News Roundup (Big Johnny Blue, Downbeat Reader's Poll, Scotty Campbell)

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Local

• Kevin's Barbershop podcast with Big Johnny Blue
  
  Links: Big Johnny Blue, More Big Johnny Blue Stories, Video courtesy of Kevin's Barbershop

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World

• Passings: Crystal Lee (Joan Jett drummer), Mike O'Neill (piano for Beatles, Hendrix)

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Downbeat Magazine Reader's Poll results 

Hall of Fame: Pat Metheny
Jazz Artist: Wayne Shorter
Jazz Album: Wayne Shorter Quartet, Without A Net
Historical Album: Miles Davis Quintet, Live In Europe 1969: The Bootleg Series Vol. 2
Jazz Group: Wayne Shorter Quartet
Big Band: Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra
Trumpet: Wynton Marsalis
Trombone: Trombone Shorty
Soprano Saxophone: Wayne Shorter
Alto Saxophone: Kenny Garrett
Tenor Saxophone: Sonny Rollins
Baritone Saxophone: Gary Smulyan
Clarinet: Anat Cohen
Flute: Hubert Laws
Piano: Keith Jarrett
Keyboard: Herbie Hancock
Organ: Joey DeFrancesco
Guitar: Pat Metheny
Bass: Christian McBride
Electric Bass: Stanley Clarke
Violin: Regina Carter
Drums: Jack DeJohnette
Vibes: Gary Burton
Percussion: Poncho Sanchez
Miscellaneous Instrument: Béla Fleck (banjo)
Female Vocalist: Diana Krall
Male Vocalist: Kurt Elling
Composer: Wayne Shorter
Arranger: Maria Schneider
Record Label: Blue Note
Blues Artist or Group: B.B. King
Blues Album: Dr. John, Locked Down
Beyond Artist or Group: Robert Glasper Experiment
Beyond Album: Donald Fagen, Sunken Condos 
 


Links: Wayne Shorter, Video courtesy of Tadeus Jazz

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Funny/Weird Stuff

 

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Blasts from the Past

• 2009: Blues News Bites w/ videos from Jacob Moon, Lee Harvey Osmond & Canadian Heroes
• 2010: Videos - Michael Pickett@Artword Artbar
• 2011: Videos-JP Riemens@Brantford Station Gallery
• 2012: News Roundup w/Rita Chiarelli, Oakland Soul & Boon's House Jam

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Featured Video


Links: Scotty Campbell, Video courtesy of EllePreece

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Previous (Canadian Folk Music Award Winners) - - - Next (New Andre Bisson CD)

Rita MacNeil Passes + Reactions

Shortly after losing the legendary Stompin' Tom, Canada has lost another musical icon.  The incredible Rita MacNeil passed away April 16, 2013 after complications from surgery.  Our condolences to her family, friends, and fans.  She will be missed.

Click here for the CBC story.

Click here for the Hamilton Spectator story.

As always, reaction was swift on social media.  Here are a few highlights.

John M Crawford: "I am so devistated that Rita McNeil is gone. What a voice and an entertainer we lost. God bless her family and thank you Rita for giving us such wonderfull music."

Tia McGraff: "OH I am so sad to hear about the passing of Rita MacNeil. She was one of Canada's most amazing voices and songwriters."

Stephen Fearing: "So long Rita MacNeil. You were a sweet soul with a voice to match it. RIP."

Jann Arden: "Love you Rita MacNeil! Such an honor to do your show many times in the 90ties!! Brilliant writer, wonderful singer! Safe travels!"

Eric Alper: "There was no finer, kinder, authentic woman I have ever worked with than Cape Breton's Rita MacNeil."

Videos below courtesy of SirRusselOtt




Click here for Rita's site.

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Previous (Bill Poss/Tif Ginn@Brantford Gunners Club) - - - Next (News Roundup w/Harrison Kennedy Benefit video, Jimmy Dawkins, more)

News Roundup (Mike Almas, John M Crawford, Clapton)

Local

• Two iTunes singles from Kathleen Edwards: I Make The Dough, It Must Have Been Love
• Melissa Bel iTunes single: All the Wrong Things
• Cactus fest plans move to Driving Park
• Dan Medakovic co-writes first single off of Tim Magwood's new album

Canada 

• Blues and Roots radio

World

• Passings: Alvin Lee (Ten Years After), Bobby Rogers (Miracles), Richard Street (Temptations)
• Poster of Al Pacino as Phil Spector
• Eric Clapton says he'll stop touring at 70
• Podcasts: SA Blues 180, Nothing But the Blues 233

Blasts from the Past

• 2009: New Tewlips CD 
• 2010: Videos by Michael Pickett, Fathead, and Pappy Johns Band
• 2011: Duane Rutter's 48-Hour Guitarathon 
• 2012: Davy Jones (Monkees) passes, Video by Psychedellicatessin, more

Featured Videos
  


Links: Mike Almas, More Mike Almas Stories, Video courtesy of Stephen Shelton



Links: John M Crawford, More John M Crawford Stories, Video courtesy of Stonecrafter01

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Previous (New Ensemble w/James Anthony, Al Lukas, Mary Simon & Barry Mac) - - - Next (Stompin' Tom Connors Passes)

News Roundup (Local Podcasts, Neon Rain, Roadkill Bill)

Local

• Greater Hamilton Musician Annual Published
• Kevin's Barber Shop Podcasts: Social Animals, Blind Mule, Peter Arsenault, Ray Materick, Boxing Day Special
  

