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 Allotropefronts 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!
After listening to Banditoland, the latest album from Oakville band, GCDCvisions 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.
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 Sticksin Hamilton and get yourself a copy.
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 Crowelland Nanci Griffithtunes)and unique originals. Folk, Bluegrass, Country, Cajun, Roots and everything in-between are all performed with gusto.
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 viaiTunes, cdbabyoreMusic.
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.
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.
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 Beatlesclassic Come Togetherto 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 orcontact her. It'll be worth your while.
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 Bandcamppage
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.
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