New Scott Orr CD: A Long Life (Regular and Acoustic Versions)

Last year, local singer/songwriter Scott Orr came out with the marvellous CD, A Long Life (released through Other Songs Music).  Now as an added bonus, he recently unveiled an acoustic version of the same album.

They are two sides of the same coin.  Both CDs are brilliant, alt-folk featuring Scott's evocative vocals and fantastic guitar skills.

It's definitely worth getting the pair so you can hear the amazing modern flourishes of the first disc and the raw beauty of the acoustic album.  The singer/songwriter knows how to make the most out of each format.

Where to purchase the original version: Other Songs Music (includes CD, vinyl and cassette), iTunes, cdbaby, eMusic

Where to purchase the acoustic version: Other Songs, iTunes, cdbaby

Videos below courtesy of Other Songs Music







Blast from the Past: Scott Wins Best Folk Recording at 2011 Hamilton Music Awards

Links: Scott Orr, More Scott Orr Stories, More CD Releases 

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Videos: Jerry Johansen and Eddie Patterson@Rolly Rockets (December 1, 2013)

Click above for photos

Click here if you can't see the videos







The videos above were from the Hamilton Blues Lovers 5th Anniversary Jam. More to come . . .

Link: Jerry Johansen

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New Tim Hicks CD: Throw Down

St. Catharines Country star Tim Hicks recently received a well-deserved 2 Juno nominations for his latest album, Throw Down (released through RGK Entertainment Group/Open Road Recordings).  It was also up for a Canadian Country Music Award last year.  The disc has been climbing the country charts as well.

No wonder the album's been so successful.  The man plays some of the best rockin' country around.  It's surprisingly funky and energetic. Tim even adds some Latin rhythms and loud guitars for good measure. This ain't poppy new country, that's for sure.

He also co-wrote songs on the CD with members of Florida-Georgia Line, Three Days Grace, and others.  American country rock group Blackjack Billy join him on the standout track Got a Feeling.

So pick up this kick ass CD at his live shows or online though Maple Music.  You can also download it through iTunes or eMusic.


All videos below courtesy of Tim Hicks.







Links: Tim Hicks, More Tim Hicks Stories, More CD Releases 

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Previous (News Roundup w Fry Truck Michelle Titian, Guitar Case Mike, more) - - - Next (Videos: Jerry Johansen@Rolly Rockets)

News Roundup (Fry Truck, Guitar Case Mike)

Check out our new upcoming Birthdays section below!

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Local

• Barbershop Podcast w Fry Truck - Video is currently unavailable but you can hear the audio

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World

• Musicians who swiped their biggest hits from others (some adult language)
• Beatles releasing Yellow Submarine shoes
• Passings: Steven Fromholz (Manassas), Freddie "Fingers" Lee, Amiri Baraka (jazz writer)
  
  
  
  Links: Freddie "Fingers" Lee, Video above courtesy of Rollie DeSoto

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Recently Added

Performer List

• Richard Garvey
• Timeless Void

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Blasts From the Past 

• 2009: News Roundup (de Keyzer teaches PM's son, IBC, Readers' Choice, Grammys) 
• 2010: Videos-Skydragon Fundraiser w Christopher Clause, Fat Cats, Jay Baggett
• 2011: Vidoes-Dharlings@Moonshine
• 2012: Edgar Breau CD-Pathches of Blue
• 2013: Episodes of Ensemble with Wendell Ferguson, Jon Brooks, Judi Rideout, Shawn Brush, Astrid Young, Dave Rave, Bill Culp, David Lum

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Featured Video



Links: Mike Allen, More Mike Allen Stories, More Neil Young covers/stories, Video above courtesy of Mike Allen

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Jack de Keyzer Plays on and Produces New James Boraski and MomentaryEvolution CD

Earlier last year, Thunder Bay's James Boraski and MomentaryEvolution unveiled their Self-titled CD featuring guitar and co-production by local Juno winner Jack de Keyzer (has also wrote the infectious If I Have Your Love and co-wrote Unsung Heroes). The collaboration paid off with a great disc of rockin' blues.


