Crystal Shawanda

 

JUNO Award-winning powerhouse singer-songwriter Crystal Shawanda is back with a new studio album, Midnight Blues, set for release this September 30th on True North Records. The latest fiery bluesy Americana collection features the first single  “How Bad Do You Want It” — showcasing her full-throttle raspy voice, unmatched in today’s musical landscape, and an authenticity for the genre dating back to her youth.

 “Growing up, all of my favorite music had these breadcrumbs that led me to the blues,” Crystal says. “I often quote Willie Dixon: ‘Blues is the roots and everything else is the fruits.’ Even today's pop music, there's all this influence that derives from the blues. I was just always really attracted to the rawness and the realness of the blues.”

Produced and engineered in Nashville by her husband and long-time collaborator Dewayne Strobel, Midnight Blues — her eighth studio album, and fifth since switching from a chart-topping career as a country artist —  is a collection of original songs, such as the seductive-sounding rocker “Midnight Blues,” swampy dance-floor groove “Rumpshaker,” and gentler “Take A Little Walk With The Moon,” as well as covers of the Howlin’ Wolf classic “Evil” and her take on Celine Dion’s hit “That’s Just The Woman In Me.”

“This is absolutely my favorite album I've ever recorded because I feel like my husband put me in a picture frame,” says Crystal. “He really captured who I am as an artist. He let my vocal shine. He brought out the best in me and all the songs that we wrote really capture my live show and who I am.”

Crystal was introduced to the blues by her eldest brother and to old-time country by her parents. “I was also into other styles of music that led me to the blues,” she says, citing everything from Elvis Presley’s “Hound Dog,” written by Big Mama Thornton, to R&B-pop star Monica’s “Misty Blue,” by Dorothy Moore.

“I was one of those kids who read the liner notes,” Crystal says.  “I wanted to know everything, who are the songwriters, the musicians, the producers, the engineers. I'm always wanting to know who are the originators, who are the mothers of invention, who inspired all of us?  I’m a purist at heart, so I was always diving back to learn from the masters, like Etta James, as far as vocalists; Muddy Waters, as far as feeling; and Buddy Guy, as far as stylists who have a lot of swagger.”

And yet Crystal’s first foray as a professional singer was in country music, not blues.  She was in her early 20s and had immediate success after signing a U.S. record deal with RCA Nashville. 2008’s Dawn of a New Day, featuring the single “You Can Let Go,” reached No. 1 on the Canadian Country Album chart and No. 16 on the Billboard Top Country Albums, the highest charting album by a full-blooded Canadian First Nations country artist (in the SoundScan-era). Her first single, You Can Let Go,”

The following year she left the label and created her own, New Sun Records. Her first release was the holiday album I’ll Be Home For Christmas. Her next country album was 2010’s Just Like You, which won a 2013 Juno Award for Best Aboriginal Album, before she made the change to the blues with 2014’s The Whole World’s Got The Blues.

“I love all styles of music, but there was just always something drawing me to the blues,” she explains.  “I had a country hit on the radio, and I would show up at country music festivals and I'd do a BB King cover or Buddy Guy or Etta James. Within country music, as much as I loved it, I had to restrain my voice a lot. It's very hard to hold back, and sometimes it was exhausting, whereas with the blues, I could just let it fly.”

While other artists have been embraced when they’ve made the switch to a different genre — Taylor Swift from country to pop; Dallas Smith from hard rock to country; and Darius Rucker from pop/rock to country — Crystal doesn’t mind talking about the difficulties she’s encountered.

“Country music is so excited when anybody from any genre comes to their world, hoping it'll make their world more popular. It'll up the cool factor but switching from country to blues is a lot more difficult because the blues scene is very protective because it's such an original genre. They want it to be respected and preserved.”

She would’ve had an easier time if she had created a blues-influenced sound, like the Black Crowes, Sass Jordan, or Alannah Myles, but Crystal can hold her own in any conversation about the blues pioneers. Still, she still likes to cover an iconic Canadian artist in her inimitable way. Last album, it was The Tragically Hip’s “New Orleans Is Sinking” and this time, Celine Dion.

“Because I had so much friction coming to the blues where people were like, ‘You don't know nothing about the blues,’ I'm trying to show them not to be so close-minded because a lot of people are more inspired by the blues than they may realize. Again, I'm trying to reiterate that quote by Willie Dixon that the blues is roots and everything else is the fruit.” 

 http://crystalshawanda.co/

The Livesays

 

The Livesays are an accomplished five-piece Heartland/Americana band fronted by the band’s namesake critically acclaimed singer/songwriter/guitarist Billy Livesay, who spent 12 years performing, recording and touring with E-Streeter Clarence Clemons' band "Temple of Soul." During his 12-year tenure with the beloved “Big Man,” Billy recorded and released "Live in Asbury Park" Volumes I & II at The Stone Pony, the second album which features Bruce Springsteen. Billy has shared the stage with so many industry giants, his resume reads like a "Who's Who of Rock n' Roll Hall of Famers."

Drummer Steve Rheingold, was formerly the beat keeper with the legendary Wayne Cochran.

The Livesays' lineup is rounded out with Jorge Laplume on bass, Victor "Cuqui" Berrios on Hammond B-3 organ, and Tim Murphy on piano, all of whom have impressive resumes of their own. Cuqui, who grew up in New York City, offers a touch of the Big Apple to the band with his Hammond B3 and impassioned vocals. Tim brings his ear for harmony and his unique Elton John style piano. Jorge hails from Havana, Cuba; with his Latin roots coupled with a steady diet of the rock groups The Who and Free, he delivers a bass sound that is both funky and thunderous.

