murphy and The Water Street Blues Band: Testifyin
Blast from the Past: 2013 Winners
Previous (News Roundup w Dave Pomfret, Trish O'Neill, Leah Daniels, Scott Taplay) - - - Next (2014 Maple Blues Award Winners)
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