Cambridge Indie Folksters,Terns Get Brilliantly Eclectic on 'To the Bottom of the Sea'

Cambridge Indie Folksters Terns have created a brilliant, eclectic album: To the Bottom of the Sea.  Surprising musical twists and turns abound with both the exquisite, raw, acoustic songs and the grand, fuzzed out rockers.

Lovers of both modern pop folk and traditional roots will have something to enjoy here.  The band loves to play with the conventions and you can tell from the recordings.  Definitely worth checking out!

This marvelous album is available to download using Bandcamp.





Videos above courtesy of Tim McArthur

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EXTRA MINI-REVIEW!

Some albums escape our radar, so occasionally we'll be catching up with some mini-reviews!

2009's, Oh, Long Road has more of that great indie pop folk goodness.  You'll also find a lot of infectious rhythms and high energy, catchy choruses. Check it out on their Bandcamp page.



Video above courtesy of HCJoel

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Links: Terns, More Releases

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Previous  (New Amber Album) - - - Next (News Roundup w Doug Feaver, Glenn Kimberley, Guitar Mikey, Mark McNeil, Percy Sledge)

Burlington's Amber Creates Lush, Full Sound on New Album!

There is a full, lush sound coming from Tall Tales, the latest incredible album from Burlington songstress, Amber.  The magical music will envelop and surround you thanks to the wonderful songcraft shown here.,

Centered on Amber's silvery voice and her adept piano skills, songs blend facets of pop, folk, jazz, rock and more.  Many instruments are thrown into the mix but they never overpower, creating a luxurious atmosphere.

Contributing to the opulence are Stephen Court on (vocals, guitar ukulele, bass), Mike Murphy (drums), David Partridge (multiple instruments, producer), Kendra Grittani (cello), Paul Barna (violin/viola), Mark Thomson (trumpet) and Addison Sowery-Quinn (tuba). An amazing team for an amazing recording?

The CD can be picked up at her superb shows or through her website.  Also, you can download it through Amber's Bandcamp page or iTunes.





Videos above courtesy of Amber

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EXTRA MINI-REVIEW!

Some albums escape our radar, so occasionally we'll be catching up with some mini-reviews!

Released in 2013, Dangerous Strangers and Darker Days is a combination of her first official EP with two bonus tracks added.  The recording is a little less arranged but still packs a ton of catchy pop riffs and emotion packed vocals.  Joining Amber this time are David Partridge, Mark Thomson, Cory Latkovich (L-Con).  It's available as a download via Bandcamp or iTunes,



Video above courtesy of Stephanie Amber Beatson

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Links: Amber, More Releases

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New Album by Cambridge's Conor Gains Band Expands Their Repertoire!

Run Away with the Night, the awesome new album from the Conor Gains Band offers more than just the usual Blues.  The talented Cambridge guitar slinger has expanded his repertoire and the music shines bright because of it.

Each and every song has its own vibe.  Many are more singer/songwriter oriented while there are a number of straight out Blues rockers as well.  You'll also get bits of pop, rock, Cajun, soul, boogie woogie and more.

With a rock-solid band consisting of Aaron Hernandez, Mack Jordan, and Mikey Vukovich, the music is in good hands,  Amazing guests such as Jerome Godboo, 24th Street Wailers, Matt Weidinger also up the ante.

You can purchase a CD at his energetic live shows or download the album via Bandcamp, iTunes, or cdbaby (also has CDs).

Video above courtesy of Panoramique Media



Video above courtesy of Randall Stafford Cook

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EXTRA MINI-REVIEW!

Some albums escape our radar, so occasionally we'll be catching up with some mini-reviews!

In 2012, The Conor Gains Band released the dazzling Junction Sessions, a more Blues-rock oriented affair.  Brimming with some righteous soul and nasty funk, This is a good time record that will get you off your seat and dancing.

Give it shot by downloading it through cdbaby, iTunes, or eMusic

Video above courtesy of Jim Scarrow

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Blast from the Past: Conor Gains Win TBS Talent Search

Links: Conor Gains, More Conor Gains Stories, More Releases

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Previous (New Vaudevillian Album) - - - Next (New Amber Album)

The Vaudevillian Revels in Fabulous, Raw Pre-War Blues on New Album!