The combination of these five seasoned pros, with their versatile backgrounds, incomparable harmonies, energy level, and undeniable chemistry, create real magic on stage together and put on one heck of a dynamic live performance.

The Livesays have created five full length albums that are both memorable and moving with stories ranging from adolescence to adulthood, from battling addiction to conquering depression, from finding love to losing love ... with lyrics that will surely touch your heart and quench your soul. 

 https://www.thelivesaysmusic.com/

Mark Ruebery

 

Mark Ruebery is an original songwriter, singer. guitarist and recording artist.

Mark has been writing songs for over 25 years and has performed his material all over the world…..

After graduating with distinction in guitar from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, he recorded his debut album ‘Because of You’ at the legendary Rockfield Studios, Wales. 

The album was promoted by BBC Radio Wales as ‘album of the week’ and five songs were featured as ‘single of the week’. He has had multiple plays on BBC Radio 2 and his videos aired several times on Sky TV. Mark regularly performs his songs live in session on BBC radio and for many other stations.

His second album ‘One Night One Chance’ was recorded at the famous Abbey Road Studios, London. A lifelong ambition for Mark. A song from Mark’s second album ‘One Night One Chance’ was featured on an American pilot TV Series “Do I have a hit Song?” in Jacksonville, Florida. 

https://www.markruebery.com/

Chris Antonik Releases "Trust In Me" From #1 Roots Music Report Canadian Chart Album 'Morningstar'

 

Chris Antonik, whose album, Morningstar, still sits at No. 1 on the Roots Music Report, has released a blues/hip hop hybrid single, “Trust in Me,” something a little different for the chart-topping blues-rock guitarist who has always pushed the boundaries of blues.

 "I wrote this song as a commentary on how toxic, childish, and mean politicians were becoming in the media in the years leading up to the pandemic,” says the Toronto-based musician. “As a single parent, I needed to work extra hard to drown it out and outweigh it with positive behaviour examples for my kids because there was no help from the top.  How we talk to people is important and it's incredible how crazy the world was getting in this respect."

“Trust in Me” features one of the fiercest guitar solos Chris has ever recorded. “Musically, I required this sort of modern, chaotic, industrial-type vehicle to tell my story and to deliver the song's ferocious and intense guitar solo,” he explains. 

The track also includes a beautifully chaotic and mind-bending soprano sax solo by 2022 Maple Blues Award-winner Alison Young. “Sonically, her contribution matches the frustration and confusion of the lyric’s theme, but also has a desert/mystical/Duran Duran ‘Union of the Snake’ vibe,” Chris says.

“Trust In Me” is the fourth single from Morningstar, following August’s release of “Back to the Good”, July’s “Pilgrim,” and June’s “Waves of Stone” (feat. Jarekus Singleton).

All the singles have done phenomenally well on the Roots Music Report, starting with “Waves of Stones,” which landed at No. 1.  Both “Back to Good” and “Pilgrim” also reached No. 1 in Canada on the Roots Music Report’s singles chart.

This kind of reception is nothing new for Chris. Since his nomination for Best New Artist at Canada’s Maple Blues Awards in 2011 based on his debut album, Chris has been delivering innovative and thoughtfully crafted songs that transcend expectations of the genre. His sophomore album, Better for You, was hailed by critics as “the best Canadian blues-rock album of 2013” and “a masterpiece” — with American Blues Scene calling it the “sound of someone taking the blues to a new place.”  His self-produced third studio album, 2017’s Monarch, further expanded the blues’ boundaries into blues-rock, soul and Americana; it was nominated for both Songwriter of the Year and Recording of the Year at the 2018 Maple Blues Awards.

Reviews for his latest album, Morningstar, have been stellar.  All Music Magazine gave it a 10/10, while influential US blues-rock outlet, Rock and Blues Muse, said “Antonik is clearly focused on making music that advances the state of blues/rock and guitar music in general.  He’s got bigger game on his mind and is creating music that will stretch your soul when you hear it. He’s a fully developed artist working on something big. We should all be listening.” 

A few days after its Aug. 5 release, Morningstar charted on the Roots Music Report at No. 4 for radio play in Canada (all genres) and No. 7 in the U.S. (for blues rock). The album also hit No. 1 in Canada on the Roots Music Report, the week of Aug. 13, and No. 20 in the U.S. for blues. 

 

The Whythouse

The Whythouse is back with a new song called Urban Country, This fast paced, fun and energetic song is our 11th studio release this year. Urban Country is the final single released off The Country Files LP. It features a little bit of urban and a little bit of country which is no surprise based on The Whythouse's previous releases.

