Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Hamilton's Dreamers Deliver Two Remarkable, Unique EPs

Dreamers is the remarkable side project of Riley Ducharme and Spencer Jones, members from Hamilton's Indie Rock sensation, Boy with an Atlas.  Recently, the duo released two unique EPs that showcase different musical sides.


The first one, In The End And From The Start, displays their softer, folkier side.  Ethereal vocals and expressive guitar work meld to create an beautiful sound.  Featuring additional vocals by Xochil A. Warden

If you can't see the player below, click here.



Next, the duo unleashed Get Your Dancing Shoes, a livelier recording with an indie feel.  The boys more than prove they can rock it out with the best of them.



So whether you feel like savouring the music or shakin' things up, one of these EPs will do the job for you and you'll have fun doing it.

Either one can be downloaded through their Bandcamp Page 

Blast from the Past: Boy With An Atlas Debut EP



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Waterloo's SoulDrive Offer Up Spacey, Soulful, Psychedelic Rhythms on Their EP


The Self-titled EP from Waterloo's SoulDrive may be short (5 tracks) but it's oh so sweet!  With a psychedelic 60s meets 70s blues rock sound, it will envelop you in its rhythms and won't let go!

This EP can get spacey but its roots are solidly in old fashioned soul, blues and funk.  You'll be chillin' and partyin' at the same time.

Providing the passionate, stirring, soulful vocals is the amazing Johanna Pavia.  Also,  Nick Rorai McNeil offers up some tasty keyboard riffs and bass licks, Christopher Paleshi ably bends the guitar to his will and Rob Cardy keeps the drums flowing.

If you want a physical CD, it can be picked up at one of their show or by contacting the band.  You can also choose to download it through their Bandcamp Page

Blast from the Past: Souldrive Goes to 2015 Blues Challenge





Videos above courtesy of Johanna Pavia

Links: SoulDrive, More SoulDrive Stories, More Releases

Previous (New Bryan Sorensen Groove Trio EP) - - - Next (Dreamers Release 2 EPs)

Sunday, March 1, 2015

Hamilton's BrYan SorensEn Groove Trio Mix DJ Beats Into Funky Gold


Stealing from the DJ is the perfect name for the latest EP from Hamilton's  BrYan SorensEn Groove Trio.  They take usually over-polished DJ beats and spice them up with some nasty funk and soul!

If you're looking for something a little off the beaten path, this is the recording for you!  The gang twist and turn the electronic beats into something truly unique.  Songs receive an  injection of  the energy and power of a live rock show (most of the album was recorded live off the floor) into their infectious electronic sound.

Members of the talented trio inclide Bryan Sorensen (vocals, guitar), John Becker (bass) and Rich Hone (drums).  Every one manages to show off of their considerable skills.

You can purchase a physical copy at their great live shows or download it through iTunes.



Blast from the Past: News Roundup Featuring Bryan Sorensen

Links: Bryan Sorensen, More Bryan Sorensen Stories , More Releases, Video above courtesy of Bryan Sorensen

Previous (Jokela Vogan Cooley Debut Album)  - - - Next (New SoulDrive EP)

Saturday, February 28, 2015

Jazz Trio 'Jokela Vogan Cooley' Swing, Bounce and Funk It Up on Momentous Debut Album


When three of the best Jazz musicians in the area get together, there's bound to be some awesome music going on.  That's the case with Jokela Vogan Cooley, who've recently released their momentous instrumental, self-titled debut album.

The trio boasts Guelph's Ben Jokela on piano, Waterdown's Garth Vogan on bass and Orangeville's Charlie Cooley on drums.  All three have put their best foot forward with this recording and it definitely shows.

This album has some incredible kinetic energy as the boys bounce, swing, and funk up their way through a few numbers (many recorded live at Manhattans in Guelph).  They also prove their artistry with the slower tracks too.

Grab a copy of the CD at their cool live shows or order it (download too) through their website.



Blast from the Past: Jokela Vogan Christmas CD

Links:Jokela Vogan Cooley, More Ben Jokela Stories, More Releases, Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

Previous  (Mississippi Bends Debut EP) - - - Next (New Bryan Sorensen Groove Trio EP)

Hamilton's Mississippi Bends Kick Things Off with an Amazing, Rockin' Americana EP


Newly minted Steeltown band, Mississippi Bends have unleashed their fury with an amazing self-titled EP.  This is rockin' Americana made by some of the best musicians around.

The group features incredible singer/songwriter, Mary Simon (vocals, acoustic guitar), in-demand electric guitarist Andrew Aldridge with talented veterans Carrie Ashworth (bass) and Robin Pirson (drums), Each one has an amazing musical resume on their own but together they've forged a high-energy, kickin' Country sound with soul.

