Well, sweetie, I guess it's a nice Valentine's Day present, if you seriously couldn't find a plastic bag that'd fit over your head.
Tuesday 31 January 2012
New Edgar Breau CD: Patches of Blue
One thing you won't find a lot of on Edgar Breau's latest CD, patches of blue is repetition. The local singer/songwriter covers a whole lot of ground in just 12 songs.While mainly known as a member of the proto-punk/psych band, Simply Saucer, his solo endeavors are more on the rootsier side. Edgar explores all aspects of the genre: folk, country, blues, celtic, and much more. Every single song has a unique spirit.
Highlights include the trippy title track, the funky One Kind of Love, the wonderfully folky Dreams of Jack Kerouac, and the island sounds of Maria the Sea and the Sun.Joining Edgar in his musical explorations are Mike Trebilcock, Kyle Pacey, Bill Dillon, members of Trickbag (Michael Hickey, Paul Panchezak), Joe Clark, Brian Griffith, Ed Roth, Simply Saucer bassist Kevin Christoff, and Michael Birthelmer (who also produced).
The CD is available at his live shows as well as cdbaby and as downloads on eMusic, iTunes, and cdbaby.
Below is a video of the title track. Courtesy of Flying Inn Recordings.
Links: Edgar Breau, More Edgar Breau Stories
State Senator Confuses Lie Made By Idiot With Laboratory Study Sponsored By The Center For Disease Control
Tennessee state Rep. Stacey Campfield was thrown out of a restaurant yesterday. Martha Boggs, owner of Bistro at the Bijou, recognized the homophobic Mr. Campfield and said she wouldn't serve him because of his repeated lies about gays, including the "fact" that they live, on average, 42 years.
Despite getting the bum rush, Mr. Campfield was the picture of tolerance. "I said in as calm a way as I could that I don't hate gays and the things I have said were backed up by the CDC," he says on his blog. "I offered to send her the links."
Helpfully, Mr. Campfield has posted these links. The gay lifespan "fact" is here:
http://theroadtoemmaus.org/RdLb/22SxSo/PnSx/HSx/hosx_lifspn.htm
Now, perhaps Mr. Campfield should have realized this isn't an official Center for Disease Control website, because the URL would have included stuff like "cdc" and "us" and "gov." Clearly he should have noticed that on this website the letters "CDC" appear less often than "sodomy" or "MTV." Instead, we're just given one curious line:
You know, just from quickly scanning this, one realizes that it's slightly less believable than a hunchback saying they've bedded Scarlet Johannson. Because we all know how obituaries disclose the sexual orientation of the deceased. I still remember the headline for the New York Times obit of Alan Ginsburg: "ANOTHER GAY ONE, DEAD!!!"
Those still on the fence can easily discover that Paul Cameron, the author of this questionable study, was thrown out of the American Psychiatric Institute. In his defense, Mr. Cameron claims he said, "No, I quit!" several seconds beforehand.
So, is Mr. Campfield a liar or just profoundly stupid? I'm thinking it's the former, but hoping for the latter. It would brighten my life immeasurably knowing one day soon he'll mistake his hat for a waffle iron.
Despite getting the bum rush, Mr. Campfield was the picture of tolerance. "I said in as calm a way as I could that I don't hate gays and the things I have said were backed up by the CDC," he says on his blog. "I offered to send her the links."
Helpfully, Mr. Campfield has posted these links. The gay lifespan "fact" is here:
http://theroadtoemmaus.org/RdLb/22SxSo/PnSx/HSx/hosx_lifspn.htm
Now, perhaps Mr. Campfield should have realized this isn't an official Center for Disease Control website, because the URL would have included stuff like "cdc" and "us" and "gov." Clearly he should have noticed that on this website the letters "CDC" appear less often than "sodomy" or "MTV." Instead, we're just given one curious line:
In 1994, an obituary study revealed that the median age of death for homosexual males was 42 and for lesbians was 49.
You know, just from quickly scanning this, one realizes that it's slightly less believable than a hunchback saying they've bedded Scarlet Johannson. Because we all know how obituaries disclose the sexual orientation of the deceased. I still remember the headline for the New York Times obit of Alan Ginsburg: "ANOTHER GAY ONE, DEAD!!!"
