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

Santiago Kings

 

 

So the Santiago Kings are not from Chile and they don`t speak/sing in Spanish, these guys are from the south Yorkshire city of Sheffield in the UK. Famous of course Def Leppard and The Human League, neither of which sound much like the guys in Santiago Kings. Formed back in 2012, the quintet have been forging their own mix of Blues Folk and Alternative Rock, with four EP`s and two Albums, the last of which was 2022. Pro Patria Mori, which means a It is sweet and fitting/proper to die for one's country, is the bands first new material since their last album.

"Santiago Kings are a dynamic and electrifying rock band hailing from Sheffield, a city known for it's rich musical heritage. Drawing inspiration from a wide range of rock sub-genres, Santiago Kings blend elements of classic rock, alternative and modern rock to craft a sound that is both familiar and fresh."

 

https://www.facebook.com/santiagokings

 

 

VERY SOON YOU CAN LISTEN TO THEM HERE

LIVE STREAM >> HERE

WACHI

 

WACHI is a guitarist and composer whose music blends blues and neo-soul with a raw, expressive solo guitar style.He began playing guitar at the age of 14, inspired by the Japanese band LUNA SEA. Soon after, his brother introduced him to artists like Metallica, and discovering Pantera had a profound impact on his musical direction. By 16, he had formed his first band and started writing original metal music. At 18, he moved to Tokyo and established the band “Divine Era.”At 20, WACHI moved to the United States to study at the Musicians Institute, where he was exposed to a wide range of musical styles. During this time, he revived Divine Era, releasing three albums and touring extensively across the U.S.In 2020, he returned to Japan and began a new chapter, shifting his focus to solo guitar. Moving away from heavy metal, he developed a style rooted in blues and neo-soul, emphasizing feel, groove, and spontaneity. Performing at local bars, live houses, and on the streets of Tokyo while releasing singles independently, he refined a more intimate and expressive musical voice.His upcoming solo guitar album, My Spin on the Blues, features 10 tracks recorded entirely in one take, capturing the raw emotion and authenticity of his playing.

 

His music can also be listened on JAM 66 Radio.

 

 https://www.wachiguitar.com

 

Beaker - 50 Men

 

“50 Men” is a tribute to Gisele Pelicot. She profoundly changed the narrative around shame and sexual violence, with her awe-inspiring response, when she waived her right to anonymity in the trial against her ex-husband and 51 other perpetrators. “Shame should change sides”.

It’s the band’s first single in 27 years, produced and mixed by esteemed producer Sam Williams (Supergrass, Plan B) at Temple Sound Studios throwing you back to the peak of the riot girl era of L7, Hole and the Breeders while still sounding edgy, fierce and current.

The track starts in a bare, understated fashion, with gently picked notes and a soft, lounge tinged jazz vocal gliding effortlessly over the song’s darkness. As “50 Men” unfolds, it gradually opens up with sharp, brooding guitars, and layers of haunting, choir-like vocals drifting in and out. By the end, everything gathers into a weighty, immersive swell. Vocals rich, visceral and intense; a pulsating ferocious anthem to inspire a whole new generation of girls.

The all-female group garnered a loyal following during the exciting days of the late-90s Oxford rock scene, making waves with their debut single ‘Backgarden’ as part of the Shifty Disco Singles Club in 1997 and with their double A-side ‘Monster’/ ‘Plastic’ on Fierce Panda in 1998. This sparked an extensive UK tour and an Oxford Radio 1 Sound City appearance in 1997.

Despite not having performed together since 1999, band members Sam Batlle (singer), Teresa Ward (guitar), Clare Howard-Saunders (drums) were brought together by the tragic death of bassist Kim Parsons in 2023 a quarter-century after they split. The mutual support they provided to each other in a time of sadness rekindled social and musical relationships, and inevitably led to talk of getting the old band together with the addition of new bassist Hayley Wright and backing vocalist Emma Hunter. Already there have been sold out shows and a rapturously received slot at Truck Festival and this April sees not only the single release but also a Radio 4 documentary on the band called "Band of Mothers" with an interview with Steve Lamacq and a feature on BBC Breakfast.