Jack shares axe duties with another amazing, award-winning guitarist, Marshall Lawrence
aka Doctor of the Blues. Rounding out the band are Connie Boraski (Vocals/Percussion), Ed Drotar (Guitar/Vocals), Vic Dupuis (Sax & Woodwinds), Mark Toskovich (Bass) and Joe Riccio (Drums).

James and his friends have created a sometimes soulful, always dynamic set of great blues rock tunes.  It'll get ya dancin' and groovin' in no time!

You can pick up this energetic CD at the band's live shows or online through indiepool.  It can also be download using iTunes.







Videos above courtesy of James Boraski

Links: James Boraski, More James Boraski Stories, More CD Releases 

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Lots of Juno Nominations for the Area

The 2014 Juno nominations have been released and once again, area musicians got quite a few nods.

Here are a few local highlights:

• Harrison Kennedy (Blues Album) (Hamilton)
• Downchild (Blues Album) (some members are from Brantford/Niagara)
• Blue Rodeo (Group) (Hamilton's Colin Cripps on guitar)
• Lee Harvey Osmond (Roots Group)(Hamilton)
• Daniel Romano (Roots Solo)(Welland)
• Tim Hicks (Country Album, Breakthrough Artist) (St. Catharines)
• Matt Mays (Rock Album) (Born in Hamilton)
• Walk off the Earth (Group, Fan Choice, Pop Album, Recording Engineer)(Burlington)
• Monster Truck (Rock Album, Producer, Recording Engineer)
• The City Harmonic (Contemporary Gospel) (Hamilton)
• Jordan Raycroft (Contemporary Gospel) (Niagara)
• Splash 'N Boots (Children's Album) (Hamilton)

Links: Daniel Romano  Video above courtesy of Normaltown Records



Links: Tim Hicks, Video above courtesy of Tim Hicks



Links: Jordan Raycroft, More Jordan Raycroft Stories, Video above courtesy of Jordan Raycroft

Indie Rock band Arcade Fire leads the pack with six nominations, followed by Michael Bublé and Serena Ryder with five then Céline Dion, Drake, Hedley and Tegan and Sara with 4 each.

Nomination highlights:

Blues Album

• Harrison Kennedy: Soulscape
• Downchild: Can You Hear the Music
• David Gogo: Come on Down
• James Buddy Rogers: My Guitar’s My Only Friend
• MonkeyJunk: All Frequencies

Roots and Traditional: Solo

• Daniel Romano: Come Cry With Me
• David Francey: So Say We All
• Donovan Woods: Don’t Get Too Grand
• Justin Rutledge: Valleyheart
• Lindi Ortega: Tin Star

Roots and Traditional: Group

• Lee Harvey Osmond: The Folk Sinner
• Little Miss Higgins and The Winnipeg Five: Bison Ranch Recording Sessions
• The Devin Cuddy Band: Volume One
• Strumbellas: We Still Move On Dance Floors
• Wilderness of Manitoba: Island of Echoes

Country Album

• Tim Hicks: Throw Down
• Brett Kissel: Started With a Song
• Dean Brody: Crop Circles
• Gord Bamford: Country Junkie
• Small Town Pistols: Small Town Pistols

Album

• Arcade Fire Reflektor
• Céline Dion: Loved Me Back to Life
• Drake: Nothing Was the Same 
• Michael Bublé: To Be Loved
• Serena Ryder: Harmony

Artist

• Céline Dion
• Drake
• Michael Bublé
• Robin Thicke
• Serena Ryder

Group

• Blue Rodeo
• Walk off the Earth
• Arcade Fire
• Hedley
• Tegan and Sara

Breakthrough Artist

• Tim Hicks
• Brett Kissel
• Florence K
• Tyler Shaw
• Wake Owl

Fan Choice

• Walk off the Earth
• Arcade Fire
• Avril Lavigne
• Céline Dion
• Drake
• Hedley
• Justin Bieber
• Michael Bublé
• Robin Thicke
• Serena Ryder