Also adding a little twist to the album is Hamilton legend Tom Wilson, who co-wrote the fabulous Go Boy Go with Simon.

You can purchase a physical CD at the band's stunning performances or at Dr. Disc in Hamilton.  It can also be download it via their Bandcamp page.





Videos above courtesy of Mississippi Bends

Blast from the Past: Mississippi Bends on Barber Shop Podcast

Links: Mississippi Bends, More Mississippi Bends Stories, More Releases

Previous (News Roundup w Zilis, Juliana LaChance, Big Rude Jake) - - - Next (Jokela Vogan Cooley Debut Album)

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Oakville's Paula Gardin Gets Soulful, Smooth and Bluesy on 'Two of Cups'


Two of Cups, the new album from Oakville songstress Paula Gardin is one of the most exciting Jazz recordings out now.  Funky, soulful and bluesy, this mix of covers and originals will get your groove going!

The lady's powerful, smooth voice will lure you into a world filled with traditional jazz and poppy melodies.  With a song in Italian and another in French, you can even get a little global feel at no extra charge.

Two of cups features amazing piano work by Nancy Walker as well as incredible performances by  Kieran Overs on bass, Steve Heathcote on drums and Kirk Macdonald on sax.

You can pick up a copy of the marvelous CD at her live shows or through cdbaby.  It can also be downloaded using iTunes or cdbaby.



Links: Paula Gardin, More Releases, , Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

Previous (New Jordan Haller EP) - - - Next (News Roundup w Zilis, Juliana LaChance, Big Rude Jake)

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Burlington Singer/Songwriter Jordan Haller Crafts a Soulful, Poppy EP with Substance


If you love, soulful, poppy music with substance, you should check out Drifting, the newest EP from Burlington singer/songwriter Jordan Haller.  Catchy, infectious music isn't usually crafted this well but the recording's indie folk roots and the superb lyricism create an amazing sound.

Jordan's vivid voice is the main selling point.  He fills these songs with real emotion and character.  The instrumentation does a wonderful job of accentuating his impressive vocal performances.

Joining Jordan are Nicholas Valerio (drums) and Andrew Marshall (bass).  Other guests include Samantha Kadet and Kate Leanne Fullerton (background vocals), Mikey Molnar of Quails in the Nest (trumpet), and Kaitlyn Raitz (Cello)

CD's are available exclusively at Dr. Disc.  You can also download this EP at his Bandcamp page or purchase it through iTunes.



Links: Jordan Haller, More Releases, Video above courtesy of Jordan Haller

Previous (Daddy Long Legs Bassist Steve Toms Passes) - - - Next (New Paula Gardin Album)

Monday, February 23, 2015

Daddy Long Legs Bassist Steve Toms Passes


It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Steve Toms, the bassist for Kitchener Blues band Daddy Long Legs and the Two-Timers.  He died on February 21, 2015 of an accident at home. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

Click here for the obituary.

Here are a few online reactions:

From the Daddy Long Legs Facebook page: It is with great sadness that Chris, Jeff and I write this….as many now know, our friend and band-mate Steve Toms has passed away. We are at a loss for words. It is impossible for us to properly put into words how singular Steve was as a person. He was truly one of a kind. As Daddy Long Legs was a family, we are now minus one of our brothers. We couldn’t miss him more. He was the stuff of LEGEND. Good-bye Steve. We love you.

Shane Guse (Western Swing Authority): Shocked and sad to hear about Steve Toms passing. It is tragic. Condolences to his family and friends and especially to my friends in Daddy Long Legs.

Lynn Jackson: So sad to hear about my friend Steve Toms - we had some great times - I'm really gonna miss you....

Kevin Doyle (Boathouse in Kitchener): Loved this guy, everything about him.  Thanks for the many great memories, your music.


Previous (New Pip Album) - - - Next (New Jordan Haller EP)

Sunday, February 22, 2015

Dragon Ear by Hamilton's Pip is an Artful and Beautiful Album


All Hamilton singer/songwriter Pip needs to make artful, amazing music is his unique voice and an acoustic guitar. His latest album, Dragon Ear is filled with sparse, beautiful, well-crafted songs.  Jazzy and folky at the same time, the recording is extremely expressive and lyrically strong.

With 15 original tracks, the collection is brimming with organic, live off the floor tunes.  This is definitely for people who love savouring their music.

This incredible album can be downloaded through his Bandcamp page.







Videos above courtesy of Pip

Blast from the Past: Video of Pip at Winking Judge

Links: Pip, More Pip Stories, More Releases

Previous (New Alfie Smith and Nicole Christian Album)