Hamilton (formerly of Kitchener) duo, The Vaudevillian continue with their fabulous, raw pre-war blues sound on Salty Dog, their current album.  Banjos, kazoos and washboards revel with fiddles, accordions and ukes with great abandon.

The Hamilton Music Award Nominated recording is loaded with good time energy and you can't help but feel the ethereal spirit of punk in the mix.  The six stunning originals and three marvelous covers take you to the ancient bayous!

Brendan J Stephens and Willow Walker are the two main revelers in the Vaudevillian.  On this album, they're joined by Minnie Hart and Buck Thompson of Ever Lovin' Jug Band as well as Jojo Worthington.

So pick up your copy at their dynamic live shows or visit the Crash Landing Store in Hamilton.  It can also be downloaded using Bandcamp Page.



Video above courtesy of All Roads Home



Video above courtesy of Luc Goupil

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EXTRA MINI-REVIEW!

Some albums escape our radar, so occasionally we'll be catching up with some mini-reviews!

Vaudevillian's 2013 release Bourbon and Basements is a more stripped down affair but the rawness of it works extremely well.  Brendan's urgent vocals give everything such amazing power.  The album can be loaded through Bandcamp as well.

Video above courtesy of Latent Image Studios

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Blast from the Past: Vaudevillian Album - Beedle Am Bam

Links: The Vaudevillian, More Vaudevillian Stories, More Releases

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Previous (Hamilton Community News Readers' Choice Award Winners) - - - Next (New Conor Gains Band Album)

CONGRATS! Hamilton Community News Readers' Choice Awards Honour Area Musicians

The public has spoken! The 2015 Hamilton Community News  Readers' Choice Awards have been unveiled.  Voters chose the best in the Hammer with Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze awards.  Fidel, Freedom Train, Jack de Keyzer and Robin Benedict won in the Professional Entertainers category.  CONGRATS!



Video above courtesy of Kyke Reimer



Links: Freedom Train, More Freedom Train Stories, More Band Covers/Stories, Video above courtesy of Freedom Train



Links: Robin Benedict, More Robin Benedict Stories, Video above courtesy of MarcTheMeatMan

Here are the results of the music-related categories

Professional Entertainers

• Diamond: Fidel
• Platinum: Christyrious Magic
• Gold: Boris Brott//Mate Szieti/Little Ray's Reptile Zoo
• Silver: Freedom Train
• Bronze: Jack de Keyzer/Robin Benedict

Live Entertainment

• D: Tracie's Place
• P: This Ain't Hollywood
• G: Theatre Aquarius
• S: Canada's Ballet Jorgen/Hamilton City Ballet Orchestra
• B: Hamilton Place

Radio Station

• D: KX 94.7 Country FM
• P: 95.3 Fresh FM
• G: 102.9 K-Lite
• S: 101.5 The Hawk
• B: Y108

Radio Personality

• D: Emily Szabo (Fresh FM)
• P: Toff and Melissa (KX Country FM)
• G: Rock N Ray Michaels (Oldies CKOC)
• S: Linda Martelli (KX Country FM)
• B: Derm Carnduff (KX Country FM)

Music Instructor

• D: Rosemary Hale (Long and McQuade)
• P: Anita Hiripi
• G: Steve McRae (The Music Stand)
• S: Eva Marshall (A Note Above)
• B: Marta Greda-Kicek (Hamilton Academy of Performing Arts)

Music Store (New)

• D: HMV
• P: Cheapies
• G: Dr. Disc/Beat Goes On

Music Store (Used)

• D: Beat Goes On
• P: Cheapies
• G: Dr. Disc

Musical Instrument Store

• D: Long and McQuade
• P: Mountain Music
• G: The Music Stand
• S: F Bass Hamilton
• B: Absolute Music

Click here for a complete list of winners

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Previous (News Roundup w Tom Wilson, Peter Sabourin, Ensemble!, Shrimp Daddy) - - - Next (New Vaudevillian Album)

News Roundup (Tom Wilson, Peter Sabourin, Ensemble!, Shrimp Daddy)

Lots of Tom Wilson stories this week: Tom Wilson to Publish Memoirs, CP24 Story, Spec Story

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News

Local

• Brian Griffith, Bob Doidge and Graham Rockingham to Get Lifetime Achievement Awards at the Hamilton Music Awards
• CH Video: Jack Connelly

Canada

• Northern Ontario Rock n' Roll Legend Peter "Sab" Sabourin Passes
  
  
  
