Hamilton music veteran Sonny Del-Rio made a name for himself playing fabulous music for over 50 years. His latest release, Blow Your Horn Man! is a "best of" compilation of some of the saxman's greatest work.
It's hard to create a CD that encapsulates such a storied career but Blow Your Horn Man! succeeds quite well. Not only is it a wonderful historical document - its a kick ass disc as well. The album was even nominated for a Hamilton Music Award this year.
Compiled from many of his solo CDs and other sources, it features work with such luminaries as Trickbag, King Biscuit Boy, Jack Pedler (Teenage Head), Neil Nickafor, Mike Williams, Dan Thomas (Hammertones), Jesse O'Brien and many more.
As an added bonus, there's an amazing unrelased holiday tune, Merry Christmas to You, where Sonny teams up with a who's who of the Hamilton music scene: Tom Wilson, Dave Rave, Skip Prokop (Lighthouse), Jude Johnson, Ray Materick, Harrison Kennedy, and others.
You can pick this CD at any of Sonny's live shows or download it through eMusic or iTunes.
Video below courtesy of Jim Unsworth.
Video below courtesy of Canada Jams
Blast from the Past: Sonny Del-Rio and We Got Blues@Boon's House
Links: Sonny Del Rio, More Sonny Del Rio Stories, More CD Releases
Previous(Videos from Locke Street Fest w Uncorked, Mike Vallely, Banned From Heaven, and B.O.B.) - - - Next (Videos of Alex MacDougall Tribute, Part 1 - Mike Blackborow, Sonny Del-Rio, Brian Blain, Tim Gibbons)
Showing posts with label Jesse O'Brien. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jesse O'Brien. Show all posts
Sunday, 1 December 2013
Monday, 18 November 2013
2013 Hamilton Music Award Winners
The 2013 Hamilton Music Awards were handed out on Saturday, November 16 (Industry) and Sunday, November 17 (main). As always, it was an incredible celebration of the best music this city has to offer. There was amazing music throughout the Hammer!
The big winners were Harrison Kennedy, who took home four trophies as well as a lifetime achievement award and hard rock band Monster Truck, who won seven awards.
Click here for the Spectator story
Here's a sampling of the winners!
Industry Awards
Click here for more about the Hamilton Music Awards
Previous (New Andre Bisson CD)
The big winners were Harrison Kennedy, who took home four trophies as well as a lifetime achievement award and hard rock band Monster Truck, who won seven awards.
Click here for the Spectator story
Here's a sampling of the winners!
- Blues Recording: Harrison Kennedy - Soulscape
Links: Harrison Kennedy, More Harrison Kennedy Stories, Video courtesy of PhotogAtTheSpec
- Folk/Traditional Recording: Dawn and Marra – Teaspoons and Tablespoons
- Roots Recording: Lee Harvey Osmond – The Folk Sinner
- Alt/Country Recording: JP Riemens & the Fabulous Barflies – No Filter
- Adult Alternative Recording: Cowlick – Night Vision
- Adult Contemporary Recording: Ian Thomas – Little Dreams
- Ethnic/World Recording of the Year: Yiannis Kapoulas – Mystic Journey
- Jazz Recording: Diana Panton
- Female Artist: Buckshot Bebee
- Male Artist: Harrison Kennedy
- New Artist/Group: Allotrope
- Mohawk College Artist Lifetime Achievement Award: Harrison Kennedy
- Instrumental Recording: Brad Cheeseman Group – Brad Cheesman Group
- Songwriter: Harrison Kennedy
- Female Vocalist: Diana Panton
- Male Vocalist: Harrison Kennedy
- Record: Monster Truck - Furiosity
Links: Monster Truck, More Monster Truck Stories, Video courtesy of Monster Truck
Industry Awards
- Artist Website: www.ilovemonstertruck.com
- Video of the Year: Saint Alvia - Mother’s Day
Links: Saint Alvia, Video courtesy of Saint Alvia
- Best Album Artwork: Lee Harvey Osmond (The Folk Sinner)
- Record Label: Sonic Unyon Recording Company (Terra Lightfoot, Young Rival, Threat Signal)
- Music Retailer: Dr. Disc
- Major Concert Venue: Gage Park
- Live Club of the Year: This Ain’t Hollywood
- Musical Event (People’s Choice): Supercrawl
- Theatre: Pearl Company
- Piano/Keyboard Player of the Year: Jesse O’Brien (Smoke Wagon Blues Band/Andre Bisson)
- Special Instrumentalist: Yiannis Kapoulas
- Guitarist: Jeremy Widerman (Monster Truck)
- Drummer: Steve Kiely (Monster Truck)
- Bassist: Jon Harvey (Monster Truck)
- Local Group (People’s Choice): John Mamone
- Canadian Recording (People’s Choice): Monster Truck
Click here for more about the Hamilton Music Awards
Previous (New Andre Bisson CD)
Saturday, 16 November 2013
New Andre Bisson CD: Bad Scene
Local bluesman Andre Bisson's latest CD, Bad Scene recently earned 7 Hamilton Music Awards - and with good reason!
