Sunday, November 22, 2015

Hamilton's Justin Sawicki Infuses New Album With Americana, Blues, Folk and Modern Touches


Justin Sawicki has opted for a folkier, bluesier Americana sound on his sophomore self-titled album and the transformation is amazing!  The talented Hamilton singer/songwriter infuses the countrified melodies with a modern, almost alternative aura.

Justin doesn't shy away from either the traditional or the contemporary.  Choosing elements that fit each song  - the selection always works extremely well.  The album runs the emotional gamut as well: good time rhythms share space with heartbreak, melancholia and more.

Joining Justin on this musical excursion is Dan Rodrigues (guitars), Eric Thachuk (bass), Andrew Barbisan (drums, vocals, lap steel), and Erin Aurich (fiddle).  They help flesh out this wonderful sound.

The physical CD should be coming out soon and you can pick it up at his CD Release at the  Artword Artbar in Hamilton on Friday December 11, 2015.  It can also be downloaded now via cdbaby or iTunes.







Blast from the Past: Justin's Debut CD

Links: Justin Sawicki, More Justin Sawicki Stories, Videos above courtesy of Justin Sawicki, More Releases

Previous (News Roundup: Sloppy Jalopy, HIMA Nominees, Marty Allen, Lots of Monkey Business) - - - Next (New Mike Branton Band Live Album)

Thursday, November 19, 2015

News Roundup (Sloppy Jalopy, HIMA Nominees, Marty Allen, Lots of Monkey Business)


News

Local

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Hamilton Independent Media Award Nominees
(music-related ones are below)

Media Outlet

Journalist - Arts and Culture


The Adventures of Trebleclef, the Hamilton Blues Lovers Monkey

Trebleclef 
went to the Collective Arts Brewing open house. The Hamilton company teams up with the artistic community to create wonderful products.



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He also checked out Duane Rutter and Andrew Aldridge w Leonard Burns and Dell at the Staircase Theatre in Hamilton





Click here for more photos from the event

Duane's videos from the show

Leonard Burns and Dell videos from the Show

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Then he attended the wonderful Mike Branton Sunday matinee at Fionn MacCool's Burlington and picked up a copy of Mike's latest amazing CD!



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Recently Added

Our Performer List

Birthdays

Thu Nov 19
Sun Nov 22
Mon Nov 23
Tue Nov 24
Wed Nov 25
Thu Nov 26

Featured Video



Links: Marty Allen, More Marty Allen Stories, Video above courtesy of Matt Groopie

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

St. Catharines Songstress Angela Siracusa Hits a Home Run on New EP!


St. Catharines songstress Angela Siracusa has hit a home run with her newest EP, Be Kind.  It's filled to the brim with excellent, well-made tunes that will beg for repeat listens.

While mostly in the singer/songwriter vein, Angela embellishes the tracks with country, soul, pop, rock and even a little funk for good measure.  Her musical explorations make this recording a wonder to listen to.

Aiding Angela on this marvelous endeavor is Jim Casson (who also prodcues), Steve Goldberger and Gayle Ackroyd.  They definitely add a lot of lair to this already incredible project!

The EP is available as a download off her website (click here to listen too).

Blast from the Past: Angela Siracusa Video and more

Links: Angela Siracusa, More Angela Siracusa Stories, More Releases

Previous (Our Mascot at Local Fundraisers - Incl. Music Video) - - - Next (News Roundup: Sloppy Jalopy, HIMA Nominees, Marty Allen, Lots of Monkey Business)

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Trebleclef Reminds You to Please Help Local Charities

Santa agrees with Trebleclef: Please help local charities this Christmastime
As the holiday season approaches, there will be many incredible charity events to attend.  Please remember those less fortunate at this time of year.

Trebleclef, our little monkey mascot, has been experiencing a number of such special occasions and he encourages everyone to attend a few as well.  It'll make ya feel good there's some amazing music sometimes.

For example, there was Share the Warmth, a wonderful winter clothing drive that had a number of remarkable local musicians playing at Gallagher's in Hamilton.

All winter clothing went to the Good Shepherd Centre.  Check them out if you'd like to donate or volunteer.

With Greg Brisco and Friend
Hangin' with Tomi Swick
Click here for more photos of the event.


Shari Dunn and Jonny Kerr (and friends) play Lost in the Light (by Bahamas) at Share the Warmth at Gallagher's Shari Dunn, Jonny Kerr, Tomi Swick, Justin Dunlop, Deeps (mostly off camera playing piano)
Posted by Hamilton B. Lous on Tuesday, November 17, 2015


Click here if you can't see the video above



The 'Share the Warmth' performers jam to 'The Weight' by the Band! Shari Dunn and Jonny Kerr, Shari Dunn, Jonny Kerr, Mark Crissinger, Shelby Kerr, Tomi Swick, Deeps, Greg Brisco, Justin Dunlop
Posted by Hamilton B. Lous on Tuesday, November 17, 2015


Click here if you can't see the video above

Links: Shari and Jonny, Tomi Swick, Mark Crissinger, Deeps, Justin Dunlop, Stumbleweed, Greg Brisco, More Stories/Covers of the Band, Videos above courtesy of Hamilton B. Lous

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Also, Elyse, the daughter of Hamilton musician Kevin MacLean, had a beautiful, unique  7th birthday celebration at Delta High School.  Instead of receiving gifts, the event was to collect toys for the Y108 Children's Fund.  There were tons of activities, food and even Santa popped by.  Great job Elyse - you should be proud.

