Don't miss Toronto's Country Flash @ The Cameron House, Wednesday

Guitarist Nichol Robertson is joined by Kelly Sloan, Vivienne Wilder & Mike Belitsky in Country Flash getting down from 6-8 pm.

Celebrating International Jazz Day with David Murray

Since it's International Jazz Day, here are a couple of David Murray's performances and discussions worth checking. 

Remembering Wayne Kramer of The MC5 on his birthday

Raising a glass to Wayne Kramer on his birthday with a few performances with the MC5 and much more. 

Whaddya mean you don't know Munif Bahasuan

Straight outta Jakarta... check out Munif's wicked funk joint "Naghm El Uns" and more.  

Here's the scoop...

Munif Bahausuan was a Jakarta-based vocalist associated with the Indonesian/Maysian genre known as "orkes gambus" involving the gambus group of stringed instruments. The seriously swingin' "Naghm El Uns" is one of Munif's rare deep funk inspired tracks sung in Arabic which the Soundway reissued on the flipside of Rully Djohan's trippy exotica instro "Bubuj Bulan" back in 2023.    

Remembering avant garde filmmaker Maya Deren on her birthday

Raising a glass to filmmaker Maya Deren with Martina Kudlacek's 2001 documentary In The Mirror Of Maya Deren and more.  

That time Jean Wells cut a synth-soul gem in 1971

Jean Wells' synthesizer-enhanced "Roll Up Your Sleeves, Come Out Lovin'" was a bit too far ahead of it's time in 1971.  

R.I.P. jazz vocalist extraordinaire Andy Bey, 1939-2025

Sadly, it has been reported that jazz singer/pianist Andy Bey has passed away. He'll be greatly missed. 

Remembering Afro-Cuban jazz innovator Mario Bauzá on his birthday

Remembering Havana-born composer/arranger and bandleader Mario Bauzá with his descarga classic "Tangá" and an interview. 

Happy Birthday Lionel Limiñana!

Celebrating Lionel Limiñana's birthday with a few recent Limiñanas performances you may have missed. 

B-Side Wins Again: Jazz harpist Dorothy Ashby

Dorothy Ashby cut a vocal version of Thelonious Monk's "Round Midnight" for the B-side of a single on Detroit's Peridot label.

Remembering Texas steel guitar slinger Hop Wilson on his birthday

Here are two live recordings by steel guitar ace Hop Wilson & Ivory Lee Semien from Mack McCormick's private stash and more. 

Here's the scoop...

Step inside the Houston club Irene’s, a legendary place for blues and early zydeco music, with this 1966 recording of “3 O’Clock Blues” and "Broke and Hungry" by blues steel guitar player and singer Harding “Hop” Wilson.

Raised in Crockett, Texas, Wilson became known for his mastery of the double-neck lap-steel guitar, in which he tuned one neck to an open G chord and the other to an open E, often moving back and forth to play each neck during one song. Texas blues and western swing bands were major influences, motivating him to purchase his first electric steel guitar in 1939. After serving in the U.S. Army from 1942 until 1946, Wilson performed regularly in Houston venues and recorded with the drummer Ivory Lee Semien in the late 1950s as depicted in Mack McCormick's photo above. His music has influenced blues and rock musicians since the 1960s, such as Texas guitarist Johnny Winter.

These two performances appear on the massive multi-artist 66-track Grammy-nominated compilation Playing for the Man at the Door: Field Recordings from the Collection of Mack McCormick, 1958–1971, out on CD, LP, and digital platforms available here. Have a listen to the two Hop Wilson tracks from the compilation along with a few of Hop's rockin' studio recordings for Goldband. 

Jerry Lewis vs. The Blue Chips

Jerry Lewis proved to be up for the tongue-twisting challenge of Hugo & Luigi's "One Hen" cut by The Blue Chips for Groove. 

Remembering blues great J.B. Hutto on his birthday

Raising a glass to blues guitar slinger J.B. Hutto on his birthday with a few performance clips worth checking. 

Change Of Heart presents "In The Wreckage" @ 165 Geary Ave, Saturday

Ian Blurton's Change Of Heart continue with night two of their album launch with Bonnie Trash & Andrew Dickson opening. 