Andre's usual tasty blend of blues, swing, R&B, and soul have received an extra shot of energy. His voice is more powerful than ever and the hot band is right there with him.
The albums packed with incedible numbers: the hard drivin' Soul Survivor, the cool boogie of the title track, straight ahead blues rock (Wasting Time), slow soulful numbers (Ever Since You Went Away) and an excellent cover of Jimi Hendrix's Remember.
Rounding out this killer main band is Loretta Hale (Trumpet), Brad Cheeseman (Bass), Matt Burns (Drums/Tambourine) and Francis Smith (Sax). Special guests include Jesse O'Brien, Darcy Hepner, Andrew King, Kevin Matthews.
This amazing album can be downloaded through and iTunes and cdbaby (where you can also get a CD rip of it).
Videos below courtesy of Andre's YouTube Page
Blast from the Past: Andre Bisson CD-Till the Real Thing Comes Along
Links: Andre Bisson, More Andre Bisson stories, More CD Releases
Previous (News Roundup w Big Johnny Blue, Downbeat Reader's Poll, Scotty Campbell) - - - Next (2013 Hamilton Music Award Winners)
Andre's usual tasty blend of blues, swing, R&B, and soul have received an extra shot of energy. His voice is more powerful than ever and the hot band is right there with him.
The albums packed with incedible numbers: the hard drivin' Soul Survivor, the cool boogie of the title track, straight ahead blues rock (Wasting Time), slow soulful numbers (Ever Since You Went Away) and an excellent cover of Jimi Hendrix's Remember.
Rounding out this killer main band is Loretta Hale (Trumpet), Brad Cheeseman (Bass), Matt Burns (Drums/Tambourine) and Francis Smith (Sax). Special guests include Jesse O'Brien, Darcy Hepner, Andrew King, Kevin Matthews.
This amazing album can be downloaded through and iTunes and cdbaby (where you can also get a CD rip of it).
Videos below courtesy of Andre's YouTube Page
Blast from the Past: Andre Bisson CD-Till the Real Thing Comes Along
Links: Andre Bisson, More Andre Bisson stories, More CD Releases
Previous (News Roundup w Big Johnny Blue, Downbeat Reader's Poll, Scotty Campbell) - - - Next (2013 Hamilton Music Award Winners)
Sunday, 3 November 2013
Local Acts Nominated for 2014 Maple Blues Awards
Once again, our talented local musicans were honoured with quite a few Maple Blues Award nominations.
Hopefully, some of them will be receieving the kudos on the 17th annual show (run by the Toronto Blues Society) on January 10, 2014. GOOD LUCK!
Steve Strongman, Harrison Kennedy, and Soulstack garnered two nods each: Strongman for Entertainer & Guitarist; Harrison for Acoustic Act & Male Vocalist; Soulstack for Electric act & Drummer (Tom Bona).
Other area nominees include: Dave King (Drummer) and Brant Parker Blues Band (New Artist/Group).
Links: Steve Strongman, More Steve Strongman stories,Video courtesy of Urban Hero Magazine
Links: Harrison Kennedy, More Harrison Kennedy Stories, Video courtesy of StellaBlu477
Links: Soulstack , Video courtesy of Jon Knight
Links: Brant Parker Blues Band, More Brant Parker Stories, Video courtesy of Daragent2
The largest number of nominations went to Ottawa's MonkeyJunk who were listed in six categories.
