New Episodes of Ensemble on YouTube, Part 1

These are the first batch of videos from Season 2



Links: Lynn Jackson, Jesse Parent, Meghan Webber, Matthew de Zoete



Links: Jacob Moon, Brad Germain (Dinner Belles, Marble Index), Rae Billing, Tim Gibbons



Links: John DiBattista, Wayne Janus, Corey Lueck, Dan Walsh

More videos to come . . .

More episodes of Ensemble

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Previous (12 Videos of Christmas w Harrison Kennedy, Doug Feaver, Brenda Lewis and Gayle Ackroyd and Colin James) - - - Next (New Episodes of Ensemble Online, Part 2)

New Rob Green Debut CD: Soul Dancing

It's not often that an artist has such a strong, top-notch debut as local singer/songwriter Rob Green's Soul Dancing.

Filled with stunning songwriting and considerable musicianship, the CD is a sonic adventure.  Rob's expressive voice travels through symphonic flourishes, amazing acoustic guitar, jazzy saxes, funky beats, and beyond.

Backing him up is a contingent of talented area artists, including Mike Trebilcock, Lena Montecalvo, Sharon Musgrave, Jacob Moon, Neil Braithwaite and others.

This wonderful disc is available through Rob's web site or at his live shows.

You can listen to tracks from the album below.

 
Links: Rob Green, More Rob Green Stories, More CD Releases 

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Previous (News Roundup w/John Ellison, Alex MacDougall and more) - - - Next (Videos: Tim Gibbons@Brantford Station House)

New Jacob Moon CD: Landing 2

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of his great classic CD, Landing, local singer/songwriter Jacob Moon has released Landing 2: The 10th Anniversary Concert.

Recorded at Catherine North Studios in front of a live audience, it showcases all but two tracks from the first Landing CD and a few others extras thrown in.

Rather than just perform straightforward live versions of the tunes, Jacob has offered his fans something extra special.  The songs are wonderfully reinterpreted and re-imagined.  Lucky listeners get new arrangements, tempo changes, and sometimes just little tweaks.

Along with the live show, Landing 2 boasts five new tracks: one original and four covers, including Bruce Hornsby's The Way It Is).  Whether they're old are new, the songs all contain Jacob's trademark amazing guitarwork and emotional, inspiring voice.

It is pretty much a solo affair for most of the CD but the singer/songwriter is joined by Ali Matthews (vocals) and Rick Francis (steel guitar).

The CD is available at Jacob's live shows and through his website, cdbaby, and Noisetrade (download by donation).

Below are a few performances of tracks from the disc, courtesy of Jacob Moon's YouTube Page






Blast from the Past: Review of his previous CD, Maybe Sunshine

Links: Jacob Moon, More Jacob Moon Stories

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Previous (News Roundup + Videos) - - - Next (Russell deCarle@Pine Street)

Levon Helm Passes + Local Reaction

It is with sadness that we report on the passing of Levon Helm, the drummer and singer for The Band. He passed away on April 19, 2012 after a brave battle with cancer. He will be missed.

Levon had ties to Hamilton and the area. He played here often as part of Ronnie Hawkins' band in his early career. Later on, he'd gain world-wide fame as a founding member of The Band and then move on to a solo career.

As always, online reaction was swift after the news of his death. Here are a few comments from our local musicians:

Blackie and the Rodeo Kings: "Today, we lost our dear Levon Helm. We are deeply saddened and stunned by this loss. His music and spirit embody everything that’s great about music. Everything that’s great about spending your life as a musician, or a music lover. Levon never made you feel anything less than special- whether you were a friend, a fellow musician, a guest at his house or a member of his audience. The honour he felt in the blessing of being a musician was humbling and touching and uncompromising. And the joy and hilarity he found in life and shared in his music will go on and on. Our hearts go out to our great friend and queen, Amy Helm and to Levon’s wife Sandy, and all of the family and close friends who are hurting so much now. We will always do our best bring honour to his memory."

Steve Strongman: "Levon was one of the greatest ever. A true original. A sad day for music lovers everywhere."

Dock Holliday: "Levon Helm, truly one of the greatest voices not only in Rock and Roll, but the entire world. Thanks for all of the great music and inspiration you gave."

Jacob Moon: "RIP Levon Helm. For me, he was the heartbeat of The Band and a vital force for good music right to the end."

Arkells: "Sad to hear about Levon. He was a huge inspiration for us and so many young musicians. Thank you for all that you offered to us, Levon."