The Whythouse is a multi-versatile urban collective fronted by Chris Hale alias Plex who hails from Toronto, Canada. This prose fits in perfectly in that pop box as they do in the Country scene and is what has made it a fan favorite with the tracks from their impressive discography going on to amass millions of streams with massive airplay on radio and other digital channels. It seems like everything the band touches ultimately turns to gold and is really proving to be one of the most innovative and creative collectives of its generation. The Whythouse connects with its audience by putting their hearts and souls into their songs while ingeniously investing real-life stories into their lyrics.

 https://www.thewhythouse.com/

 

George Dooley

 

George Dooley is a singer songwriter who has been playing and performing for over twenty years. He had always been frustrated in trying to get his songs produced. About two years ago he discovered the virtual world of music production, and he has never looked back. In just under two years, he already has four songs under license with Alcon Sleeping Giant (“ASG”), the music licensing arm of Alcon Entertainment, and another with Figure & Groove, a publishing house out of NY. His reputation as a lyricist continues to grow and his songs are generally fun and include great stories and clever lyrics. His catalog continues to grow, and he hopes his songs bring some joy. He also would welcome the opportunity to connect with recording artists who want to further bring his songs to life.

https://dukesongs.net/

Claudia Campagnol

 

Claudia Campagnol's voice is extremely powerful, yet warm and soulful. She takes inspiration from jazz, pop, soul, and R&B, showcasing a stunning flair for improvisation and vocal arrangements.

Claudia Campagnol has a deep-rooted affection for jazz fusion, and she has achieved great success on the jazz scene in Denmark as well as abroad. Her debut album "I'm Strong" (2019) was nominated for Danish Music Awards Jazz in two categories: 'Best Vocal Album' and 'Best New Act', and received excellent reviews worldwide.

But for a while, Claudia has considered trying her hand at other genres.

With her single "Dance With Me" (2020) – inspired by names like Chaka Khan and Sade – Claudia stepped into a funky pop/R&B world that suits her amazingly.

In February 2021, Claudia released the beautiful love ballad Abracadabra, with which she participated in 'Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2021' (the Danish pre-selection for ‘Eurovision Song Contest’).

In March 2021, the super catchy "Do You Love Me (Dance Edit)" was released – and with an ongoing desire to challenge herself, she continued down the Pop/R&B/Soul path with her single "Everything's OK" (June 2021). – This time adding a flirty touch of Reggaeton.

Her new single "Confused" is a laid-back, confident and funky affair that makes you dream of the California sun and cruising up and down legendary PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) - or the French Riviera. Think West Coast music, Earth Wind & Fire, Bill Champlin and Michael Ruff, and the mood is set.

https://www.claudiacampagnol.com/

Hickory Hank

 

Has it been a long time? Nah, that's actually great. So not so long ago a number of musicians, relatively unknown to each other, got together to share their love for Country and Americana, in particular. Joint heroes soon found the men in Johnny Cash, Hank Williams and Gram Parsons. There is also a common preference for the more traditional instruments. They mean guitar, mandolin, banjo, bassukulele and whatever else comes to the table.

From their town on the Rhine, the men are slowly but steadily building a solid live reputation. And they are welcome guests on and off stage. Given their set of instruments, they have freedom of movement to play in any cozy corner. In fact, that's probably what they like the most. Blessed with voices like nightingales, the polyphonic vocals really add value.

https://www.facebook.com/HickoryHankTank

https://hickoryhank.jouwweb.nl/

Gulf Stream Riders, new album

 

 

 

Gulf Stream Riders, aka Chris and Nalle , are former members of a hard rock band that had a record deal with Warner Music in Scandinavia and toured the clubs in LA. After a breakup that lasted many years, with Chris studying back home in NY and Nalle writing and producing for artists around the world, they reunited to pursue the long time dream of making the kind of music closest to their hearts; Country/Folk.

Barn Music is the first full-length album from Gulf Stream Riders since they began releasing music in 2018. The album is a snap-shot of GSR’s consistently excellent work, with increasing focus on the folk and roots side of their sound. 

 

12 tracks, 5 never before released songs/versions.  

 

Heart Trying Mind Lying is a plain-spoken song about sad endings and new beginnings; and also a toungue-in-cheek reference to vocalist Christopher John’s surprise heart attack and surgery in ‘21. Heart Trying Mind Lying somehow manages to be mournful and optimistic at the same time.

 

https://twitter.com/RidersGulf

Sano Hill

 

Sano Hill is a singer-songwriter based in Galway (Ireland) currently recording his debut album. His songs are inspired by life, love and loss and he has played to audiences in the US and Ireland with his work released already to critical acclaim on compilation albums, including 'Origin: See the Light', 'New Horizons', and 'Inundations' (which also featured music from leading international acts, including Josh Ritter, Ron Sexsmith, Lloyd Cole, Damien Rice, Mundy and The Frames). 

“Circlewalk” – released on July 29 – is the third single from his forthcoming album (music review responses to "Circlewalk" as well as his acclaimed previous singles “The Climb” and “Starting Over” are available here: https://sanohillsongs.wixsite.com/sano-hill/reviews). The forthcoming album as a whole (titled “If Not Now, When?”) charts the course of a relationship from hopeful beginnings, to emotional crises, breakup and recovery. “CircleWalk” is a darker song than the previous releases, dealing with the challenging subject of communication breakdown in a relationship, when two people can't find the words to say how they feel and instead walk in circles around what they need to say. This song is about expression, about breaking the silence. It features a full band sound, driving chorus and memorable final refrain. It was recorded at Dublin's legendary Windmill Lane Studios with award-winning producer Larry Hogan. 

Sano Hill “is blessed with a strong and distinctive voice” (Galway Advertiser) and his work has been described as defining “a timeless recipe for original guitar music: inventive, humanist lyrics sung from the gut, then embedded in rhythms to barrage or soothe the soul" (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel). For leading Irish music magazine, Hot Press, Sano Hill daringly “tries to capture the sound, sense and smell of Galway in a similar vein to Van Morrison's finest compositions about his native Belfast." (Hot Press).

 https://linktr.ee/SanoHill

Brian Mitchell

 

Who is Brian Mitchell? Why is he writing and recording new albums of original songs at his age and stranger still, why do people like them?