Single

• Arcade Fire: Reflektor
• Classified ft. David Myles: Inner Ninja
• Michael Bublé: It’s a Beautiful Day
• Serena Ryder: What I Wouldn’t Do
• Tegan and Sara: Closer

Songwriter

• Arcade Fire
• Henry “Cirkut” Walter
• Ron Sexsmith
• Serena Ryder
• Tegan and Sara

Adult Alternative Album

• A.C. Newman: Shut Down the Streets
• Basia Bulat: Tall Tall Shadow 
• Hayden: Us Alone
• Ron Sexsmith: Forever Endeavour
• The Sadies: Internal Sounds

Pop Album

• Walk off the Earth: R.E.V.O. 
• Hedley: Wild Life
• Michael Bublé: To Be Loved
• Robin Thicke: Blurred Lines
• Tegan and Sara: Heartthrob

Rock Album

• Monster Truck: Furiosity
• Matt Mays: Coyote
• Headstones: Love + Fury
• Matthew Good: Arrows of Desire
• Three Days Grace: Transit of Venus

Vocal Jazz Album

• Amy McConnell and William Sperandei: Stealing Genius
• Erin Propp with Larry Roy: Courage, My Love
• Matt Dusk: My Funny Valentine – The Chet Baker Songbook
• Mike Rud: Notes On Montréal ft. Sienna Dahlen
• Sonia Johnson, Charles Biddle Jr. and Annie Poulain: Triades

Contemporary Jazz Album

• Brandi Disterheft: Gratitude
• Christine Jensen Jazz Orchestra: Habitat
• Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society: Brooklyn Babylon
• Earl MacDonald: Mirror of the Mind
• Trifolia: Le refuge

Traditional Jazz Album

• Carn Davidson 9: Nine
• Ian McDougall 12-tet: LIVE 
• John MacLeod and His Rex Hotel Orchestra: Our Second Set
• Mike Downes: Ripple Effect
• Phil Dwyer and Don Thompson: Look for the Silver Lining

Children's Album

• Splash’N Boots: Coconuts Don’t Fall Far From the Tree
• Charlie Hope: Sing As We Go!
• Gary Rasberry: What’s the Big Idea?!?
• Helen Austin: Colour It
• Marie-Claude: Mon coffret à surprises

Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album

• The City Harmonic: Heart
• Jordan Raycroft: Jordan Raycroft
• Fraser Campbell: Search the Heavens
• The High Bar Gang: Lost and Undone: A Gospel Bluegrass Companion
• Tim Neufeld: Trees

Click here for the complete nomination list

Blast from the Past: Last Year's Winners

Links: Juno Awards, More Juno Stories

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Previous (Area Musicians on Blues Underground Network Best of Year Lists)

Area Musicians on Blues Underground Network's Best of the Year Lists

Local artists were a big part of the Blues Underground Network's best of 2013 lists.  The popular website listed Daddy Long Legs, Soulstack, Dan McKinnon and Andre Bisson as some of their favourites of the year. It also featured works produced by Jack de Keyzer and backed up by Steve Strongman and Mark McIntyre.

CONGRATULATIONS GUYS!



Links: Daddy Long Legs, More Daddy Long Legs Stories, Video above courtesy of Dave Sloane



Links: Andre Bisson, More Andre Bisson stories, Video above courtesy of Andre Bisson



Links: SoulStack, More Soulstack Stories, Video above courtesy of Soulstack

The complete list is below.

Canadian Blues Albums

1. Marshall Lawrence: House Call
2. Sunday Wilde: He Gave Me A Blue Nightgown
3. Daddy Long Legs: The Devil's In The Details
4. MonkeyJunk: All Frequencies
5. Sean Pinchin: Rust Bucket (featuring Mark McIntyre and Steve Strongman)
6. Holly and Jon: 1929: The Summit Sessions
7. Uncle Wiggly's Hot Shoes Blues Band: Still Burnin It Up
8. Sabrina Weeks & Swing Cat Bounce: Got My Eye On You
9. Mark "Bird" Stafford: Live At The Delta
10. Al Lerman: Live At The Acoustic Grill

