Mark McIntyre and Luke Doucet on new Emma-Lee CD: Backseat Heroine

Toronto singer/songwriter Emma-Lee has spiced up her latest CD, Backseat Heroine (from eOne Entertainment), with the inclusion of two local musicians.

Local bassist Mark McIntyre plays on the disc and so does Whitehorse member and solo artist Luke Doucet. The latter contributes co-lead vocals to the song Today's Another Yesterday (he also co-write it).

This album has a great folk/rock/sometimes jazzy sound. Emma-Lee's vocals run the full gamut from softer ballads to ballsy rockers. It's a must for all modern roots fans.

Also helping her in making these wonderful songs are Denis Keldie, Devrim Eldelekli, Kevin Mendes, and many others.

The CD is available through her web site and as a download through iTunes and eMusic (both have a bonus track)

Below are a few videos from the album courtesy of Emma's YouTube page.





Click here for Emma-Lee's site

Lamothe and McIntyre on New Brennagh Burns EP: The Winter Project

Dunnville singer/songwriter Brennagh Burns has enlisted Hamilton's Rob Lamothe (guitar, producer), his son Zander (drums) and Mark McIntyre (bass) to play on her debut CD EP, the Winter Project.

The four-song collection features Brennagh's striking vocals and great songwriting. Instrumentality, the CD has a very modern alt-folk feel to it.

The disc is available at Brennagh's outstanding live performances. We'll be posting some footage of a recent show soon.

Below are a few videos of her performing songs from the EP.





Links: Brennagh Burns - More Brennagh Burns Stories - Rob Lamothe - More Rob Lamothe Stories - More Mark McIntyre Stories

Christopher Clause and Friends - Westside Theatre (September 24, 2010)

Click here if you can't see the videos.







He is joined by Mark McIntyre (bass) and Michael Scott (drums)



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



Links: Christopher Clause - More Christopher Clause Stories

More of Christopher's Round CD Release Party

• Chris and Christa
• Bob Bryden
• Review + video footage
• Pictures of the show

New Kim Koren CD + Release Party

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.

Joining this talented musician are her husband Frank Koren (guitar), Mark McIntyre (bass), Danny Lockwood (drums), and Colin Lapsley (Wurlitzer). As well, the CD has appearances from Lisa Winn, Steve Strongman, and Amy King. Local rock legend Tom Wilson also lends a hand by co-writing the great title track.

The CD is available at her shows and through iTunes.

Links: Kim Koren Site - Frank Koren Site - More Kim Koren Stories - More Frank Koren Stories

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New Open Mind CD + Release Party

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of their debut, the recently reunited Hamilton duo (Chantal Chamberland and Cynthia Kerr), Open Mind released Over Oceans - a wonderful disc of reworked classics and new songs.

This is their first recording in 16 years. The title is an apt one as it was recorded across continents (Kerr is now based in Australia) using the latest technology.

The end result isn't cold and mechanical though. Each song has the great pop/folk sound the band was famous for in the 1990s. It runs the gamut from catchy (Why, Open Hands) to soft and sweet (Touch the Water, Wishful Thinking), and everything in between. There are even a few middle eastern and Spanish elements in the mix as well.

Click here for song samples from the album.

The disc is available at CD Baby and iTunes.

Below are videos from the CD release at the Westside Concert Theatre on June 26, 2010. They were joined by Dan Lockwood (drums), Mark McIntyre (bass), Amy King (keyboards), and Bob Doidge (guitar/percussion).

Click here if you can't see the videos.





Links: Open Mind Site - More Open Mind Stories

New Mary Simon CD + Release Party@This Ain't Hollywood (April 15, 2010)

In recent interviews, Hamilton singer/songwriter Mary Simon declared that her new sound is fun and upbeat. This is definitely evident in her new disc, No More Maybes.

While there are superb somber moments on the CD to balance things out (Curse, See You Fight, Goodbye), the overall vibe is energetic. Many songs are incredibly catchy (Come Love, Big Sore Heart) and rocking (All Night, the title track, Juliana). Mary and her gang find the perfect mix of pop, rock, and some folk.