Answering these questions in no particular order, Brian views age as having zero relevance to anything past physics. If anything, the work he’s doing is simply past due because creativity has been at the core of his personality since he was a child. And that life began as the youngest of 7 kids growing up immersed in the harmonies of Lennon and McCartney, the incredible rhythms and amazing songs that came out of Detroit and Motown Records. In fact all of the music he’s liked from Broadway soundtracks to Brill Building pop, the lyrical craft and vocal harmony arrangements from those eras, all resonate with him. He simply loves music. “It’s the one language every culture, every race and every nation has in common... we all understand it and we all love it.”

Brian’s journey includes ten years as a broadcaster and over the course of that time and the radio stations he worked for, his playlists included hits from five decades covering standards to rock, pop and jazz. At the age of 21 he decided to buy his first guitar, later pursuing college studies in music, learning theory and harmony. Eventually , he added Bass and piano as additional instruments. “Writing songs on piano vs. guitar ... the two are completely different expressively and each brings something unique.”

What you might not know is very likely something you actually do know. His voice. Brian is the voice of national and regional commercials to PBS documentaries and program narrations for networks like Discovery and Science Channel.

But now... There’s Act 3.
In July 2021, “Love & Lies”, Brian’s debut album was released, with a mixture of styles that reflect his broad influences. “I’m only one person. One writer. I don’t have a partner in this to craft some other side to what I’m releasing, so I’m trying to not issue a narrow sort of ‘sound’ per say, I want my albums to be interesting.”

“Love & Lies” features 11 tracks with five of those also released as singles, all available on every major streaming platform both nationally and overseas. A lyric video for his song ‘Love’ has just been released and is streaming to social media. Two new albums are already in pre-production with session dates scheduled throughout the Winter. The musicians include the rhythm section from Genesis’ guitarist Daryl Stuermer’s touring band, and all are among his areas finest.

So why now? Why begin such ambitious projects? “Because I enjoy it. Really, no other reason necessary. I like writing and love recording with these outstanding musicians and my fondest dream for all of it is that just maybe we are asked for live performances at some point. Giving music to people is a gift to us and to them and what could be better than that really?”

 https://brianmitchellofficial.com/

The Western Country Band

 

  „It is an awesome journey through my life with my music, my friends, my kids, my wife...“ (“The Journey” by TWCB)

It all started with a van. No, not a fan. Andy M. Veit didn't have a fan back in those days. Except his mother. - God bless all the cheering mothers out there! - He just had a van. It was old, a little bit rusty and slow.

„I'm on the road, have nowhere to go, no hurry, I take it slow...“ (“I'm On The Road” by TWCB)

Andy took all his money from his bank account to buy a guitar, a little PA and this old van. He quit his studies at university. Andy wanted to be a musician. Surely his parents felt really enthusiastic about this well thought out idea of their youngest son.

“At nights I play my guitar in a bar...” (“Family Man” by TWCB)

The following years were filled with little money but with lots of fun. To make your living as a musician is hard work but filled with passion, friendship to impressive people and sound, sound, sound.

In 2017 Andy M. Veit took the chance to found TWCB with his great guitar playing friend Marco Birkner. The very talented bass player Mike Oberhauser and the fabulous drummer Erny Moucka joined them.

“So many people are there, yes they seem to care! With a big wide grin I start to sing...” (“A Good Night's Song” by TWCB)

The first concert was arranged quickly. The band worked hard and had a lot of fun to create their own sound. But the joy in the matter was even greater: The first concert already packed! Incredible.

“Successful on my way, no time for a stay. Too far and further on, too fast on and on...” (“Home” by TWCB)

And how did it continue? Logically with the second concert. And?
The hall was full again. Madness. More and more guests came to the following concerts. The setlist was constantly expanded. Guest musicians invited. Fireworks of fun shared with the audience.

Own songs have been written. The first album "The Journey" was recorded in 2018. The single „Christmas In The Country“ was released in 2019 and in 2020 Corona couldn't stop them. „Little Love Song“ was produced. In 2021 it was released worldwide and reached a great amount of airplay (nearly) all over the world!

And now?
“It's Time To Smile” by TWCB ;-)

  https://www.thewesterncountryband.com/

Stacie Collins

 'Darlin' Why?' is the first single off the long awaited DAMN GIRL! album from Nashville roots rocker Stacie Collins.
 
Sporting a slam-bang rock ‘n’ roll band and a hard-core honky- tonk wail, Stacie Collins pushes the boundaries of rock, blues and country. A singer-songwriter and a bad-ass harmonica player in the style of Chicago Blues greats Little Walter and James Cotton, Collins has garnered a reputation for her high energy shows, diverse songwriting and unlike most chick-singers, they are not all about love and heartbreak.
 
