The judges have spoken in the 14th Independent Music Awards and two local acts have received-much deserved accolades. Ohsweken Bluesman, Joel Johnson got the Best Blues Album award for Blues Joose, Vol. 2 and Guelph singer/songwriter, Jane Lewis earned the Best Cover Song award for her rendition of the Beatles' Come Together.
Artists from around the world are nominated for these prestigious awards. It's great to see talented area musicians shine in the international spotlight!
Hopefully, they haven't finished winning either because there's a people's choice portion of the awards. You can vote for the nominees by clicking here. Joel is also nominated in the Blues Song category for I'll Be Just Fine. Deadline is September 11, 2015. Good Luck!
Kitchener singer/songwriter Luke Michielsen has a lot to draw listeners in on his new album, Oh Surround Me. You'll hear some astonishing, first-class, poppy, alt-folk.
With his expressive voice and wonderful musical skills, Luke creates accessible, modern, acoustic folk with an artistic edge. The remarkable, poetic lyrics also separates it from the pack.
Both the CD or download is available through his Bandcamp page.
Video above courtesy of Luke Michielsen EXTRA MINI-REVIEWS! Some recordings escape our radar, so occasionally we'll be catching up with some mini-reviews!
In 2011, Luke released the 5 song EP, Meddle in the Natural Order. With more of a raw sound (basically voice and guitar), it has more of an organic, sparse sound that works superbly. It's available through Bandcamp.
The 2008 album, Burn to the Ground, finds Luke's voice in fine form with more poppy alt-folk (with a little touch of Americana this time). You can get this via Bandcamp.
Exquisitely layered and emotive, Good Will Rise, the four song EP from Hamilton singer/songwriter, Amber Edgar, will stir the senses. Lyrically and musically, the recording's very well-crafted and inspiring.
With an almost cinematic flair, each alt-folk/pop tune paints a mental picture of mourning, loss and redemption. Though sometimes dark, Amber manages to inject the songs with a bit hope and meaning as well.
Helping along the way are Adam Bentley and Anna Jarvis (formerly of The Rest),Bill Majoros of Foreign Films, Troy Dowding, Karijn DeJong, Kori Pop, and Jordon Mitchell. They make amazing contributions to the stunning density and artistry of the sound.
Video above courtesy of Amber Edgar EXTRA MINI-REVIEWS! Some recordings escape our radar, so occasionally we'll be catching up with some mini-reviews!
Amber released the Honey and Sorrowsingle in 2013. Both the main song and the "B-Side" Troubles, are infectious numbers featuring her wonderful lyrics. It's available via Bandcamp.
Where Fools Gather, the latest album from Kitchener's Richard Garvey strikes a pleasant balance between good-time, friendly folk and ethereal, graceful, artistic numbers. There's definitely something for everyone here.
Always well-written, the recording has an organic, welcoming feel that invites the listener to get lost in the moment. Whether's it's dancing to the great banjo/mandolin/fiddle playing or hearing Richard's sometimes ghostly vocals spirit you away, every song will affect you.
Richard has a lot of stunning help from his friends. They include Julia Narveson, Buck Thompson, Dan Henshall, Dave Soehner, Laura Dyck, Rachel Bruch, Eric Johnson-Scherger, Kate Romain, Richard Driedger, Dan Belgue, Josef Bell, and Jess Spencer. Backing vocals by Celidh Barker, Laura Ashfield, Marina Marina, and Bill Howard.
Physical CD's are available at his wonderful live shows and through his Bandcamp page (you can download it there too).
Video above courtesy of Richard Garvey EXTRA MINI-REVIEWS! Some recordings escape our radar, so occasionally we'll be catching up with some mini-reviews!
2013's EP, Listen, features Richard with a sparse sound that will enchant you with it's beautiful simplicity. His amazing voice is at its most expressive here. The recording's available through Bandcamp.
St. Catharines boy Tim Hicks has been (justifiably) raking in the awards and nomination for a while now and he continues to do so. Last time, he even won the Rising Star award. Now, he's up for Male Artist, Album, Interactive Artist plus his album 5:01 is in the running for Album Design and Producer.
Burlington singer/songwriter, Tebey also has quite a bit of an awards collection himself and he's hoping to expand it. This year, he's been nominated for Producer of the Year.
Guelph bassist Jason Raso is a man who has beautifully mastered his instrument. You need to look no further than his latest album, Man of 40 Faces. This mostly solo, instrumental recording will marvel you with just how much musical texture one bass can handle.
Each song has it's own special mood. Cinematic, classical, bluesy, jazzy and all stylistic points in between are handled exceptionally well.
Jason is joined on a few tracks by fellow bassist Alain Caron, trombonist Wycliffe Gordon and vibraphonist Francesco Pinetti. They match his amazing dexterity with their instruments.
So go ahead and pick up a CD though his live shows or his online shop, It can also be downloaded via that same shop or using iTunes.
Video above courtesy of Jason Raso EXTRA MINI-REVIEWS! Some albums escape our radar, so occasionally we'll be catching up with some mini-reviews!
In 2013, his Jason Raso Quartet released Slingshot, a funky, swinging, good time collection of instrumental wizardry. Joined by Thomas Hammerton (keys), Adam Bowman (drums) and Brent Rowan (sax), Jason and the gang know how to groove. It's available as a CD or download at his online shop. A digital version is available atiTunesas well.
While there, he met up with Maggie Ciere, musician and owner of HamiltonArtists.ca, a great place to buy music merch and get anything printed on anything!
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