“Being an old lady in a heavy rock band feels even more ‘not the done thing’ than being a girl in a band felt in the 90s. I like that!” says singer Sam

“One of the most popular and influential bands on the Oxford scene.” Nightshift

Gets Louder PR

Connect with Beaker:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beaker.oxford

Facebook: https://facebook.com/beaker.824394

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@beakerband1993

Bandcamp: https://beaker2.bandcamp.com

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VERY SOON YOU CAN LISTEN TO THEM HERE

LIVE STREAM >> HERE

Sonic Whip

 

 

The young guys in Sonic Whip have another single out this week, "Breathing Out" I think is the 4^th single to be released from their forthcoming album. Which I believe is set for the end of May, the Dutch have been hard at work gigging and venturing over the UK, as much as possible. So I`m sure this new album will see a lot more people in the UK, become aware of the guys in the coming months and year ahead.

We wanted to let you know that on Friday (3 April), we released our new single, “Breathing Out”!

‘Breathing Out’ is the fourth single to be released in the run-up to our new album, which will be released on 29 May. The song captures the feeling of overthinking, inner struggle, not feeling comfortable in your own skin, and the search for space to breathe again. It is a compelling rock ballad that starts small and vulnerable but grows into a powerful stadium anthem. The song was recorded in a remote studio in the Ardennes, together with producer Michael Smith (Wolf Alice, The Saints).

Known for blending 90s grunge influences with heavy, modern riffs, SONIC WHIP has built a reputation for uncompromising and electrifying live performances across Europe. Over the past year, the band has played major Dutch festivals including Zwarte Cross and Huntenpop, performed at UK festivals such as Firevolt Rock Festival and Wokingham Festival, and won two Radio Wigwam Awards for Best International Band and Best Live Act.

 

VERY SOON YOU CAN LISTEN TO THEM HERE

LIVE STREAM >> HERE

Masheena-Riffy

 

The crazy blues stoner rockers Masheena from Norway are back with a fourth single "Riffy" from their upcoming album "Let The Spiders In". Which will be the bands second album, due for release on the April 10th, with a UK tour booked for the end of April and more shows planned in 2026, it looks to be a busy year for the Bergen quartet.

Some bands have that song—the one that captures the things happening during recording. The classic example is Smoke on the Water by Deep Purple, documenting a casino fire on Lake Geneva during a Frank Zappa show. Another is A Quick Death in Texas by Clutch, written on the spot and inspired by the surroundings while recording at The Machine Shop in Texas.

Riffy is Masheena’s entry into that lineage.

The song was born out of the band’s full Texas experience—traveling to Austin, living there, and recording just outside the city in Dripping Springs. The lyrics pull directly from what happened around the band: late-night conversations with their landlord about her growing up in old Austin with Roky Erickson, and crossing paths with Lester Bangs in the 1970s. There were tattoos at Rock of Ages Tattoo, drag shows, barbecues, and an unexpected meeting with the drummer from King Crimson over smoked meat and beers.

El Profesor aka bass player Tarjei elaborates: 

“I started going to Austin around 2012, and I immediately fell in love with the place. The people — big beards, tattoos, Hawaiian shirts and friendly smiles. The food was insane: barbecue, Mexican food, cheap beer with a hipster edge. My first visit was during SXSW, but I quickly realized I preferred Austin outside the festival. That’s when the city really breathes.”

Austin has changed. The skyline is different now, the city reshaped by an influx of tech money and new residents. Still, pockets of the old spirit remain. Spend an evening at Continental Club or C-Boy’s Heart & Soul, as the band did, strike up conversations with longtime locals, and you’ll find that the original Keep Austin Weird mentality is still alive. These things didn’t just inspire Riffy - they set the vibe for the whole album. 

Riffy is Masheena’s love letter to Austin—the one that still exists between the glass towers and startup offices. A song about place, memory, and the strange magic that can still happen when a band leaves home, plugs in, and lets the surroundings shape the music.

