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Thursday, July 16, 2026
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Throwback Thursday: Melissa Bel Debut Album + EP (2009)
Original Post: September 15, 2009 & July 19, 2009
Updated Post: July 16, 2026
Melissa Bel Debut: Brave
Melissa's incredible, smooth voice is used to great effect as she travels through blues, pop, soul, rock, and folk with ease.
Special notes:
- All online versions of the album do not contain the song You Don't Fool Me, which was on the CD
- The CD of the album is now hard to find
Album above courtesy of Melissa Bel
-----------
Melissa Bel: Self Titled EP
There's a little bit of everything on this EP. Bluesier numbers such as Distance (co-written with Ray Lyell) and He'll Never be You share the spotlight with soulful pop-folk gems like We All Lose Our Way, I Hate to Say it and Tragedy in Disguise. Melissa ends this amazing collection with a smooth version of Smokey Robinson's You've Really Got a Hold On Me.
Personnel (highlights):
- Sean Ashby (guitar)
- Mark McIntyre (bass)
- Danny Lockwood & Craig Lapsley (drums)
- Jesse O'Brien & Bill King (piano)
Special notes:
- Songs from this EP that also appeared on the album Brave were remixed, remastered or rerecorded for the later recording
- You've Really Got a Hold On Me is the only song from the EP that wasn't on also on her debut album.
- The EP is not available online
- The CD is hard to find.
Previous (New Kyle Pacey EP) - - - Next (Caissie Levy Earns Tony Award)
Sunday, July 12, 2026
Please Support Local Charities
From their site: Working to make a significant impact in the quality of life of Canada’s ill & injured CAF members, Veterans, First Responders, and their families.
The Hamilton Blues Lovers (HBL) want to showcase a deserving local charity every week. HBL is not affiliated with these charities nor does it fund raise for them.
Saturday, July 11, 2026
Hamilton's Kyle Pacey Weaves Innovative Soundscapes & Emotional Storytelling on New EP
Mini-Review: The world is constantly chaging and Hamilton's Kyle Pacey reflects that in his poignant new EP, After the Fall. With genre-blending precision, Kyle weaves between pessimism, optimism, hope and disaster. Emotional storytelling and innovative sonic landscapes take listeners on an almost philosophical journey.
Personnel
- Kyle Pacey (guitar, vocals)
- Kevin Christoff & Gordon Hall (bass)
- Michael Sloski, Johnny Winiarz, Bruno Farrugia (drums)
- Michael Birthelmer (acoustic guitar)
- Ed Roth (keyboards)
Available on: Bandcamp, Spotify, Apple Music
Links: Kyle Pacey, More Kyle Pacey Stories, More Releases, Album courtesy of Bandcamp
Previous (Tommy Hunter Passes) - - - Next (Throwback Thursday: Melissa Bel Debut Album + EP)
Friday, July 10, 2026
Tommy Hunter Was Canada’s Country Gentleman, RIP
"Canada’s Country Gentleman," Tommy Hunter passed away on July 2, 2026 in London, Ontario. Our condolences to his family friends and fans.
He was an essential part of Canada's Country Music scene thanks, in part, to The Tommy Hunter Show, his long-running radio & TV program.
Here is the official obituary:
HUNTER, Thomas (Tommy) James, CM, OOnt
March 20, 1937 – July 2, 2026
Thomas (Tommy) James Hunter passed away peacefully at his home in London, Ontario on Thursday, July 2, 2026, in his 90th year.
He was the beloved son of the late Edith and James Hunter. Tommy was the loving father of Jeff, Greg, and Mark. He will be deeply missed by his grandchildren, Tyler, Karli, Bradley, and Nicole, as well as his great-grandchild, Mason. Tommy is also fondly remembered by his longtime business manager and friend, Brian Edwards, and his wife Barbara.
Known all over the world as "Canada’s Country Gentleman," Tommy was a legendary figure in music and broadcasting. For 27 consecutive years, The Tommy Hunter Show welcomed millions into their living rooms on CBC Television in Canada, and for 10 years, it broadcast across the United States on The Nashville Network. A proud member of the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, Tommy was also honored as a Member of the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario for his immense contributions to Canadian culture.
The family wish to thank the staff of University Hospital, Parkwood Hospital, Fox Hollow, and McGarrell Place for their care and compassion. Visitation will take place at Needham Funeral Service, 520 Dundas Street, London, Ontario on July 9, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, and again on July 9, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A Private Family Funeral Service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations to the Humane Society of London & Middlesex would be appreciated.
Media Links
Social Media Reaction
Brad Hails (Killin' Time Band)
RIP Tommy Hunter, I was fortunate enough to spend some time on the road with you and my grandfather when I was a kid and you both showed me some great memories. Tommy lent me a big ol’ country acoustic guitar to use for my first lessons and actually gave me a 57 fender deluxe amp and some microphones when my grandfather and I helped you move many many years ago. Foolishly I sold that amp when I was a teenager and will always regret it. Last time I saw you was at my grandfathers funeral. Some of those times I spent with the both of you will stay with me for life and taught me lessons I still use today in my own career.
It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Canadian country music legend Tommy Hunter. Over a career spanning more than six decades, Tommy became one of the country's most recognizable entertainers. As the beloved host of The Tommy Hunter Show, he welcomed generations of Canadians into country music while providing a national stage for both established and emerging artists.
A pioneering figure in Canada's music industry, Tommy played a defining role in the growth of Canadian country music. A three-time recipient of the RPM Gold Leaf Awards, the forerunner to today's JUNO Awards, he was recognized early for his outstanding contributions to Canadian music and remained a steadfast champion of Canadian artists throughout his career.
