Happy Birthday Kenny Burrell

Celebrating the birthday of guitar great Kenny Burrell with a couple of recordings with King Curtis, Blossom Dearie and more.

Bloodshot Bill, Bad Fortunes rock the Monarch Tavern, Sunday

Big venues or small, Bloodshot Bill wrecks 'em all! See him in action tonight: Bad Fortunes (8:15pm), Bloodshot Bill (9:15pm).

Get tickets for Bloodshot Bill's show at the Monarch Tavern (12 Clinton) here. But maybe keep your fashion tips to yourself. 

Happy Birthday James Spaulding!

Cheers to saxophonist/flautist James Spaulding on his 86th birthday! Here's a few of his stellar Blue Note sessions and "Uhuru Sasa"  

Watch Rosinha de Valença live on Brazilian TV in 1977

Since it's Rosinha de Valença's birthday, we're remembering the Brazilian guitar great with a 1977 performance and more.

That time Duke Ellington went electric in 1955

Believe it or not, Duke Ellington cut five tunes on a Wurlitzer electric piano at a 1955 session in Chicago for Capitol. 

Cheers to Geddy Lee on his 70th birthday!

Here's Geddy's chat with Dan Rather about his childhood in Newmarket and reminiscing with his Rush bandmate Alex Lifeson.  

R.I.P. guitarist Marc Roy

Sadly, talented guitarist/mandolinist Marc Roy – who made every band he played with sound better – has passed away far too soon.

Chris Quinn remembers Marc Roy

Many years ago, Dan Whiteley phoned me.  “Quinn!  You have to come to OVs right now!  There’s some kid tearing up a mandolin and you have to hear him play.”  I arrived at the last minutes of the third set.  

Sure enough, on the stage among the 5 over 50-year old musicians, there was a skinny 17 year old kid with a ball-cap and a huge blingy chain around his neck, playing a plugged in Washburn mandolin, and he was playing his third variation of Bill Cheatham at 180 beats a minute!  His playing was impeccable! Every note was a diamond! Clean, super creative, great note separation, and loud!!  The mandolin kid was Marc Roy. 

Dan and Marc and I became regular picking buddies; Marc and Dan bonded strongly as both worshipped Tony Rice as their guitar hero!  Marc was instantly adopted by the Toronto bluegrass scene.  Underage Mark would walk in, guitar in hand, with the band so that no security would stop him.  Soon, everyone knew about this young virtuoso.  He would go on to play with countless musicians and bands. He was also a caring musical mentor. 

Marc would play with anyone. He was often the best musician in the room, but he treated other musicians like they were the best musician in the room.   Marc‘s guitar playing lifted anybody that played with him. He made good bands sound great, and he gave songwriters the benefit of his musical taste when he backed them.  At the height of his powers, Marc was unmatched anywhere.   Also, Marc never had an unkind word for anyone. 

 

Marc had demons, and demons wreak havoc!  Marc did not always make the best decisions but anyone who knew him recognized his goodness.  Marc loved his friends and family and his friends and family loved him.   If you wanted to see Marc light up, you just had to ask him how Eva was.

I don’t know how many jobs I did with Marc!  Whenever we parted, Marc would say, “Love you, man.”  He meant it too. He said that to a lot of people.  He had a lot of love to give.

RIP Marc Roy 

Love ya, man.

Chris Quinn plays "Marcel's Farewell" on mandolin as a tribute to Marc Roy right here. Watch a few clips of Marc performing below. 

Whaddya mean you don't know Samir Koukou (سمير كوكو)

Fans of Egyptian sha'abi music should check out the cassette An Evening With Samir Koukou digitally archived here. 

Keep an eye out for the "منلوج البلدي" single above. 

R.I.P. Beatle Bob Metonis, 1953-2023

Sadly, St. Louis superfan Beatle Bob – a fixture a music festivals and concerts – has passed away. He'll be greatly missed.