Elyse and her proud papa, Kevin Maclean
Click here for more information on the Children's Fund.

Click here for more photos of the event.

Click here for a listing of local charities.

Previous (Ensemble! TV Show Looking for Theme Music) - - - Next (New Angela Siracusa CD)

Sunday, November 15, 2015

Ensemble! on Cable 14 Accepting Entries for TV Show Theme!


Would you like to be a composer of TV theme song? Here is your chance!

The popular Ensemble! TV show is preparing for its 4th season on Cable 14 in Hamilton! They're collecting recordings from musicians with original music to play on the intro and outro of Ensemble! The chosen artist will receive credit and have their entry played on all Season 4 Ensemble! shows.

As an added bonus, we here at the Hamilton Blues Lovers will offer the selected artist some extra promo on our web page.  We'll create a blog post showcasing your videos and place an ad for your shows and/or latest CD on our site for a month!

Please check out the Ensemble! intro graphic video below and submit your music indicating the intro and outro music selected (about 30 seconds each)

Please contact Linda with your entries at ensemblecable14@gmail.com by November 27th, 2015



Click here if you can't see the video above.

Click here to see the winner

Links: Ensemble!, More Ensemble Stories

Previous (New Sounds of Cambridge CD) - - - Next (Our Mascot at Local Fundraisers - Incl. Music Video)

Friday, November 13, 2015

Sounds of Cambridge, Vol. 1 An Unbelievably Good Introduction to the Local Scene


Our friends over at Cambridge Live Music have released Sounds of Cambridge, Vol. 1, the first in a (hopefully long) series of amazing compilations.  It's a fabulous showcase of the wonderful musical talent in that area.  Spanning a number of genres and boasting a mix of new and old tracks, the CD makes an unbelievably good introduction to the local scene.

From the website: "An independent jury of industry professionals had the unenviable, and daunting task of narrowing the submissions down to the final 19 songs presented here. This CD is not intended to represent a cross section of the Cambridge music scene; but it is a tasty sampler of some of the music that's getting played around town most weekends by these very talented artists."

CDs and downloads are available at the Sounds of Cambridge web store.

Discs can also be picked up at:
IT MAKES A NICE STOCKING STUFFER!

Here is a complete track listing with performer credits:

1. Factory City: Mermaid
Guest: Emily Barkley (vocals)



Links: Video above courtesy of Factory City

2. Shae Dupuy: Breakdown
Guests: Chris Byrne (bass), Chad Melchert (drums), Mike Little (keyboard), Russel Broom (electric guitar), Johnny Gasparic (lap steel)



Links: More Shae Dupuy Stories, Video above courtesy of Shae Dupuy

3. Mo' Kauffey: Scramble
Guests: Kent MacMillan (guitars and percussion), Peter Turpin (bass), Ryan McAdam (drums)

4. Dan Walsh: Naked Emperor

5. Gary Cain: Pipes and Spoons

6. Jesse Parent: Let It Go
Guests: Matt McLeod (bass), Chad Davis (drums), Nick Barkley (keyboards)

7. Natalie Martin of Sarcastic Onions: Benji Boy
Guest: Danny Spence of Sarcastic Onions (guitar)

8. Mother West Wind's Animal Friends - Cold Cold Winter

9. Ben Moore: Synchronicity

10. Tanya Marie Harris: Treat Me Like Your Girlfriend
Guests: Andy Hull (drums), Jim Hyatt (bass), Buddy Hyatt (keys), Jeff King (guitar), Joe Spivey (guitar), Kelly Schoenfeld (background vocals)



Links: Video above courtesy of Tanya Marie Harris

11. Robert "Bobby" Cameron: The Light
Guests: Richard MacNeil (cajon), Dan Walsh (multiple instruments)

12. Lucas Stagg Group: Lost and Found
Guest: Tanya Philipovich (harmony vocal)

13. The Initials: I Ain't Waitin'

14. 7T8: Rebirth

15. Broad and Narrow: That Ain't Love

16. The Sarcastic Onions: Bad to the Phone

17. CounterWait: Get Out

18. Terns: No Place for a Heart

19. Danny Spence of Sarcastic Onions: Cretin Girl
Guest Ron Roy of  of Sarcastic Onions (drums)

Click here for more releases

Previous (News Roundup: Dougy Flyswatter, Mark Crissinger, John DeMarchi, Frank Koren) - - - Next (Ensemble! TV Show Looking for Theme Music)

Thursday, November 12, 2015

News Roundup (Dougy Flyswatter, Mark Crissinger, John DeMarchi, Frank Koren)

Brevity by Dan Thompson

News

Local

Canada
World

The Adventures of Trebleclef, the Hamilton Blues Lovers Monkey

Trebleclef  had some fun in Niagara Falls, Ontario.