Here is the complete list of the 17th Annual Maple Blues Awards nominees:
Entertainer
The 24th Street Wailers
MonkeyJunk
Shakura S'Aida
Steve Strongman
The Harpoonist & The Axe Murderer
Electric Act
The 24th Street Wailers
Bill Durst
David Gogo
MonkeyJunk
Soulstack
Acoustic Act
Brandon Isaak
Dawn Tyler Watson and Paul Deslauriers
Harrison Kennedy
Little Miss Higgins
Michael Jerome Browne
Male Vocalist
Bob Walsh
Charlie A'Court
Donald Ray Johnson
Harrison Kennedy
Jim Byrnes
Female Vocalist
Angel Forrest
Dawn Tyler Watson
Layla Zoe
Shakura S'Aida
Treasa Levasseur
New Artist or Group
Brant Parker Blues Band
Declan O'Donovan
Denis Viel
James “Buddy” Rogers
The Mackenzie Blues Band
Recording/Producer
MonkeyJunk - All Frequencies
David Vest - East Meets Vest (co-produced by Gary Kendall)
Julian Fauth - Everybody Ought To Treat A Stranger Right
Angel Forrest - Mother Tongue Blues
Ben Racine Band - One of A Kind
B.B. King International Artist
James Cotton
Dr. John
Mavis Staples
Tedeschi Trucks Band
Trampled Under Foot
Guitarist
David Gogo
Kevin Breit
Paul Deslauriers
Steve Strongman
Tony D (MonkeyJunk)
Harmonica
Carlos Del Junco
David Rotundo
Guy Belanger
Shawn Hall (The Harpoonist & The Axe Murderer)
Steve Marriner (MonkeyJunk)
Piano/Keyboard
David Vest
Graham Guest
Julian Fauth
Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne
Lance Anderson
Horn
Al Lerman (Fathead)
Chris Whiteley
Frank Thiffault (Ben Racine)
Jon Wong (The 24th Street Wailers)
Shirley Jackson
Drummer
Bucky Berger
Chris Nordquist
Dave King (Steve Strongman)
Sam Harrisson (Paul Deslauriers)
Tom Bona (Soulstack)
Bassist
Alec Fraser
Gary Kendall
Keith Picot (Brandon Isaak)
Omar Tunnoch (Fathead)
Russell Jackson
Songwriter
Brandon Isaak
Charlie A'Court
Harrison Kennedy
Julian Fauth
MonkeyJunk
Blues With A Feeling Award (Lifetime Achievement)
Alec Fraser
Michael Jerome Browne
Danny Brooks
Ellen McIlwaine
Joe Murphy
Ken Whiteley
Michael Fonfara
Stephen Barry
Tom Lavin
Brent Parkin
Bob Walsh
Jim Zeller
Nanette Workman
Theresa Malenfant
John Dickie
Blast from the Past: Last Year's Maple Blues Award Winners
Click here for more about the Maple Blues Awards
Previous (Bluesman Al Carter Passes) - - - Next (Videos: Workshop@Festival of Friends w D'arcy Wickham, Steve Sinnicks, Darrelle London, David Knopfler, Ken Whiteley)
Hopefully, some of them will be receieving the kudos on the 17th annual show (run by the Toronto Blues Society) on January 10, 2014. GOOD LUCK!
Steve Strongman, Harrison Kennedy, and Soulstack garnered two nods each: Strongman for Entertainer & Guitarist; Harrison for Acoustic Act & Male Vocalist; Soulstack for Electric act & Drummer (Tom Bona).
Other area nominees include: Dave King (Drummer) and Brant Parker Blues Band (New Artist/Group).
Links: Steve Strongman, More Steve Strongman stories,Video courtesy of Urban Hero Magazine
Links: Harrison Kennedy, More Harrison Kennedy Stories, Video courtesy of StellaBlu477
Links: Soulstack , Video courtesy of Jon Knight
Links: Brant Parker Blues Band, More Brant Parker Stories, Video courtesy of Daragent2
The largest number of nominations went to Ottawa's MonkeyJunk who were listed in six categories.
Here is the complete list of the 17th Annual Maple Blues Awards nominees:
Entertainer
The 24th Street Wailers
MonkeyJunk
Shakura S'Aida
Steve Strongman
The Harpoonist & The Axe Murderer
Electric Act
The 24th Street Wailers
Bill Durst
David Gogo
MonkeyJunk
Soulstack
Acoustic Act
Brandon Isaak
Dawn Tyler Watson and Paul Deslauriers
Harrison Kennedy
Little Miss Higgins
Michael Jerome Browne
Male Vocalist
Bob Walsh
Charlie A'Court
Donald Ray Johnson
Harrison Kennedy
Jim Byrnes
Female Vocalist
Angel Forrest
Dawn Tyler Watson
Layla Zoe
Shakura S'Aida
Treasa Levasseur
New Artist or Group
Brant Parker Blues Band
Declan O'Donovan
Denis Viel
James “Buddy” Rogers
The Mackenzie Blues Band
Recording/Producer
MonkeyJunk - All Frequencies
David Vest - East Meets Vest (co-produced by Gary Kendall)
Julian Fauth - Everybody Ought To Treat A Stranger Right
Angel Forrest - Mother Tongue Blues
Ben Racine Band - One of A Kind
B.B. King International Artist
James Cotton
Dr. John
Mavis Staples
Tedeschi Trucks Band
Trampled Under Foot
Guitarist
David Gogo
Kevin Breit
Paul Deslauriers
Steve Strongman
Tony D (MonkeyJunk)
Harmonica
Carlos Del Junco
David Rotundo
Guy Belanger
Shawn Hall (The Harpoonist & The Axe Murderer)