Canada

• Jan 2013 issue of Maple Blues (w Steve Strongman & Andre Bisson)
  

World

• Bobby Womack Diagnosed with Alzheimer's
• Blues Artists That Died in 2012
• Rescue Me Singer Fontella bass passes
• Jimmy McCracklin passes
• New study examines short lifespans of rock stars
• Podcasts: Nothing But the Blues 223, Roadhouse  408, Roadhouse 409 

Blasts from the Past

• 2009: Halton Blues Society Live CD 
• 2010: Hamilton Folk Club@Pheasant Plucker 
• 2011: Eggmen@This Ain't Hollywood
• 2012: Kirby@The Casbah 

Featured Videos 


Links: Lou Campanella, Robin Benedict, John M. Crawford, Missy Bauman, Dawn Before Descent, Video courtesy of Brian Berneker


Links: Rob Kirkham and Neon Rain, Video courtesy of Neon Rain


Links: Roadkill Bill, More Roadkill Bill Stories, Video courtesy of Highway of Heroes

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Previous (2012: Year in Review - - - Next (New Jack de Keyzer CD)

Hamilton Blues Society @ Happy Dayz in Hamilton Festival (August 14, 2010)

Click here if you can't see the videos








Links: Hamilton Blues Society Site
More Happy Dayz in Hamilton Festival Footage:

• Rick and the Krickets
• Mark Vanderheyden
• Hammer Daddies
  

Blues News Bites (Leonard Cohen, Podcasts, Videos)

Canada

• Leonard Cohen to be Inducted into Songwriters Hall of Fame
• New Chart Attack Magazine Facebook Page

World

• Memphis Bluesman Will Roy Sanders Passes
• Lightnin' Hopkins Get Historical Marker
• Abbey Road Studios for Sale
• Jimmy Page to Release Pictoral Autobiography
• Dale "Suzie Q" Hawkins Passes

Funny/Weird Stuff

• Blues Related Cartoon from Hi and Lois
• Humourous Article on How Music Affects the Brain (Warning: Mature language)

Featured Videos



Links: John M. Crawford, More John M. Crawford Stories

Hailey Gillis at SPCA Fundraiser

Hamilton 4 Haiti @ St. Peter's Church (February 6, 2010) Part 4 (Blues Jams)

Links: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

More to come . . .

Click here if you can't see the videos.


Hamilton 4 Haiti Blues Jam - Stormy Monday

Hamilton Blues Lovers | MySpace Video







Links: John M. Crawford, More John M. Crawford Stories, Hammertones, More Hammertones Stories, Dawn Before Descent

Hamilton 4 Haiti @ St. Peter's Church (February 6, 2010) Part 2

Click here for Part 1, more to come . . .

Click here if you can't see the videos.



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Links: Shawn Brush Site - More Shawn Brush Stories
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Links: Links: John M. Crawford, More John M. Crawford Stories, Troy Harmer, More Troy Harmer Stories

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Click below to donate

New John M. Crawford CD: Got Soul

John M. Crawford, of the band Strange Cargo, recently unleashed his solo CD, Got Soul.

The music is soulful, funky, and rockin'. From slow songs, fast songs and everything in between, there is something to please every type of blues lover.

Highlights include the catchy You Drive Me Baby Blues (written when he was 12), the delightful title track, and the wonderfully opinionated We Do Nothing.

The CD is available at Strange Cargo shows, Crash Landing (Ottawa St.), or by contacting John through his Facebook page.

Links: John M. Crawford, More John M. Crawford Stories

Jackie Washington Gets Front Page Treatment

On the Monday, June 29, 2009 edition of the Hamilton Spectator, the late Jackie Washington received the recognition he deserved. His life and career was the front page story.

Washington passed away Saturday June 27.

Graham Rockingham's touching article (no longer available) included a description of his final moments, Jackie's biography, highlights from his career, and quotes from important Hamilton figures such as Lincoln Alexander, Sheila Copps, and more.


More media stories about Jackie: CHML - London Free Press

The legend's passing has also been felt on the Internet as many musicians and fans have posted their thoughts on different web sites.

Here is a sampling:

Mark McNeil (Spectator Reporter)
"I've never known anyone who had more of a positive outlook on life and so genuinely loved being around people. He was a pleasure to spend time with and he was a treasure of information about the jazz world and local history. We all learned by his example and our lives were enriched by his musicianship."

Alfie Smith
"The world seemed a little brighter with Jackie Washington in it. Your music and the joy you brought to so many people will always live on. I feel lucky to have known you. Rest in peace my friend."

John Crawford (Strange Cargo)
"I am devastated, I just found out that the great Jackie Washington of Hamilton Ontario died yesterday. My heart goes out to the Washington Family. I was deeply moved by Jackie's music and he influenced my music for the better. Thanks Jackie and God bless you.!!!!!!!!"

Fix Our Word (Charity)
"Jackie Washington, a cultural icon who spread joy through his music for more than 80 years, has died. He was funny, sweet and unique."

Lily Sazz (Groove Corporation)
"A Hamilton icon gone. Jackie Washington's memory will live on. Special mention to all of his dear friends who helped him in his final years."

All our Jackie Washington stories.

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Links: Jackie Washington, More Jackie Washington Stories

Strange Cargo - Cat N Fiddle (June 26, 2009)

Links: John M. Crawford (Strange Cargo's singer), More John M. Crawford Stories