Based in Nashville, TN, Stacie is a road warrior having performed countless shows in the USA and Europe over the past few years and has even spawned a Japanese “Stacie Collins” tribute band. In addition to touring, Collins, along with her writing partner, husband, band mate Al Collins (Jason & The Scorchers) have written, recorded and released five records on her own label.
 
 https://staciecollins.com/

The Livesays

  

The Livesays are an accomplished five-piece Heartland/Americana band fronted by the band’s namesake critically acclaimed singer/songwriter/guitarist Billy Livesay, who spent 12 years performing, recording and touring with E-Streeter Clarence Clemons' band "Temple of Soul." During his 12-year tenure with the beloved “Big Man,” Billy recorded and released "Live in Asbury Park" Volumes I & II at The Stone Pony, the second album which features Bruce Springsteen. Billy has shared the stage with so many industry giants, his resume reads like a "Who's Who of Rock n' Roll Hall of Famers."

Drummer Steve Rheingold, was formerly the beat keeper with the legendary Wayne Cochran.

The Livesays' lineup is rounded out with Jorge Laplume on bass, Victor "Cuqui" Berrios on Hammond B-3 organ, and Tim Murphy on piano, all of whom have impressive resumes of their own. Cuqui, who grew up in New York City, offers a touch of the Big Apple to the band with his Hammond B3 and impassioned vocals. Tim brings his ear for harmony and his unique Elton John style piano. Jorge hails from Havana, Cuba; with his Latin roots coupled with a steady diet of the rock groups The Who and Free, he delivers a bass sound that is both funky and thunderous.

The combination of these five seasoned pros, with their versatile backgrounds, incomparable harmonies, energy level, and undeniable chemistry, create real magic on stage together and put on one heck of a dynamic live performance.

The Livesays have created five full length albums that are both memorable and moving with stories ranging from adolescence to adulthood, from battling addiction to conquering depression, from finding love to losing love ... with lyrics that will surely touch your heart and quench your soul. 

 https://www.thelivesaysmusic.com/

Crystal Shawanda

 

JUNO Award-winning powerhouse singer-songwriter Crystal Shawanda is back with a new studio album, Midnight Blues, set for release this September 30th on True North Records. The latest fiery bluesy Americana collection features the first single  “How Bad Do You Want It” — showcasing her full-throttle raspy voice, unmatched in today’s musical landscape, and an authenticity for the genre dating back to her youth.

“Growing up, all of my favorite music had these breadcrumbs that led me to the blues,” Crystal says. “I often quote Willie Dixon: ‘Blues is the roots and everything else is the fruits.’ Even today's pop music, there's all this influence that derives from the blues. I was just always really attracted to the rawness and the realness of the blues.”

Produced and engineered in Nashville by her husband and long-time collaborator Dewayne Strobel, Midnight Blues — her eighth studio album, and fifth since switching from a chart-topping career as a country artist —  is a collection of original songs, such as the seductive-sounding rocker “Midnight Blues,” swampy dance-floor groove “Rumpshaker,” and gentler “Take A Little Walk With The Moon,” as well as covers of the Howlin’ Wolf classic “Evil” and her take on Celine Dion’s hit “That’s Just The Woman In Me.”

 “This is absolutely my favorite album I've ever recorded because I feel like my husband put me in a picture frame,” says Crystal. “He really captured who I am as an artist. He let my vocal shine. He brought out the best in me and all the songs that we wrote really capture my live show and who I am.”

Raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Crystal was introduced to the blues by her eldest brother and to old-time country by her parents. “I was also into other styles of music that led me to the blues,” she says, citing everything from Elvis Presley’s “Hound Dog,” written by Big Mama Thornton, to R&B-pop star Monica’s “Misty Blue,” by Dorothy Moore.

 “I was one of those kids who read the liner notes,” Crystal says.  “I wanted to know everything, who are the songwriters, the musicians, the producers, the engineers. I'm always wanting to know who are the originators, who are the mothers of invention, who inspired all of us?  I’m a purist at heart, so I was always diving back to learn from the masters, like Etta James, as far as vocalists; Muddy Waters, as far as feeling; and Buddy Guy, as far as stylists who have a lot of swagger.”

And yet Crystal’s first foray as a professional singer was in country music, not blues.  She was in her early 20s and had immediate success after signing a U.S. record deal with RCA Nashville. 2008’s Dawn of a New Day, featuring the single “You Can Let Go,” reached No. 1 on the Canadian Country Album chart and No. 16 on the Billboard Top Country Albums, the highest charting album by a full-blooded Canadian First Nations country artist (in the SoundScan-era). Her first single, You Can Let Go,”

The following year she left the label and created her own, New Sun Records. Her first release was the holiday album I’ll Be Home For Christmas. Her next country album was 2010’s Just Like You, which won a 2013 Juno Award for Best Aboriginal Album, before she made the change to the blues with 2014’s The Whole World’s Got The Blues.

 “I love all styles of music, but there was just always something drawing me to the blues,” she explains.  “I had a country hit on the radio, and I would show up at country music festivals and I'd do a BB King cover or Buddy Guy or Etta James. Within country music, as much as I loved it, I had to restrain my voice a lot. It's very hard to hold back, and sometimes it was exhausting, whereas with the blues, I could just let it fly.”

While other artists have been embraced when they’ve made the switch to a different genre — Taylor Swift from country to pop; Dallas Smith from hard rock to country; and Darius Rucker from pop/rock to country — Crystal doesn’t mind talking about the difficulties she’s encountered.

“Country music is so excited when anybody from any genre comes to their world, hoping it'll make their world more popular. It'll up the cool factor but switching from country to blues is a lot more difficult because the blues scene is very protective because it's such an original genre. They want it to be respected and preserved.”