Canadian Blues Rock Albums

1. Chris Antonik: Better For You
2. Plain Dirty Blues Band: Slow Burn
3. Dan McKinnon: As Sharp As Possible (Produced by Jack de Keyzer)
4. Ross Neilsen Band: Resurrection
5. David Gogo: Come On Down
6. James Boraski & Momentary Evolution: Comin' Home (Produced by Jack de Keyzer)
7. Texarillo: Black Satin Blues
8. The Perpetrators: Stick 'Em Up
9. Jake Chisholm: Diamond In A Coalmine
10. Big Crush: Temptation

• Best Debut Album (Artist) (Canada): Dan McKinnon: As Sharp As Possible (Produced by Jack de Keyzer)
• Best Debut Album (Band) (Canada): Plain Dirty Blues Band: Slow Burn
• Best Rhythm & Blues Album:  Andre Bisson: Till The Real Thing Comes Along

USA Blues Albums

1. Studebaker John's Maxwell Street Kings: Kingsville Jukin
2. Granvil Poynter: Another Day Singing The Blues
3. Smokin' Joe Kubek and Bnois King: Road Dog's Life
4. Chris James & Patrick Rynn: Barrelhouse Stomp
5. John Primer and Bob Corritore: Knockin' Around The Blues
6. Andy T - Nick Nixon Band: Drink, Drank, Drunk
7. Tail Dragger: Stop Lyin'
8. Little G Weevil: Moving"
9. Tip Of The Top: From Memphis To Greaseland
10. Matt Baxter and Jake Sampson: Haunted

USA Blues Rock Albums

1. Dudley Taft: Deep Deep Blue
2. Samantha Fish: Black Wind Howlin
3. Bobby Messano (Featuring Deanna Bogart): Welcome To Deltaville
4. Sean Chambers: The Rock House Sessions
5. Todd Wolfe Band: Miles To Go
6. Jason Elmore and Hoodoo Witch: Tell You What
7. Nuno Mindelis: Angels and Clowns
8. Mark Robinson: Have Axe - Will Groove
9. Too Slim And The Taildraggers: Blue Heart
10. Aaron Williams And The Hoodoo: Live Loud Harmony

• Best Debut Album (Artist) (USA): Granvil Poynter: Another Day Singing The Blues
• Best Debut Album (Band) (USA): Andy T - Nick Nixon Band: Drink, Drank, Drunk

International Blues Albums

1. Bottleneck John: All Around Man (Sweden)(Best European Album)
2. Hans Theessink: Wishing Well (Austria)
3. Craig Hughes: Losers And Bastards (Best UK album)
4. Laurence Jones: Thunder In The Sky (UK)
5. Bare Bones Boogie Band: Tattered and Torn (UK)(Best UK Blues Rock Album)
6. Danny Bryant: Hurricane (UK)
7. Jock's Juke Joint: Contemporary Blues From Scotland Vol 3 (UK)
8. Crow Black Chicken: Electric Soup (Ireland)
9. Federal Charm: Federal Charm (UK)
10. Stevey Hay's Shades Of Blues (UK)

• Best Australian Blues Album: Mr. Black and Blues w Chris Wilson: Blow These Tracks - Live On The Blues Train
• Best Debut Album (Artist) (Europe): Noam Dayan: A Whole New Land (Isreal)
• Best Debut Album (Band) (Europe) & Best European Blues Rock Album: Pristine: Detoxing (Norway)
• Best Debut Album (Artist) (UK): Laurence Jones: Thunder In The Sky (UK)

Multi Genre Albums

1. Petey Hop: The Levee (USA)
2. John Pippus Band: Howl At The Moon (Canada)
3. Eric Bibb: Jericho Road (USA)
4. Moreland and Arbuckle: 7 Cities (USA)
5. Claude Hay: I Love Hate You (Australia)
6. Toronzo Cannon: John The Conquer Root (USA)
7. Jerome Tucker and Tim Bastmeyer: Jerome Tucker and Tim Bastmeyer (Canada)
8. Soulstack: Five Finger Discount (Canada)
9. The Communal Well: Under A Western Sky (France)
10. The Tilt: Howlin (USA)