LINKS
Riverfront Times Beatle Bob, St. Louis dancing legend, has died

Louder Than War R.I.P. Beatle Bob, 1953-2023

Happy Birthday Junior Kimbrough!

Remembering Mississippi blues great Junior Kimbrough with his Philwood single credited to "Junior Kimball" on the label. 

Basil Kirchin's sound library gem "Mind On The Run" gets recirculated!

Basil Kirchin & John Coleman's rare 1966 recording w/ Jimmy Page has been reissued by We Are Busy Bodies. Get it here.

LINKS

BBC Basil Kirchin: The Forgotten Genius Of UK Music

Punk Photography, Poster & Flyer Exhibit @ Innis College Atrium, Sunday

Emissions presents a rare display of vintage punk photos, posters and flyers with music by Night Chill on Sunday from 7pm-9pm. 

Early Toronto and Canadian Punk Photography, Poster and Flyer Exhibition

Innis College Atrium (2 Sussex Ave - main floor)

In tribute to the early developing punk music scene of Toronto and across Canada from 1976 into the 1980s, Emission Record Shop is proud to present this exhibition of hundreds of original photographic prints, posters, and more. 

On display will be original show posters, flyers, record release promos, stickers and more rarely seen specimens with a Canadian focus. Bands covered include Teenage Head, Demics, Diodes, Forgotten Rebels, Arson, Platinum Blonde, The Government, The Rage, SNFU, DOA, NoMeansNo, The Curse, B-Girls, Viletones, The Ugly, Direct Action, Sudden Impact, Down Syndrome, Pointed Sticks, Youth Youth Youth, Young Lions, Da Slyme, and many, many more. Also included are original posters for early Canadian appearances by American bands like Black Flag, B-52s, Dead Kennedys, Toxic Reasons and more. Almost all of these original pieces will be for sale.

Featuring the Misfits 1977 photographs by Paul Till:

The Misfits trekked from New Jersey to Toronto for their 7th ever show and only their 4th show with a guitar player. It was the first time they played outside of the NJ and NY area. Luckily, professional photographer Paul Till – best known for shooting the cover art for Bob Dylan's Blood On The Tracks album from 1972 – was there to capture the event. 

Recently retired, Paul's lengthy career covered photographing a ton of live music for NOW Magazine including many of Toronto's earliest punk shows. His original prints of photos taken during The Misfits show at Toronto's Shock Theatre on December 22, 1977 and others will be on display and for sale.

Live music will be provided by Hamilton's ghoulish theremin-loving band, Night Chill! Tickets are $10 available here. Check out a couple of creepy Night Chill clips below. 

Guided By Voices, Weird Nightmare @ Buffalo's Iron Works, August 4

Might be time for a road trip to Buffalo for GBV's show at the Iron Works (49 Illinois St) on Friday, August 4. Info here.

For those who haven't been keeping up, Stuart Berman presents the best of Guided By Voices since 2012 right here. 

Punk The Capital documentary explores the rise of the DC hardcore punk scene

Emissions presents the Toronto premiere of Punk The Capital at Innis College Town Hall (2 Sussex Ave) tonight at 7pm. 

Watch the Fleshtones' doc Pardon Us For Living But The Graveyard Is Full

View Geoffray Barbier's hour-long film about The Fleshtones, "Pardon Us For Living But The Graveyard Is Full" below. 

Straight outta Argentina – it's the Kevin Fingier Collective!

The voices of Diane Ward, Josi Dias & Jo Ann Hamilton light up the new Kevin Fingier Collective single "My Heart Is Burning."

Here's the scoop...

Acid Jazz and Fingier Records presents an explosive new single - 'My Heart Is Burning' by The Kevin Fingier Collective, featuring Diane Ward, Jo Ann Hamilton and Josi Dias! 

