If you prefer variety in your music, then Circus Songs, the incredible latest disc from local singer/songwriter Michael Vallely is for you. Recently nominated for a Hamilton Music Award, the album deftly explores a lot of musical territory.
Though always grounded in the folk/roots tradition, the songs range from pop, Celtic, Country, a touch of Reggae and even a little bit of Rap. Michael handles it all with distinctive vocals, outstanding songwriting and a wonderfully twisted sense of humour.
Dawn and Marra manage to create delightful music that is infectious and poppy without sacrificing the singer/songwriter quality of their work. Funk, soul, pop and rock are all blended expertly.
On his latest CD, Sometimes the Rain, accomplished Hamilton musician Alfie Smith turns his focus toward more of a singer/songwriter sound. The result is a wonderful, emotional experience.
Make no mistake though - every song on this album has a blues soul to it. Both Two-tone Snake and Only Sin are unmistakable bluesy.
On top of that, Alfie's trademark booming voice adds a lot of emotion to the exquistely written tunes. An incredible new arrangement of Paul Simon's Graceland also shows off his skills.
Sometimes the Rain is mainly a solo affair with just Alfie and a guitar. Amy King joins him on piano for three tracks.
There's something for everyone on A Place in My Heart, the 5th Design Hope Compilation CD. Money raised from the sale of the disc goes towards helping the homeless in Hamilton. A great cause an an amazing album.
Like all of the Design Hope collections, it's a great way to hear new songs from some of the best musicians the local scene has to offer. The CD can be purchased online.
The band is joined by Amy King (keys, vocals), Lisa Winn (vocals), Andrew Aldridge (guitar), Chris' wife Rose-Fraces on tambourine and their children Emma & Riley on Ukulele
Round, the latest CD from Hamilton musician Christopher Clause, received quite a bit of fanfare at its release party on September 24, 2010 at the Westside Theatre.
The attention was definitely warranted. Most of the songs on the disc are catchy, high-energy pop rock (Surreal But Beautiful, Friday Smile, Under the Weather, more). They're in the cool spirit of the 60s without being derivative. Throughout the album, the sounds are peppered with fuzz, wailing guitars and other neat features. You can even hear some touches of classical, bluegrass and more.
Other great local musicians on the album include Bob Bryden (harmony/backing vocals), Michael Scott (drums), Spider Costello (drums, backing vocals), Lisa Winn (backing vocals) Amy King (backing vocals, engineering) and Bob Doidge on multiple instruments. On Tambourine Bruise Christopher's even joined by his two children Emma and Riley.
To top things off this recording is even available on vinyl! The record, CD or digital download can can be purchased at the Foot Records web site.
The singer/guitarist managed to recreate many of the powerful songs from the disc live at the Cd release party. Below are a few performances featuring songs from the new CD. Click here if you can't see them.
Dundas singer/songwriter Kim Koren's new album, Raven Heart, is an amazing evolution of her previous work.
As always, the melodies are superb plus her voice is powerful and warm. In this collection though, she has increased the musical energy.
Not only can Kim really rock out (If There's a Way, She's Got) but she can also be wonderfully delicate (Where Are You Living Now and the lovely lullabye, Spiders and Snails). There is even a bit from a tape recording of herself at 5 years old singing Let There Be Peace on Earth.