R.I.P. Keyboardist/producer David Briggs, 1943-2025

Sadly, keyboardist/producer David Briggs,  a member of Rick Hall's FAME gang, Elvis Presley's TCB band and Area Code 615, has passed away at 82.

Cameroon's Léonie Langa @ Alliance Française's Spadina Theatre, Saturday

Singer/dancer Léonie Langa from Bertoua in Eastern Cameroon makes a rare Toronto appearance tonight (Saturday, April 26) at AF's Spadina Theatre at 8 pm!  

Léonie Langa 

Saturday April 26, 2025

Alliance Française's Spadina Theatre (24 Spadina Rd)

Doors: 7:40 pm, Concert: 8:00 pm

Advance Tickets: $14.11 - $20.50 available here. 

For more info and updates, visit the Batuki Music Society site right here. 

Batuki Music Society and Alliance Française Toronto are proud to present Léonie Langa at the Alliance Française's Spadina Theatre (24 Spadina Rd) on Saturday (April 26) at 8 pm.

Born in Bertoua, in the large forest region of Eastern Cameroon, Léonie Langa is a young singer, songwriter, dancer, choreographer and creator. Her music is rooted in the Aduyaye rhythms of the eastern forest region of her homeland, with a clever fusion of other Cameroonian traditional rhythms, melodies and modern sounds.

Her roots come from the people of the Kakô’s ethnic group. She is the daughter of a Prince of the Chiefdom of Garoua-Sambè, her village (Eastern Cameroon), and of the first Princess of Chieftaincy of Babimbi III’s Canton (Littoral Cameroon).

Since her early childhood she has been interested in art in all its forms, between poetic writing, creation of melodies, drawing models of clothing for young girls, making handcrafted jewelry, hairstyles and above all, an inordinate passion for dancing and singing. She won a competition for her performance at the age of 10 years, assisted by her Mother, a popular gospel singer.

She feels concerned by the decadent situation of African youth in need of direction and acculturation. So, she encourages young people to remain authentic, to unite to work and bring to life the cultures of Africa, to defend the values dear to this beautiful continent, by promoting all its talents and skills.

R.I.P. artist/educator Art Green, 1941-2025

Sadly, visual artist and educator Art Green, a member of Chicago's Hairy Who, has passed away. He'll be greatly missed.

From the University of Waterloo's Department of Fine Arts...

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Art Green who was part of the Fine Arts faculty from 1977 until his retirement in 2006. Anyone who had Art as an instructor will remember his kindness, quirky sense of humour, and bad (or arguably, very good) puns.

Art passed away on April 14th after a brief illness. A celebration of his life will be held in summer 2025. Since ice cream cones often appeared in Art's work (see below), his family ask that, in the meantime, please enjoy an ice cream cone in his honour.

Art Green Obituary

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our beloved father, Arthur “Art” Nelson Green, on April 14th, 2025, after a brief illness. Art was born on May 13th, 1941 in Frankfurt, Indiana to Mabel Austelle and Edward Green. He attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), earning his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1965. Soon after graduation, he joined forces with five others recent SAIC graduates to form the “Hairy Who,” an artist collective who would leave an indelible mark on the art landscape of Chicago. Watch a few Hairy Who related clips below. 

He immigrated to Canada in 1969 with his wife, Natalie, spending time in Nova Scotia, British Columbia, and Toronto before making Stratford, Ontario their home in 1979. He taught at the University of Waterloo in the Fine Arts Department for almost 30 years, serving twice as chair (1988- 1991 and 2000-2002) and receiving a distinguished Teacher Award in 1990 and emeritus status in 2006. In recognition of his achievements, in 2016, Art received an honorary doctorate of Fine Arts from The Art Institute of Chicago. He has had many solo exhibitions and his paintings are featured in the collections of major museums around the world, including the Art Institute of Chicago, National Gallery of Art (Washington, D.C.), Smithsonian American Art Museum (Washington, D.C.), and Museum Moderner Kunst (Vienna, Austria). He is represented by the Garth Greenan Gallery in New York City, NY.