Believe me, I'm not that tasty!
Dinosaur Adventure Golf
I gotta lay off  the banana sundaes!
Guinness World Records Museum
I love your movies!
Ripley's Believe It or Not
Click here for more pictures of his trip.

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He also went to see The Sil Simone Band with special guest Mark Crissinger at the Black Swam in Burlington


Mark Crissinger
Sil Simone


Mark Crissinger with the Sil Simone Band: I Love Your Soul @ Carrigan Arms #BurlOnMusic
Posted by Hamilton B. Lous on Wednesday, November 11, 2015


Click here for more photos from the event

Links: Mark Crissinger, More Mark Crissinger Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton B. Lous

Recently Added

Our Performer List


Birthdays

Thu Nov 12

Fri Nov 13
Sun Nov 15
Mon Nov 16
Nov 18
Wed Nov 19

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

CONGRATS! Elora's Kevin Breit Brings Home a Canadian Folk Music Award!


Elora singer/songwriter Kevin Breit took home a Canadian Folk Music Award on November 8, 2015 at a ceremony in Edmonton, Alberta.  He was recognized for his incredible originality by winning in the Pushing the Boundaries category.  CONGRATS!



Links: Kevin Breit, More Kevin Breit Stories, Video above courtesy of Trask2705

There were two multiple-award winners that night.  Newfoundland's Amelia Curran won for English Songwriter and Contemporary Singer. PEI's Catherine MacLellan took home the top Solo Artist and Contemporary Album prizes



Links: Amelia Curran, More Amelia Curran Stories, Video above courtesy of Six Shooter Records



Links: Catherine MacLellan, More Catherine Maclellan Stories, Video above courtesy of Catherine MacLellan

Click here for the CBC story.

Here is the complete list of winners
Blast from the Past: Last Year's Winners

Sunday, November 8, 2015

Burlington's Jerry Johnson Impresses With 'Listen to That Howlin' Wind'


No one can make a guitar sing like Burlington axe-slinger Jerry Johnson.  His newest CD, Listen to That Howlin' Wind shows him at his best.  Whether it's loud, hard rockin' numbers or slow, elegant tunes, Jerry proves he's a talented, creative pro!

His vocals punctuate songs wonderfully.  There are also quite a few impressive instrumentals that showcase different facets of his skill.  The man can handle, funk, soul and catchy rhythms.

Jerry's backed up by the legendary Steve Negus of Saga on drums and Garvey Crescent on bass.  They add amazing flourishes to these incredible tracks.

If you'd like a copy of this masterful CD, go to one of his incendiary live shows or drop him an email.



Blast from the Past: Jerry's CD - Barber's Chair

Links: Jerry Johnson, More Jerry Johnson Stories, More Releases, Video above courtesy of Tambourini

Previous (News Roundup: Frank Koren, Kauffey Temple, Jack de Keyzer, Spencer MacKenzie) - - - Next (Kevin Breit Wins Canadian Folk Music Award)

Thursday, November 5, 2015

News Roundup (Frank Koren, Kauffey Temple, Jack de Keyzer, Spencer MacKenzie)



News

Local

World

The Adventures of Trebleclef, the Hamilton Blues Lovers Monkey

Trebleclef celebrated Devil's Night with Kauffey Temple and the Bent Bugle Band @ Warmington's in Brantford.



Elvis was in the building!
Harmonica master and vocalist Peter Temple


Mo' Kauffey & Peter Temple w Bent Bugle Band (Stephen Boyd & Tom Wells)
Posted by Hamilton B. Lous on Sunday, November 1, 2015


Links: Kauffey Temple,  More Mo' Kauffey Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton B. Lous, Click here to donate to Mo's Fund

Click here for more pictures of the event.

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As for Halloween, our little monkey went to Donnelly's in Thorold to check out Jack de Keyzer and Friends with the wonderful Spencer MacKenzie joining for a few tracks.


Left to right Jack de Keyzer, Steve Barnes, Neil Nickafor, Brad Krauss, Bill Holinaty



Jack de Keyzer, Brad Krauss, Neil Nickafor, Steve Barnes & Bill Holinaty perform an amazing instrumental
Posted by Hamilton B. Lous on Monday, November 2, 2015


Links: Jack de Keyzer, More Jack De Keyzer Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton B. Lous


Spencer Mackenzie blew us away with his incredible vocals and guitar playing



Spencer Mackenzie, Jack de Keyzer, Neil Nickafor, Steve Barnes & Bill Holinaty cover Dylan
Posted by Hamilton B. Lous on Sunday, November 1, 2015


Links: Spencer MacKenzie, More Spencer Mackenzie Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton B. Lous