Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Hamilton's James-Alphonse Fill Their Debut with Soulful, Laid Back Grooves




Hamilton group James-Alphonse are off to an amazing start with their self titled album.  Soulful pop with hints of jazz, blues and a touch of folk fill the recording with some wonderfully laid back grooves.

The gang manage to use just the right amount of modern sound without going the over-produced route.  By rooting it in a more traditional vein, they can really offer up something unique.

James Gould of Allotrope fronts the band with James Gould (vocals, guitar), Mark Daum (lead guitar), Giordano Modesto (bass), and Wilson Northcott (Drums) creating the incredible instrumentation.  Fabulous work all arround!

You can pick up this superb CD at their live shows or by contacting them at  jamesalphonsemusic@gmail.com.  It can be downloaded using their Bandcamp page as well.







Links: James-Alphonse, More Releases, Videos above courtesy of James-Alphonse

Previous (New GCDC Album) - - - Next (News Roundup: James Ferris Band, Michael Moses Band, Ryan Van Sickle, Kathleen Edwards)

Monday, August 31, 2015

Oakville's GCDC Balance Raw and Fiery on New Album


After listening to Banditoland, the latest album from Oakville band, GCDC visions of dirty, wrong side of the tracks,  old-time saloons will dance in your head.  This is a modern jam band that serves up raw, bluesy, Americana and some cool, fast rockin'.

These boys can really play.  Despite the almost throw-back feel of the album, they do some incredible, fiery guitar theatrics just to show ya who's boss.  It's the best of both worlds: organic roots rock and great musicianship.

So check this explosive album out by downloading it through their Bandcamp page.





Links: GCDC, More Releases, Videos above courtesy of GCDC

Previous (New Complete Shakers 2 CD Collection) - - - Next (New James-Alphonse Album)

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Get the Complete Shakers Experience with New 2 CD Collection


Nobody did infectious, good-old fashioned infectious rock 'n' roll like the legendary Hamilton group the Shakers.  To celebrate their recent reunion shows, the band's come out with an amazing, self-titled, 2 CD collection featuring all their incredible songs.

Featuring current superstars Tim Gibbons, Dave Rave, Rick Andrew, and Claude DesRoches, the lads made some of the best music to come out the very late 70's and early to mid 80s (featuring early production work by international sensation Daniel Lanois).  They mastered and perfected punk-like rockabilly and 50s style catchy rock.  With unforgettable hits like Out the Door, Shake Some Action and many more, the foursome left their mark on the music scene.

As previously mentioned, this anthology includes all their tunes and an unreleased cover of Ain't Got No Sense by another legendary Hamilton band, Teenage Head.

If you wanna pick up this piece of rock history, you can go to Picks N Sticks in Hamilton and get yourself a copy.





Blast from the Past: The Shakers on the Barber Shop Podcast

Links: Shakers, More Shakers Stories, More Releases, Videos above courtesy of Matteo Muser

Previous (New Steve Goldberger Album) - - - Next (New GCDC Album)

Saturday, August 29, 2015

'Cosmic Cowboy' by Niagara-on-the-Lake's Steve Goldberger Features an Astounding Mix of Styles


Niagara-on-the-Lake singer and multi-instrumentalist  Steve Goldberger, has always mastered a range of styles (he leads the Americana/Roots band Old Winos and Blues/Soul outfit The Niagara Rhythm Section).  His 6th album, Cosmic Cowboy, shows him at his best.

Steve and a number of his talented musical friends have put together an astounding mix of covers (including fabulous versions of Rodney Crowell and Nanci Griffith tunes) and unique originals.   Folk, Bluegrass, Country, Cajun, Roots and everything in-between are all performed with gusto.

