Canadian Blues Music Awards Crown First-Ever Winners at Landmark Toronto Gala

The Canadian Blues Music Awards made history at The Phoenix Concert Theatre in Toronto, crowning the first-ever winners of Canada's new national blues recognition programme across 16 competitive categories. The inaugural gala brought together the finest performers in Canadian blues for a landmark celebration that was more than an awards show. It was a statement about the depth, diversity, and resilience of blues music in this country.

The evening's biggest winner was Brandon Isaak, who took home Electric Blues Recording of the Year, Blues Song of the Year for "Walkin' With The Blues," and Blues Guitarist of the Year, all for his album 'Walkin' With The Blues.' Steve Marriner claimed Blues Producer of the Year for his work on three recordings: 'Hear My Heart,' Big Dave McLean's 'This Old Life,' and David Gogo's 'YEAH!' Sue Foley won Acoustic Blues Recording of the Year for 'One Guitar Woman, A Tribute to the Female Pioneers of Guitar.' Crystal Shawanda took Female Blues Vocalist of the Year for 'Sing Pretty Blues,' while Marcus Trummer claimed Male Blues Vocalist of the Year for 'From The Start.' Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne won Blues Keyboard Player of the Year for 'Ooh, Yeah!', and Ollee Owens was named Emerging Blues Artist or Group of the Year for 'Nowhere to Hide.'

The Canadian Blues Music Awards is a fully independent, incorporated national not-for-profit organization built from the ground up with a mandate to govern, develop, and operate Canada's premier blues recognition programme. Initially formed in spring 2024 by Brant Zwicker and Cindy McLeod, the CBMA Governing Committee spent more than a year in extensive research, national consultation, and programme development before incorporating as an independent organization. All artist category awards are decided exclusively by a jury panel of industry professionals drawn from a national pool spanning radio, print, labels, engineering, production, promotion, academia, associations, festivals, and venues. "The Canadian Blues Music Awards represents a complete overhaul," said Quisha Wint, Chair of the Toronto Blues Society. "A whole new programme created to serve the Canadian blues community with greater transparency, fairness, and unity from coast to coast to coast."

Lifetime Achievement honours were presented to five foundational contributors to Canadian blues: Amos Garrett, Bobby Dean Blackburn, Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne, Russell Jackson, and Tim Williams. The gala also featured live performances from Steve Marriner, Crystal Shawanda, Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne, Brandon Isaak, and Dana Wylie of Secondhand Dreamcar, with host Danny Marks opening the evening. The after-party featured sets from emerging artist nominees Glenn Marais and The Mojo Train, Ollee Owens, JP LeBlanc, and Secondhand Dreamcar.

The Canadian Blues Music Awards are now established as the gold standard of blues recognition in Canada, a programme built on transparency, coast-to-coast representation, and a genuine commitment to the music and the people who make it.

2025 Canadian Blues Music Awards Winners:

Emerging Blues Artist or Group of the Year

Ollee Owens (Ollee Owens: Nowhere to Hide)

Blues Song of the Year

Brandon Isaak: Walkin’ With The Blues (Walkin’ With The Blues)

Acoustic Blues Recording of the Year

Sue Foley: One Guitar Woman, A Tribute to the Female Pioneers of Guitar

Electric Blues Recording of the Year Brandon Isaak: Walkin’ With The Blues

Blues Producer of the Year

Steve Marriner (Steve Marriner: Hear My Heart; Big Dave McLean: This Old Life; David Gogo: YEAH!)

Female Blues Vocalist of the Year

Crystal Shawanda (Crystal Shawanda: Sing Pretty Blues)

Male Blues Vocalist of the Year

Marcus Trummer (Marcus Trummer: From The Start)

Blues Guitarist of the Year

Brandon Isaak (Brandon Isaak: Walkin’ With The Blues)

Blues Keyboard Player of the Year

Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne (Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne: Ooh, Yeah!)

Blues Harmonica Player of the Year TIE

Guy Bélanger (Guy Bélanger: Postcards from London)

Steve Marriner (Steve Marriner: Hear My Heart; Big Dave McLean: This Old Life; David Gogo: YEAH!)

Blues Horn Player of the Year

Jerry Cook (Wailin’ Walker: All Fired Up)

Blues Drummer of the Year TIE:

Jim Casson (Davis Hall & The Green Lanterns: Canboro Canborough)

Sylvain “Sly” Coulombe (Chambers DesLauriers: Our Time To Ride)

Blues Bassist of the Year

Jasmine Colette (Blue Moon Marquee: New Orleans Sessions)

Blues Video of the Year

The Harpoonist: Show Me The Green (Did We Come Here To Dance)

Blues Industry Person of the Year TIE:

Bruce Morel (Morel Music International)

Ken Simms (Think Tank Music Network)

Lifetime Achievement Recipient

Tim Williams

Fan Favourite Award for Blues Artist or Group of the Year

Blue Moon Marquee

Kathreen Halloran

 

Seems like forever since Australian guitarist/songwriter Kathreen Halloran released her debut single "Free With Me", which was November 2024. Kathleen has now recorded a full length debut album, which is due for release on the 8^th May 2026. As a pre-release for the album Kathleen has release her 3^rd single from the album, "Showstopper" which is a moody blues rocker, with a killer chorus.