Steve Marriner (MonkeyJunk)
Piano/Keyboard
David Vest
Graham Guest
Julian Fauth
Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne
Lance Anderson
Horn
Al Lerman (Fathead)
Chris Whiteley
Frank Thiffault (Ben Racine)
Jon Wong (The 24th Street Wailers)
Shirley Jackson
Drummer
Bucky Berger
Chris Nordquist
Dave King (Steve Strongman)
Sam Harrisson (Paul Deslauriers)
Tom Bona (Soulstack)
Bassist
Alec Fraser
Gary Kendall
Keith Picot (Brandon Isaak)
Omar Tunnoch (Fathead)
Russell Jackson
Songwriter
Brandon Isaak
Charlie A'Court
Harrison Kennedy
Julian Fauth
MonkeyJunk
Blues With A Feeling Award (Lifetime Achievement)
Alec Fraser
Michael Jerome Browne
Danny Brooks
Ellen McIlwaine
Joe Murphy
Ken Whiteley
Michael Fonfara
Stephen Barry
Tom Lavin
Brent Parkin
Bob Walsh
Jim Zeller
Nanette Workman
Theresa Malenfant
John Dickie
Blast from the Past: Last Year's Maple Blues Award Winners
Click here for more about the Maple Blues Awards
Previous (Bluesman Al Carter Passes) - - - Next (Videos: Workshop@Festival of Friends w D'arcy Wickham, Steve Sinnicks, Darrelle London, David Knopfler, Ken Whiteley)
Wednesday, 19 June 2013
Videos: 1st Annual Hamilton Blues and Roots Festival
Links: Trickbag, More Trickbag Stories
Links: Terra Lightfoot, More Terra Lightfoot Stories
Links: Steve Strongman, More Steve Strongman stories
Links: Fry Truck, More Fry Truck Stories, Video courtesy of Fry Truck
Click here for pictures of the festival
Previous (New Melissa Bel CD) - - - Next (News Roundup w Podcasts, Kimberley Wetmore and Douglas Watson)
Thursday, 13 June 2013
News Roundup (Jesse O'Brien, Steven Dall, Canadian Blues Book)
Local
Canada
Funny/Weird Stuff
Blasts From the Past
Links: Micheal Fonfara, Jesse O'Brien, More Jesse O'Brien Stories, Video courtesy of Randall Stafford Cook
Links: Steven Dall, Video courtesy of Barbershop Podcast
Previous (New Paul Langille CD) - - - Next (New Melissa Bel CD)
Canada
Funny/Weird Stuff
Blasts From the Past
- 2009: Steve Strongman on CHOM FM's Top 20
- 2010: Videos: Big Rude Jake@Artword Artbar
- 2011: Videos: Astrid Young@Brantford Station Gallery
- 2012: New Brennaugh Burns CD
Links: Micheal Fonfara, Jesse O'Brien, More Jesse O'Brien Stories, Video courtesy of Randall Stafford Cook
Links: Steven Dall, Video courtesy of Barbershop Podcast
Previous (New Paul Langille CD) - - - Next (New Melissa Bel CD)
Wednesday, 5 June 2013
New Sue Leonard EP: Leonardville
As soon as you hear Sue Leonard's voice on her new EP, Leonardville (from Race Records), you know the lady means business. This Hamilton-born singer/songwriter can rock you as well as soothe you.
Everything starts with an incredible bang thanks to Bye Baby, the high-energy opening track. What follows is a wonderful mix of pop, rock and soul. After Sue is done shaking your body, she soothes your soul with two beautiful lighter tunes (Quietude and Angel).
On most of the tracks, the singer is expertly backed by Bill Dillon on guitars and bass, Dave King on Drums, and Georgie Fab (Ronnie and the Rockets) on guitar. Jesse O'Brien plays piano on a track as well. The whole gang do a superb job.
The EP is available to download on her website.
Video of the opening track below.
Links: Sue Leonard, More CD Releases
Previous (Michael Pickett/Mike Branton/Mighty Duck Blues Band@The Duck) - - - Next (News Roundup w/King Biscuit Boy, Terra Lightfoot, Jackie Washington)
Everything starts with an incredible bang thanks to Bye Baby, the high-energy opening track. What follows is a wonderful mix of pop, rock and soul. After Sue is done shaking your body, she soothes your soul with two beautiful lighter tunes (Quietude and Angel).
On most of the tracks, the singer is expertly backed by Bill Dillon on guitars and bass, Dave King on Drums, and Georgie Fab (Ronnie and the Rockets) on guitar. Jesse O'Brien plays piano on a track as well. The whole gang do a superb job.
The EP is available to download on her website.
Video of the opening track below.
Links: Sue Leonard, More CD Releases
Previous (Michael Pickett/Mike Branton/Mighty Duck Blues Band@The Duck) - - - Next (News Roundup w/King Biscuit Boy, Terra Lightfoot, Jackie Washington)
Wednesday, 15 May 2013
New Andy Griffiths CD: Mind on Other Things
Once again, local singer/songwriter Andy Griffiths, brings his great pop/folk/rock sound to a new disc. Mind on Other Things is a great follow up to his previous CD, Looking at a Life ...
