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

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New Killin' Time Band CD: One Set to Freedom

Hamilton's Killin' Time Band are known as a good time, party rockin' band.  Now you can take the fun with you thanks to their latest CD, One Set to Freedom.

These boys have a lot of weapons in their musical arsenal.  KTB break out the reggae, rock, country, and funk to create quite a lively disc. Highlights include the jazzy/funky Heavy, the slow country of Changing my Ways, and the Celtic joy of Don't Be Bitter.

A number of guests also join in on the fun - Members of the Salads and Lo-Fi along with Melissa Bel, Loretta Hale (J-Tones), Juno Award winner Rob Somerville, Mariachi Fuego, Troy Dowding, and others.

The CD is available at their live shows and through the band's website. It can also be downloaded through iTunes and eMusic.

Videos below courtesy of Killin' Time Band.





Links: Killin' Time Band, More CD Releases

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New Marie Avery EP: The Fire

The Fire, the latest EP from local singer/songwriter Marie Avery is ignited by the artist's striking voice. Her accomplished piano work also adds fuel to the flame.

Though this blazing EP has an indie-pop ambiance, Marie still grounds it with solid, poetic songwriting and classic structure.  You can also hear a lot of jazz and a bit of broadway in the mix  What comes through is a beautiful, honest recording full of surprises.

Backing her up is a great team of area musicians, including Bill Majoros (Foreign Films) and Carl Jennings (Freedom Train) - both of whom produced the EP.  Kori Pop, Amber Edgar and Loretta Hale  (Loretta Hale Big Band, J-Tones) join in as well.

This collection is available as a download on her Bandcamp page.

Below is video from the EP courtesy of Marie Avery



You can also stream the EP here

Links: Marie Avery,  More Marie Avery Stories, More CD Releases 

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12 Videos of Christmas 2012: 1-4

We'll be posting more from this show after the holidays.

Links: Rick Andrew, More Rick Andrew Stories, Download Rick and Dave Rave's X-Mas album on iTunes



Links: Andre Bisson, More Andre Bisson stories, Video courtesy of Andre and the J-Tones, Buy His Christmas CD




Links: Smoke Wagon Blues Band, More Smoke Wagon Blues Band Stories, Video courtesy of Corey Lueck, Purchase and Download the single to help out the Make A Wish Foundation

PLEASE NOTE: ONE OF THE VIDEOS HAS BEEN REMOVED

12 Videos of Christmas: 5-8
12 Videos of Christmas: 9-12

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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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News Roundup (Robin Benedict, John Ellison, Videos)

Local

• Music Biz Bits blog post on Robin Benedict
• John Ellison celebrates 4 millions performances of Some Kind of Wonderful
  

Canada

• August issue of Maple Blues Magazine

World

• Podcasts: Roadhouse 388, Roadhouse 389, Nothing But the Blues 202, Nothing But the Blues 203, Blues Time 166
• Trivia Comic Strips on Mick Jagger: First, Second
  

Funny/Weird Stuff

• Famous musicians - if they were still around
• Funny Pic: Let it Bean

Blasts From the Past

• 2009: Jack de Keyzer Band@Boston Manor
• 2010: Kenny Macinnes YouTube Videos
• 2011: Dave Rave@Dr. Disc

Featured Videos

Links: James Anthony, More James Anthony Stories, Video courtesy of 2Buzzed



Links: Andre and the J-Tones, More Andre & J-Tones Stories, Video courtesy of Fern Fresco Video and Music



Links: Tom Wilson, Tim Gibbons, Kathleen Edwards, Video Courtesy of Bravo Fact

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12 Videos of Christmas 2011: 9-12

Links: Sarah Harmer, More Sarah Harmer Stories, Arkells, Video courtesy of GordsGal73



Links: Ginger St. James, More Ginger St. James Stories, Video courtesy of djmimage, More Elvis Covers/Stories



Links: Andre Bisson, More Andre Bisson stories, Video courtesy of Andre and the J-Tones, Buy His Christmas CD



Links: Mike Trebilcock, More Mike Trebilcock Stories, Video courtesy of Mike Trebilcock

Click here for videos 1-4
Click here for videos 5-8

Andre and the J-Tones@Porquis Blues Festival (July 8, 2011)

Videos courtesy of the Andre and the J-Tones YouTube Page





More Beatles Covers/News Stories





Bonus videos below from a recent RBG show (courtesy of 2live4)





Links: Andre Bisson, More Andre Bisson stories

Justin Sawicki Debut CD: Nothing for No One

Local singer/songwriter Justin Sawicki's recent debut CD, Nothing for No One, is a portrait of an artist who loves to explore. He and his amazing band manage to mix things up and experiment with different sounds.

The disc definitely has a modern feel to it. Rock, pop, country, folk and more can be heard in many of the songs. There are even some Italian and Spanish flourishes scattered throughout.