 

Kathleen Halloran is one of Australia’s most compelling new voices.

 

A Melbourne-based guitarist, singer-songwriter and composer, she has spent years on stages and in studios across the country, earning a reputation built on genuine musical authority — commanding audiences with presence, confidence, and power. She’s a shredder.

 

Her sound carries the confidence and firepower of decades of guitar greats before her, while remaining unmistakably her own. As she prepares to release her debut body of work, Halloran arrives fully formed — undeniable, uncompromising, and built for the stage.

 

 https://open.spotify.com/album/5tHGfsEe6l5qNT1jWMZ8Jx

 

 

LISTEN TO HER HERE

LIVE STREAM >> HERE

Suede Aces

 

So straight off the bat a very young group of musicians decide that rather than hit the world with a bunch of singles, we`ll hit folks with our debut 51 minute album. So Suede Aces are a 5 piece 70`s retro band from New Jersey over in the USA, that original came together in 2021, but have recently had a couple of new members join. Fronted by the female powerhouse that is Lily Slix the band are forging a killer live band, playing with the likes of Steven Adler`s Guns N Roses, Slaughter and Rachel Bolan of Skid Row. The band wanted to share their opening track from the album "Fool" for folks to hear on the radio, hoping it shows they`re a kick ass rock n roll band.

Suede Aces – Band Biography Rooted in NJ, Suede Aces is a hard rock and blues band—fusing gritty soul, intricate musicianship, and raw emotion into a sound that hits as hard as it moves. Drawing from the classic power of Led Zeppelin and the vocal soul of Janis Joplin and Aretha Franklin the band crafts music that’s both timeless and forward-thinking. At the heart of Suede Aces is vocalist Lily Slix, whose journey began in childhood, following in her father’s footsteps—a lifelong musician. By age nine, she was recording in studios, and by thirteen, performing live with the confidence and intensity of someone twice her age. Her voice is bold, soulful, and full of intent—anchoring the band’s sound with passion and purpose. Brothers Darrin Bell and Tommy Bell grew up playing together from the moment their father handed them their first instruments. Their lifelong musical bond translates into a seamless onstage chemistry and a sound that’s both tight and explosive. Darrin’s guitar playing blends blues-rooted riffs with a flair for melodic intricacy, while Tommy brings hard-hitting energy and rhythmic drive grounded in classic rock tradition. Gareth “Gort” Odendaal joined the band in late 2025, devoting his talent and passion to playing bass. Jamming for years by himself and with friends, he never found the chance to play live. That’s until he joined Suede Aces. In January 2026, he played his second show ever at the legendary Stone Pony, showing that success is about hard work and soul, not having played a certain amount of time. Jerry Reaves joined SUEDE ACES in 2026 as rhythm guitarist, bringing a lifetime of playing experience and deep classic rock influences that further strengthen the band’s dynamic and layered sound. Since forming in 2021, Suede Aces has built a name for themselves on the live circuit, known for powerful, no-frills performances that hit home. They opened for Steven Adler of Guns N’ Roses and Slaughter at the iconic Starland Ballroom, shared the stage with Rachel Bolan of Skid Row at The Stone Pony - a standout moment that added fuel to the band's momentum. With one foot in the roots of rock and the other in its evolving future, Suede Aces is carving their own path—loud, honest, and unmistakably real.

 

 https://suedeaces.com/home

 

 

LISTEN TO THEM HERE

LIVE STREAM >> HERE

Brass Camel-Everybody Loves A Scandal

 

 

A bit later than planned, as Daniel took off for the weekend and forgot to share the latest and somewhat strange new single from Brass Camel "Everybody Loves A Scandal". I guess I shouldn`t really say strange as this is Brass Camel after all and they`re Canadian. Plus compared with another musical phenomenon recently, Brass Camel are quiet normal. Anyway here`s the latest track from the bands 3rd self titled album, which I believe is just around the corner from release date, April 15th.

