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

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View Magazine Reader's Choice Award Winners 2013

Readers of Hamilton's View Magazine have had their say!  The mag's Reader's Choice Awards for 2013 have been unveiled.

All the votes are tallied and the Hammer has chosen their local favourites: From the best music, to the best place to break up (Gore Park, by the way) to the finest shops in the land.

Musically, the big winners are rock group Monster Truck with 3 wins and This Ain't Hollywood with 4 (co-owner Lou Molinaro landed an additional two)

You can click here for the full list. 

Below are all the music-related categories.

Congrats to everybody!

Local Female Artist

• Gold: Terra Lightfoot
• Silver: Robin Benedict
• Ginger St. James

Links: Terra Lightfoot, More Terra Lightfoot Stories, Video courtesy of Mel Olds

Local Male Artist

• Gold: Steve Strongman
• Silver: Tomi Swick

Links: Steve Strongman, More Steve Strongman stories, Video courtesy of M2B67

Local Band

• Gold: Monster Truck
• Silver: Arkells

Local Cover Band

• Gold: The Undercovers
• Silver: Freedom Train

Local Band Most Likely to Make it Big

• Gold: Monster Truck

Local Band Name

• Gold: Monster Truck
• Silver: Blind Mule

Local Album Artwork

• Gold: Blind Mule EP
• Silver: Jonny Debt: Prince of The Golden Horseshoe

Open Jam

• Gold: Carrigan Arms
• Silver: This Ain’t Hollywood

Open Stage

• Gold: The Baltimore House  
• Silver: This Ain’t Hollywood

Local Festival

• Gold: Festival Of Friends
• Silver: Super Crawl
• It’s Your Festival

Local Radio Station

• Gold: Y108
• Silver: Funny 820
• CFMU

Local Radio Personality

• Gold: Ric Taylor (CFMU)
• Silver: Lou Molinaro (CFMU)

Local Show Promoter

• Gold: Lou Molinaro
• Silver: Ken Inouye

Local Independent Record Label

• Gold: Sonic Unyon
• Silver: Hidden Pony Records

Coolest Instrument to Play

• Gold: Guitar
• Silver: Drums

Local Recording Studio

• Gold: Grant Avenue Studio
• Silver: Catherine North Studios
• Jukasa Studios

Local Rehersal Space

• Gold: Rock Parlour
• Silver: The Jam Zone
• SoundCheck

Lounge

• Gold: The Casbah Lounge
• Silver: The Baltimore

Live Venue

• Gold: Stonewalls
• Silver: This Ain’t Hollywood
• The Casbah

Country Bar

• Gold: Dirty Dog Saloon
• Silver: Galley Pump

Jazz & Blues Venue

• Gold: The Masque
• Silver: Cat ‘N’ Fiddle

Pub

• Gold: Slainte
• Silver: Rebel’s Rock
• Snooty Fox

Vibe

• Gold: Gallagher’s
• Silver: Sarcoa
• Lazy Flamingo

Dive

• Gold: This Ain’t Hollywood
• Silver: Prince Edward Tavern
• Galley Pump

Musical Instrument Store

• Gold: Long & McQuade
• Silver: Mountain Music
• Musical Equipment Sales

Store to Buy New Music

• Gold: HMV
• Silver: Cheapies
• Dr. Disc

Store to Buy Old Music

• Gold: Cheapies
• Silver: Dr. Disc
• Where Heads Meet

Blast from the Past: The 2012 Winners

Links: View Magazine, More from the View's Reader's Choice Awards

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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 

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Previous (New Melissa Bel CD) - - - Next (News Roundup w Podcasts, Kimberley Wetmore and Douglas Watson)

News Roundup (John Ellison, Alex MacDougall, Passings)

Local

• Nothing But the Blues Podcast 242 features Steve Strongman
• Kevin Barber's podcast w Alex MacDougall (Groove Corporation) (video version below)

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Canada 

Roots musician and Toronto Star columnist, Greg Quill Passes

May issue of Maple Blues

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World

• Americana Award Nominees
• Classic Rock CD new releases June 2013
• Trivia cartoon about Stevie Wonder
• Passings: Sid Selvidge

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Funny/Weird Stuff

• Top 10 Accordion Rock N Roll Songs
• Studies show women are more attracted to men holding guitars
• The electric washboard. Why not?