There's no shortage of accomplished musicians on this disc.  Vocal duets with Tim Hicks, Serena Pryne and Mary Simon (Mississippi Bends) are a major highlight.  Steve's also joined by Denis Keldie, Mark Lalama, Wendell Ferguson, Andrew Aldridge, Cam MacInnes, Roger Marin, Mike Glatt, Steve Grisbrook, Shane Guse (Western Swing Authority), Jeese Cobb, Jim Casson, Dave Norris, Andrew MacKay and Peter Griffin.

If you want a copy of this amazing CD you can order one at Steve's live shows or through his online shop.  It can also be downloaded via iTunes, cdbaby or eMusic.





Blast from the Past: Steve Goldberger Video and More

Links: Steve Goldberger, More Steve Goldberger Stories, More Releases, Videos above courtesy of Steve Goldberger

Previous (Tony Rush Passes) - - - Next (New Complete Shakers 2 CD Collection)

Thursday, August 27, 2015

The Late Tony "Rush" Wachnuik Honoured by Local Musicans


Unfortunately, Hamilton musician Tony "Rush" Wachnuik passed away on August 25, 2015 due to complications from a traffic accident. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

Tony was a beloved member of the local music community and a valued member of a number of bands, including the TNT Bluesmen, Hell County and most recently, the King Street Band.

Wayne Janus, his Hell County bandmate had this to say: "Tony brought a level of energy to the music that I've only experienced while performing with him. He knew how to "connect" and his placement of his musical energies inspired me to give it all as if it were the last note to ever be played. I learned so much from him. I am forever grateful for our time together on and off the stage. Tony had a big heart and "continually" expressed compassion for my fathers failing health. Tony will always have a place in my heart and he will always have a place in the music that I will continue to play. Love you brother T"

A note from Lou, our blogger: "Tony was one of the first musicians I befriended after starting the Hamilton Blues Lovers.  I remember his no-nonsense approach to life, his energy and amazing musical talent. We'll all miss him."

Reaction to his passing hit social media.  Here a few comments. We'll be adding more later.

Mike Almas: "Lots of tears for Tony, what a character, what a great friend, so very glad to have known him, gonna miss him a lot."

Mike Branton: "Nobody fought the good fight as fiercely as Tony did. Nobody stuck it harder to the phonies. And when it was time to play and I mean really play there was nobody who could touch him. Not in a million years.. .A true friend and bluesman!

Steven Collett: "Rest in peace to my friend Tony Rush that played a wonderful Ibanez bass similar to the one I had. It was so great to play with him and we will miss the wide eyed spirit he had."

There will be a memorial show on Saturday, September 5, 2015 at the Homestead Bar from 4-8pm.  Donations will be accepted for Tony's family.



Video above  (with Tony Rush on bass) courtesy of Hell County



Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

Blast from the Past: Tony Rush Jam@Rebel's Rock

Link: More Tony Rush Stories

Previous (News Roundup: Tony Rush Passes, Winds of the North, Mountain and the Wood, Terra Lightfoot) - - - Next (New Steve Goldberger Album)

News Roundup (Tony Rush Passes, Winds of the North, Mountain and the Wood, Terra Lightfoot)


Tony Rush (right) with Wayne Janus Band
It is with sadness that we report the passing of Hamilton musician Tony "Rush" Wachnuik on August 25, 2015 . Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.  Click here for more information.


News

The Adventures of Trebleclef, the Hamilton Blues Lovers Monkey

Trebleclef  attended the incredible Guitar Mikey Homecoming Show



With comedian Paul Settle
(click for his video- Warning: mature content)


Birthdays

Thursday, August 27
Friday, August 28
Saturday, August 29
Sunday, August 30
Monday, August 31
Tuesday, September 1
Wednesday, September 2
Thursday, September 3

Previous (New Hailee Rose EP) - - - Next (Tony Rush Passes)

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

3-Song EP from Oakville's Hailee Rose Offers a Taste of a Soulful, Funky Future


If Everything's Going to be Alright, the new 3-song EP debut from Oakville's Hailee Rose is any indication, we'll be hearing some amazing things from her in the future.  From the old fashioned soul of the title track to the incredible cover of the Beatles classic Come Together to the catchy, poppy closing track, there's a lot to be savoured here.