Performed by:
Daniel Sveinson - electric guitar/vocals
Curtis Arsenault - bass/vocals
Aubrey Ellefson - keyboards/vocals
Wyatt Gilson - drums and percussion

“We release our third album, "Brass Camel" on April 15th. This album was written shortly before hitting the road to support "Camel" last year and we recorded the bulk of it while on tour, at Chalet Studios in Uxbridge. Recording at this pastoral studio with our good friend Kevin Comeau (of Crown Lands) acting as engineer and co-producer was a tremendously fun process. The studio is located on a farm and the rural environment, with big plate glass windows in the live room offering natural light and views of thunderstorms along with various examples of Ontario's flora and faura, made for a great atmosphere. The album is anchored in bed tracks which were all recorded live in a room together, performances kept intact in the mixing process which result in a raw feel to the album. It was a pleasure bringing Terry Brown (Rush producer/mixer, engineer on Axis: Bold as Love) on board to mix the album. The album covers more ground than the first two and we hope you'll dig it more with each spin!”

https://www.brasscamel.ca/

VERY SOON YOU CAN LISTEN TO THEM HERE

LIVE STREAM >> HERE

El Coyoté

 

El Coyoté is a quartet from the south of Yvelines, France, offering a rock sound that is both energetic and authentic, imbued with humanity.

Their sound, drawing on the roots of American garage rock, is distinguished by powerful riffs and lyrics, in French, that are both experienced and poetic.

Their musical universe transports you through diverse soundscapes, from the arid deserts of Mexico to smoky bars, all while maintaining a raw intensity that electrifies the stage. The evocation of vivid images and raw emotions is at the heart of their identity, an atmosphere that must be experienced live as soon as possible. With several impressive performances already under their belt, including opening for bands like Deportivo, Stuck in the Sound, Bagdad Rodéo, Chica Medusa, and Harsh, as well as appearances at various festivals and local venues, El Coyoté is establishing itself as a rising star of French rock.

https://www.instagram.com/elcoyotemusique

https://www.facebook.com/elcoyotemusique

Bluestronica

 

"I started playing guitar at fourteen, and music has been part of my life ever since. Over the years I’ve been active in many parts of the European blues scene — as a musician, DJ, producer, promoter, label owner and collaborator.

Bluestronica brings together the different sides of that journey: blues roots, electronic grooves, recordings, collaborations and the music that shaped my path.

My musical roots are firmly in the blues, but traditions stay alive by evolving. Technology, electronic grooves and modern production approaches can give roots music new energy.

Bluestronica explores that space where blues feeling and electronic grooves meet — guitars with beats, old recordings inspiring new creations.

Over the years I’ve been involved in touring, recording and releasing music, both on stage and behind the scenes. Live performances, studio work and long-term collaborations have taken me to countless venues and festivals across Europe.

All those experiences, influences and connections now come together here, in Bluestronica — alongside artists, labels and projects that form part of a wider ecosystem of kindred spirits.

With every playlist, remix or collaboration my aim remains the same.

https://blues-tronica.com

 

VERY SOON YOU CAN LISTEN TO THEM HERE

LIVE STREAM >> HERE

Artur Menezes Releases Blues-Driven Single “Not Today”

 

 

Fresh off his performance at Lollapalooza in Brazil - as the only blues rock artist in the lineup - guitarist, singer, and songwriter Artur Menezes announces the release of his new single “Not Today,” arriving April 11 on all digital platforms. The track is the second single from his upcoming independent album and showcases the bluesier side of the record while still pushing into modern and groove-driven territory.

“Not Today” explores the struggle of trying to stay sober while life keeps knocking you down. The lyrics follow the cycle of holding on, falling off, and starting over again, capturing the tension between determination and vulnerability. It is a song about resilience, setbacks, and the constant fight to move forward.

Sonically, the track draws inspiration from the hypnotic, loop-driven grooves of R. L. Burnside, combined with driving percussion, heavy slide guitar, and influences ranging from Johnny Winter to Beck. The result is a gritty, groove-heavy track rooted more directly in blues traditions than some of the heavier and more psychedelic tracks on the upcoming album, highlighting another side of Menezes’ sound while maintaining the raw energy and modern edge that define his recent work. Menezes’ vocals are strong, raspy, and full of character, carrying the emotional weight of the lyrics while the band locks into a deep, hypnotic pocket.

The single was produced by Pops Magellan, whose production approach continues to play a key role in shaping the sound of Menezes’ upcoming album, helping push the music beyond traditional blues into heavier and more contemporary territory while keeping groove and feel at the center of the music. She also plays bass and handles programming. "Not Today" also features Aaron Haggerty on drums, Randy Emata as mixing and tracking engineer and Fili Filizolla on mastering. 

The upcoming album is a fully independent, DIY release, reflecting Menezes’ commitment to artistic independence and creative control. With these new releases, he continues to push beyond traditional blues boundaries, blending heavy guitars, groove-driven rhythms, and psychedelic and alternative influences, expanding the genre into new territory and reaching audiences beyond the traditional blues world.

Born in Brazil and based in Los Angeles for the past decade, Menezes recently became a U.S. citizen and continues to build strong international momentum following major festival appearances, international touring, and a growing global audience.

VERY SOON YOU CAN LISTEN TO THEM HERE LIVE STREAM >> HERE