Jesse O'Brien: "Levon-your gift of music to the world will never be forgotten-and what a sweet kind soul...I remember this day from when I was 16 and and we first played music as one of the most incredible days-and to share it with my dad made it all the more special...so many memories... RIP"

We would like to extend our condolences to his friends and family.



Video courtesy of DirtFarmerMusic

More covers and stories by the Band

Jacob Moon YouTube Videos

All videos courtesy of Jacob Moon's YouTube page











Blast from the Past: Jacob Moon EP "Maybe Sunshine"

Links: Jacob Moon, More Jacob Moon Stories

News Roundup (Hall of Fame, Ariana Gillis, Podcasts)

Local

• We Got Blues Facebook Fan Page
• New Dock Holliday (Brad Soucie) web site
• Daniel Lanois to be inducted into Hall of Fame
• Festival of Friends looking into music museum
• Live Blues Burlington Facebook group

Canada

• Gordon Lightfoot to be inducted into Songwriter Hall of Fame

World

• Podcasts: Bandana Blues #425, Roadhouse #365, Nothing But the Blues Feb 15, SA Blues #156,
• Blues Hall of Fame 2012 inductees

Blasts from the Past

• 2009: Jacob Moon gets Rush stamp of approval for cover
• 2010: Shrimp Daddy and the Sharpshooters@Hooters
• 2011: Tom Wilson@Moonshine Cafe

Featured Video (courtesy of Ariana Gillis)

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

• 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)

Southern Ontario

• Stream Fred Eaglesmith's 6 Volts album in it's entirety
• Toronto musician funds album with Canadian Tire money

World

• Blues artists that died in 2011
• Former Fleetwood Mac guitarist Bob Weston passes
• Doors to release 1st new track in decades

Funny Stuff

• Australian man fends off croc with guitar

Featured Video

Lots of Local YouTube Videos

Links - Jacob Moon - More Jacob Moon Stories - Buy this MP3 to help Haiti

Video courtesy of Jacob Moon

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Links: Melissa Bel - More Melissa Bel Stories - More Video from the Performance

Video courtesy of Mama Loves Music

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Links: Shelley Adams - More Shelley Adams Stories - More Video from the Performance

Video courtesy of Mama Loves Music

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Links: Tom Wilson - More Tom Wilson Stories
Video courtesy of High or Hurtin'

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Links: Nikki Loney

Video courtesy of Welcome Back Trotter

Blues News Bites (Ariana Gillis, Chris Chambers, Lee Harvey Osmond)

Local

• View Magazine: Hamilton Music Notes (Jacob Moon) 

 World

• Podcasts: SA Roots and Blues #119, Murphy's Saloon #182, Roadhouse #275, Nothing But the Blues#89, Wood Stomp Blues#18, Roadhouse #276, Nothing but the Blues #90, Murphy's Saloon #183

Featured Videos

Ariana Gillis: Samuel Starr




Links: Chris Chambers - More Chris Chambers Stories

Lee Harvey Osmond: Solitary Man

Blues News Bites (Caretakers, Daniel Lanois, Tom Wilson)

Local

• Jacob Moon May Newsletter (Announcing Adoption of His New Son)
• View Magazine - Hamilton Music Notes: Pete Tigchelaar

Canada

• Bruce Cockburn to Write Biography
• Joni Mitchell Calls Dylan a Fake

 World

• Lennon's Day in the Life Lyrics Up for Auction
• Podcasts: Roadhouse #270, Nothing But the Blues #84
• Cool Twitter Page: Every Bob Dylan song line-by-line. 1 line/hr until all have been tweeted
• Slash Learned Guitar Tricks from Ron Wood of the Stones
• Jeff Beck's Highest Chart Debut of Career

Featured Videos

Indie Music Canada Blog Post about the Caretakers (includes video)


Daniel Lanois' Blackdub: Nomad Knows


Mary Gauthier and Lee Harvey Osmond - Dear Doctor

Blues News Bites (Jacob Moon, Acoustics, de Keyzer)

Local 

• Jacob Moon April Newsletter

World

• Mary Chapin Carpenter to Recieve "Spirit of Americana" Award
• Robert Plant Recreates Pre-Zeppelin Band for Tour and Recording
• Official Willie Dixon Facebook Page
• Podcasts: Roots and Blues #115, Roadhouse #267, Nothing But the Blues #81 