This time, the spirit's a lot higher. Tunes like Gone Forever, Lost My Groove, and Garbage into Space, are incredibly catchy and animated. Slower moments such as Your Style and Your Smile and We Sing For Your Love work extremely well as a beautful contrast to the more kinetic ones.
To end off the album, Andy's included two interesting, raw, bonus demo tracks.
A few of the accomplished musicians from the previous disc make a triumphant return. Frank Koren, Ray Farrugia, Lawrie Ingles and others add their magic touch.
There's some new blood is here as well. Both Tomi Swick and Kim Koren add background vocals to a few tracks. Jesse O'Brien tickles the ivories on 4 songs. Mark Lalama even breaks out his accordion for wonderful The Fog Has Lifted. There are too many other guests to mention but they all make this CD sound marvelous.
You can pick up this spectacular CD at Andy's live shows.
Below are a few live videos from a CD release show.
Blast From the Past: Andy Griffith's Looking at a Life...
Links: Andy Griffiths, More Andy Griffiths Stories, More CD Releases
Previous (Tom Wilson aka Lee Harvey Osmond@Chapters) - - - Next (News Roundup w/John Ellison, Alex MacDougall and more)
This time, the spirit's a lot higher. Tunes like Gone Forever, Lost My Groove, and Garbage into Space, are incredibly catchy and animated. Slower moments such as Your Style and Your Smile and We Sing For Your Love work extremely well as a beautful contrast to the more kinetic ones.
To end off the album, Andy's included two interesting, raw, bonus demo tracks.
A few of the accomplished musicians from the previous disc make a triumphant return. Frank Koren, Ray Farrugia, Lawrie Ingles and others add their magic touch.
There's some new blood is here as well. Both Tomi Swick and Kim Koren add background vocals to a few tracks. Jesse O'Brien tickles the ivories on 4 songs. Mark Lalama even breaks out his accordion for wonderful The Fog Has Lifted. There are too many other guests to mention but they all make this CD sound marvelous.
You can pick up this spectacular CD at Andy's live shows.
Below are a few live videos from a CD release show.
Blast From the Past: Andy Griffith's Looking at a Life...
Links: Andy Griffiths, More Andy Griffiths Stories, More CD Releases
Previous (Tom Wilson aka Lee Harvey Osmond@Chapters) - - - Next (News Roundup w/John Ellison, Alex MacDougall and more)
Tuesday, 18 December 2012
Local Musicians on Saturday Night Blues Top 10 of 2012 List
CBC's Saturday Night Blues recently published their Top 10 Canadian Blues albums of 2012. A few talented area performers were featured.
Brantford singer Chuck Jackson's Cup of Joe (which also features Hamilton's Jesse O'Brien on keys) came in at number 7. At number 9, there's local bluesman Steve Strongman's A Natural Fact (Jesse on keys for a few tracks here as well). Hamilton's Harrison Kennedy also had a role (some vocals and harmonica work) in Shakura S'Aida's Time..., which reached number 4.
Here's their complete list
1. Julian Fauth: Treating A Stranger Right
2. The Harpoonist and the Axe Murderer: Checked Past
3. Peter Karp and Sue Foley: Beyond the Crossroads
4. Shakura S'Aida: Time...
5. David Vest: East Meets Vest
6. Jack Semple: In the Blue Light
7. Chuck Jackson's Big Bad Blues Band: A Cup of Joe
8. The 24th Street Wailers: Unshakeable
9. Steve Strongman: A Natural Fact
10. Danny Marks: A Friend in the Blues
Links: Chuck Jackson, More Downchild Stories, Jesse O'Brien, More Jesse O'Brien Stories, Shakura S'Aida, More Shakura S'Aida Stories, Harrison Kennedy, More Harrison Kennedy Stories
Links: Steve Strongman, More Steve Strongman stories, Video courtesy of LyttleGoGo
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Previous (12 Videos of Christmas: 1-4) - - - Next (News Roundup + Videos)
Brantford singer Chuck Jackson's Cup of Joe (which also features Hamilton's Jesse O'Brien on keys) came in at number 7. At number 9, there's local bluesman Steve Strongman's A Natural Fact (Jesse on keys for a few tracks here as well). Hamilton's Harrison Kennedy also had a role (some vocals and harmonica work) in Shakura S'Aida's Time..., which reached number 4.