She would’ve had an easier time if she had created a blues-influenced sound, like the Black Crowes, Sass Jordan or Alannah Myles, but Crystal can hold her own in any conversation about the blues pioneers. Still, she still likes to cover an iconic Canadian artist in her inimitable way. Last album, it was The Tragically Hip’s “New Orleans Is Sinking” and this time, Celine Dion.

 “Because I had so much friction coming to the blues where people were like, ‘You don't know nothing about the blues,’ I'm trying to show them not to be so close-minded because a lot of people are more inspired by the blues than they may realize. Again, I'm trying to reiterate that quote by Willie Dixon that the blues is roots and everything else is the fruit.” 

 http://crystalshawanda.co/

Joe Bailey

 

British indie-folk outfit 'Joe Bailey' isn't actually just Joe Bailey; it's really two long-time friends and musicians Joe Bailey and Gaz Wilby, wedded by their passion for eclectic, vintage soundscapes. Joe had initially written an acoustic album that his musical soulmate Gaz was going to mix and master for him, but when the opportunity arose for them to work their music magic in tandem, it only seemed right. 

"After getting back the first mixes I thought it sounded like an unfinished album, at which point Gaz said he loved the songs and would be up for adding other instruments and ideas... so that's what we did!"

What Joe and Gaz managed to create is bluesy, folksy and unmistakably retro in its feel. 'Without Love' traverses soft blues tones with jangly guitar riffs, and tom-heavy percussion lifts the energy. Cries of "without love we've got nothing at all" transform the track into something truly rousing. There's modern touches; subtle piano musings underpin the whole thing, yet a definite 60s anthemic feel runs throughout. 

'Without Love' is taken from Joe Bailey's soon-to-be released full length album (a self-titled project) – a collection of tracks close to Joe's heart: "This track and the whole album are the most personal and honest songs I've ever written. I'd not written any music for quite a few years and I did a lot of self-reflection in that time – I just felt like I needed to write some music again so I wrote this album."  

 

The 36-year-old is keen not to tie the Joe Bailey duo to any particular set of artists or genres. Instead, he clarifies that their sound is an all-welcoming vibe: "I don't know who our music is similar to but there's been a few comments saying 'Without Love' reminded them of The Beatles, which is obviously a super cool comparison for people to make. But I don't know, maybe it's for people who dig the kind of 60s/70s sounds and vibe – I'd like to think we've made some songs that almost anyone will enjoy."

The pair worked closely on the creative production of their album, yet Joe remains humble about his own song-writing process: "I'll just get a guitar melody or maybe a line of a song pop into my head and then I'll go find my guitar and just write," he says. "I think a lot of the songs from this album kind of wrote themselves. I know it sounds stupid but sometimes I don't even know where the words I write are coming from." 

Gaz Wilby collaborates on the album in epic style – 'Without Love' in particular; what was supposed to be an acoustic serenade became a powerful song of love through the virtues of innovative instrumentation, production and delicate mixing and mastering. "'Without Love' was just a few guitar chords and some words when I first sent it to him – he's brought the whole thing to life," Joe reflects.

For a musician who hasn't written music for years, 'Without Love' represents a special re-introduction to the scene – one that he's extremely proud of, and should be. The talented song-writer has some way to go to catch Paul McCartney and co. – but backed by the musical prowess and unbounded friendship of Gaz Wilby – can firmly cement his place in the indie-folk arena.

 

 https://linktr.ee/joebaileymusic

Jonathan Williams

 

Jonathan Williams tells powerful stories of faith, love, and family, using his evocative voice and intimate lyricism to build meaningful connections with his listeners. Not confined to a single genre, he combines elements of pop, rock, and folk to create his emotionally stirring sound. He is an artist of rare candor and authenticity, one who puts his entire heart into every song he writes.

Jonathan was born in Canada. He started his life as a musician being taught the songs of Gordon Lightfoot by his mother, on a guitar purchased by his father. As he grew up, his tastes began to expand dramatically. Discovering Joe Satriani was a seminal event in Jonathan’s life, and he quickly became obsessed with the guitar. He became a mainstay on the Victoria rock scene, both as a solo artist and a founding member of iRiS, opening for big name acts and establishing himself as a dynamic performer.

Eventually, Jonathan’s dream led him to Vancouver. That dream, however, would have to be deferred, as he fell in love, started a family, and began a new career as a police officer. For twelve years, Jonathan devoted himself to his work and his children, allowing music to become a thing of the past. However, when his life fell apart a few years later, music was there to save him.

In 2017, Jonathan’s marriage collapsed. He was suffering from severe depression and found himself unable to continue working. With nowhere else to turn too, Jonathan surrendered himself to God. He spent countless hours in prayer, finding hope in the teachings of the Bible. As his broken heart began to heal, Jonathan felt newly inspired, and with guidance from above, he decided to return to his first love - music.

The songs that Jonathan writes are a testament to the power of the human spirit. He explores the depths of his soul, turning his own loss into universally resonant messages of faith. Jonathan’s songs are performed with the conviction of a man who has hit rock bottom and still found the strength to carry on. With new music expected in 2022 and beyond, Jonathan is devoted to using his voice and music to inspire listeners around the world. 

 https://jonathanofficialmusic.com/

BLUE MOON MARQUEE Releases Fiery Track “Hound Dog On A Chain”

 

The electrifying sound of blues-folk duo Blue Moon Marquee out of Cowichan Valley, British Columbia, is sure to make audiences jump out of their seats and dance with the latest upbeat single, “Hound Dog on a Chain” — available now!