Featured Videos

Jacob Moon Rehearses Rush Song


Acoustics - Chicaraca




Links: Jack de Keyzer, More Jack De Keyzer Stories
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Previous (Local Musicians in Playboy's Canadian Rocker Issue) - - - Next (Ginger St. James@Augusta House)

Blues News Bites (Ginger St. James, Lee Harvey Osmond, Grammys)

Local

• Ginger St. James Blog post
• View Magazine Interview: Jacob Moon
• Lee Harvey Osmond on NPR

World

• Ticketmaster/Live Nation Merger Approved
• Podcasts: Nothing But the Blues #72, Roadhouse #257,  Roadhouse #258, SA Blues #111
• 30th Blues Music Award DVD available (Taj Mahal, BB King, Maria Muldaur, more)
• Stars Celebrate Neil Young
• Blues Grammy Award Winners

Featured Videos

New Lee Harvey Osmond Video Starring Tim Gibbons


Blind Mule in Thunder Bay




Links: Ginger St. James, More Ginger St. James Stories

Blues News Bites (Valerie Beaulieu, Kim Koren, more)

Local

• Jacob Moon Winter Newsletter

Canada

• Paul Quarrington passes
• Folk Icon Kate McGarrigle Passes
• Maclean's Story Written by and About Dan Hill
• Photos from the Maple Blues Awards

World

• Roy Orbison to Get Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
• Jeff Beck to Release First Studio CD in 7 years
• Nothing Bit the Blues Podcast # 71
• Winners of the 2010 International Blues Challenge

Funny/Weird Stuff

• 2 Blues Related Cartoons from the Barn Comic Strip: Day 1, Day 2

Featured Videos

Valerie Beaulieu and Chad Pilon at the Corktown


Kim Koren Song/Video for Haiti

12 Videos of Christmas 2009

Please note that some of the videos have been removed since they were posted.



Links: Jude Johnson - More videos from this same show - Purchase the Love is Everything CD (proceeds go to help the homeless)




Links: Jacob Moon's Site, Other Jacob Moon stories, Past Christmas videos.


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Links: Trickbag site - More videos from this show - More Trickbag stories

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Links: Jackie Washington site, More Jackie Washington stories

New Jacob Moon CD: Maybe Sunshine

Hamilton singer/songwriter Jacob Moon has released an amazing new 6-song CD titled "Maybe Sunshine".

The songs feature his incredible voice and a fabulous folk/pop sound. There are wonderful tender ballads and catchy hooks. All have insightful lyrics.

The disc is currently available through his web site for only $10 (PayPal) as well as CD Baby.

Click here for more Jacob Moon stories

Blues News Bites (Awards, Podcasts, Videos)

Local

• Mississippi Kings discuss Hamilton Music Award nomination (video)
• Video of Aboriginal Music Awards 

World

• Nothing But the Blues podcast # 3
• Woodstomp Blues Show podcast #15
• Roadhouse Podcast # 249
• Folk Singer Bess lomax Hawes Passes (she sang with Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger and wrote with the Kingston Trio)

 Videos

Pete Sisk, Fred D Smith and Friends at Artword Artbar


 Video of Pappy Johns Band Live


Jacob Moon's Welcome Christmas Trailer

Blues News Bites (Neil Young, Canadian Heroes CD, Videos)

Canada

• BC Interior Music Award Winners
• Neil Young to reissue 1st 4 albums
• Leonard Cohen biography to be released in December
• Alex Tintinalli chosen to represent Grand River Blues Society at Memphis Youth Showcase 

World

• House of Blues podcasts: Rory Block talks about Bonnie Raitt, Bonnie Raitt talks about Fred McDowell

Videos
Canadian Heroes song released Nov 11


Jacob Moon covers Peter Gabriel (Video)


More Peter Gabriel covers/stories

Lee Harvey Osmond cover Neil Young

Blues News Bites (Kathleen Edwards, Stones, Videos)

Local

• New blog posts: Dave Rave
• Jacob Moon November Newsletter

International

• House of Blues podcasts: Rory Block, Sonny Rhodes
• Harmonica great Norton Bufallo (Steve Miller Band) passes
• Rolling Stones live CD gets Deluxe treatment
• Classic Rock Award Winners

Jacob Moon previews his upcoming CD on YouTube

News Roundup (Pepper Jack, Six String Nation, Jacob Moon)

After eight years, the Pepper Jack Cafe will be closing it's doors for good. It has played host to many great gigs with local and international talent. The PJC will be missed.