Here's their complete list
1. Julian Fauth: Treating A Stranger Right
2. The Harpoonist and the Axe Murderer: Checked Past
3. Peter Karp and Sue Foley: Beyond the Crossroads
4. Shakura S'Aida: Time...
5. David Vest: East Meets Vest
6. Jack Semple: In the Blue Light
7. Chuck Jackson's Big Bad Blues Band: A Cup of Joe
8. The 24th Street Wailers: Unshakeable
9. Steve Strongman: A Natural Fact
10. Danny Marks: A Friend in the Blues
Links: Chuck Jackson, More Downchild Stories, Jesse O'Brien, More Jesse O'Brien Stories, Shakura S'Aida, More Shakura S'Aida Stories, Harrison Kennedy, More Harrison Kennedy Stories
Links: Steve Strongman, More Steve Strongman stories, Video courtesy of LyttleGoGo
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Previous (12 Videos of Christmas: 1-4) - - - Next (News Roundup + Videos)
Monday, 19 November 2012
Hamilton Music Award Winners
Congratulations to all the winners from the 2012 Hamilton Music Awards. It was an amazing showcase of all the wonderful talent we have in the city.
The big winner was Terra Lightfoot, who received three well-deserved awards (Female Artist, Female Vocalist, Alt-Country Album). Blues veteran Harrison Kennedy walked away with two (Male Vocalist, Blues Album) as did Tomi Swick (Pop Recording, Video) and Luke Doucet (Adult Alternative Recording w Whitehorse, Best Guitarist)
The ceremonies were held November 15-18, 2012 at the McIntyre Theatre in Mohawk College.
Click here for the article from the Spectator, which includes the complete winner list.
Click here for video coverage from CHCH.
Here's Tomi Swick's video of the year, December Sky, courtesy of Tomi's YouTube Page
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Below are highlights of the winners list.
- Female Artist of the Year -Terra Lightfoot
- Male Artist of the Year -Lee Reed
- Local Group of the Year by the Peoples Choice -Hey Brother
- New Artist/Group of the Year - Missy Bauman
- Roots Recording of the Year - Ben Caplan and the Casual Smokers – In The Time Of The Great Remembering
- Alternative/Indie Rock Recording of the Year - CA Smith – Someone You Love
- Folk/Traditional Recording of the Year - S.G Sinnicks – The Last Irishman In Corktown
- Rock Recording of the Year - Arkells – Michigan Left
- Adult Alternative Recording of the Year - Whitehorse – The Fate Of The World Depends On This Kiss
- Blues Recording of the Year - Harrison Kennedy – Shame The Devil
- Alt/Country Recording of the Year - Terra Lightfoot – Terra Lightfoot
- Pop Recording of the Year - Tomi Swick – Tomi Swick
- ArcelorMittal Dofasco Artist Lifetime Achievement Award - Crowbar and Gordie Tapp (Hee Haw)
- Songwriter of the Year - Arkells
- Female Vocalist of the Year - Terra Lightfoot
- Male Vocalist of the Year - Harrison Kennedy
- Canadian Recording of the Year by Peoples Choice (Sales over 10,000 units) - Monster Truck, The Brown EP
- Record of the Year - The Rest – Seesaw
From the Industry Awards
- Producer — Dan Griffin
- Video — Tomi Swick, December Sky
- Live Club — This Ain’t Hollywood
- Musical Event by People’s Choice — Burlington Sound of Music Festival
- Keyboard Player — Jesse O’Brien
- Guitarist — Luke Doucet
- Drummer — Zander Lamothe
- Bassist — Kevin Christoff
More from the Hamilton Music Awards
Blast from the Past: Last Year's Winners
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Previous (Rob Szabo Wins CFMA for Producing Strongman CD) - - - Next (New James Anthony Live CD)
Tuesday, 16 October 2012
New Andre Bisson CD: Till the Real Thing Comes Along
If the latest CD from local guitar master Andre Bisson, Till the Real Thing Comes Along, doesn't get you movin', you better check your pulse. This is the kinda music that's perfect for groovin' and havin' a good time.
Andre is joined by a fabulous gang of music makers, including members of his J-Tones backing band (Loretta Hale, Matt Burns, Brad Cheeseman, Francis Smith) as well as Jesse O'Brien and Darcy Hepner. Together, they bring the swing, R&B, blues, soul, and rock to the masses
To top everything off, we have some great covers, including Otis Redding's Don't Mess With Cupid and a unique, slow, bluesy take on Bon Jovi's You Give Love A Bad Name.
The disc is available at his live shows and through cdbaby, iTunes, and eMusic.
Below are two videos of song from the CD, courtesy of Andre's YouTube page.
Blast From the Past: Review of Andre's Covers CD
Links: Andre Bisson, More Andre Bisson stories
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Previous (News Roundup + Videos) - - - Next (Trickbag@Fool and Flagon)
Andre is joined by a fabulous gang of music makers, including members of his J-Tones backing band (Loretta Hale, Matt Burns, Brad Cheeseman, Francis Smith) as well as Jesse O'Brien and Darcy Hepner. Together, they bring the swing, R&B, blues, soul, and rock to the masses
To top everything off, we have some great covers, including Otis Redding's Don't Mess With Cupid and a unique, slow, bluesy take on Bon Jovi's You Give Love A Bad Name.