  Links: Sab's Site, Video above courtesy of Solvent TV
  
  
• Canadian Radio Music Award Nominations
• Jack Richardson Music Award Nominees (London, ON)
• ole Acquires Publishing and Master of Major Canadian Rock Acts

World

• Passings: Bob Burns (Original Lynyrd Skynyrd drummer), Preston Ritter (Electric Prunes drummer)

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The Adventures of Trebleclef, the Hamilton Blues Lovers Monkey

Trebleclef was at the taping of the Ensemble! season opener with Danny Medakovic and Chris Altmann

  

Click here for more pictures

Click here to check out past Episodes of Ensemble!

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Recently Added


Nothing right now - check back next week.  

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Birthdays

Thursday, April 9

• Jesse Webber (Crazy Diamonds)

Friday, April 10

• Al Lerman (Fathead)

Saturday, April 11

• Jay Aymar

Sunday, April 12

• Brad Cheeseman

Tuesday, April 14

• Danny Boy Squire

Wednesday, April 15

• Chris Kenny
• Mojo Willie

Thursday, April 16

• D'Eve Archer
• Tim Gibbons
• Denis Keldie
• Colin Linden (Blackie and the Rodeo Kings)
• Sean O'Grady
• Garth Vogan

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Featured Video

Links: Shrimp Daddy, More Shrimp Daddy Stories, Video above courtesy of East Coast Blues Society

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Previous (Local Artists Receive Indie Award Nominations) - - - Next (Hamilton Community News Readers' Choice Award Winners)

GOOD LUCK! Local Artists Receive Indie Award Nominations!

Once again, a number of talented local artists have received Indie Award nominations.

Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, featuring Hamilton's Tom Wilson, Guelph's Stephen Fearing and Toronto's Colin Linden) are up for the Folk/Roots category.  Other nominees from the Hammer include Whitehorse (Songwriter), Diana Panton (Jazz) and Caribou (Artist, Electronic Artist).

Links: Rodeo Kings, More BARK stories, Video above courtesy of StellaBlu477

You+Me, the alt-folk duo featuring St. Catharines boy Dallas Smith (aka City and Colour) with international superstar P!nk, is in the running for both the Songwriter and Alternative categories. Also from St. Catharines, Tim Hicks was nominated for Best Country.

Links: You+Me, More You+Me Stories, Video above courtesy of You+Me



Links: Tim Hicks, More Tim Hicks Stories, Video above courtesy of csChicago

Hopefully they will be taking home some hardware on Saturday May 9th, 2015 when the awards are handed out at the Sheraton Centre in Toronto.  GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

Here are some nomination highlights:

FOLK/ROOTS ARTIST OR GROUP

• Blackie and the Rodeo Kings
• Del Barber
• Oh Susanna
• The Bar Brothers
• The Bros. Landreth

SONGWRITER

• Whitehorse
• You+Me
• July Talk
• The New Pornographers
• The Weeknd

JAZZ ARTIST OR GROUP

• Diana Panton
• BadBadNotGood
• Elizabeth Shepherd
• Myriad3
• The Souljazz Orchestra

COUNTRY ARTIST OR GROUP

• Tim Hicks
• Dallas Smith
• Jess Moskaluke
• Kira Isabella
• The Road Hammers

ALTERNATIVE ARTIST OR GROUP

• You+Me
• Alvvays
• Bahamas
• Dan Mangan + Blacksmith
• Timber Timbre

ARTIST 

• Caribou 
• Mac DeMarco
• Owen Pallett
• Tanya Tagaq
• The Weeknd

ELECTRONIC ARTIST

• Caribou 
• Art Department 
• Operators 
• Plastikman 
• Zeds Dead

ALBUM

• Alvvays: Alvvays
• Death From Above 1979: The Physical World 
• Mac DeMarco: Salad Day’s
• Owen Pallett: In Conflict 
• The New Pornographers: Brill Bruisers

SINGLE

• [SEBELL]: Till the Sun Burns Out
• Chromeo: Jealous (I Ain’t With It)
• Death From Above 1979: Trainwreck 1979 
• MAGIC!: Rude
• USS: Yin Yang

GROUP OR DUO

• Alvvays
• Death From Above 1979
• The Glorious Sons
• The New Pornographers
• Tokyo Police Club