Those still on the fence can easily discover that Paul Cameron, the author of this questionable study, was thrown out of the American Psychiatric Institute. In his defense, Mr. Cameron claims he said, "No, I quit!" several seconds beforehand.
So, is Mr. Campfield a liar or just profoundly stupid? I'm thinking it's the former, but hoping for the latter. It would brighten my life immeasurably knowing one day soon he'll mistake his hat for a waffle iron.
Monday 30 January 2012
Friday 27 January 2012
New Cootes Leland (Tim Gibbons) CD: Trail of Smoke
Local musical legend Tim Gibbons has been reborn as Cootes Leland on his latest CD Trail of Smoke (his first for Latent Recordings).There is a reinvention of sorts happening here as he goes for a harder rocking approach than his last few releases. Don't worry - The beautiful, lyrical, softer spirit is evident on many of the tracks as well. Country, Blues, Folk and Roots all find a home on the album.
Gibbons' excellent voice, guitar playing and banjo pickin' are all in good form. The amazing backing band really matches his enthusiasm and talent.
Longtime fans of the singer/songwriter will recognize a few songs which have been reworked (Medicine Girl, Ride the Blinds, Top Hat and more) with renewed energy.
The CD is available at his live shows and as a download on his web site, iTunes and eMusic (At the moment, there seems to be a problem with the downloads from iTunes and eMusic).
Below is a track from the CD.
Links: Tim Gibbons - More Tim Gibbons Stories
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Robert Maciag@Moonshine Cafe (January 21, 2012)
Wednesday 25 January 2012
News Roundup (Mark McNeil, Neil Young, Kathleen Edwards)
Hamilton and Area
- Hamilton Blues Lovers: Just finished reading Willie Dixon's autobiography, I Am The Blues. I highly recommend it.
- Check out new Mark McNeil/Kris Rochard CD
World
- Former B. B. King bassist Melvin Lee Green Passes
- 10 memorable bands that released only 1 album
- Group trying to start an International Blues Day
- Upcoming Springsteen album (new single out now)
- Johnny Otis passes
- Cartoon about old Rockers
- Cross-section of a tree that can be played like a record
- Figure our your Blues name
Featured Video
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Tuesday 24 January 2012
Andy Griffiths and the Lost Groove@Moonshine Cafe (Part 2) (January 21, 2012)
Andy Griffiths (guitar - centre, vocals on Hippy Hippy Shake), Matt King (bass, vocals & guitar on Tempted), Frank Koren (guitar, left), Edward M Cromwell (drums), Lawrie Ingles (keys, vocals on Little Sister), Andrew Croft (vocals on I Saw Her Standing There)
More Beatles Covers/News Stories
More Elvis Covers/Stories
More from this show
Links: Andy Griffiths, More Andy Griffiths Stories
More Beatles Covers/News Stories
More Elvis Covers/Stories
More from this show
Links: Andy Griffiths, More Andy Griffiths Stories
Andy Griffiths and the Lost Groove@Moonshine Cafe (Part 1) (January 21, 2012)
Andy Griffiths (vocals, guitar, bass on Instrumental), Matt King (bass, guitar on Instrumental), Frank Koren (guitar, left), Edward M Cromwell (drums), Lawrie Ingles (keys)
More from this show
Links: Andy Griffiths, More Andy Griffiths Stories
More from this show
Links: Andy Griffiths, More Andy Griffiths Stories
Monday 23 January 2012
New Harrison Kennedy CD: Shame the Devil
Harrison Kennedy's unmistakable mix of soul and old-fashioned country blues continues on his latest CD, Shame the Devil (from Electro-Fi records).The disc's sound is as authentic as blues can be. You can feel the emotion and soul both in the music and the lyrics.
Harrison's heartfelt voice and passionate musicanship is displayed on every singe track. There's the soft, tender You Don't Know Me, the banjo-riffic Hound and Rabbit, and the danceable Music to My Ears.
Joining Harrison is Keith 'Happy' Lindsay (Keyboards, accordian, percussion), Alec Fraser (Bass), and Matt King (Electric guitar)
The CD is available at his wonderful live shows and as a download on iTunes or eMusic.
Below are a few live performances of songs from the CD.
