New Lee Harvey Osmond CD: The Folk Sinner

The Folk Sinner, the incredible second disc from Tom Wilson's musical collective, Lee Harvey Osmond, is a welcome evolution from the debut.  This new CD has its own soul but is still centred in the psychedelic folk sounds of its predecessor.

The former Junkhouse frontman's voice has got some amazing grit and growl to it here.  Tom's vocals can go really low but can also be smooth when the song warrants it.

As always, many of the tunes defy categorization. Tom's poetic lyrics are joined by pieces of jazz, country, folk, psychedelic rock, and more.  The results are surprisingly artful and cohesive songs.

Lee Harvey Osmond was always more of a community than a band (With Wilson as the ringleader).  As a result, returning musicians such as Ray Farrugia (Junkhouse) and Michael Timmins (Cowboy Junkies) are joined by special guests Paul Reddick, Margot Timmins (Cowboy Junkies), Andy Maize (Skydiggers), Colin Linden (Blackie and the Rodeo Kings), Hawsley Workman, Oh Susanna and more.

Highlights include a cover of Gordon Lightfoot's Oh Linda and Freedom, a song Tom originally penned for Colin James which has become a regular live number from Wilson's shows.

The CD is available in stores, at Tom Wilson's live performances and as a download on the Lee Harvey Osmond site (with two bonus tracks!) and  iTunes.

Below are a few tracks from the CD, courtesy of Tom Wilson.



You can stream the entire album below



Blast from the Past: Lee Harvey Osmond Live DVD

Links: Lee Harvey Osmond, More Lee Harvey Osmond Stories

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New Susan Wylde CD: In the Light

Local vocalist/pianist Susan Wylde has released great CDs in the jazz/pop vein. Now with her latest collection, In the Light, she is delving more into her bluesey side. Thanks to the talent of Susan and her band, you can tell it's a side worth exploring.

The disc has high energy, soulful, infectious, funky music. The opening track, One Real Man, gets things off to a swinging start. Other highlights include Lovely Push-Up Bra (an old-timey, jazzy piece dedicated to the late Jeff Healey), the emotional Turn Me On, and the boogie woogie soul of the title track.

Susan also lends her amazing, expressive voice to such classics as Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out, Georgia on My Mind, The Thrill is Gone, and At Last.

Accompanying her on the disc is a treasuer trove of Canadian Blues talent. There's local guitarist, Jack deKeyzer (who also co-produces), Jerome Godboo, Paul Reddick, Alec Fraser, Denis Keldie, and many more.

The CD is available at her live shows and also as a disc or download at CDbaby.

Click here for Susan's web page

Paul Reddick and Friends@Cheryl's Country Cookhouse (Milton) (May 8, 2011)

Click here if you can't see the videos.

Left to right: Aaron Griggs, Paul Reddick, Al Webster, Ron MacDonald, Vince Macaroon (drums on last song)









Links: Paul Reddick - More Paul Reddick Stories

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Rita Chiarelli and King Biscuit Boy Honoured at Maple Blues Awards

Local musician Rita Chiarelli and Hamilton's own late, great King Biscuit Boy were honoured for their entire body of work at the Maple Blues Awards on January 17, 2011. Both received lifetime achievement awards for their legendary careers. Congratulations.

Ottawa's Monkey Junk, who played last year's Blues With a Feeling gala, were the big winners with 3 awards (electric act, harmonica, drums).

Milton's Shrimp Daddy also won best new artist.

Frequent Hamilton visitor, John Mays (Fathead) received the best male vocalist award.

Legendary Canadian Blues band, Downchild (featuring another frequent guest to the city, Chuck Jackson) won Best Recording for their CD, I Need a Hat.

See below for the full list of winners.

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR

Matt Andersen

ELECTRIC ACT OF THE YEAR

Monkey Junk

ACOUSTIC ACT OF THE YEAR

Matt Andersen

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

John Mays (Fathead)

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

Shakura S’Aida

NEW ARTIST OR GROUP OF THE YEAR

Shrimp Daddy

RECORDING OF THE YEAR
Downchild / I Need A Hat / Linus
Producer – Don Walsh

BLUES WITH A FEELING (Lifetime Achievement)
Rita Chiarelli

BB KING INTERNATIONAL ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi Band

GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Garrett Mason

HARMONICA PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Steve Marriner (Monkey Junk)

PIANO/KEYBOARD PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Julian Fauth

HORN PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Chris Whiteley

DRUMMER OF THE YEAR

Matt Sobb (Monkey Junk)

BASSIST OF THE YEAR Keith Picot

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR

Paul Reddick & Colin Linden

BLUES BOOSTER OF THE YEAR
Gord MacAulay
SPECIAL LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
King Biscuit Boy

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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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Local Bands on Top 20 Blues Albums List

Local musicians David Rotundo and Rita Chiarelli were on the -->The Blind Lemon Top 20 Canadian Blues Albums of 2008 List. Congratulations!

The Blind Lemon Blues radio show, runs on CHMR in Newfoundland. The list was a result of online polling.

A special celebrating the list aired on Monday, January 5, 2009 at 7:30 pm Eastern Time.

Other nominees included Carlos Del Junco, Wild T, Jeff Healey, Harry Manx, Paul Reddick, and more.

Click here for complete list.

Links: Rita Chiarelli, More Rita Chiarelli Stories

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