The latest single from The Kevin Fingier Collective, 'My Heart Is Burning’ is an astounding dance floor bomb, and the culmination of Kevin’s three year journey on Acid Jazz. Featuring the three singers - Diane Ward, Jo Ann Hamilton and Josi Dias - who have helped make the Fingier 45s so in-demand. Its an uplifting R&B track which combines an infectious rare-soul beat with a classic girl-group vibe. It will be a must have for any DJ session or house party during these sultry summer months. 

Produced by Kevin Fingier, this monster track exudes raw and authentic soul, with its irresistible groove and infectious energy. It draws inspiration from the classic Gospel anthem, ‘This Train is Bound For Glory’ (famously interpreted by Little Walter in his timeless hit ‘My Babe’). The collaboration of Jo Ann Hamilton, Diane Ward, and Josi Dias brings an enchanting harmony style reminiscent of the girl-groups of the 60s. Their seamless blend of voices creates an atmosphere that transports listeners back in time, while feeling perfect for the modern club. 

'My Heart Is Burning' also serves as a thrilling preview of The Kevin Fingier Collective's forthcoming LP, scheduled for release in September of this year. The single, set to be unleashed on 21 July (and on digital platforms this Friday!), showcases the collective's evolution and promises an even greater sonic journey through their upcoming album. As ever Kevin has delivered a B-side which means that the 7-inch is a must-have for all his supporters. Reaching into his producer’s bag of tricks he has created a thrilling dance floor instrumental dub ‘Foreword’. 

On the esteemed Fingier Records, a subsidiary of Acid Jazz Records, 'My Heart Is Burning' will be released as a limited-edition vinyl, so don't sleep! Get a copy via Bandcamp right here. Have a listen below. 

Says Kevin Fingier: "I am happy to finally share this song, which is one of my favourites, from the upcoming album. The seamless vocal ensemble of these three talented singers perfectly captures the essence of those old Northern Soul tracks sung by girl groups. They are amazing and I’m happy to work with the three of them!”

Happy Birthday Darlene Love!

Celebrating the birthday of singer Darlene Love with a 2014 interview and a Blossoms gem produced by Chips Moman from 1970. 

Midweek Mixdown: Nat Birchall spins Glen Brown's Pantomine label

Sounds From The Ancient Archive selecta Nat Birchall plays 2hrs of Glen Brown's productions for the Pantomine label right here.  

Happy Birthday Jef Gilson!

Remembering composer/producer and label owner Jef Gilson (Jean-François Quiévreux) with a few of his classic collaborations. 

Willy DeVille doc "Heaven Stood Still" screens at the Paradise, Thursday

Gary Topp presents a screening of Heaven Stood Still at the Paradise on Thursday followed by a Q&A with director Larry Locke. 

Here's the scoop...

There was no one like the American singer Willy DeVille. From CBGB's Latin punk to New Orleans soul singer to the premiere voice of American roots music on the continent of Europe for three decades, he was arguably the most original, most romantic artist of his time, writing and performing the Academy Award-nominated theme to the movie The Princess Bride. No one inhabited as many musical styles and personas, and everything about him was a work of art.

DeVille sold over a million records and was deeply respected by his peers, from Ben E. King to Bob Dylan, for peerless playing and songs that were anthems to the heartbroken and the downtrodden. Yet almost no one knows anything about him, where he came from or who he loved. How could he fly under the radar for 35 years yet leave so much we do know in his path? That is the mystery of Willy DeVille.

Get tickets for this special Toronto screening of Heaven Stood Still, The Incarnations of Willy DeVille on Thursday (July 27) at the Paradise Theatre (1006 Bloor St. West) followed by a Q&A with filmmaker Larry Locke right here. Watch the trailer below. 

 

Grainger Hunt vs. The Jubalaires

Here are  two different takes on the Noah tale with the Jubalaires 1946 gospel swinger and Grainger Hunt's 1964 garage ripper.

Dengue Fever previews Ting Mong album with "Silverfish" video

"Silverfish" is off Dengue Fever's new album Ting Mong out September 15th. Watch the video below. 