 

A harmonic synthesis of blues, jazz, rock n’ roll, and swing, the latest single comes from Blue Moon Marquee’s highly anticipated fifth studio album “Scream, Holler & Howl.” The album is a sophisticated collection of music that instantly transports listeners to places of sonic wonder.

 

“Hound Dog on a Chain” is a pulsating track dripping with equal parts style and substance. The song features emotive vocals by Badlands Jazz, a.k.a Jasmine Colette, and a Hammond solo from the supremely talented Darcy Phillips (Jann Arden). As approachable as the new single is, “Hound Dog on a Chain” is about the systems of oppression that continue to drive society further from happiness.

 

As the duo says, “Wake up to the realization that people have the power. We need to believe in that power and to believe in the people. The chain is taut. This hound dog is about to bust loose.”

 

 

https://bluemoonmarquee.com/

Groovy licks and up-tempo percussion punctuate “Hound Dog on a Chain” and the urgency of the message about social patriarchy and the prioritization of profit and corporate greed over life.

“Go hoist a rag

Can’t stop what’s coming

Hey, can you believe it?

They trying for your head

Watch out they don’t snare ya

Rock the feint instead.”

The sensational new album “Scream, Holler & Howl” showcases the exceptional talent of some of Canada’s finest musicians. Co-produced by the legendary Duke Robillard (The Fabulous Thunderbirds / Roomful of Blues), the album also features the musical stylings of Darcy Phillips (Jann Arden) on piano and Jerry Cook (Colin James) on tenor and baritone saxophone.

The latest single is accompanied by a provocative black and white music video that visualizes the detached world we’re reeling through. Utilizing dazzling choreography and interpretive dance, the official music video for “Hound Dog on a Chain” was produced by Studio 549 and filmed on the unceded territory of the Lekwungen-speaking peoples.

Blue Moon Marquee is comprised of creative duo A.W. Cardinal (vocals/guitar) and Jasmine Colette, a.k.a. Badlands Jass (vocals/bass/drums). American Roots UK calls Blue Moon Marquee a band with “their own completely original style,” and “modern blues doesn't really get any better than this. This is a tremendous sound by a hugely talented duo.” Over nine years since its inception, Blue Moon Marquee has enjoyed success entertaining audiences across Europe and North America with their dynamic sound with no intention of stopping any time soon.

Tim Wolf

 

Aspiring rock stars dream of becoming household names in their 20s, but when Nashville-based Americana artist, Tim Wolf, was that age, he fantasized about creating a household consumer brand. The lifelong musician and entrepreneur did taste business-world stardom, earning prestigious Marketing Excellence awards; inventing and earning multiple US Patents; and living in chic and exotic locales like New York and Japan. Yet, the grind got him down, and, by 2014, Wolf found himself at his wit’s end.

One fateful day, a buddy intervened. He marched into Wolf’s office and demanded he shut down his enervating business ventures and pursue his dreams. “My friend metaphorically hit me on the head with a two by four. Things were so gray and dreary, and music just felt like sunshine and beautiful flowers. As soon as he left the office, I vowed to do music full time,” Wolf recalls. Within 24 hours Wolf listed real estate for sale which would allow him to restructure. He adds: “After it was sold, I was completely free to pursue my musical dreams full time.”

To date, Wolf has released a brace of singles, the Castle Built of Cards EP, and next he will issue his full-length debut, Everything I Learned In Grade School. In addition, since he’s fired up his artist career, Wolf has toured regionally and internationally. So far a career milestone has been touring Ukraine and Poland which climaxed with Wolf headlining the Stara Fortetsya Festival in Trostyanets, Ukraine.

His songs are those of the lone wolf—masculine but sensitive, romantic but ill-fated. Wolf a storyteller of hard luck and heartbreak. Wolf’s music is informed by the blues—he’s a lyrical and economic lead guitar player—but contextualized by Americana, that sweet spot where country, folk, and blues overlap, and songs come first. His vocals have a patina that’s both paternal and mythical—as if he’s singing from years of hard road living. Wolf’s song’s invite comparisons to Johnny Cash, Mark Knopfler, Rhett Miller, and Jason Isbell.

Wolf’s earthy musicality no doubt is tied to his rural upbringing in South Dakota where he grew up on a large but lonely farm. Despite being a natural at living off the land, Wolf had big city aspirations and earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering, an MBA, and set off for the wilds of the business world where he tasted success and excess. Eventually, he tired of the glitz, and brought his enterprising spirit back home.

Back in South Dakota, he pursued various entrepreneurial endeavors while overseeing the family farm. Away from the din and excitement of a life in business, his love of music began to surface. He had been playing guitar since grade school, and continued to practice, perform, and evolve as a musician throughout his adult life. He even picked up the saxophone later in life and began gigging semi-professionally with a cover band.

A series of events recalibrated Wolf’s journey from being landlocked by his family’s farm in South Dakota. His cover band dissolved, and a bubbling-under urge to be a front man, and his friend’s urgent request that he pursue music galvanized him into making some profound changes. He sold the farm, and decided to go all-in with music and move to Nashville in 2017.