Art was beloved by his family, his friends, and his many students. Beyond his artistic achievements, he was known for his unique storytelling abilities, his witty sense of humor, and his kind and gentle heart. He is survived by his children Catherine Gardner (Mark) and Nicholas Green (Clodagh), his beloved granddaughters Sophia Gardner, Feodora and Fionnuala Green; his partner Bonnie Steinman and her family; his brother Don Green (Charlotte); his sisters-in-law Nadia Leininger, Nina Minett (Charles), Karen Green, and his nieces and nephews; Ben Green (Tara), Jesse Green (Kelly), Heather Backs, Adam Green (Lisa), Stephanie Leininger Wilson, Andrea Champredonde (Serge), Charles Minett (Nicole), Arthur Minett, George Minett (Jessica), Elizabeth Minett, and their children: Imogen Green, Anodyne, Phineas, Desmond and Emmett Green, Vivian, Elliot, and Oliver Backs, Emerson and Mckinley Green, Alice, Maya, and Adelia Wilson; Sophia, Charles, Harrison and Freyja Minett; Autumn, Gabriel and William Minett; and Lyon Herzstock. He is predeceased by his wife of over 50 years, Natalie Novotny Green, his brother, Larry Green, and his parents Edward and Mabel Green.

Art was beloved by all who knew him. He was an extraordinarily wise, generous and exemplary human being as well as a truly great artist and teacher. His absence will be felt deeply - his legacy extends beyond his artistic creations to the countless ways he inspired and uplifted others, as teacher, colleague, father, and friend. Memorial donations may be made to the Gallery Stratford and the University of Waterloo Fine Arts Department. A celebration of his life will be held in summer 2025. For more information, contact the WG Young Funeral Home right here. You can view his page at the University of Waterloo Fine Arts site right here. Art Green is represented by New York's Garth Greenan Gallery and you can see more of his work on their site. Watch a few Hairy Who related clips below. 

One For The Weekend: The Snap Shots

Getting your weekend started right with The Snap Shots' fuzz-enhanced Belgian freakbeat gem "Hip Hip Hurray." Dig it!

R.I.P. David Thomas of Pere Ubu, 1953-2025

Sadly, Pere Ubu mainman David Thomas has passed away at the age of 71. He'll be greatly missed. 

David Thomas

June 14, 1953 - April 23, 2025

David Lynn Thomas, lead singer of Pere Ubu, Rocket From The Tombs and multiple solo projex, has died after a long illness.

On Wednesday, April 23 2025, he died in his home town of Brighton & Hove, with his wife and youngest step-daughter by his side. MC5 were playing on the radio. He will ultimately be returned to his home, the farm in Pennsylvania, where he insisted he was to be “thrown in the barn.”

David Thomas and his band have been recording a new album. He knew it was to be his last. We will endeavour to continue with mixing and finalizing the new album so that his last music is available to all. Aside from that, he left instruction that the work should continue to catalog all the tapes from live shows via the official bandcamp page: https://pereubu.bandcamp.com/. His autobiography was nearly completed and we will finish that for him. Pere Ubu’s Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/pereubu will continue as a community, run by communex.

We’ll leave you with his own words, which sums up who he was better than we can -

“My name is David Fucking Thomas… and I’m the lead singer of the best fucking rock n roll band in the world.”

You'll find a couple of David's performances with Pere Ubu and some interview clips below. Toronto photograper Rick McGinnis has shared a few sweet snaps from the past right here. 

Stereolab previews new album with surreal "Aerial Troubles" video

"Aerial Troubles" is off the new Stereolab album "Instant Holograms on Metal Film" out May 23. Watch the video below.

Here's the scoop...

The song "Aerial Troubles" is taken from the new Stereolab album Instant Holograms On Metal Film, out May 23rd  on Duophonic UHF Disks and Warp Records. 

Pre-save/pre-order: https://warp.net/stereolab-instant-holograms-on-metal-film. Check out the snazzy sleeve art and track listing below. 

The video for "Aerial Troubles" was conceptualized and directed by the digital artist Laurent Askienazy.

Stereolab's Tim Gane first became aware of Laurent’s photographs over twenty years ago and has remained a fan as Laurent became an early adopter of using computer generated imagery to produce his art. 