 

 https://www.masheena.rocks/

 

 

VERY SOON YOU CAN LISTEN TO THEM HERE

LIVE STREAM >> HERE

The Lemon Pistols

 

The Lemon Pistols are an explosive rock n roll band from Toronto Canada, known for their "savoury guitar licks," "bone-shattering" drums, and charismatic live performances. Described as having a modern power-pop sound with a "Tom Petty" influence, the band is fronted by three singer-songwriters and has built a reputation for high-energy shows. Supporting bands like the Electric 6, The Lazy`s and Monster Truck, the band have really honed their craft to be a great live band.

 

 https://www.facebook.com/thelemonpistols/

 

 

VERY SOON YOU CAN LISTEN TO THEM HERE

LIVE STREAM >> HERE

 

The Davidson Trio

 

Birmingham UK power trio The Davidson Trio are set to release their second studio recording, which will be a new 5 track EP called 'Follow You', following on from their debut album Cougar. 

 This new instalment is edgier, darker and more orientated towards rock than most of the previous offerings. The  band  wanted to go back to a sound and feel that they would have been previously renowned for. 

 "It just feels natural; this kind of music just flows out of us when we get together in the studio," says guitarist and songwriter Ben Bicknell. 

 The band are releasing three singles from the new EP before its official release to online stores and streaming platforms on 1st May 2026. The first single to be released on 14th March is War. 

A dark pulsating track with eery guitar crying throughout the track. Massive bass rumbles on like the sound of battle, steadily marching on. 

 

"It reflects the everyday battles we all face, the feeling of wanting to defend what we love the most whatever that may be...... music, loved ones, our culture or even our possessions," Explains Singer and Bass player Owen Davidson. 

 

"We were even fighting our own battles during the writing and recording of the EP. Floods, health, budgets and strict time scales but I think these battles have been won" says drummer Ellis Brown. 

 The remaining tracks all carry deep messages that we can all relate to in some aspect of our lives, shady characters that are out to get you, being disillusioned with the circus we live in or missing loved ones that are no longer in our lives. 

 

https://www.instagram.com/the_davidson_trio 

https://www.facebook.com/thedavidsontrio

 

VERY SOON YOU CAN LISTEN TO THEM HERE

LIVE STREAM >> HERE

Canadian Folk Legend Ken Whiteley Releases His 37th Album 'Keep Going'

 

Canadian folk legend Ken Whiteley releases his 37th album, 'Keep Going,' out now via Pyramid Records, distributed worldwide by Distrokid. A multi-instrumentalist, producer, and composer who has been at the heart of Canadian roots music for more than six decades, Whiteley is a Mariposa Festival Hall of Fame inductee, a Genie Award winner for Best Original Song in a Canadian feature film, and the recipient of Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Maple Blues Awards and Folk Music Ontario. With 'Keep Going,' he delivers his most thematically unified and deeply felt work in years - a record that draws from the oldest wells of blues and gospel to speak directly to the moment we are all living through.

The album's origin is characteristically Whiteley: in February 2025, he slipped on ice and fractured a bone in his ankle. Unable to walk for a month, he sat down, picked up his guitar, and began writing. "Keeping going in these troubled times is an expression of powerful determination and survival, tempered by the recognition of earthly transience," he reflects. "I immersed myself in old blues and gospel tunes and that message kept coming up. May listeners also find the inspiration to keep going." The result is 12 tracks - seven originals, four classics that speak urgently to today, and one co-write with Eve Goldberg - recorded at Casa Wroxton Studio in Toronto with engineer Nik Tjelios and mastered by Harris Newman at Grey Market Mastering in Montreal.

The breadth of Whiteley's musicianship across 'Keep Going' is remarkable even by his own extraordinary standards. He sings and plays acoustic guitar, resophonic guitar, mandolin, Hammond organ, piano, mandola, mandocello, harmonica, string bass, electric bass, and washboard across the 12 tracks - joined by a cast of trusted collaborators including vocalist Ciceal Levy, drummer Bucky Berger, his brother Chris Whiteley on harmonica and cornet, and bassist Gord Mowat. One of the album's most moving moments is 'Reaching Higher,' featuring the late vocalist Betty Richardson - Jackie Richardson's younger sister, who passed away in 2018 - on a demo track Whiteley returned to and knew was worth sending into the world. Guest vocalists Eve Goldberg and Pat Patrick appear on the closing co-write 'At The End Of The Day,' a twilight meditation on transition and the voices we hear at the edge of night.