It wasn’t an easy transition. The reality of a career in music hasn’t necessarily been the sunshine and beautiful flowers Wolf envisioned. In the wilds of Music City, Wolf rubbed shoulders with powerful producers interested in his talents, but hypercritical of his abilities. “I’ve been broken down so many times,” he admits. “My first reaction was to quit because I felt like I would never amount to anything. I remember thinking what would be the fastest route to sell my gear, but there’s nothing I would rather do than play music.”

However, he’s emerged from it all with dignity, grace, and an impressive back catalog of songs. He’s earned the stamp of approval of working with in-demand Nashville producer and singer-songwriter, Kenny Schick. Schick and Wolf worked together on his upcoming debut album, Everything I Learned in Grade School. That title is pinched from a quip a producer made while listening to one of Wolf’s tracks, remarking that his tasty blues licks were somehow pedestrian—“I learned those in grade school,” the producer exclaimed. To his credit, Wolf did take the hard scrapes in stride, feeling the pain, but also growing from the advice. He fine-tuned his vocals, easing them back into the pocket, but he stayed true to his gutsy and achingly beautiful lead guitar playing.

A sneak peek at his upcoming album produced by Schick includes the smoldering pop-rock track “Earthquake In A Bottle,” the gut-wrenching “A Million Little Hearts,” and the boldly vulnerable piano ballad, “Frequency.” The stunning “Earthquake In A Bottle” conjures the sleek groove-pop of prime 1970s Fleetwood Mac with a captivating romantic narrative. Here, Wolf’s writing is sexy and clever, one choice passage is A palindrome in human form/Like poetry upside down/She looks as good from any direction you can see.

Wolf’s EP Castle Built of Cards EP is available now on all digital sales and streaming platforms. Two highlights on this six-song EP include “Born In South Dakota” and “Castle Built of Cards,” both are co-written by guitarist Jimmy Davis. The swampy “Born In South Dakota” is both a storyteller and a scene-setting song, conveying a mythically grand perspective of Wolf’s home state through the Deadwood series saga of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. The lyrics are ominously evocative and feature such imaginative lines as: As the cold blows thru your bones/A man knows he’s alone/When he understands the wind can smell your fear I was born in South Dakota/Born in South Dakota. The EP title track features some of Wolf’s finest lead guitar playing, and his tasty melodic-blues playing evokes Eric Clapton and Mark Knoplfer. His vocals are low-register and understated and tell the story of a temptress woman who hoodwinks the male protagonist, using her charms and deceptive ideals to lure him into a trap.

The Nashville chapter in Wolf’s life has been both hard fought and triumphant. Up next, Wolf will be finishing up his debut album, and embarking on a 5 month, 85-date tour starting in January. The road has been reaffirming and grounding for Wolf, especially the festival in Ukraine. “When I went on, the audience was clapping and singing along from the first song,” he remembers. “It felt amazing, otherworldly, and I’m excited to hit the road in January!”

 https://thetimwolf.com/

Blaze Project

 

It’s a simple, universal fact that without our health we don’t have anything. The desire and drive to be alive and thrive is at the center of the powerful and purposeful new single by Canadian blues-rock band Blaze Project. “Still Fine” is available now!

A guitar-driven, super funky ride from start to finish, “Still Fine” is a revved-up testament to the indomitable will to live in the face of tough personal challenges. The song takes a triumphant approach in response to a health crisis too many people will face in their lifetimes.

 Try every day to do my best for me

Try every day to do much more for me

Still fine as you see

“‘Still Fine’ deals with cancer, a disease that affects thousands of families,” says the Baie-Comeau, Québec-based group. “Having lived it within the entourage of the band, the song is therapy in itself.”

Rather than focus on the grief and devastation a cancer diagnosis can cause, “Still Fine” underlines the determination, fight and forward thinking of a person who’s ready to tackle this formidable health challenge head on.

“It tells the story of a person affected, who decides to fight and whose great desire to stay alive will lead him back to health and eventually, healing.”

 “Still Fine” is one of several tracks on Blaze Project’s second full length release that embrace the positive aspects of life, even through the lens of hardship. The band took the two years of the deepest part of our global pandemic to consciously ‘enjoy this moment’ as they gathered in their practice space and composed the ten songs that make up the new album released last May. “Enjoy This Moment” follows up Blaze Project’s 2018 debut album “Universe”.

“We took two years to compose and refine ‘Enjoy This Moment’ in a positive and playful climate,” notes the band. “The album conveys positive messages and a beautiful energy.”

Recorded mostly live off the floor on analog equipment at Wild Studio in Saint-Zénon, Québec, “Enjoy This Moment” mixes the band’s diverse influences of blues, rock, funk, and indie rock into a warm, rich and delicious sound concoction. The kinetic energy of the band ripping through their songs in a single take is what fuels this project.

“Music is visceral to us,” they explain. “It’s the need to create and share, touch people and make a difference in their day in order to change the negative into positive!”

Blaze Project is composed of vocalist and acoustic guitarist Pat Trudel, guitarist and vocalist Serge Blais, drummer Danny St-Gelais and bassist Jacques Roy. In recent years, the foursome has seen more than their fair share of bad luck including illnesses, deaths in the family and a serious road accident that almost claimed Trudel’s life. All of that galvanized the band into action with passionate, positive momentum to create “Enjoy This Moment”, which has resulted in airplay on 350 international radio stations and a spate of great reviews.

“Our music has become much more emotional, and our vision has become very clear: to pursue our dream, to touch people and to write the best music possible!”

“Still Fine” and the new album “Enjoy This Moment” are both available now.

 https://blazeproject.ca/