• Best Live Blues Album:  Mr. Black and Blues w Chris Wilson: Blow These Tracks - Live On The Blues Train (Australia)
• Best Live Blues Rock Album: Aaron Williams And The Hoodoo: Live Loud Harmony (USA)
• Best Blues Tribute Album: Omar Dykes: Runnin' With The Wolf (USA)
• Best Finger Picking Style Album: Toby Walker: What You See Is What You Get (USA)
• Best Gospel Blues Album (Band): Dusty King James: Bound For Glory (USA)
• Best Blues Compilation Album (Tie): Jock's Juke Joint: Contemporary Blues From Scotland Vol 3 (UK)/Blues Society of Western Pennsylvania: Blues From The Burgh 3 (USA)
• Best Blues/Blues Rock EP: Justin Saladino Band: Sometimes Called The Blues (Canada)
• Best Roots and Blues EP: Steve Hill: Solo Recordings Volume 1 1/2 (Canada)
• Best Roots and Blues Album: Steve Howell And The Mighty Men: Yes, I Believe I Will (USA)
• Best Roots/Rock Album: Don Ray Band: Kickstands Up (USA)
• Best Blues Instrumental Album: Andres Roots Roundabout: Three (Estonia)
• Best Rock Album: Black Angel: Pleasuredome (USA)
• Best Classic Rock Album: Brad Curtis and The SOME x 6 Band: The Devil's In My Pocket (Canada)
• Best Blues CD/DVD Combo: Murali Coryell: Live (USA)

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Previous (Kennedy Suite Concept Album with Cowboy Junkies, Skydiggers, Lee Harvey Osmond, Harlan Pepper, Sarah Harmer and More) - - - Next (Lots of Juno Nominations for the Area)

Local Musicians on Kennedy Suite CD (Cowboy Junkies, Skydiggers, more)

The The Kennedy Suite CD (released through Latent Recordings) is one hell of an ambitious musical project.  It's a concept album about the JFK assassination.  The disc is written by poet/composer Scott Garbe and performed by members of the legendary Cowboy Junkies along with many of their alt-folk/roots rock compatriots.

There are quite a few accomplished local artists involved in this wonderful undertaking.  Lee Harvey Osmond aka Tom Wilson, Sarah Harmer and Harlan Pepper all  have a song each on the CD.  Hamilton saxman Darcy Hepner plays on a few tracks as well. 

Other great musicians contributing include Skydiggers, Kevin Breit (as part of the Potion Kings), Hawksley Workman and Scott Garbe himself.  Please check out our complete song listing below for more details.

This result of this collaboration is an amazing, artful album filled with unique songs that becomes a cohesive whole that tells a wonderful story.  There's nothing else quite like it out there.

This one-of-a-kind CD can be purchased at many music stores, online shops or through the Latent Recordings shop (including a great deluxe edition with many extras). You can also download it through iTunes.

1. Origami Peace Corps Mischief Makers (The Screwed and Hawksley Workman)
Background vocals: Scott Garbe
Guitar solo: Michael Timmins (Cowboy Junkies)

2. Bullet for You (Kennedy Suite Singers)
Vocals: Ivy Mairi, John Timmins, Josh Finlayson and Andy Maize (Skydiggers), Scott Garbe, Darcy Good
Clarinets and saxophones: Darcy Hepner
Organ: Joby Baker
Acoustic guitar: Michael Timmins (Cowboy Junkies)
Bass: Alan Anton (Cowboy Junkies)
Drums and percussion: Peter Timmins (Cowboy Junkies)

3. Secret Spy Decoder Ring (Harlan Pepper)

4. The Dallas Youth Auxiliary (Jessy Bell Smith)
Bass: Alan Anton (Cowboy Junkies)
Drums: Peter Timmins (Cowboy Junkies)
Acoustic guitar: Michael Timmins (Cowboy Junkies)
High string guitar and banjo: Josh Finlayson (Skydiggers)
Tuba: Dave Clark

5. Take Heart (Elbow Room) (Reid Jamieson)
Background Vocal: Margo Timmins (Cowboy Junkies)
String arrangement: Henry Kucharzyk
Violin: Drew Jurecka
Cello: Amy Laing

