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Loose Blues News
The Mississippi Hippies (l. to r. Gord Leggat, John Dickie and Hugh Leggat) are making lots of new fans in Toronto and they're back at the Silver Dollar on November 25 for The Sockman's Beach Blues Luv-In II. Put on your dancing shoes!
Veteran Club Manager, Agent & Concert Promoter Randy Charlton has left Club 279 at the Hard Rock Cafe, and has taken on the double roles of General Manager and Talent Buyer for Healey's. Well known to the blues community from his years at The Diamond, Albert's Hall, the El Mocambo and The Palladium, Charlton also served as co-manager of the Jeff Healey Band in the late 80s, providing a natural fit to team up with Healey once again. Healey's will continue to offer a strong blues program, rounded out with Classic Rock, New Rock, Jazz, Country, and Roots Artists. www.jeffhealeys.com.
A New Season of Talkin' Blues: Back on Bravo! TV (Canada) on Tuesdays at 7:30 pm (Eastern), the new episodes feature Curtis Salgado, Sonny Landreth, the Heritage Blues Festival, Neal Schon, Dawn Tyler Watson, the Legendary Blues Cruise, Julian Fauth, Renee Austin, Finis Tasby, Steve Payne, Downchild Blues Band, W.C. Handy Awards, Watermelon Slim, Michael Powers, Dania Madera-Lerman, Sugar Ray & The Bluetones, Zac Harmon, Dr. John, Nick Moss, Mel Brown, Morgan Davis, Domenic Troiano, and Little Charlie & The Nightcats. Previous episodes of "Talkin' Blues" are also playing on COOLTV in Canada as well as on BETJazz in the States.
Rez Bluez TV Debuts on the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network: Television producing partners Elaine Bomberry and Aaron Goldman, of Freedom TV/Rez Bluez Inc., are thrilled to announce that Rez Bluez TV, a 13-part performance TV series, has begun broadcasting weekly on the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network, Saturdays at 10 pm (EST), with repeats on Sunday at 3:30 am, and 4:00 pm. Rez Bluez TV is the first show of its kind anywhere on television that showcases solely Native blues talent and comedy. Some of the talented musicians who are part of the series include: Jani Lauzon, The Pappy Johns Band with Murray Porter, Derek Miller, George Leach, Harrison Kennedy, Wes Mackey, Star Nayea, The Breeze, Texas Meltdown, The Wolf Pack, Billy Joe Green, and Digging Roots. With an original theme song, Rez Bluez is written and performed by Murray Porter of The Pappy Johns Band, and accompanied by Billy Joe Green, Patrick Tointigh and Oren Doxtator. The series also features the comedic talents of Charlie Hill, Michaela Washburn, Andre Morriseau, Gerry `The Big Bear' Barrett, and Moccasin Joe. Rez Bluez TV hosts include Elaine Bomberry, Star Nayea, Diane Keye, Murray Porter, Josh Miller, Jason Martin, Michaela Washburn and Curtis `Shingoose' Jonnie. The Rez Bluez TV shows were taped at the Rez Bluez 10th Anniversary at the Harbourfront Blues Festival, Toronto; the 20th Anniversary of the Chicago Blues Festival; RezStock, at Wausauksing First Nation, Parry Island, Ontario; Planet IndigenUS at Harbourfront Centre in Toronto; the Woodland Cultural Centre in Brantford, Ontario; and the Concert Hall at Victoria Hallin Cobourg, Ontario. For more information, visit www.aptn.ca. The next live Rez Bluez is on Friday, November 4th, 9:30 pm, at The Silver Dollar Room in Toronto, with The Pappy Johns Band With Murray Porter and special guests.
CD Releases: Join Danny Brooks & The Rockin' Revelators, a dynamic 12-piece show, on November 18 for the CD release party for `Rock This House', at the Milton New Life Church (directions www.newlife-milton.org), at 7 pm (tickets are $10 advance, $15 at the door through the Church, or HIS House Records online www.dannybrooksmusic.com,or 905-319-8767). `Rock This House' was produced by Richard Bell, and features the voices of Amoy Levy, Hiram Joseph, John Mays, and Steve Ambrose, as well as Brooks, and the Toronto Horns. Listen at www.dannybrooksmusic.com/rockthishouse.asp.