The closing track's lyrics carry the album's spirit with quiet grace: "I hear something calling me / taking me far away / I hear something calling me / at the end of the day." That sense of listening for something beyond the noise of the present moment runs throughout 'Keep Going.' From the lead track 'Everybody's Got to Be Tried' - built from a phrase remembered from Appalachian banjo legend Frank Proffitt and performed on a 1928 National guitar - to the mandolin-quartet arrangement of Noah Lewis's 1929 jug stomper 'Going to German,' Whiteley draws unbroken lines between the music of the past and the challenges of the present. "It's heartbreaking that the systemic imprisonment of young people of colour is still with us," he writes in his notes. "What I embrace in this song is the affirmation that 'I'll be back some old day.' Keep going."

The stature Whiteley brings to this record has been earned across one of the richest careers in Canadian music. Beginning his public performances at the age of 14, he has shared stages and recordings with Pete Seeger, John Hammond Jr., Blind John Davis, Stan Rogers, and Tom Paxton. He changed the course of Canadian children's music through his work with Raffi, Fred Penner, and dozens of others, and has frequently collaborated with his brother Chris Whiteley and niece and nephew Jenny and Daniel Whiteley. He has written more than 400 songs, which have been covered by more than a dozen artists, and has released four albums since 2020 alone - including CFMA award nominees 'Long Time Travelling' and 'So Glad I'm Here.' These days, as he notes with characteristic wit, he is as likely to be performing at a yoga ashram as a bar, drawing on the full storehouse of blues, folk, and gospel to make music that brings people together.

TOUR DATES:

March 28 - Guelph, ON - Guelph House Concerts

April 4-5 - Val Morin, QC - Concerts & Workshop, Sivananda Yoga Ashram (Easter Weekend) - sivanandacanada.org/camp

May 1 - Ottawa, ON - Gil's Hootenanny 'Songs of Protest, Songs of Hope,' First Unitarian Church, 30 Cleary Ave., 7:00 p.m. - gilshootenanny.ca

May 2 - Toronto, ON - Hugh's Room Live - 75th Birthday Bash and Album Celebration with Bucky Berger, Ben Whiteley, Jesse Whiteley, David Wall, Ciceal Levy, Pat Patrick - Tickets: showpass.com/ken-whiteley-75th-birthday-bash

May 16 - North York, ON - Afro Metis Anthem Peace Concert, Don Heights Auditorium, 18 Wynford Dr., Suite 103, 2:00 p.m.

May 23 - Caledon, ON - Whole Village Eco Village Concert

May 28 - Burlington, ON - Retired Teachers' Luncheon Concert

June 7 - Orangeville, ON - Orangeville Blues & Jazz Festival, Orangeville Opera House with Ben Whiteley, Bucky Berger, Ciceal Levy - orangevillebluesandjazz.ca

June 23 - Roseville, ON - Detweiler Meeting House Concert, 3445 Roseville Rd., Ayr

Advent Horizon

 

This week see`s the release of US based progressive rock group Advent Horizon return with a new studio album "Falling Together" due for release on 15th May 2026 .Which will be the follow up to the critically acclaimed album release "A Cell to Call Home" which was released back in 2023. The first single "Past Life Parable" released on the 12<sup>th</sup> March, lead singer and guitarist Rylee McDonald said "Stylistically, Past List Parable" is a sort of bridge between our older music and the new direction that I`ve been wanting for some time to take this band in. It`s heavy at times, but it`s also a melody-driven rock song with an overall uplighting tone. The harmonized guitar/synth solo at the end is something I`m particularly proud of, and can`t wait to recreate live".

 

https://www.adventhorizonmusic.com/the-band-v2

 

 

NOW YOU CAN LISTEN TO THEM HERE

LIVE STREAM >> HERE