Alto saxophonist, pianist (19 January, 1918 – 6 December, 1953) Harold Gordon Pemberton Wade (known as “Steep” it is believed for his high forehead) learned alto saxophone and piano as a child both on his own and some studies with Milton Smythe.
He began playing professionally in 1937, playing saxophone with Myron Sutton's Canadian Ambassadors and his smaller ensembles. In the 1940s, he began playing piano more, including with the bands of trumpeter Jimmy Jones and the saxophonist Lloyd Duncan who led the Seven Sharp Swingsters at Café St. Michel.
He remained as pianist at Café St. Michel when Louis Metcalf came to the to lead the International Band and introduce bebop to Canadian audiences. Wade became a friend and mentor to Oscar Peterson, who regularly dropped in and jammed with the band. He was a member of Wilkie Wilkinson’s Boptet which made Canada’s first known bebop recordings.
Wade was one of the pianists who played alongside Charlie Parker at Chez Paree when he came to Montreal for his famed February 1953 concerts. That spring, he was with Kenny Alexander’s All-Stars at the Montmartre Café along with Buddy Jordan, Leroy Mason, Bob Rudd and Walter Bacon. Tragically, he died not long afterwards from alcohol- or heroin-related causes.
Pretty much everything about the self-titled debut album of Dundas band Cootes Paradise screams 'world-class'. From the beautiful look of the CD art to the phenomenal production and, of course, the astonishing music - it's all impressive.
It's no wonder since Cootes Paradise is a super-group. Members include:
Together, they've forged a collection of well-crafted songs that are bluesy, funky, soulful and more. Each and every song has its own unique flavour. They all have the talent to pull off this wondrous genre-blending with panache.
To top it all off, there's the legendary Nick Blagona doing production, mixing and mastering (as well as some percussion). Other highlights include a visit from the remarkable Grand River Voices choir on one track and some extraordinary co-writing by Sharon Washington, Daniel Cavasant, Tom Shea and others.
You've gotta get your hands on this album so pick it up at one of the group's unforgettable live shows. Stores carrying the CD include Dr. Disc in Hamilton and Ellënoire in Dundas. It's also available through their website, cdbabyand itunes.
Shortly after being nominated for a pair of Blues Music Awards, Hamilton Blues veteran Harrison Kennedy has brought a Maple Blues Award for Songwriter of the Year to Steeltown! It all happened on January 15, 2018 at Koerner Hall.
Colin James' latest album Blue Highways(ft Hamilton's Steve PelletierandJesse O'Brien) won forRecording/Producer of the Year. Colin is also the only multiple winner, having earned the top spot in the Guitarist of the Year category.
Hamilton Blues Legend Harrison Kennedy is once again up for Blues Music Awards this year (the only Canadian nominated). He's in the running for two awards: Acoustic Album of the Year and Acoustic Artist of the Year. Hopefully, he'll be bringing home the hardware at the May 10, 2018 ceremony in Memphis.
Brantford/Six Nations singer songwriter Logan Staas has been catapulted to national superstardom after becoming the first winner of CTV's the Launch. He was one of 5 unsigned acts vying to record the song The Lucky Ones. His version can now be stream and purchased through iHeartRadio, Apple Music, iTunes, Spotify and Google Play.
Here are a few comments from the man himself from his Facebook page.
This moment is still so surreal... and “The Lucky Ones” is still NUMBER ONE on the charts in Canada!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You’ve made “The Lucky Ones” NUMBER ONE in the country! It’s available everywhere now. Share the love and download it from all platforms! Scott Borchetta wanted a number one hit, and I’m so happy to say.... we got it!
The Adventures of Trebleclef, the Music Loving Monkey
Trebleclef popped in to Stonewalls in Hamilton to experience the very first in a weekly No Cover Sundays show. They kicked things off with the explosive Jerome Godboo Band. It was incredible!
The popular Canadian digital music magazine, the Music Express is currently doing a poll for their 2018 Awards. A few local artists are in the running so we encourage you to vote. We're not quite sure when the deadline is so please vote soon.
Hamilton Bluesman Jack de Kezyer is up for two categories (Top Blues Artist and Top Blues Album).
Hamilton's CHCH TV has a number of incredible videos on their website, including news reports and amazing live music every Friday. We usually put them as part of our News Roundups but there were quite a few posted during the holiday break. Here are the last few from 2017.
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