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Blasts from the Past 

• 2009: JP Riemens CD: Love is a Dog
• 2010: Videos: Steve Didemus & Chris Cracknell@Pheasant Plucker
• 2011: Videos: Paul Reddick@Cheryl's Cookhouse
• 2012: Videos: Aengus Finnan@Private Show

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Featured Videos 



Links: John Ellison, More John Ellison Stories, Video courtesy of All Music Vids 2



Links: Alex MacDougall, More Groove Corporation Stories, Video courtesy of BarberShopPodcast

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Local Talent Bring Junos to the Hammer

Long time Hamiltonian Steve Strongman and new Hammertown residents Elliott Brood have brought home the Junos!  Steve won for best Blues album and Elliott Brood was awarded for Roots Recording (Group). Area band, The City Harmonic also won for Contemporary Christian/gospel album.  On top of that, Steel City rockers, Monster Truck received the nod for Breakthough Group.

Congratulations guys!  You make us proud!

Click here for the Spectator story.

Click here for Hamilton Musix Biz Bites story  



Links: Steve Strongman, More Steve Strongman stories, Video courtesy of Kincardine Times



Links: Elliott Brood , Video courtesy of AxleGrinder

Below are a few highlights.  Click here for the full list of winners

Blues Album: Steve Strongman: A Natural Fact

Roots & Traditional Album (Solo): Rose Cousins, We Have Made A Spark

Roots & Traditional Album (Group): Elliott Brood: Days Into Years

Songwriter: Leonard Cohen

Country Album: Johnny Reid, Fire It Up

International Album: Mumford & Sons, Babel

Adult Alternative Album: Serena Ryder, Harmony


Artist: Leonard Cohen

Vocal Jazz Album: Emilie-Claire Barlow, Seule ce Soir

Aboriginal Album: Crystal Shawanda, Just Like You

Music DVD: Bobcaygeon (Tragically Hip)

Allan Waters Humanitarian Award: Tom Cochrane

Canadian Music Hall of Fame Inductee:  k.d. lang

Link: More about the Junos

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Steve Strongman Finalist in International Songwriting Competition.

Hamilton's Steve Strongman continues to rack up the kudos for his incredible work.  His duet with Suzie Vinnick, Leaving (co-written by Rob Szabo) has landed him a spot as one of the finalists in the International Songwriting Competition (Blues category).  He will be up against musicians from around the world including Canadian blues performers 24th Street Wailers, Layla Zoe, and Bob Tunnoch.  Good luck Steve!



Links: Steve Strongman, More Steve Strongman stories

Blast From the Past: Steve Strongman plays acoustic@Slainte

Multi-instrumentalist Yiannis Kapoulas from Hamilton is a finalist in the intrumental category as well.  Great job!

Winners will be announced in April.  Judges includes James Cotton, Martina McBride, Tom Waits, Jeff Beck, Bernie Taupin, Bruce Hornsby, and others.


Here are a few highlights of the finalists. Click here for the full list.

BLUES

25 Places - Tim Lothar (Denmark)
Devil In Me - Oli Brown (England)
Don't Blow My Cover - William Troiani, Haykon Haye, Ian F. Johannessen, Alexander Pettersen(Norway)
High Gas Prices - William Morganfield - Big Bill Morganfield (Stone Mountain, GA,)
How Long To Heal - Nicolas Toussaint (France)
I'm So Shallow - Darren Watson (New Zealand)
Leaving - Steve Strongman, Rob Szabo (Hamilton, ON)
Let's Get Crazy - Layla Zoe, Henrik Freischlader (Montreal, QC)
Longtime - Ash Grunwald (Australia)
Love Spell - Teeny Tucker, Robert Hughes (Columbus, OH)
Nothin' In Your House - Gina DeLuca (Baltimore, MD)
On A Mission - Lindsay Beaver (24th Street Wailers) (Toronto, ON)
She's Trouble - Bob Tunnoch (Toronto, ON)