FEMALE ARTIST

• Jenn Grant
• Lisa LeBlanc
• Lowell
• Steph Cameron
• Tanya Tagaq

MALE ARTIST 

• Chad VanGaalen (Flemish Eye)
• Jay Malinowski and the Deadcoast
• Kevin Drew
• Owen Pallett
• Rich Aucoin

EMERGING ARTIST (ENGLISH

• Alvvays
• BESTiE
• Close Talker
• Cousins
• Gay Nineties
• JPNSGRLS
• Royal Tusk
• The Barr Brothers
• The Dying Arts
• The Mohrs

Blast from the Past: 2014 Winners

Links: Indie Awards, More Indie Awards Stories

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Previous (Bianca Bernardi Debut EP) - - - Next (News Roundup w Tom Wilson, Peter Sabourin, Ensemble!, Shrimp Daddy)

Bianca Bernardi Debuts With an EP Filled With Emotion and Passion!

We continue  our reviews of the recent Hamilton Music Award nominees with a look at the amazing Burlington songstress Bianca Bernardi.  Her self-titled debut EP received a nod for Best Pop Recording and the talented lady herself is up for Female Artist of the Year. What a way to kickstart her recording career!

All the recognition is richly deserved as the EP explores many music facets such as pop, jazz, rock, folk, and soul.  Bianca's got the voice of an angel and can perform in any style she damn well pleases.  You can really feel the emotion and passion in her magnificent voice.

The singer/songwriter has enlisted some top flight talent to lend a helping hand.  Her father, Crowbar drummer Sonnie Bernardi is along for the ride and he brought along many of his  905 Band  co-horts (Jack Shearer, Russ Little, Michael Stuart).  This superb lineup also includes Karen Thornton, Bill Dillon, Guido Basso, Paul Offenbacher (who produced the EP), Nikki Loney, Shawn Trotter, and Kiirsi Maunula.

Bianca tells us that the CD has sold out but she is waiting some more copies.  You can contact her for more information.  The EP can also be downloaded using iTunes.

Video above courtesy of Bianca Bernardi



Video above courtesy of Kasey Bridges

Links: Bianca Bernardi, More Bianca Bernardi Stories, More Releases

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Previous (New Out of Towners Album) - - - Next (Local Artists Receive Indie Award Nominations) 

New Out of Towners Album Packed with Instrumental, High-Grade Funk!

Packed with high grade funk and sleek rhythms, dirty. organ. jazz is the freshest product from Toronto Jazz band, The Out of Towners.  The Our Label Records release is a monster instrumental album.  Featuring the Hammer's Matt Burns on drums, the recording got a much-deserved Hamilton Music Award nomination.

The sound just slides and glides smoothly in and out of funk, soul, jazz, pop and blues.  Every member gets a chance to shine and show off their musical prowess.  You can't help but feel affected by the groove!

If you're lucky enough to catch one of their cool live shows, you can pick up a CD there.  It can also be downloaded via cdbaby (also has physical CDs), iTunes, and eMusic.

Links: Out of Towners, Videos above courtesy of the Out of Towners, More Releases

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Previous (Two New Recordings from Whitehorse) - - - Next (Bianca Bernardi Debut EP)

Two Amazing Recordings From Hamilton's Whitehorse

Hamilton duo Whitehorse (Luke Doucet and Mellisa McClelland) have been very busy releasing some great material.  Two of those wonderful projects from last year (both from Six Shooter Records) escaped our radar - until now.

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Thanks to a recent Hamilton Music Award nomination, their EP, Éphémère sans repère is in the spotlight.  Containing french translations of four previous tunes, a new track (Le cadeau) and their cover of the classic Un Canadien errant, the recording offers an amazing, different take on their fabulous folk rock sound.

Physical CD's, LP's and downloads are available at the Six Shooter's Online Shop and iTunes.



Video above courtesy of BRBRTFO

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The iTunes Sessions album is a stripped down, tremendous, live recording of their greatest song as well as an excellent cover of Tom Waits' Gun Street Girl.

Of course, it's only available as a download through iTunes.

Video above courtesy of StellaBlu477

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Both these recordings are a welcome addition to any Whitehorse fan's collection (or any fan of quality folk rock, actually).

Links: Whitehorse, More Whitehorse Stories, More Releases

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Previous (New Karen Thornton CD) - - - Next (New Out of Towners Album)