Pre-order a copy of Dengue Fever's new album Ting Mong and build your own merchandise bundle right here.

Country music with the Empty Glasses @ The Rivoli, Sunday

Derek Downham, Bazil Donovan, Burke Carrol and pals play country faves upstairs at The Rivoli on Sunday from 3pm to 6pm. 

Remembering Khan Jamal on his birthday

We're remembering vibes virtuoso Khan Jamal – who passed away in January 2022 – with three classic recordings worth checking. 

Dollar Bin Delights: Blind Blake of the Bahamas

Here's "Goombay Drum" off Blind Blake's third album with his Royal Victoria Calypso Orchestra on Art Records from 1952.

Happy Birthday Bob Downes!

Raising a glass to flautist/saxophonist Bob Downes on his 86th birthday with his awesome Electric City album from 1970. 

Jay Douglas and the All Stars light up Woodbine Park, Saturday

Jay Douglas and the All Stars top the Beaches Jazz Fest line-up at Woodbine Park (1695 Queen St. East) tonight at 9 pm.

For more Beaches International Jazz Festival 2023 info, check the site right here. 

Poly Styrene: I Am A Cliché documentary screens @ Bloor Hot Docs, July 22

The story of X-Ray Spex frontwoman is told by her daughter the film Poly Styrene: I Am A Cliché screening tonight at 9 pm.

Here's the scoop...

She introduced the world to a new sound of rebellion, using her unconventional voice to sing about identity, consumerism, postmodernism and everything she saw unfolding in late 1970s Britain, with a rare prescience. As the frontwoman of X-Ray Spex, the Anglo-Somali punk musician was also a key inspiration for the riot grrrl and Afropunk movements. But the late punk maverick didn’t just leave behind an immense cultural footprint. Her daughter, filmmaker Celeste Bell became the unwitting guardian of her mother’s legacy and her mother’s demons.

Misogyny, racism, and mental illness plagued Poly’s life, while their lasting trauma scarred Celeste’s childhood and the pair’s relationship. Featuring unseen archive material and rare diary entries narrated by Oscar-nominee Ruth Negga, this documentary follows Celeste as she examines her mother's unopened artistic archive and traverses three continents to better understand Poly the icon and Poly the mother.

Pre-recorded Q&A with director Celeste Bell. Moderated by Sardé Hardie, VP, Acquisitions and Sales, Photon Films.

Tickets: $15 | FREE for members! Watch the trailer and a vintage X-Ray Spex clip below. Visit the Bloor Hot Docs site for more info. 

That time the Wackies reggae label released a rap single in 1979

Early hip hop record "Wack Rap" features Charles "Solid C" Burrell, Bobby D" Daley and James "Kool Drop" Redden. 

Men landed on the moon... the Beach Boys played a curling club in Hamilton

Yep, the Beach Boys (shown with Hamilton mayor Vic Copps) played a 4-song set at Wentworth Curling Club on July 21, 1969!

Happy Birthday Chris Eckman!

Celebrating the birthday of singer/songwriter and producer Chris Eckman of Walkabouts fame with a stellar solo performance.

One For The Weekend: Jun Mayuzumi

Here's Jun Mayuzumi's swingin' "You And The Sun" by penned by Takashi Miki and Rei Nakanishi from 1969. 

R.I.P. Tony Bennett, 1926-2023

Sadly, legendary song stylist Tony Bennett has passed away at his home at the age of 96. There won't be another like him. 

Happy Birthday Tony Allen!

Remembering Tony Allen – the funky pulse of Afrobeat – with a a few majestically whumpin' performances. 

Jah Wobble previews A Brief History Of Now with "Last Exit" video

"Last Exit" is off Jah Wobble's forthcoming album "A Brief History Of Now" out August 4th via Cleopatra Records. 

Get a copy of Jah Wobble's new album A Brief History Of Now via Bandcamp right here. PiL fans take note.