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FOLK/SINGER-SONGWRITER

Be Kind To Boston - Thomas Smith - An Atlas to Follow (Knoxville, TN)
Before My Time - J. Ralph (New York, NY)
Blood And Bone - Wes Carr (Buffalo Tales), Eric Silver (Australia)
Burning Daylight - Sam Eliot (England)
Dreams And Country Lanes - Russell Joslin (England)
Festival Song - Tim Easton (Nashville, TN)
Fire Escape - Matthew Mayfield, John Paul White (Birmingham, AL)
Golden Hearts - Teejay Terblanche (Black Handed Kites) (South Africa)
Happiness Comes In A Box - Joshua Hanson (Yellow Red Sparks) (Yellow Pine, ID)
Hell And Back - J. Ralph (New York, NY)
Hit Me With Your Heart - Sam Buckingham (Australia)
Jesus Was A Rollin' Stone - Tony Villiers (Ireland)
Mercy - Ben Kyle (Minneapolis, MN)
Monsters With Misdemeanors - Joshua Hanson (Yellow Red Sparks) (Yellow Pine, ID)
One Little River - Clare Bowditch (Australia)
The Calendar - Kara Francavillo (Nola Wren) (New York, NY)
Tinman - Andy Brown (Fredericton, NB)

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AMERICANA

All I Recall -  Catherine Britt (Australia)
Audrey's Song - Harry Hookey (Australia)
Circus Comes To Town - Sara Petite (San Diego)
Collide With Me - Rebecca Haviland (Mamaroneck, NY)
Dangers Of The Night - Matt Ellis (Australia)
I Can't Stop Thinking About You - Marshall Chapman (Spartanburg, SC)
La La Blues - Pokey LaFarge (St. Louis, MO)
Learn Those Lessons - Kieran Glasgow (Australia)
Love Inside A Jar - David Garnham - (Australia)
Not In Kansas Anymore - Jokull Jonsson (Iceland)
Pieces Of My Mind - Philip Beach (Southbury, CT)
Roots - Brandon Clark (Cumming, GA,)
Sally Bones - Catherine Britt (Australia)
The Devil Drives - Stuart Earl (England)
When You're Dreamin' - Ed Romanoff, Josh Ritter (Brooklyn, NY)
You Might Come Around - Dale Boyle (Dorval, QC, Canada)

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COUNTRY

Anonymous - Rachel Honza (Nederland, TX)
Bone Dry - Marc Christian and J.C. Andersen (Brother Slade), Victoria Shaw (Franklin, TN)
Car That Runs - Lisa Torres, Karleen Watt (Nashville, TN)
Classic Rock And Jesus - Jon D'Agostino, Jason Eustice, Adam Searan (Holmdel, NJ)
Cold October - Savannah Berry, Zac Maloy, Kevin Griffin (Houston, TX)
Coming Home - Paul Cowderoy, David Carter, Jane E Robertson (Australia)
Find A Way To Fly - Bill DiLuigi, Mark Carson (Nashville, TN)
He Said - Tiffany Kuenzi, Liz Rose, Keith Follese, Adrian Follese (Silverton, OR)
Home - Troy Cassar-Daley (Australia)
I Wish I Could Hate You - Jaylene Johnson, Heather Longstaffe, Wendy Wills (Winnipeg, MB)
I'm A Dreamer - Lee Bowman, Paula Bowman, Julian Sammut, Simon Ross, Jason McCoy - Jetty Road (Australia)
It Gets To Me - Kirsty Akers (Australia)
Prove You Wrong - Chelsea Gill (Grand Ledge, MI)
The Suitcase - Liz Hengber, James Dean Hicks, Anthony Smith (Franklin, TN)
This Ain't A Love Song - Denis Dufresne and Lynae Dufresne (Pear), Bryan Wayne (Calgary, AB)
Wings - Brad Cunningham (Columbia, MO)

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Local Musicians Nominated for Junos

Hamilton has once again had a strong showing at the Juno nominations, which just goes to prove how much world-class music is in the area.

Both Jack de Keyzer and Steve Strongman will be going head to head for Blues Album of the Year of the year along with Colin James (whose nominated disc includes songwriting from Hamilton's own Tom Wilson), Steve Hill, and Shakura S'Aida (her nominated CD features a performance from local blues legend Harrison Kennedy).



Links: Jack de Keyzer, More Jack De Keyzer Stories,  Video courtesy of The Capital Voice



Links: Steve Strongman, More Steve Strongman stories, Video courtesy of Brian Blain

Local singer/songwriter, Kathleen Edwards is up for two awards (Songwriter and Adult Alternative Album).



Links: Kathleen Edwards, More Kathleen Edwards Stories, Video courtesy of CBC Music 

Other area musicians up for Junos include Monster Truck, Diana Panton, Walk Off the Earth, and  The Arkells.

We'll be keeping our fingers crossed for everybody on the April 21 ceremony in Regina.