Tommy's contributions to Canadian music will continue to be felt for generations to come. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and all those whose lives were touched by his music and remarkable career.
Links: Tommy Hunter, Video above courtesy of Canadian Cult Classics
Links: Lori Yates, More Lori Yates Stories, Video above courtesy of Lori Yates Authorized Content
Previous (Living Blues Award Winners) - - - Next (New Kyle Pacey EP)
Thursday, July 9, 2026
2026 Living Blues Award Winners Including Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne
In early July, Living Blues Magazine announced the winners for their 2026 awards. The only Canadian winner was former Burlingtonian Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne, who earned the Critics Poll Most Outstanding Musician (Keyboard) award.
CONGRATS
Below is a complete list of winners.
* Signed to Waterdown's Stony Plain Records
Critics' Poll
- Most Outstanding Musician (Keyboard): Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne (formerly from Burlington)*
Links: Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne, More Kenny "Blues Boss" Stories, Video above courtesy of Roberto Scorta - Comeback Artist of the Year: Maria Muldaur*
- Artist Deserving More Attention: Sean McDonald
- Blues Artist of the Year (Male): John Primer
- Blues Band of the Year: Southern Avenue
- Best Blues Book of 2025: Before Elvis: The African American Musicians Who Made the King By Preston Lauterbach
- Best Historical Release / Pre-war: Bukka White – Aberdeen Mississippi Blues: Complete Recordings, 1930-1940
- Best Historical Reissue / Postwar: Clifton Chenier – King of Louisiana Blues & Zydeco
- Best Live Performer: Bobby Rush
- Best New Recording / Best Debut Release: Sean McDonald – Have Mercy!
- Best New Recording / Contemporary Blues: Sean McDonald – Have Mercy!
- Best New Recording / Soul Blues: Johnny Rawls – Make Them Dance
- Best New Recording / Traditional or Acoustic Blues: John Primer – Grown in Mississippi
- Blues Artist of the Year (Female): Shemekia Copeland
- Best Blues Album of 2025 (New Recordings): D. K. Harrell: Talkin' Heavy
- Most Outstanding Blues Singer: Mavis Staples
- Most Outstanding Musician (Bass): Bob Stroger
- Most Outstanding Musician (Drums): Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith
- Most Outstanding Musician (Guitar): Christone "Kingfish" Ingram
- Most Outstanding Musician (Harmonica): Charlie Musselwhite
- Most Outstanding Musician (Horns): Vanessa Collier
- Most Outstanding Musician (Other): Sharde Thomas-Mallory (Fife)Most Outstanding Musician (Other): Sharde Thomas-Mallory (Fife)
- Producer of the Year – Historical / Reissue: Adam Machado – King of Louisiana Blues & Zydeco
- Producer of the Year / New Recording: Tom Hambridge – Ain’t Done with the Blues
Readers' Poll
- Best Blues Album of 2025 (New Recordings): Bob Stroger & the Headcutters: Bob is Back!
- Best Blues Album of 2025 (Reissue Recordings): Buddy Guy: This is Buddy Guy
- Best Blues Book of 2025: Inside the Moment: Iconic Blues, Soul, Jazz, Rock, and R&B Images and History By Joseph A. Rosen
- Best Live Performer: Bobby Rush
- Blues Artist of the Year (Male): Bob Stroger
- Blues Band of the Year: Billy Branch & the Sons of Blues
- Blues Artist of the Year (Female): Shemekia Copeland
- Most Outstanding Musician (Guitar): Christone "Kingfish" Ingram
- Most Outstanding Musician (Harmonica): Charlie Musselwhite
- Most Outstanding Musician (Keyboard): Marcia Ball
- Most Outstanding Blues Singer: Taj Mahal
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Throwback Thursday: Michael Joseph O'Brien (OB) Passes
Original Post: July 13, 2009
Updated Post
From the Spectator:
O'BRIEN , Michael Joseph Peacefully at the Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice on July 8, 2009, at age 65. Loving father of Jesse Michael, Matty and Natalie. Known to many as OB, he was a fantastic musician, pool player, golfer and dad. His love and passion for music will undoubtedly live on through his children. Cremation has taken place and a private service will follow. If desired, memorial contributions to the Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice would be appreciated by the family.
Comment placed on lifenews.ca:
"He had an uncanny ability to pick songs that people would respond to. And no one could do those early Elvis covers from the Sun records days like OB. It's sad when someone who has so much to offer is taken at such a relatively young age. Fortunately, he had time to pass on his musical abilities and instincts to his sons, Matt and Jesse (Michael). I know they'll carry on his musical legacy for years to come. "
Previous (Kissing Day Videos) - - - Next (Living Blues Award Winners)
Sunday, July 5, 2026
Please Support Local Charities
From their website: Good Shepherd services include a emergency food and clothing; daily hot meals; emergency shelters for men, youth, families, women and children; transitional housing and education for homeless and street-involved youth; hospice palliative care; community mental health programs; and supportive housing programs.
The Hamilton Blues Lovers (HBL) wants to showcase a deserving local charity every week. HBL is not affiliated with these charities nor does it fund raise for them.
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Throwback Thursday - LeE HARVeY OsMOND DVD: "Live at Tractorgrease"
Original Post: July 22, 2009
Updated Post: July 2, 2026
Note: This DVD was a very limited release and is now a rare find.
Links: LeE HARVeY OsMOND, More LeE HARVeY OsMOND stories, Video above courtesy of highorhurtin, More Releases
Previous (Canada Day Videos) - - - Next (Kissing Day Videos)
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