6. 26 Seconds (Historical Audio Collage)

7. Parkland (Lee Harvey Osmond)
Acoustic guitar: Josh Finlayson (Skydiggers)
Bass: Alan Anton (Cowboy Junkies)
Drums: Peter Timmins (Cowboy Junkies)
Electric lead and rhythm guitar: Michael Timmins (Cowboy Junkies)
Background Vocals: Andy Maize (Skydiggers)

8. Disintegrating (Cowboy Junkies)

9. When Will I Be Mine? (Ruby, Ruby) (Good Family)

10. Senior Prom (Doug Paisley)
Bass: Alan Anton (Cowboy Junkies)
Drums: Peter Timmins (Cowboy Junkies)
Guitar: Josh Finlayson (Skydiggers)
Organ and Piano: Joby Baker
Flutes: Darcy Hepner

11. The Truth About Us (The Ballad of Lee and Marina) (Skydiggers)
Acoustic guitar and guitar solo – Michael Timmins (Cowboy Junkies)
Bass – Alan Anton (Cowboy Junkies)
Drums and Percusion – Peter Timmins (Cowboy Junkies)
Organ – Joby Baker

12. Arlington (Jason Colett)
Bass: Alan Anton (Cowboy Junkies)
Ueillean Pipes and Border Pipes: Ross Griffiths
Keyboards: Josh Finlayson (Skydiggers)
Drums: Noel Webb (Skydiggers)
Percussion: Peter Timmins (Cowboy Junkies)

13. Slipstream (Scott Garbe)

14. Reliquary (Potion Kings incl. Kevin Breit)

15. Epilogue: White Man In Decline (Sarah Harmer)
Background Vocals: Andy Maize (Skydiggers), John Timmins, Ivy Mairi and Darcy Good
Electric Guitar: Josh Finlayson (Skydiggers)




Video above courtesy of Zoomer TV



Video above courtesy of the National



Video above courtesy of the National

Link: Cowboy Junkies, More Cowboy Junkies Stories, More CD Releases 

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Videos: Stephen Shelton@Rolly Rockets (December 1, 2013)

Click above for photos

Click here if you can't see the videos below.



More Ray Charles Covers/Stories



More Stray Cats covers/stories



The videos above were from the Hamilton Blues Lovers 5th Anniversary Jam. More to come . . .


 
Bonus video above courtesy Stephen Shelton, More Van Morrison covers/stories

Blast from the Past: Videos-Stephen Shelton & Others@Private show

Links: Stephen Shelton, More Stephen Shelton stories

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Previous (New Sean Pinchin CD w Steve Strongman and Mark McIntyre) - - - Next (Kennedy Suite Concept Album with Cowboy Junkies, Skydiggers, Lee Harvey Osmond, Harlan Pepper, Sarah Harmer and More)

Steve Strongman and Mark McIntyre on New Sean Pinchin CD: Rustbucket

Toronto/Mississauga Bluesman Sean Pinchin's enlisted some amazing local talent to back him up on his current CD, Rust Bucket. The result is a highly entertaining and polished disc.

You can hear Sean's awesome slide guitarwork and his marvelous voice everywhere on this collection.  His lyrics are very passionate and personal as well.

Area musician Mark McIntyre offers up his substantial bass skills to the album. Also helping with the bottom end is superb drummer Adam Warner.  Toronto singer/songwriter, Emma-Lee handles backing vocals with style.  Juno winner (and Hamilton boy) Steve Strongman joins in the fun by showcasing his extensive guitar and harmonica chops on the track Wanna Stay in Bed.  Producer Rob Szabo (also a Juno Winner) gave everything a live off the floor feel.

You can pick up this marvellous CD at Sean's gigs, on the 'Net through his online shop or  cdbaby.  It can also be downloaded through cdbaby and iTunes.



Video above courtesy of Klibbe Klibbson



Video above courtesy of TheKevTone

Blast From the Past: Mark McIntyre on Emma-Lee CD

Links: Sean Pinchin, More Sean Pinchin Stories, More CD Releases 

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