Click here for the Spectator Story

Click here for more of our Juno stories

Blast from the Past: De Keyzer and the Arkells Bring Home the Junos in 2010

Below are a few nomination highlights.

Blues Album

• Colin James, FIFTEEN
• Jack de Keyzer, Electric Love
• Shakura S'Aida, Time
• Steve Hill, Solo Recordings Volume One
• Steve Strongman, A Natural Fact

Roots & Traditional Album (Solo)

• Amelia Curran, Spectators
• Annabelle Chvostek, Rise
• Corb Lund, Cabin Fever
• Old Man Luedecke, Tender Is The Night
• Rose Cousins, We Have Made A Spark

Roots & Traditional Album (Group)

• Elliott BROOD, Days Into Years
• Great Lake Swimmers, New Wild Everywhere
• Le Vent du Nord, Tromper le temps
• The Strumbellas, My Father and The Hunter
• The Wooden Sky, Every Child A Daughter, Every Moon A Sun

Songwriter

• Afie Jurvanen (Bahamas)
• Arkells
• Hannah Georgas
• Kathleen Edwards
• Leonard Cohen

Country Album

• Chad Brownlee, Love Me Or Leave Me
• Dallas Smith, Jumped Right In
• Dean Brody, Dirt
• Emerson Drive, Roll
• Johnny Reid, Fire It Up

Adult Alternative Album

• Bahamas, Barchords
• Kathleen Edwards, Voyageur
• Royal Wood, We Were Born to Glory
• Serena Ryder, Harmony
• The Barr Brothers, The Barr Brothers

Juno Fan Choice Award

• Carly Rae Jepsen
• Céline Dion
• Drake
• Hedley
• Justin Bieber
• Leonard Cohen
• Marianas Trench
• Metric
• Michael Bublé
• Nickelback

Single

• Billy Talent, "Viking Death March"
• Carly Rae Jepsen, "Call Me Maybe"
• Hedley, "Kiss You Inside Out"
• Serena Ryder, "Stompa"
• The Sheepdogs, "The Way It Is"

International Album

• Maroon 5, Overexposed
• Mumford & Sons, Babel
• One Direction, Up All Night
• Rod Stewart, Merry Christmas, Baby
• Taylor Swift, Red

Album

• Carly Rae Jepsen, Kiss
• Céline Dion, Sans Attendre
• Hedley, Storms
• Justin Bieber, Believe
• Marianas Trench, Ever After

Artist

• Carly Rae Jepsen
• Deadmau5
• Johnny Reid
• Justin Bieber
• Leonard Cohen

Group

• Billy Talent
• Marianas Trench
• Metric
• Rush
• The Sheepdogs

Breakthrough Group

• Hey Ocean!
• Monster Truck
• The Pack a.d.
• Walk Off the Earth
• Yukon Blonde

Rock Album

• Big Wreck, Albatross
• Billy Talent, Dead Silence
• Rush, Clockwork Angels
• The Sheepdogs, The Sheepdogs
• The Tragically Hip, Now For Plan A

Vocal Jazz Album

• Carol Welsman, Journey
• Diana Krall, Glad Rag Doll
• Diana Panton, Christmas Kiss
• Elizabeth Shepherd, Rewind
• Emilie-Claire Barlow, Seule ce Soir

Aboriginal Album

• BURNT-Project 1, The Black List
• Crystal Shawanda, Just Like You
• Don Amero, Heart On My Sleeve
• Donny Parenteau, Bring It On
• Janet Panic, Samples

Canadian Music Hall of Fame Inductee

• k.d. Lang

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Steve Strongman Wins Big at Maple Blues Awards

Hamilton's own Steve Strongman has proven that he's just as much of an award winner for his acoustic work as he is for his electric sound.  He took home three Maple Blues Awards on January  21, 2013 (Recording, Guitar Player and Songwriter). CONGRATULATIONS!

Click here for the Spectator article.

Video below courtesy of RandallStaffordCook



Links: Steve Strongman, More Steve Strongman stories

Other big winners included MonkeyJunk (Electric Act, Harmonica, Drummer) and Suzie Vinnick (Acoustic Act, Female Vocalist).

Below is a complete list.