Laurent made the video for Aerial Troubles using AI as a tool - creating images, looking for ways to animate and manipulate them, finally assembling them and generating sequences.

This process includes slow motion, repetition and overall rhythm, just like a traditional editing process.

Watch the video for "Aerial Troubles" below. 

Jackson C. Frank doc "Blues Run The Game" premieres in Montreal on May 15

Buffalo-born singer/songwriter Jackson C. Frank gets a way overdue documentary screening at Montreal's BBAM Gallery May 15.

Here's the scoop...

Amidst Soho’s flourishing folk scene of the mid-60s, Jackson C. Frank released a masterpiece album, produced by fellow American expat Paul Simon. Jackson was close to Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel and was a vital musical influence for so many, including Bert Jansch, Nick Drake, Counting Crows, Graham Coxon, and Laura Marling. However, after the release of his album, he disappeared without a trace. With physical disabilities and severe PTSD as a result of a childhood tragedy, his mental health deteriorated. While absent, his musical influence greatly increased over the years. That’s when a young music fan decided to seek him out. This film follows in Frank's footsteps to unknot the threads of a unique artist with a dire fate. 

Montreal's BBAM! Gallery have just announced the Canadian premiere of Blues Run The Game: The Strange Tale of Jackson C. Frank is set for Thursday, May 15.  Writes BBAM!'s Ralph Alfonso: "I have chased after this doc for the last year and finally got it on condition that I screen it asap to coincide with a rave review coming in early May from The Guardian UK. Jackson C. Frank was an American singer/songwriter who went to the UK in the 60s, hooked up with Paul Simon who produced his one and only lp, but what an lp. It included the influential song, Blues Run The Game (covered by many people, including Simon & Garfunkle). That album influenced people like Nick Drake and others in the British folk scene. And then, Jackson C. Frank disappeared. This movie tells his story. Get more info on the BBAM! Gallery screening in Montreal right here.

For Blues Run The Game bookings and sales enquiries, contact colm <at>docnrollfestival <dot> com, Watch the trailer followed by he screening dates below. Hopefully, someone will show it in Toronto. 

BLUES RUN THE GAME Screenings

4 MAY: BOSTON - REGENT THEATRE 

5 MAY: BUFFALO - NORTH PARK THEATRE

6 MAY: RHINEBECK/WOODSTOCK - STARR CINEMA/UPSTATE FILMS

7 MAY: NYC BROOKLYN - NITEHAWK PROSPECT PARK

15 MAY: MONTREAL - BBAM! GALLERY 

MORE DATES & CITES TBA

Los Straitjackets drummer Gringo Starr speaks!

Cheers to Gringo Starr of Los Straitjackets on his birthday! Check out his interview with Sam St. John below. 

Remembering singer/songwriter Essra Mohawk on her birthday

Remembering Essra Mohawk – who sang the Schoolhouse Rock classic "Interjections!" – with a few interviews and more. 

Midweek Mixdown: Take 5 Jazz featuring Tubby Hayes

Straight outta the Netherlands, check out Jan Klein's Take 5 Jazz special on Tubby Hayes including a clip from his Antibes '62 LP. 

Take 5 Jazz: Tubby Hayes Special

I'll start program no. 1263 of Take 5 Jazz (listen here: https://take5jazz.nl/) with a special about tenor saxophonist(and flute) //vibraphonist Edward Brian Hayes…..TUBBY HAYES (January 30th 1935 to June 8th 1973)

First track is from Boppin’ and Hoppin’ recorded may and june 1960

(2)Dixieland and after BBC Jazz Saturday at Royal Albert Hall, London march 28th 1959

(3)Tubby’s Quintet spring 1957 with Hank Shaw: trumpet, Dill Jones: piano, Lennie Bush: bass, Bill Eyden: drums

(4)Vic Lewis and his Orchestra recorded January 5th 1954

The Ben Webster special track 318/520, this week Ben’s lp “Live at the Haarlemse Jazzclub” recorded may 9th 1972 with Tete Montoliu: piano, Rob Langereis: bass, Tony Inzalaco: drums

(5)New release from Jazz in Britain “The Tubby Hayes Quintet—Antibes 1962” with Jimmy Deuchar: trumpet, Gordon Beck: piano, Freddy Logan: bass, Allen Ganley: drums. Get a copy via Bandcamp right here.