There were many hands involved in the making of this cool album (her first in six years). Mary's joined by Andrew Aldrdige, David Gillis, Rob Lamothe, Greg Brisco, Mark McIntyre, Lisa Winn, Shelley Adams, and more.

Of course the new CD is available at her shows and website but it can also be downloaded through iTunes.

Check out the videos from her CD Release Party at This Ain't Hollywood on April 15, 2010.

Click here if you can't see the videos.

Left to Right: Andrew Aldrdige (guitar), Mary Simon (guitar, vocals, keys on Goodbye), Joel Anderson (drums), Nick Czarnogorski (bass), Lisa Winn (backing/harmony vocals), Greg Brisco (keys)











Click here for more Mary Simon stories

The opening act was Kirsten Jones. Click here for that performance.

New Ariana Gillis CD: To Make It Make Sense

Local singer/songwriter Ariana Gillis recently released her amazing debut CD, To Make It Make Sense.

Ariana skillfully manages to make her music catchy and poppy but still have the heart of the folk/roots sound. Blueberry Ocean (originally available on a Design Hope charity CD in 2008) starts the disc off with a bang. You can't help but sing along and dance. There are exquisite quiet moments to balance things out as well. Her unique voice enhances each tune, regardless of tempo.

This wonderful disc came out in time to be nominated for Hamilton Music Awards (Female Artist, New Artist, Adult Alternative). Ariana has also recently won a Canadian Folk Music Award (Young Artist).

Joining the talented singer on the album are area performers Josh Lamothe, David Gillis (who also produces), Mark McIntyre and others. Canadian guitar great, Kevin Breit also lends his axe to a tune.

Currently, the CD can be purchased at her shows and through Maple Music. It should be available through iTunes shortly

More Ariana Gillis stories

New Melissa-Bel's EP

Earlier this year, Burlington's Melissa-Bel released her self titled CD EP.

There's a little bit of everything on this disc. Bluesier numbers such as Distance (co-written with Ray Lyell) and He'll Never be You share the spotlight with soulful pop-folk gems like We All Lose Our Way, I Hate to Say it and Tragedy in Disguise. Melissa ends this amazing collection with a smooth version of Smokey Robinson's You've Really Got a Hold On Me. Click here for some samples.

Toronto's Sean Ashby lends his guitar and Mark McIntyre plays bass on most song of the songs. Other guests include Danny Lockwood (Drums), Craig Lapsley (Drums), Jesse O'Brien (Piano) and Bill King (Piano), and more.

More Melissa-Bel stories - More CD Releases

New Dave Pomfret CD: No Rush

Former Munday Nuns members, Dave Pomfret's new CD: No Rush, is an amazing collection of songs that's hard to pin down stylistically.

Dave (aka Salsa Dave) goes from catchy, rockin' riffs to mellow melodies. On the way, he touches on folk, rock, and even bits of pop and country thrown in.

Joining Dave in making this great music is former Nuns bandmate (and former Killjoy) Mike Trebilcock on guitar and many other instruments. Mike also produced the disc.

A number of other talented performers aided and abetted the singer/songwriter, including: Mark Mcintyre (bass), Aaron Goldstein (Pedal steel guitar), Craig Lapsley (Drums), Troy Dowding (Trumpet), Darcy Hepner (Sax, Organ), Rosemary Hale (Violin), Sarah Honeyford (Cello). On Background vocals there's Mary Simon, Jean Caffeine, and the Mississippi Kings.

The album was also a family affair as his wife, Karen Sturrock and his stepchildren joined on backing vocals. His son, Brier Pomfret, plays the piano on it as well.

Click here to listen to songs from No Rush.

Below are videos from his CD Release (and birthday) party on June 30, 2009. Click here if you can't see them.







Dave's step-daughter (and future superstar) Sarah Ivanco, came up and sang to start things off. She wowed the crowd.



Links: Dave Pomfret, More Dave Pomfret Stories, More CD Releases

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