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Colin James

ELECTRIC ACT OF THE YEAR
MonkeyJunk

ACOUSTIC ACT OF THE YEAR
Suzie Vinnick

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Matt Andersen

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Suzie Vinnick

NEW ARTIST OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
Steve Kozak

RECORDING OF THE YEAR
“A Natural Fact" Steve Strongman

BLUES WITH A FEELING (Lifetime Achievement)
Matt Minglewood

BB KING INTERNATIONAL ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Tedeschi Trucks Band

GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Steve Strongman

HARMONICA PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Steve Marriner (MonkeyJunk)

PIANO/KEYBOARD PLAYER OF THE YEAR
David Vest

HORN PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Jon Wong

DRUMMER OF THE YEAR
Matt Sobb (MonkeyJunk)

BASSIST OF THE YEAR
Gary Kendall (Downchild)

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Steve Strongman

BLUES BOOSTER OF THE YEAR
John Valenteyn

Click here for more about the Maple Blues Awards

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2012: Year in Review

It turns out that 2012 was an incredible year for local music.  Many of our local performers received some well-deserved recognition and there was a ton of great local shows to enjoy.

One of the biggest local newsmakers this year was bluesman Harrison Kennedy.  He seems to have been nominated for everything in 2012: Hamilton Music Awards, Blues Music Awards, Maple Blues Awards, Junos.  The musician earned an HMA and later in 2013, we should find out if Harrison will win the others (Good luck!).  Also this year, fans were treated to his incredible Shame the Devil CD, he worked with Shakura S'Aida on Time ..., which ended up on Saturday Night Blues' Top 10 list of 2012, and had one of the best tracks on the Santa's Got Mojo 2 compilation.

Steve Strongman also made a major splash in 2012 with the release of his acoustic CD, A Natural Fact.  The disc's producer, Rob Szabo won a Canadian Folk Music Award for his work on it and the disc was nominated for a 2013 Maple Blues Award (Steve won the MBA for guitarist of the year in early 2012).  On top of all that, A Natural Fact was on Saturday Night Blues' Top 10 list. Also in 2012, he played on one of the initial episodes of Ensemble and performed at the Blues With a Feeling Gala, 

On a sad note, we also lost a number of talented musicians such as Larry Coad, Steve Didemus, Levon Helm (the Band), Earl Scruggs, Davy Jones (Monkees), and Etta James. Our condolences to all their fans, friends, and family.

Most popular blog posts of 2012:

• News Roundup (Kori Pop, Chuck Berry, Archibald, We Got Blues)
• Luke Doucet and Daniel Lanois in Top 10 Canadian Guitarists List
• Vote for the Canadian Music Party
• News Roundup (Doc Watson, Zachary Aasman, Matt Paxton)
• Steve Didemus Passes

Other 2012 Highlights

• Cable 14 starts a brand new all-music television show, Ensemble
• Sonny Del-Rio Earns Diamond Jubilee Medal
• New John Elllison autobiography
• John Ellison receives John C Holland Award

Top 3 YouTube Videos

Links: Chuck Jackson, More Downchild Stories


Links: Arrogant Worms, More Arrogant Worms Stories


Links: Barn Katz - More Barn Katz Stories

Here's to an ever better 2013!!!!

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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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Episodes of Ensemble Music TV Show on YouTube

Ensemble is a music-based TV show on Cable 14 Hamilton that features four singer/songwriters per episode.

The show runs on Saturdays at 10pm and Sundays at 9pm.  There is a new episode each month or so.  You can also watch the program online with their live feed if you are a Cogeco, Shaw, or Source Cable subscriber.

Recently, many of the episodes were placed on Cable 14's YouTube page.

Here's what they have so far . . .



Episode 1: Duane Rutter, Cindy Dell, Brennagh Burns, Les Smith (Trickbag)



 Episode 2: Dan Medakovic, Tiny Bill Cody, Kim Koren, Paul Langille



Episode 3: J.P. Riemens, Sue Sweetman (Barn Katz), Joe Clark, Steve Strongman



Episode 4: Steve Sinnicks, Melissa Bel, Mike Todd, Mo' Kauffey

We will be posting more episodes as they become available. . .

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Rob Szabo Wins Canadian Folk Music Award for Strongman CD

Toronto musician Rob Szabo won a 2012 Canadian Folk Music Award for his production work on Hamilton performer Steve Strongman's incredible acoustic CD,  A Natural Fact.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Local artists Whitehorse and  Ben Caplan were nominated but, unfortunately, didn't receive any awards.

The kudos were handed out on Saturday, November 17 in St. John's NB.

Click here for a complete list of nominations.