The lady's also enlisted some top Hamilton talent to help her out: Dave Rave (co-writer, guitar, back-up vocals) and Carl Jennings of Freedom Train (Producer, bass, guitar, back-up vocals) are the main members of her band.  Guests include Ed Mitchell and Tim Jennings (also from Freedom Train), Jeff Heisholt, Mike Ray, Tim Allard, and Mark Foley.

So go ahead and grab a copy one of her live shows, at Picks and Sticks or contact her.  It'll be worth your while.



Blast from the Past: Hailee Rose on the Barber Shop Podcast

Links: Hailee Rose, More Hailee Rose Stories, More Releases, Video above courtesy of Willer Music Video

Previous (New Leslie Hudson CD) - - - Next (News Roundup: Tony Rush Passes, Winds of the North, Mountain and the Wood, Terra Lightfoot)

Sunday, August 23, 2015

Burlington's Leslie Hudson Unveils New Album with Kinetic Energy and Sweet, Smooth, Soul


Burlington's Leslie Hudson has mastered the art of the powerful, piano-driven song.   Into the Mirror, the lady's latest album, prooves she's no dainty little lounge singer who can tickle the ivories a bit.

In Leslie's hands, the keys are filled with kinetic energy or sweet, smooth soul.  These amazing skills also transfer to her voice.  Whether belting it out or serenading, her vocals can wring the emotion from every fabulous song.

This album is hard to pigeonhole as you'll hear jazz, folk, pop, even a little rap - all done elegantly and with passion.  Her outstanding lyrics will also make you take notice.

Whether you'd like a CD or download, you can get it through her Bandcamp page



Video above courtesy of Zinderfine



Video above courtesy of RbirmMusicFan

Links: Leslie Hudson, More Leslie Hudson Stories, More Releases

Previous (George C.W. Douglas Debut Album) - - - Next (New Hailee Rose EP)

Saturday, August 22, 2015

Woodstock's George C.W. Douglas's Debuts with Incredible CD!


For Woodstock singer/songwriter, George C.W. Douglas his debut album, Music From Big Muddy has been part of a personal journey.  From local music fan, to becoming a musician, earning his sobriety and taking the Creative Genius Songwriting Workshop with Lori Yates - you can feel the experiences on the CD.

George has made quite an initial splash with this amazing offering.  He's created a personal, revealing, witty, everyman folk album.  Lyrics deal with aging, drinking and the effects of time.  The recording finishes off nicely with a beautiful ode to Willie P. Bennett.

Wonderfully backing him up are fellow multi-instrumentalists Brock Zeman and Blair Hogan along with Dylan Roberts (drums, percussion).  They do a fabulous job.

If you want a copy of the CD, you can contact George directly at skumm60@gmail.com or pick it up at Record Works in Woodstock.  It's also available through iTunes and cdbaby.





Blast from the Past: George on the Barber Shop Podcast

Links: George CW Douglas, More George CW Douglas Stories, More Releases, Videos above courtesy of Skumm60

Previous (News Roundup w Mark McNeil, Will Gillespie, The Rebneys, More) - - - Next (New Leslie Hudson CD)

Thursday, August 20, 2015

News Roundup (Mark McNeil, Will Gillespie, The Rebneys)




News

Local



World

The Adventures of Trebleclef, the Hamilton Blues Lovers Monkey

Trebleclef went to a private show featuring the amazing Guitar Mikey with Trickbag and the rockin' All Night Mule

Guitar Mikey
All Night Mule
Click here for all the photos from this event
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He also checked out the wonderful Dundas Cactus Festival

Hanging with the Keeping Room bear 
Checkin' out the merch for the Ladybird Animal Sanctuary.  It's a great cause!

Birthdays

Thursday, August 20
Friday, August 21
Saturday, August 22
Sunday, August 23
Wednesday, August 26