New Tia McGraff CD: Break These Chains

If you're sick of the usual "dull pop with a twang" country music that's out there, Tia McGraff's latest CD, Break These Chains is the cure for what ails you.

This local singer/songwriter really knows how to craft a song.  The storytelling and honest lyrics are just first class.  Tia's angelic voice just stands out on every track as well.

She's also not afraid to expand her sound.  Bits of folk, rock and even some east coast influences pepper the music.  Each tune has it's own spirit and feel!


Joining this talented lady are her husband (and producer, co-writer) Tommy Parham (guitar) and Johnathan Edwards (guitar, bass, mandolin).  Guests include Ian Bell  on accordion and Jim Kimball (from Reba's band) on harmonica

This amazing CD is available at her great live performances, cdbaby, and through her web site. It can be downloaded though iTunes, cdbaby, and her web site.

Video below courtesy of Tia McGraff.



Blast from the Past: Tia McGraff and Others@Festival of Friends

Link: Tia McGraff,  More Tia McGraff Stories, More CD Releases

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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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Stompin' Tom Connors Passes + Local Reaction

Canadian icon and music legend Stompin' Tom Connors passed away on March 6, 2013 of natural causes at the age of 77.  He was a beloved musician who trancended genres and generations.  Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

The singer/songwriter left a letter to his fans to be released after his death:

Hello friends, I want all my fans, past, present, or future, to know that without you, there would have not been any Stompin' Tom.

It was a long hard bumpy road, but this great country kept me inspired with its beauty, character, and spirit, driving me to keep marching on and devoted to sing about its people and places that make Canada the greatest country in the world.

I must now pass the torch, to all of you, to help keep the Maple Leaf flying high, and be the Patriot Canada needs now and in the future.

I humbly thank you all, one last time, for allowing me in your homes, I hope I continue to bring a little bit of cheer into your lives from the work I have done.

Sincerely,

Your Friend always,

Stompin' Tom Connors

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Ronnie "the Hawk" Hawkins was interviewed  on CHCH about the superstar.  He told a story about worrying about Tom when he played to university kids who don't usually like his style of music.  Tom earned a standing ovation from them.  "I haven't worried about him since." The Hawk exclaimed.

Click here for the CHCH video report

Click here for a photo slideshow from the Spec

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Local reaction came quickly on social media.  Here are a few highlights:

David Crossley (Deacons): "You can't really explain to people in other parts of the world who (or how important) Stompin' Tom was, because there really is no equivalent in other cultures"


Dave Gould: "Tom Connors has inspired me more than almost any singer/songwriter in my life. His lyrics got me through elementary school geography. I owe a big part of my appreciation for Canada to him. I am sad he is gone. R.I.P. Tom."

Tia McGraff: "Thank you Stompin' Tom for all your great music, and honoring Canada!
You are in our hearts and music forever."

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Hamilton Cartoonists Graeme McKay toon about Stompin' Tom

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Here are a few live videos of Tom from Hamilton Place, courtesy of PeterRabbit59





Click here for Stompin' Tom's web site. 

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Favourites Workshop@Festival of Friends (Aug 7, 2010)

Click here if you can't see the videos







Links: Tia McGraff - Stumbleweed - Gabrial Ayala
More Festival of Friends 2010 Footage:

• Songs Jackie Washington Would Like (Mark McNeil, Steve Sinnicks, Mo Kauffey, Trickbag, Sonny Del Rio)
• Loving or Leaving (Kim Koren, Les Smith, Terra Lightfoot)
• Friday Main Stage (Richie Havens, Buckwheat Zydeco, Dr. John)
• Saturday Stage 3 (Caretakers, Tia McGraff, Shawn Trotter, Darrelle London, Carly & Mark)
• Looney Tunes (Darelle London, Mo Kauffey, Steve Sinnicks, Mark McNeil)
• Hit the Road (Alfie Smith, Carly & Mark, Terra Lightfoot, Kim Koren)
• Blues You Can Use (Trickbag, Mo Kauffey, Sonny Del Rio)
• You Say "Seltic", I Say "Celtic" (Steve Sinnicks, Shawn Trotter, Gabriel Ayala)
• Bring Strings (Mark McNeil, Alfie Smith, Steven Elmo Murphy, Dan Walsh, Kim Koren)
• My Roots Are Showing (Trickbag, Mo Kauffey, Duane Rutter, Sonny Del Rio)
  

Festival of Friends, Stage 3 (Aug 7, 2010)

Click here if you can't see the videos











Links: Caretakers - Tia McGraff - Shawn Trotter - Darrelle London, Carly and Mark


More Festival of Friends 2010 Footage:

• Songs Jackie Washington Would Like (Mark McNeil, Steve Sinnicks, Mo Kauffey, Trickbag, Sonny Del Rio)
• Loving or Leaving (Kim Koren, Les Smith, Terra Lightfoot)
• Friday Main Stage (Richie Havens, Buckwheat Zydeco, Dr. John)
• Looney Tunes (Darelle London, Mo Kauffey, Steve Sinnicks, Mark McNeil)
• Hit the Road (Alfie Smith, Carly & Mark, Terra Lightfoot, Kim Koren)
• Favourites (Stumbleweed, Tia McGraff, Gabriel Ayala,
• Blues You Can Use (Trickbag, Mo Kauffey, Sonny Del Rio)
• You Say "Seltic", I Say "Celtic" (Steve Sinnicks, Shawn Trotter, Gabriel Ayala)
• Bring Strings (Mark McNeil, Alfie Smith, Steven Elmo Murphy, Dan Walsh, Kim Koren)
• My Roots Are Showing (Trickbag, Mo Kauffey, Duane Rutter, Sonny Del Rio)