Below is a video of Rob playing with Steve, courtesy of Smyleseh

Links: Rob Szabo, More Rob Szabo Stories

Here's a full list of the winners:

• Traditional Album of the Year -Metis Fiddler Quartet - Northwest Voyage Nord Ouest
• Contemporary Album of the Year -The Deep Dark Woods - The Place I Left Behind
• Children’s Album of the Year - Henri Godon - Chansons pour toutes sortes d'enfants
• Traditional Singer of the Year - Lenka Lichtenberg
• Contemporary Singer of the Year - Rose Cousins
• Instrumental Solo Artist of the Year - Trent Freeman
• Instrumental Group of the Year - The Fretless
• English Songwriter of the Year - Catherine MacLellan
• French Songwriter of the Year - Mes Aïeux
• Vocal Group of the Year -The Once
• Ensemble of the Year -The Fretless
• Solo Artist of the Year - Michael Jerome Browne
• World Group of the Year - Sultans of String
• New/Emerging Artist of the Year -Pharis & Jason Romero
• Producer of the Year - Rob Szabo - A Natural Fact (Steve Strongman)
• Pushing the Boundaries - Sagapool
• Young Performer of the Year - Lucas Chaisson

Blast from the Past: The 2011 CFMA Winners

More of our CFMA Stories


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Local Musicians Up for Canadian Folk Music Awards

Local performers keep on racking up the nominations - this time at the 2012 Canadian Folk Music Awards.

Hamilton's First Family of Folk, Whitehorse is nominated for 3 awards (Contemporary Album, Ensemble, Vocal Group).

Local boy Ben Caplan is up for New Emerging Artist and Rob Szabo received a nod for best producer, for Steve Strongman's A Natural Fact.

The awards will be handed out November 17 in St. John's NB.  GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

Here is the complete list of nominees:

Traditional Album of the Year

• Nicolas Pellerin- Petit grain d'or
• Le Vent du Nord - Tromper le temps
• Sheesham and Lotus & 'Son - 1929
• Metis Fiddler Quartet - Northwest Voyage Nord Ouest
• Lenka Lichtenberg - Songs for the Breathing Walls

Contemporary Album of the Year

• Linda McRae - Rough Edges and Ragged Hearts
• Whitehorse - Whitehorse
• The Deep Dark Woods - The Place I Left Behind
• Old Man Luedecke & Lake of Stew - Sing All About It
• Rose Cousins - We Have Made A Spark

Children’s Album of the Year

• Kathy Reid-Naiman and Hannah Naiman - Here We Go Zodeo
• Andrew Queen - GROW
• Will Stroet - Ensemble, en cadence
• Henri Godon - Chansons pour toutes sortes d'enfants
• Shelley Bean & The Duckety Muds - Shelley Bean & The Duckety Muds

Traditional Singer of the Year

• Peter Wynne (The Wynnes)
• Kim Beggs (The Blue Warblers)
• Fred Jorgensen (The Navigators)
• Sneezy Waters
• Lenka Lichtenberg

Contemporary Singer of the Year

• Keri Latimer
• Geraldine Hollett (The Once)
• Catherine MacLellan
• Craig Cardiff
• Rose Cousins

Instrumental Solo Artist of the Year

• Rik Barron
• Trent Freeman
• Darren McMullen
• Andrew Collins
• Shaun Ferguson

Instrumental Group of the Year

• Sultans of String
• Oliver Schroer & Nuala Kennedy
• The Fretless
• Metis Fiddler Quartet
• Gypsophilia

English Songwriter of the Year

• Dala
• The Deep Dark Woods
• Jon Brooks
• Catherine MacLellan
• Annie Lou
• PEAR

French Songwriter of the Year

• Anique Granger
• Mes Aïeux
• Caracol
• André Dédé Vander
• Lisa LeBlanc

Vocal Group of the Year

• Scarlett Jane
• Dala
• Whitehorse
• The Once
• Sweet Alibi

Ensemble of the Year

• Whitehorse
• Oliver Schroer & Nuala Kennedy
• Le Vent du Nord
• La Bottine Souriante
• The Fretless

Solo Artist of the Year

• Matt Andersen
• Del Barber
• Michael Jerome Browne
• Anne Louise Genest (Annie Lou)
• Rose Cousin