The disc is available at his live shows and through cdbaby, iTunes, and eMusic.
Below are two videos of song from the CD, courtesy of Andre's YouTube page.
Blast From the Past: Review of Andre's Covers CD
Links: Andre Bisson, More Andre Bisson stories
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Previous (News Roundup + Videos) - - - Next (Trickbag@Fool and Flagon)
Wednesday, 12 September 2012
New Caretakers CD: Love, War + PRopaganda
Love, War + PRopaganda is the latest CD from Hamilton's own folk-rock band with a conscience, the Caretakers.The group have taken the amazing sound from their debut disc and journeyed beyond. The bedrock is still classic, melodic folk rock though. Lena Montecalvo's powerful vocals and Jeffrey Martin's character-filled voice are on full display, as always.
In this cool collection, you get the funkiness of Just Like California, the pop-flavoured Flowers for Peace, the countrified Left a Friend Behind, the catchy I'm the Happiest Man (featuring some cool Ukele work) and much more. Lyrically, they cover many social issues (especially on songs such as On Becoming Noam Chomsky and In Humanity We Trust).
Jeffrey and Lena are the core duo of the Caretakers. Joining them are a number of amazing local musicians such as Mike Trebilcock (who also produces), Carrie Ashworth, Barry Mac, Kim Deschamps, Jesse O'Brien, Matt Coleman and former Caretaker Norm Van Bergen
The CD is available at their live shows and can be downloaded on Bandcamp.
Below is a song from the CD, courtesy of the band's YouTube page.
Blast from the past: Review of their debut CD + Videos
Links: Caretakers, More Caretakers Stories
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Previous (Locke Street Fest) - - - Next (News Roundup + Videos)
Wednesday, 5 September 2012
Chuck Jackson's New Big Joe Turner Tribute (featuring Jesse O'Brien): A Cup of Joe
Downchild Blues Band vocalist, Chuck Jackson has assembled the Big Bad Blues Band to record some wonderful Big Joe Turner covers. A Cup of Joe (available through Linus Entertainment) is an amazing disc filled with great, powerful, swinging, sounds. Big Joe woulda been proud.The group boasts Hamilton's master piano man, Jesse O'Brien tickling the ivories with his usual flair. Also contributing to this treasure tribute are Pat Carey, Terry Wilkins, Gene Hardy. There's also an appearance from the legendary Curley Bridges.
The CD is available at Chuck's shows and can be purchased online. The album can also be downloaded through iTunes, eMusic, and True North Records.
Below is a video from the CD.
Blast from the Past: Downchild Blues Band & Others@Burlington Ribfest
Links: Chuck Jackson, More Downchild Stories, Jesse O'Brien, More Jesse O'Brien Stories
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Previous (Harvest Picnic Videos) - - - Next (News Roundup + Videos)
Tuesday, 28 August 2012
New Corey Lueck and the Smoke Wagon Blues Band CD: It Ain't Easy
With their new disc, It Ain't Easy, Corey Lueck and the Smoke Wagon Blues Band have done it again. The gang's proven to be premiere purveyors of boogiein' blues.The hot, holy trinity of the CD consists of Corey on vocals/harmonica, Mike Stubbs on guitar and Steve Sherman on percussion/a little bit o' bass. Joining the trio are Jesse O'Brien, Robin Banks, Gordon Aelchele, Scott Pritchard, Nick Succi, Gavin Robertson and the Kingston St. Quartet.
Together, these marvelous musicians have cooked up 15 tasty tracks. There's the rockin' boogie of Devil Got My Woman, the slow soul of Downhearted Blues, the infectious Josephine, the funk of Drinking Hard and Steady, the sensuality of That Vooodoo, and much, much more.
The disc is available at their live shows or through Indiepool. It can also be downloaded through iTunes.
Below is a live performance of a song from the CD. Click here for more from this show.
Blast From the Past: Smoke Wagon w/Sonny Del Rio@Blues With a Feeling
Links: Smoke Wagon Blues Band, More Smoke Wagon Blues Band Stories
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Tuesday, 12 June 2012
Blues With a Feeling 2012@Leander Boat Club (June 9, 2012)
Links: Shrimp Daddy, More Shrimp Daddy Stories
Click here for more of Guitar Mikey's Show, Click here for a CD review and one more video from this show
Links: Guitar Mikey, More Guitar Mikey Stories, More King Biscuit Boy Covers/Stories
Links: Steve Strongman, More Steve Strongman Stories
Links: Jesse O'Brien, More Jesse O'Brien Stories, More Jerry Lee Lewis Covers/Stories
Our Pictures from the Event, More Pictures
Blast from the Past: More From Past Blues With a Feeling Shows
Monday, 11 June 2012
New Steve Strongman Acoustic CD: A Natural Fact
Steve Strongman is known around the world for his high powered, high energy electric guitar sound. For his latest CD, A Natural Fact, this Hamilton boy's decided to show that he's equally adept with an acoustic guitar.