Above video courtesy of Electro-Fi Records
Above video courtesy of Canal Bank Shuffle
Links: Harrison Kennedy, More Harrison Kennedy Stories
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Saturday 21 January 2012
Etta James Passes (+ Local Reaction)
Unfortunatley, the Blues world lost one of its giants on Friday January 20, 2012.
The legendary Etta James passed away at 73, after a battle with leukemia. Our condolences to her friends, family and all countless fans across the world.
Click here for the CBC story.
Reaction has already hit Twitter and Facebook. Here are what a few local musicians are saying:
Susan Wylde: "A true inspiration for this blues woman. She won 6 Grammies, opened for the Rolling Stones and let go of a heroin addiction. I recorded her tune At Last on my recent CD as a tribute to Etta - listening to her was the main reason I got into the blues."
Astrid Young: "... what a voice, what an incredible life. I had the pleasure of seeing her on many occasions, both jazz and blues Etta. both awesome, and wildly influential for me. Thanks for all that awesomeness ... let's all 'pitch a wang dang doodle' in her honor tonight"
Rita Chiarelli: "Etta James…how I loved her! I remember when I was first turned on to her and her music… many years ago…I was still finding my voice so to speak…so a live recording …Etta with dyed blond hair and her arm in ‘tenser’ bandage…she looked wild! I put the LP on the turntable and listened to every vocal ‘lick’….it was magic…Thank you Etta… you were one of the very best …you inspired all who heard you…we owe you a lot and your voice, your music will be cherished and live forever….…rest in peace Etta…you deserve it…with love and respect…"
Denis Keldie: R.I.P. Etta -- the greatest singer I ever played with, back in 1986, when she was truly at the top of her game.
Lori Yates: RIP Miss Etta! You made the world a better place!
Links: Etta James, More Etta James Covers/Stories
The Stingrays with Lance Kiernan@Coach and Lantern (January 14, 2012)
The Stingrays singer/harp player Willie Leigh was under the weather that night so Lance Kiernan ably filled in (guitar, left)
More Bob Dylan Covers/Stories
Links: Stingrays, More Stingrays Stories
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More Bob Dylan Covers/Stories
Links: Stingrays, More Stingrays Stories
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Previous (New Stingrays CD) - - - Next (Etta James Passes)
Friday 20 January 2012
The Stingrays Debut CD: Hoodoo Man
Good rockin' Blues with no muss, no fuss is the best way to describe Hoodoo Man, the debut CD from local boys, the Stingrays.The band tear into such timeless classics as My Babe, I Can't Be Satisfied, Key to the Highway, Dust My Broom, and many more. They have the energy and skills to do justice to these tantalizing tunes.
It's no wonder the guys can do an amazing job - members of the group have played with Crowbar, King Biscuit Boy, Trickbag, and the Platters. You can hear all that experience throughout the disc (which is expertly produced by local veteran Michael J. Birthelmer)
You can pick up a copy at their live shows (they play the Coach and Lantern every Saturday afternoon).
Below is a video of one of the tracks from the CD. Check this blog for some live footage later on.
Links: Stingrays, More Stingrays Stories
Wednesday 18 January 2012
News Roundup (Strongman, Plain Steel, Van Sickle)
Hamilton and Area
Funny Stuff
Featured Video
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Previous (We Got Blues@Boon's House) - - - Next (New Stingrays CD)
- Spec story on Strongman's win
- Preview the upcoming Plain Steel CD
- Boons House message: 2012 Blues & Roots coming in July. FIRST CALL for bands and solo artists interested in performing at the BIGGEST single night Blues Event in the Hamilton Area. Once again, proceeds will be going to help Parkinson's Society of Canada. Msg me if your interested and include a link to any youtube or other demo material.