World Group of the Year

• Sultans of String - MOVE
• Roberto Lopez Afro-Colombian Jazz Orchestra - Azul
• Zhambai Trio - Tambanavo
• Sagapool - Sagapool
• Surkalén - Essence de lumière

New/Emerging Artist of the Year

• Scarlett Jane
• Pharis & Jason Romero
• Lisa LeBlanc
• Ben Caplan & The Casual Smokers
• Three Little Birds

Producer of the Year

• Chris McKhool - MOVE (Sultans of String)
• Mike Roth - Best Day (Dala)
• Rob Szabo - A Natural Fact (Steve Strongman)
• Glen Simmons - Soldiers & Sailors (The Navigators)
• Francois Couture - YAHNDAWA' (YAHNDAWA')

Pushing the Boundaries

• Sultans of String
• Briga
• Gadji-Gadjo
• The Fretless
• Sagapool

Young Performer of the Year

• Emily Madronich
• The Archers
• Rebecca Lappa
• Cassie & Maggie MacDonald
• Lucas Chaisson

Blast from the Past: The 2011 CFMA Winners

Click here for the results

More of our CFMA Stories

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Previous (News Roundup + Videos) - - - Next (Derek Miller Wins Aboriginal People's Choice Award)

Steve Strongman and Harrison Kennedy Among Those Nominated for Maple Blues Awards

Two talented Hamilton players have a great chance at bringing some award hardware home. Local soul/blues legend Harrison Kennedy and  bluesman Steve Strongman have been nominated for the 16th annual Maple Blues Awards .

Strongman has the distinction of having the most (six) nominations for this year. Kennedy will be up for two awards.

The Maple Blues Awards are taking place at Koerner Hall (Toronto) on January 21, 2013. Voting  runs October 27-December 8, 2012. Click here to register to vote.

Entertainer Of The Year

• Colin James
• Matt Andersen
• MonkeyJunk
• Shakura S'Aida
• Steve Strongman

Electric Act Of The Year

• Anthony Gomes
• JW-Jones
• MonkeyJunk
• Paul Reddick
• Steve Strongman

Acoustic Act Of The Year

• Harrison Kennedy
• Michael Jerome Browne
• Ray Bonneville
• Steve Strongman
• Suzie Vinnick

Male Vocalist Of The Year

• Chuck Jackson
• Harrison Kennedy
• Matt Andersen
• Paul Reddick
• Steve Marriner

Female Vocalist Of The Year

• Dawn Tyler Watson
• Nanette Workman
• Shakura S'Aida
• Suzie Vinnick
• Treasa Levasseur

New Artist Or Group Of The Year

• Ben Racine
• Boogie Patrol
• Conor Gains Band
• Steve Kozak
• The Harpoonist & the Axe Murderer

BB King International Artist Of The Year

• Tedeschi Trucks Band
• Michael Burks
• Dr. John
• Curtis Salgado
• Joe Louis Walker

Recording Of The Year

• Steve Strongman: A Natural Fact 
• The Harpoonist & the Axe Murderer: Checkered Past (Independent)
• Shakura S'Aida: Time
• Treasa Levasseur: Broad
• Paul Reddick: Wishbone

Blues With A Feeling Award (Lifetime Achievement Award)

• Alec Fraser
• Michael Jerome Browne
• Danny Brooks
• Ellen McIlwaine
• Joe Murphy
• Ken Whiteley
• Michael Fonfara
• Stephen Barry
• Tom Lavin
• Matt Minglewood
• Brent Parkin
• Bob Walsh
• Jim Zeller
• Nannette Workman
• Theresa Malenfant
• John Dickie

Guitar Player Of The Year

• David Gogo
• Garrett Mason
• Kevin Breit
• Steve Strongman
• Teddy Leonard (Fathead)

Harmonica Player Of The Year

• Carlos del Junco
• David Hoerl (The Twisters)
• Guy Bélanger
• Paul Reddick
• Steve Marriner (MonkeyJunk)

Piano/Keyboard Player Of The Year

• David Vest
• Julian Fauth
• Kenny "Blues Boss" WayneLance Anderson (Shakura S'Aida)
• Michael Fonfara (Downchild)

Horn Player Of The Year

• Al Lerman (Fathead)
• Chris Whiteley
• Frank Thiffault (Ben Racine)
• Jon Wong (The 24th Street Wailers)
• Pat Carey (Downchild)