This ain't no collection of slow, introspective, ballads though. The stripped down feel allows his great voice to show off it's energy and power (especially on Haven't Seen It Yet and The Mood). Plus, the boogie he's always had is still here.
Steve also takes advantage of the acoustic format to explore some older blues vibes on a few numbers (while still maintaining a foot in the present). You can hear this from the quasi-gospel sound of I Forgot, to the jazzy, old-timey Full of You, and the rawness of Just One Thing
Though a few tunes are just Steve and his guitar (as well as harmonica), he had a few musical pals to keep him company: Jesse O'Brien, Alec Fraser, Rob Szabo (who also produced the CD), Dave King, and Suzie Vinnick (who duets with him on Leaving).
The CD is available at his live shows and as a download on iTunes.
Below are live performances of songs from the CD. Courtesy of IndieEyes
Blast From the Past: Steve Strongman Playing Acoustic at Slainte
Links: Steve Strongman, More Steve Strongman stories
This ain't no collection of slow, introspective, ballads though. The stripped down feel allows his great voice to show off it's energy and power (especially on Haven't Seen It Yet and The Mood). Plus, the boogie he's always had is still here.
Steve also takes advantage of the acoustic format to explore some older blues vibes on a few numbers (while still maintaining a foot in the present). You can hear this from the quasi-gospel sound of I Forgot, to the jazzy, old-timey Full of You, and the rawness of Just One Thing
Though a few tunes are just Steve and his guitar (as well as harmonica), he had a few musical pals to keep him company: Jesse O'Brien, Alec Fraser, Rob Szabo (who also produced the CD), Dave King, and Suzie Vinnick (who duets with him on Leaving).
The CD is available at his live shows and as a download on iTunes.
Below are live performances of songs from the CD. Courtesy of IndieEyes
Blast From the Past: Steve Strongman Playing Acoustic at Slainte
Links: Steve Strongman, More Steve Strongman stories
Thursday, 7 June 2012
News Roundup (Swick, Sinnicks, Local Videos)
Local
- View Magazine article on Tomi Swick
- The Johnny Max Band (including Jesse O'Brien) was awarded The Mississauga Arts Council Award (MARTY) for 'Established Performing Group of the Year'
- Sounds of the Hammer interview w/Steve Sinnicks
- Herb Reed, Founder of the Platters, passes
- Biographic comic strip of the Rolling Stones
- New Blues releases for June 2012
- Celtic Radio Podcasts
- Nothing But the Blues Podcast # 194
Funny Stuff
Blasts From the Past
- 2009: Blues With a Feeling@Corktown (TNT Bluesmen, Wayne Janus, more)
- 2010: Big Rude Jake@Artword Artbar
- 2011: Bill Bourne@Brantford Station Gallery
Featured Videos
Links: Rita Chiarelli, More Rita Chiarelli Stories, Video courtesy of Han Stouten
Links: Boogie Infection, More Snow-Heel Slim Stories, Video courtesy of Steinberg321
Links: Bob Bryden, More Bob Bryden Stories, Video courtesy of ReignGhost
Labels:
Awards,
Bob Bryden,
Doors Pub,
Humour,
Jesse O'Brien,
Johnny Max,
News Roundup,
Obituaries,
Platters,
Podcasts,
Releases,
Rita Chiarelli,
Rolling Stones,
S.G. Sinnicks,
Snow-Heel Slim,
Tomi Swick
Location:
Hamilton, ON, Canada
Friday, 20 April 2012
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
Monday, 10 October 2011
Bobby Hebert Experience YouTube Video
The Autocumulas YouTube page has been posting performances from the Bobby Hebert Experience.
Links: Bobby Hebert Experience, More Bobby Hebert Stories
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Previous (New Dave Gould CD) - - - Next (Funny Videos from Mark Vanderheyden, Chris Cracknell, Cheech & Chong, Wanda Sykes, more)
Links: Bobby Hebert Experience, More Bobby Hebert Stories
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Previous (New Dave Gould CD) - - - Next (Funny Videos from Mark Vanderheyden, Chris Cracknell, Cheech & Chong, Wanda Sykes, more)
Thursday, 29 September 2011
Les Smith, Mo' Kauffey, and Mark McNeil,@Artword Artbar (September 24, 2011) Part 3
Click here if you can't see the videos.
Other performances from the same show
Bonus video of Les with his band, Trickbag. Courtesy of Bassman0611
Links: Les Smith, Trickbag, More Trickbag Stories
Other performances from the same show
Bonus video of Les with his band, Trickbag. Courtesy of Bassman0611
Links: Les Smith, Trickbag, More Trickbag Stories
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