The Songwriters Association of Canada is presenting their 4th annual Songposium national tour - designed to demystify the world of songwriting for Canadian creators. This year, the Songposium workshops take the form of a nine-city cross-country tour that features a panel of Canada's most-respected industry professionals and songwriters, including Anne Loree (Insensitive), Christopher Ward (Black Velvet), and Eddie Schwartz (Hit Me With Your Best Shot), who will be on-hand to advise aspiring songwriters on the art, business and craft of songwriting. The national tour launches in Calgary on October 29, 2005 and visits nine cities, ending with a session at the Sheraton Hotel in Toronto on December 3, 2005. Each stop features an intensive one-day seminar for songwriters at all levels, from beginners to those with years of musical experience. The interactive sessions reveal what it takes to get to the top of the charts. Registration is $25 advance / $30 at the door (for S.A.C. Members or an approved Music Industry Association) and students with valid ID. Non Members: $40 advance / $45 at the door. Call the Songwriters Association of Canada at 1-866-456-7664 or register on-line at www.songwriters.ca.
And: Matt Minglewood releases 'The Story', his 12th and first acoustic CD. Recorded at Lakewind Sound, Cape Breton, NS, the 13-song CD features 12 original tracks plus 'The Patriot Game' as a bonus track. Blues, folk, roots, country, rock and Celtic are all reflected in the songwriting and vocals , which capture the intensity and passion of his live performances. Released on Norton Records, 'The Story' is available at www.mattminglewood.com/order.html, at live performances, and soon at record stores. www.mattminglewood.com.
CD Re-Releases, at long last: While Long John Baldry, who passed away on July 21, will be sorely missed, Stony Plain Records is pleased, by arrangement with Warner Music, to re-release - for the first time on CD - his two classic early records, "It Ain't Easy" and "Everything Stops for Tea", from 1971 and 1972 respectively. Both CDs also offer a number of bonus tracks. John had major input with Warner Music in the UK to help make this happen - it's sad that he was not able to see the final release. "It Ain't Easy", produced by Elton John and Rod Stewart, has been remastered, and includes half a dozen previously unreleased tracks. This was John's North American debut, and includes the memorable "Don't Try to Lay No Boogie Woogie on the King of Rock and Roll". Sid Griffin wrote extensive liner notes. "Everything Stops for Tea" was also produced by Elton John and Rod Stewart - who both maintained and cherished their long friendship with Baldry until his death. The CD includes additional songs and some classic radio spots. Baldry himself always told interviewers that he never had a clear favourite between the two albums. "There were many magical moments spread over the two, and they've gone down in rock history as fond memories for a lot of people," he said.
More awards for Rick Fines: Winning a blues competition in Greenville Alabama is reported at www.sweetgumbottomblues.com and at www.greenvilleadvocate.com. Fines is currently recording his latest collection of original songs for a CD entitled `Solar Powered'; "Indeed this is how it's being done" states Fines. "Alone in my cabin north of Peterborough, it's an off-the-grid production! Also, I have been granted some monies from the Ontario Arts Council to conduct songwriting residencies at a number of Ontario schools this season. Week-long and 2-week-long workshops will take place in schools in Peterborough, Bancroft, Owen Sound, and other communities. Suzie Vinnick and I are working on a recording together and will perform gigs in the coming months including November 19 at the opera house in Orangeville, and New Year's Eve at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa". Update to his website also coming soon.
The Artist Health Centre: A new medical clinic for musicians has opened at Toronto Western Hospital, 3rd Floor, West Wing, with an inter-professional team approach including a Naturopathic Doctor, Chiropractor and Osteopath, among other professions.
The 3rd Lys Blues Awards, 2005 Winners: Female Blues Artist of The Year - Dawn Tyler Watson; Male Blues Artist of The Year - Bob Walsh; Show of The Year - Kevin Mark; Album of The Year - `Rolling The Dice', Kevin Mark (Produced by Jack de Keyzer); Performances of The Year - Paul Deslauriers, François Tiffault (Kevin Mark), Costa Zafiropoulos (Kevin Mark), Jean-Sébastien Chouinard (Smokin' Sonic), and Guy Bélanger; New Artist of The Year - Nancy Desmarais (Blues Berry Jam); Discovery Artist - Smokin' Sonic; Artistic Performance - Steve Hill; Folk/Blues Artist Dale Boyle; Singer Songwriter - Jim Zeller; Le Net Blues pays tribute to - Bob Harrison. For more details and photos: www.lenetblues.com/Gala-Lys-Blues-2005.html.