Drummer Of The Year

• Bucky Berger (Fathead)
• Chris Nordquist (Jim Byrnes)
• Matt Sobb (MonkeyJunk)
• Sam Harrisson (Paul Deslauriers)
• Tom Bona (Soulstack)

Bassist Of The Year

• Alec Fraser
• Gary Kendall (Downchild, David Vest)
• Omar Tunnoch (Fathead)
• Stephen Barry
• Terry Wilkins (Raoul and the Big Time)

Songwriter Of The Year

• Julian Fauth
• Paul Reddick
• Shakura S'Aida & Donna Grantis
• Steve Strongman
• Treasa Levasseur 

Blues Booster of the Year

• John Valenteyn (Toronto Blues Society)

Blast from the Past: Last Year's Maple Blues Winners

More from the Maple Blues Awards

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Previous (Hamilton Music Award Nominations) - - - Next (Ray Materick@Hamilton Folk Club)

News Roundup (Strongman, Chiarelli, Brent Titcomb)

Local

• Steve Strongman on playing live and true
• Steve Strongman on musicianship and songwriting
  
• How Robin Benedict will become famous, part 2
• Prakash John: How to pass on musical excellence, Part 2
• New Matt Paxton single available on iTunes
• Rita Chiarelli's Music fom the Big House availble to order on DVD

World

• Podcasts: Roots & Blues 167, Roadhouse 390, Nothing But the Blues 204
  
• Living Blues Award Winners
• Guitarist Johnnie Bassett Passes
  

Funny/Weird Stuff

• Cartoon: State of the Music Industry

Blasts from the Past

• 2009: Memories of Jackie Washington Workshop@Festival of Friends
• 2010: Bring Strings Workshop@Festival of Friends
• 2011: Groove Corporation@Stonewalls

Featured Video

Links: Brent Titcomb, More Lee Harvey Osmond Stories, Video courtesy of HighOrHurtin'

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Previous (Wendell Ferguson, Katherine Wheatley & Friends - - - Next (Kitchener Blues Fest, Part 1)

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

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

News Roundup (Gaslight Alley, Whitehorse, Cartoons)

Local

• Dave Rave & friends play at old Beatles stage
• CBC Story and video on Steve Strongman

Canada

• Delayed Air Canada passengers get free impromptu concert

World

• Doug Dillard of the Dillard Passes

Funny Stuff

• Cartoon: Rock bands for people your age
• Cartoon: When a bassist chokes

Blasts from the Past

• 2009: Performer of the Week: Stingrays
• 2010: Mark McNeil, Mo Kauffey, and Duane Rutter@Chapters
• 2011: Shawn Brush You Tube Videos

Featured Videos

Links: Gaslight Alley, More Gaslight Alley Stories, Video Courtesy of Gaslight Alley



Links: Whitehorse, More Whitehorse Stories, Video courtesy of MikePrzysiezny

News Roundup (Aaron Goldstein, Daniel Lanois, Paul Langille)

Local

• Paul Langille's First 2 CD Reissues available on iTunes: Life After December, Same Way . . . Different
• View story on Steve Strongman

Canada

• Bluegrass Music Association of Canada Facebook Page
• Muddy Fraser passes

World

• Nothing But the Blues Podcast #190
• Blues CD New Releases for May 2012
• Mike "Iron Man" Burkes passes

Funny Stuff

• Superhero Blues cartoon

Blasts from the Past

• 2009: Performer of the Week: Kim Lister
• 2010: New Caretakers CD + Release Party
• Tiny Bill Cody@Moonshine Cafe

Featured Videos

Links: Aaron Goldstein, More Aaron Goldstein Stories, Video couresy of High or Hurtin'



Video courtesy of Werleysv



Links: Daniel Lanois, More Daniel Lanois Stories, Video courtesy of Stardust2

News Roundup (Strongman, Harlan Pepper, Shari & Jonny)

Local

• Spec Story on Steve Strongman
• May 2012 Edition of Maple Blues magazine (Strongman on cover)

World

• Nothing But the Blues Podcast #189
• Skip Pitts (Theme From Shaft) passes

Blasts from the Past

• 2009: Performer of the Week: Paul Coombs
• 2010: Lionel Lodge@Artword Artbar
• 2011: Famous Framus Band@Waltz

Featured Videos

Links: Harlan Pepper, More Harlan Pepper Stories , Video courtesy of ChrisMak2004


Links: Shari and Jonny, More Shari and Jonny Stories, Video Courtesy of Shari and Jonny