Nonie Crete YouTube Videos

Above three videos courtesy of StilettoRose





Above two videos courtesy of Alimarin

Link: Nonie Crete, More Nonie Crete Stories

New Sarah Beatty CD: Black Gramophone

Local singer/songwriter Sarah Beatty's new CD, Black Gramophone, is a spectacular mix of old fashioned folk/country blues with modern touches.

You can tell that this disc was recorded live off the floor. There's an acoustic, warm, organic feel as you hear Sarah's expressive voice and her great guitar work.

Actually, the CD is basically a solo showcase for the lady's talent with only Gary White brandishing his guitar for the final track.

This new collection will be available May 24, 2012. It can be purchased or downloaded at her web site. You may also pick it up at any of her upcoming live shows.

Below is a video from the CD.



Links: Sarah Beatty, More Sarah Beatty Stories

News Roundup (Strongman, Harlan Pepper, Shari & Jonny)

Local

• Spec Story on Steve Strongman
• May 2012 Edition of Maple Blues magazine (Strongman on cover)

World

• Nothing But the Blues Podcast #189
• Skip Pitts (Theme From Shaft) passes

Blasts from the Past

• 2009: Performer of the Week: Paul Coombs
• 2010: Lionel Lodge@Artword Artbar
• 2011: Famous Framus Band@Waltz

Featured Videos

Links: Harlan Pepper, More Harlan Pepper Stories , Video courtesy of ChrisMak2004


Links: Shari and Jonny, More Shari and Jonny Stories, Video Courtesy of Shari and Jonny

Garnet Rogers YouTube Videos

Above three videos courtesy of GoodHopeIsland





Above two videos courtesy of TheRealCBMackay

Click here for Garnet's site.

Harrison Kennedy on Shakura S'Aida's Double CD: Time

Time..., the new 2 CD collection from Toronto blues and soul queen, Shakura S'Aida includes the talented vocal and harmonica work of local blues legend, Harrison Kennedy.

He duets with her on Halfway Blues and also brings his harmonica for a few other tunes. Harrison works well with Shakura's hard rockin' boogie woogie soul sound. She can really belt a song out with a ton of power and feeling. The lady is at home with the slinkiest of jazzy numbers, the funkiest of grooves, and everything else the music throws at her.

There are quite a few other musicians joining in on the fun - including Lance Anderson, Donna Grantis, Conor Gains, and many more.

The CD is available through the Electro-Fi website, and as a download on iTunes and eMusic.

Below is a video from the CD courtesy of CBC Music.



Blast from the Past: Harrison Kennedy & Friends@Locke Street Festival

Links: Shakura S'Aida, Harrison Kennedy, More Harrison Kennedy Stories

News Roundup (Lightfoot, Eaglesmith, Annette Haas)

Local

• Lauren Agnelli remembers Levon Helm
• Fred Eaglsmith Audio Interview
• Bob Doidge produces Lightfoot's Live CD

World

• Nothing But the Blues Podcast #188

Funny Stuff

• Flowchart on knowing when to play Mustang Sally
• Cartoon: Hagar the Horrible and the perils of dating a musician
• Popular, upbeat songs you didn't know were depressing 

Blasts from the Past

• 2009: Andre Bisson's New CD
• 2010: Sarah Harmer is Our Performer of the Week
• 2011: New David Lum CD

Featured Videos 



Links: Air Farce, Video courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

 
Links: Annette Haas, More Annette Haas Stories, Above video courtesy of Line6Variax

Dan Scruton You Tube Videos

Videos courtesy of Dan's You Tube page

Click here for Dan's site

New Pete Van Dyk and the Second Hand Band EP: Live at the Casbah

Local musician, Pete Van Dyk and his group, the Second Hand Band, were always masters of hard rocking, punk-like blues. This is even more evident in their recent EP, Live at the Casbah.

The rawness of the sound is amped up in this collection. The guitars scream louder and Pete's vocals match their power. This ain't toe-tappin' play-on-the-front-porch blues - this is pump your fist and shake your butt music.

Pete and the gang offer up live versions of songs from their previous album and a great new tune called Friday Night.

As an added bonus, the download is pay what you can. They are trying to fund a new album so don't be stingy - another disc from these guys will definitely be worth it.

Below is a song from the EP, courtesy of Pete Van Dyk's YouTube Page



Blast from the Past: Review of Pete's Previous CD

Links: Pete Van Dyk, More Pete Van Dyk Stories, Click here to download EP

Levon Helm Passes + Local Reaction

It is with sadness that we report on the passing of Levon Helm, the drummer and singer for The Band. He passed away on April 19, 2012 after a brave battle with cancer. He will be missed.

Levon had ties to Hamilton and the area. He played here often as part of Ronnie Hawkins' band in his early career. Later on, he'd gain world-wide fame as a founding member of The Band and then move on to a solo career.

As always, online reaction was swift after the news of his death. Here are a few comments from our local musicians:

Blackie and the Rodeo Kings: "Today, we lost our dear Levon Helm. We are deeply saddened and stunned by this loss. His music and spirit embody everything that’s great about music. Everything that’s great about spending your life as a musician, or a music lover. Levon never made you feel anything less than special- whether you were a friend, a fellow musician, a guest at his house or a member of his audience. The honour he felt in the blessing of being a musician was humbling and touching and uncompromising. And the joy and hilarity he found in life and shared in his music will go on and on. Our hearts go out to our great friend and queen, Amy Helm and to Levon’s wife Sandy, and all of the family and close friends who are hurting so much now. We will always do our best bring honour to his memory."

Steve Strongman: "Levon was one of the greatest ever. A true original. A sad day for music lovers everywhere."

Dock Holliday: "Levon Helm, truly one of the greatest voices not only in Rock and Roll, but the entire world. Thanks for all of the great music and inspiration you gave."

Jacob Moon: "RIP Levon Helm. For me, he was the heartbeat of The Band and a vital force for good music right to the end."

Arkells: "Sad to hear about Levon. He was a huge inspiration for us and so many young musicians. Thank you for all that you offered to us, Levon."

Jesse O'Brien: "Levon-your gift of music to the world will never be forgotten-and what a sweet kind soul...I remember this day from when I was 16 and and we first played music as one of the most incredible days-and to share it with my dad made it all the more special...so many memories... RIP"

We would like to extend our condolences to his friends and family.



Video courtesy of DirtFarmerMusic

More covers and stories by the Band

News Roundup (Dick Clark, Christian Cowsill, Denis Keldie)

World

• Dick Clark Passes
• Levon Helm Battling Cancer
• Eddie King Passes
• Bands: How Not To Screw Up Your Social Media
• Nothing But the Blues Podcast #187 (Watermelon Slim special)

Blasts From the Past

• 2009: Roadkill Bill Passes
• 2010: Performers of the Week: The Overplayers
• 2011: Trickbag@Buddy's Roadhouse

Featured Videos

Links: Fruteland Jackson, Video courtesy of LuisPearTree



Links: Christian Cowill, More Christian Cowsill Stories, Video Courtesy of Christian Cowsill



Links: Denis Keldie, More Denis Keldie Stories, Video courtesy of Frelgon