Ken Inouye sent the following e-mail message to members of the Pepper Jack Facebook Group:

"It's been 8 wonderful years of music, food and friends but also 8 years of very hard work. A bit too much hard work to continue on past June when our lease is up. "

"I'd like to thank you ever so much for all your support of our club and your support of live music in general over all these years. No doubt there are some truly great people who make it fun to throw shows for and with in Hamilton.. Who knew? We've had "maybe" one "fight" in the entire 8 years we've been in downtown Hamilton. I really can't stress enough how great the crowds have been. I've especially admired anyone who's done the research, spotted something interesting and been brave enough to attend a show even if they could not find a buddy or crew to go with.

While I'm at it I'd also like to comment on the abundance of good music coming thru Hamilton. Even when we are gone, many great bands will of course still be coming by the other live music clubs in this city. Not to mention the abundance of talent that this city has in it's own citizens. Please remember that when you go to a show, on top of the potential to have a fun and rich experience, you are also casting your vote and approval to the promoter and/or band to continue coming back and playing Hamilton.

The more support the clubs get, the more chances for unique and interesting entertainment to continue flowing and staying in the city.

Also, rest assured that there are clubs in Hamilton that do consistently book the up and coming buzz bands that go on to play much bigger, less intimate venues for way more money. "

"There are still almost 2 months of quality shows coming your way from PJC as well as some gems yet to be announced!

Thanks for your support and for being so cool!

Sincerely,
Ken"


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Journalist Mark McNeil wrote an interesting true tale in the Thursday, May 7 edition of the Spectator (article no longer available).

It was all about a guitar (dubbed "Six String Nation") built of 63 pieces of Canadian history.

Here are some highlights:

The peg came from from the hockey stick used to win the legendary 1972 Russia series

The inlays contains a piece of golf from Rocket Richard's 1955/56 Stanley Cup Ring and a wooden nickel from Maid of the Mist II.

The edging was made from the Cabin of author Jack London (Call of the Wild)

The bracing used wood from Green Gables writer, Lucy Maud Montgomery's home in PEI and from the deck of the Bluenose II.

CBC Radio Broadcaster Jowi Taylor helped create the guitar and is travelling Canada with it. On Wednesday, May 6, it was brought to Westdale Secondary School where students and the teacher played the fabulous instrument.

Plans are underway for a book about the guitar and the Canadian Mint recently issued a coin celebrating it.

Click here for the guitar's blog/web-site.

Click here for the coin.

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Jacob Moon has recently released a YouTube video on the making of his new six-song EP. The disc should be released in the fall.

From Jacob's site:

"I have been writing some new songs, and trying them out on unsuspecting audiences, slipping them into sets like some kind of mad scientist, to see how they react.

What I'm hoping to achieve this summer is something I've rarely tried: compose parts of songs, then record them and finish the lyric and melody as I go, reacting to studio musicians' interpretation.

All of this in an attempt to uncover something about the songs that I would be unable to do on my own. First up is something to get me into that headspace again: a band version of The Great Beyond, for an upcoming animated video I've partially commissioned from local animator Rachel Peters. I intend to make that video part of a half dozen new videos that will debut this fall."

Click below or here to view the video.

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Previous (Performer of the Week: The Stingrays) - - - Next (Performer of the Week: Fred D. Smith)

News Roundup (Jacob Moon, Maple Blues Awards, Free Sax Lessons)

According to singer/songwriter Jacob Moon's news page, Rush singer Geddy Lee has sent him a message praising his latest YouTube offering.

The online video has Moon performing Subdivisions live on the rooftop of the Staircase Theatre.

"The guys have all seen this and think it's terrific. Kudos to Jacob and best of luck to him. Great voice!! Best - Geddy"

Click below or here to view the video.




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Unfortunately, no local performers won at the 12th Annual Maple Blues Awards on January 19.

On the plus side, the late Jeff Healey was the biggest winner with his album Mess of Blues winning 4 awards (Entertainer, Electric Artist, Recording, Guitarist).

Other winners included Harry Manx, Paul Reddick, John Mays (Fathead), and more.

Click here for full story.

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Our friend, Neil Sharpe (left), a local boy and contributing editor for the Sax on the Web, has shown us a cool free link. He worked on some of the content.

"It takes the reader from basic theory all the way to the recording studio," he says, "and includes features such as a brief history of blues and the sax, free solo transcripts, special effects, and recommended resources."

Click here for the free stuff.

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Previous (News Roundup) - - - Next (New Rick and the Krickets CD)