Happy Birthday Mel Brown: Guitar Legend and Electro-Fi Recording Artist Mel Brown celebrated his 66th birthday last month. Mel was born Oct.7,1939 in Jackson, Mississippi and has recorded with a staggering number of artists including T-Bone Walker, Lightning Hopkins, B.B. King, John Lee Hooker, Waylon Jennings, Snooky Pryor, and Bobby "Blue" Bland, and he has been admired by Jimi Hendrix. Mel recorded 6 recordings between 1967 and 1973 for ABC Records. His 1967 debut LP "Chicken Fat" was recently issued on CD, and received a rave 5-star review in Rolling Stone. Mel's Electro-Fi debut "Neck Bones & Caviar" won the prestigious W.C. Handy Blues Comeback Album of the Year in 2000. Available in early 2006 will be both a new CD and DVD entitled "Blues: A Beautiful Thing". The DVD, directed by Talkin' Blues' Mako Funasaka, is an insightful portrait of Mel and his music. Mel remains very active - check out www.melbrownblues.com.
Rhythm & Blues Cruises: Cabins are on sale now for 2 cruise. The Rhythm & Blues Cruise Pacific, October 3-7, 2006, sails from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, with 2 days at sea, and features 16 acts, and 32 shows. The Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise sails Jan 14-21, 2007 (the 2006 cruise sold out over 6 months in advance), from Fort Lauderdale to the Eastern Caribbean, and features 19 and acts over 70 shows. Both cruises feature jams, surprise guests, workshops, autograph sessions, and more. There are special discounts available. Visit BluesCruise.com.
Musicians Take Note!: The deadline to submit your 2005 recording for consideration for a Juno nomination (yes, you must submit!) is November 16. The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts is now accepting submissions 2006 JUNO Awards, Canada's Music Awards, with a final submission deadline of November 16, 2005. All forms can be accessed at www.junosubmissions.ca or by calling 1-888-440-JUNO (5866) (toll-free in Canada). Albums must have been released between September 1, 2004 and November 16, 2005. New CARAS member and non-member submission rates have been introduced to encourage CARAS membership, and to further engage Canadian artists in the Nominating and Voting process. All submissions must be completed on-line. Most category winners are determined by CARAS membership ballot vote or by a panel of expert judges. For specific details on JUNO Awards nominations and procedures, visit the Juno Awards Web site at www.junoawards.ca. The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences/L'academie canadienne des arts et des sciences de l'enregistrement (CARAS) is a not-for-profit organization created to preserve and enhance the Canadian music and recording industries, and to contribute toward higher artistic and industry standards. The main focus of CARAS is the exploration and development of opportunities to showcase and promote Canadian artists and music through television vehicles such as the JUNO Awards. The 35th annual Juno Awards will air on CTV on Sunday, April 2, 2006.
- Julie Hill
Get involved! The TBS is looking for volunteers for its upcoming events. Volunteers receive free admission to events and other perks. To find out how, call the office now!
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
Voting members of the Toronto Blues Society are eligible to run for the 2006 Toronto Blues Society Board of Directors.
In order to run, you must be a member in good standing, and you must be nominated in writing by three voting members of the society. Deadline to receive nominations is 5pm November 18. The slate of candidates will be announced in the December issue of MapleBlues.
Elections will take place at the Annual General Meeting December 6, 2005 at the TBS office.
For further information contact the TBS office, 416-538-3885
Members, please send us your current email address
to ensure that you receive all the latest blues news including information about very special deals for TBS
members.
Email to:
info@torontobluessociety.com
TBS MERCH AVAILABLE ONLINETo make it easier for you to own a new
TBS T-Shirt or other merchandise, we have added secure transactions on our
website to allow you to buy merchandise over the Internet. You may also take advantage of our Secure On-line Processing to renew your membership with a VISA card at our join up page. 20 YEARS DOUBLE CD NOW AVAILABLE!
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