Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

New Shawn O'Halloran CD: Jumpin' the Gun on Mardi Gras

The Hammer meets New Orleans is the best way to describe the latest wonderful disc from local bluesman, Shawn O'Halloran.

Usually seen playing great straight-ahead blues with the Stingrays, Shawn has stepped into the spotlight with some great Cajun-infused, jazzy tunes.  There's a lotta fun, a lotta soul, and a lotta funk!

Joining this party are Paul Panchezak of Trickbag (drums), Lindsay Harnett (guitar and uke), Neil Nickafor (bass), Ed Roth (accordion, keyboards), Leo Sullivan (sax), and Wayne Krawchuck (harmony vocals).  The whole package is ably produced by Michael J. Birthelmer.

You can catch this CD at the Stingrays shows or contact Shawn through the Stingrays site.

Below is the title track from the album.



Blast from the Past: Videos-Stingrays@Coach and Lantern

Links: Stingrays, More Stingrays Stories, More CD Releases

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Thursday, September 12, 2013

News Roundup (CCMA's, Payne Music, John Marlatt)


Local


Canada 


World

Funny/Weird Stuff

Blasts from the Past 

Featured Videos



Video courtesy of Live from the Moonshine



Links: Gord Bamford, Video courtesy of Gord Bamford TV


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Sunday, September 8, 2013

John Willett (Powerhouse, Brass Union) Passes

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of local musician, John Willett.  He passed way September 2, 2013 after a brave battle with cancer.

John played with Powerhouse, Brass Union, and other bands.  Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

From the Powerhouse website:
"John was the driving force behind the formation of the band in the mid 80’s and was the only member to be with the band from the start to his last show earlier this year.  We will miss John’s larger-than-life stage presence and the energy he brought to the band from his great love of performing music."

From the Brass Union website:
"John is one of only a few band members to carry on with his music once the Brass Union ended.  John continued to do what he love best throughout his adult career and stayed performing regularly right up until a few months before his passing. John now joins fellow Brass Union members Dave Baylis, John Hannah, Peter Hume and Vuk Kovinich in the Brass Union alumni band up above.  He will be greatly missed by all of us."

Video below courtesy of Debi Ferguson



Blast from the Past: Phil Kott of Powerhouse passes

Links: Powerhouse, More Powerhouse Stories

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Monday, September 2, 2013

New Poor Angus CD: Gathering

Local band Poor Angus seem to have done the near-impossible with their 3rd CD, Gathering.  The gang have created a glorious Celtic Folk album that has many modern touches yet can still truly be called traditional.

You'll definitely hear amazing fiddle-playing and some cool bagpipes plus many other Celtic elements (especially on the instrumentals).  Powerful lyrics and a stronger singer/songwriter feel sets it apart from the average release in the genre.

This may be due to the newest member of the group (replacing the retired lead singer Scott Cameron Smith) Joel Guenther.  His background is more in the rock/blues vein.  With the addition of this talented musician, the band has started an incredible new chapter.

In fact, Something I Can't See, a tune written by Joel and included on Gathering came in fourth in the CBC Searchlight Competition.  This song is one of the highlights of the collection  - as well as a beautiful rendition of Stan Roger's Barrett's Privateers.

The veterans of the group (Andrew Bryan, Ross Griffiths, Brian LeBlanc, and DJ Moons) have done an amazing job of moving forward while still keeping their roots in the traditional.  Together, they've surely made a future for their sound.

You can check out this new direction by purchasing or downloading the album through the band's website or pick it up at their explosive live shows.

Videos below courtesy of MusicFerret




Link: Poor AngusMore Poor Angus Stories, More CD Releases

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