The disc is available at his live shows, CDbaby (as a CD and/or download), and as a download on iTunes, and eMusic.

Below are a few live versions of songs from the album.



Above videos courtesy of Justin Sawicki's You Tube Channel


HSTV EP10b - THE JUSTIN SAWICKI BAND - What Is Love (Off-Stage) from Big Shave Productions on Vimeo.

Links: Justin Sawicki, More Justin Sawicki Stories


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New Andre Bisson CD: Beyond the Covers

If you've seen Andre Bisson's live shows with the J-Tones, you know what an amazing job they do with cover songs.

With Beyond the Covers, the latest CD, Andre decided to bring that power and energy to the studio. The sound is swinging, funky, soulful and really gets you dancing. Top that off with his unmistakable voice and you have yourself a great party album.

The band does a wonderful job with R&B classics such as Signed Sealed and Delivered, Pappa's Gotta Brand New Bag, Ain't Too Proud To Beg, and Soul Man. Adding soul and funk to two Beatles numbers - Hey Jude and Get Back - kicks things up a notch. As a bonus track, Andre also includes his unique version of Neil Young's Heart of Gold from his previous album.

You can pick up the CD at his great live shows or purchase/download them from CDbaby or iTunes.

Below is a sample from the CD and a few live performances of track from the disc.





Links: Andre Bisson - More Andre Bisson stories

New Andre Bisson CD: Rhythm and Blues Christmas

Tired of the usual sappy, low-energy, yuletide tunes? Well local musician Andre Bisson has the solution for you: he recently released, Rhythm and Blues Christmas, a new CD packed with funky, swingin', rockin' holiday delights.

Andre and friends take traditional tunes and add a major dose of R&B. Rudolph, Silent Night (which is anything but), Jingle Bells and more are given a great rump-shaking twist. The Christmas tunes end with a wonderful bluesy version of Please Come Home for Christmas.

As a holiday gift there's something old and something new at the end of the collection: Two bonus tracks - Free Ride Blues from his previous CD, Rhythm and Blues Experience, and a great version of Ain't Too Proud to Beg from the upcoming album Beyond the Covers.

This great yuletide disc is available at their amazing live shows and through cdbaby (CD/Download)

Links: Andre Bisson, More Andre Bisson stories

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Haiti Fundraiser @ Corktown (Jan 21, 2010) Part 2

Click here if you can't see the videos

Click here for Part 1




Links: Chris and Christa - More Chris and Christa Stories

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Links: Justin Sawicki - More Justin Sawicki Stories----------



Links: Andre and the J-Tones - More Andre and the J-Tones Stories
Click below to donate to Haiti Relief

Haiti Fundraiser @ Corktown (Jan. 21, 2010) Part 1

Click here if you can't see the videos

Click here for Part 2



Links: Chris and Christa - More Chris and Christa Stories

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Links: Jamila B

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Links: Justin Sawicki - More Justin Sawicki Stories

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Links: Andre and the J-Tones - More Andre and the J-Tones Stories
Click below to donate to Haiti Relief

Burlington Ribfest - September 6, 2009 (Part 1)

Mike Stevenson

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Michael Keys

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Andre and the J-Tones

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Links: James Anthony, More James Anthony Stories
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Downchild

Justin Timberlake Recruits Local Musicians For Blues CD

Pop Superstar Justin Timberlake certainly knows where to find great blues musicians. He'll be working with some Hamilton talent for his new blues CD.

In a move that stunned the music world, Timberlake has turned his back on pop/dance music. "I'm sick of all the repetitive, cookie cutter, shallow, repetitive s#!+," he said.

"I've been feeling down for a while now, " he added, "I didn't want the fame, the prestige, the riches, the groupies - so becoming a blues musician seemed to be the best choice."

A Google search landed him at this very blog where he discovered the great talent that Hamilton and Burlington had to offer.

To record his new CD, he recruited guitarist James Anthony. "This is a dream come true!" James said enthusiastically, "I have all his CDs, including his stuff with N Sync - not to mention all the posters on my wall!"

James is joined by Dale Park on drums (returning to drumming just for this project), Michael Hickey (Trickbag) on bass, and Lou Campanella (TNT Bluesmen, Hammertones) on harp . Also in the band are Justin's rumoured love interest, Lily Sazz (Groove Corporation) on keyboards and Loretta Hale (Andre & the J-Tones) on trumpet (who some say is also seeing the pop star).

This amazing band has already recorded two songs: "Britney Done Left Me"and "Wardrobe Malfunction Blues".

As a transition from his old style to his new one, Justin has decided to re-record his mega-hit SexyBack as a folky blues song with the help of Alfie Smith.

"I sing that song in the shower all the time!" Alfie exclaimed, "It'll be a privilege to finally record it."

The album will be rushed into production soon to prevent illegal downloading. It should be out in late April. "Fools will think this is impossible," Justin explains, "But they'll see I can sing the blues with the best of them."

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