- Old Movie Palace to become Music Venue
- Duane Rutter Twitter: Here is a link where you can learn more about why I am playing guitar for 50 hrs straight this Feb 3rd at Fred Eaglesmiths Robot Cafe in Port Dover. plz consider supporting my cause either online or come on down. Peace and Good Wishes! http://www.camptrillium.com/
Funny Stuff
Featured Video
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Previous (We Got Blues@Boon's House) - - - Next (New Stingrays CD)
We Got Blues with Sonny Del Rio@Boon's House (January 13, 2012)
More Louis Jordan covers/stories
Above videos courtesy of SamDeRosa55
Links: We Got Blues, Sonny Del Rio, More Sonny Del Rio Stories
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Previous (Steve Stongman Wins@Maple Blues Awards) - - - Next (News Roundup)
Bonus videos below courtesy of vonlafatette
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Previous (Steve Stongman Wins@Maple Blues Awards) - - - Next (News Roundup)
Tuesday 17 January 2012
Steve Strongman Wins Guitarist of the Year at Maple Blues Awards
Congratulations to Hamilton's Steve Strongman, who won the Guitarist of the Year award at the 15th annual Maple Blues Awards. They were handed out January 16, 2012. Other winners inlcuded MonkeyJunk (3 awards), Matt Andersen (3 awards), Suzie Vinnick (2 awards), and more.
Here are the talented winners:
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
ELECTRIC ACT OF THE YEAR
ACOUSTIC ACT OF THE YEAR
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
NEW ARTIST OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
RECORDING OF THE YEAR
To Behold, MonkeyJunk
BLUES WITH A FEELING (Lifetime Achievement)
BB KING INTERNATIONAL ARTIST OF THE YEAR
GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR
HARMONICA PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Carlos del Junco
PIANO/KEYBOARD PLAYER OF THE YEAR
HORN PLAYER OF THE YEAR
DRUMMER OF THE YEAR
Matt Sobb ( MonkeyJunk)
BASSIST OF THE YEAR
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
BLUES BOOSTER OF THE YEAR
Liz Sykes
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Previous (Bluesers@Moonshine Cafe) - - - Next (We Got Blues@Boon's House)
Saturday 14 January 2012
Bluesers@Moonshine Cafe (January 5, 2012)
More Willie Dixon covers/stories
Bonus videos
Above video courtesy of Helen and Matt
Above video courtesy of mlt1944
Links: Bluesers, More Bluesers Stories
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Previous (News Roundup) - - - Next (Steve Strongman Wins@Maple Blues Awards)
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Previous (News Roundup) - - - Next (Steve Strongman Wins@Maple Blues Awards)
Wednesday 11 January 2012
News Roundup (Jacob Moon, Fred Eaglesmith, Doors, more)
This will be a new feature (similar to our old Blues News Bites) where every Wednesday night, we'll review the local, national and international music news. We'll also include a weekly featured video.
Hamilton and Area
Featured Video
Hamilton and Area
- Jacob Moon January 2012 newsletter
- Kathleen Edwards on cover of jan 2012 Stomp and Stammer
- Jacob Moon: Band & Break (download MP3 and donate to Haiti)
- Stream Fred Eaglesmith's 6 Volts album in it's entirety
- Toronto musician funds album with Canadian Tire money
- Blues artists that died in 2011
- Former Fleetwood Mac guitarist Bob Weston passes
- Doors to release 1st new track in decades
Featured Video
Open Mic@Second Cup (Burlington)(January 5, 2012)
Links: David Lum - More David Lum Stories
Links: Jericho , More Jericho Stories
Links: John and Sheila Ludgate, More John and Sheila Stories
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Previous (Kevin MacLean@Whistling Walrus) - - - Next (News Roundup)
Tuesday 10 January 2012
Monday 9 January 2012
Friday 6 January 2012
Drew Smith and Friends@The Casbah (December 16, 2011)
This was the release party for Drew's new CD, The Secret Languages.
Matt Montour (keyboards), Drew Smith (guitar, vocals), Max Wray (drums), John Smith (Young Rival) (bass), Ben Somer (guitar)
Bonus Track from Drew's YouTube Page
Click here for Drew's site
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Previous (Kirby@Casbah) - - - Next (Kevin MacLean@Whistling Walrus)
Matt Montour (keyboards), Drew Smith (guitar, vocals), Max Wray (drums), John Smith (Young Rival) (bass), Ben Somer (guitar)
Bonus Track from Drew's YouTube Page
Click here for Drew's site
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Previous (Kirby@Casbah) - - - Next (Kevin MacLean@Whistling Walrus)
Tuesday 3 January 2012
Kirby@The Casbah (December 16, 2011)
Kirby was opening for Drew Smith's CD Release Party.
Click here for Drew Smith's performance
Links: Kirby, More Kirby Stories
Click here for Drew Smith's performance
Links: Kirby, More Kirby Stories
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