(6)Tubbs with the Kurt Edelhagen All Star Band, recorded at Duisburg Jazz Festival june 7th 1959

(7)The Daily Mail International Festival All Stars, recorded in Londonjune 6th 1963 with Shake Keane: trumpet, John Dankworth & Joe Harriott: alto sax, Tubbs on tenor, Alan  Branscombe: piano, Coleridge Goode: bass, Allan Ganley: drums

(8)Track from “Dancing in the Dark” recorded “The Dancing Slipper, Nottingham” February 12th 1964 with Jimmy Deuchar: trumpet, Terry Shannon: piano, Freddy Logan: bass, Allan Ganley: drums

(9)Tubbs in Scandinavia, recorded at Guldhattan, Stockholmfebraury 18th 1972 with Staffan Abeleen: piano, Niels Henning Orsted Pedersen: bass, Alex Riel: drums

(10)The Orchestra, recorded july 1969 with Spike Wells on drums, Alan Branscombe on piano & vibraphone, Ron Mathewson: bass

Remembering Charles Mingus on his birthday

Raising a glass to jazz great Charles Mingus on his birthday with a few performances and documentaries worth checking. 

Watch Lee Morgan & John Gilmore with Art Blakey on Jazz 625

Here's Lee Morgan & John Gilmore throwing down with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers on BBC's Jazz 625 program in 1965.

Gary Louris presents "Dark Country" @ Hugh's Room, Tuesday

Jayhawks mainman Gary Louris discusses moving to Canada after playing a few tunes from his new Dark Country album below.

Gary Louris Live at Hugh's Room

296 Broadview Avenue

Tuesday, April 22

8 pm to 10:40 pm (doors at 7 pm)

$35 in advance, $42 at the door 

$15 Arts Worker/ Underemployed/ Student

Now making his home in Canada, singer/songwriter and producer Gary Louris of the Jayhawks is returning to Toronto for a show at Hugh’s Room on Tuesday (April 22).  He has built a compelling body of music whose artistry and integrity has won the loyalty of an international audience and the respect of both critics and peers. Best known for his seminal work with The Jayhawks, he has also worked with alt-rock supergroup Golden Smog which at various times has included members of Soul Asylum, Uncle Tupelo, the Replacements and Big Star. Gary also formed the band Au Pair with Old Ceremony singer/guitarist Django Haskins in 2015 and apparently released an album that same year called "One Armed Candy Bear."

For Gary's highly anticipated Hugh's Room show on Tuesday (April 22), he'll be performing the songs from his great new solo album Dark Country (which you can check out via your platform of choice right here) and likely a selection of faves from his deep catalog. Get tickets right here. Watch a solo performance for WMOT's 30A Songwriters Sessions followed by an interview with Jessie Scott, a video for "Two Birds" and a few clips from Gary's show at The Loft in NYC last month. 

 

Remembering UK trumpet titan Ian Carr on his birthday

Remembering trumpet playing bandlcader Ian Carr with a few early 70s Nucleus clips and one with Don Rendell. 

The New Mastersounds, Zuffalo @ The Axis Club, Monday

Deep funk torchbearers, The New Mastersounds hit Toronto's Axis Club with Zuffalo on Monday at 7 pm. 

Remembering Tito Puente on his birthday

Celebrating bandleader Tito Puente's birthday with a stellar performance in Montreal you may have missed. 

Happy Easter and 4/20 from Roky Erickson and The 13th Floor Elevators!

Can't think of celebrating both Easter and 4/20 than with Roky Erickson's 13th Floor Elevators psych classic "Easter Everywhere"

Remembering actor/pianist Dudley Moore on his birthday

Remembering British actor and comedian Dudley Moore who was also an accomplished pianist with a few of his TV appearances.

Whaddya mean you don't know songwriter Joe Greene

Along with many classics, songwriter Joe Greene also penned a nutty 1953 curio called "The Message" for The Four Plaid Throats.

Early Tombs album release w/ Enchanters and more @ The Bovine, Friday

Early Tombs launch their "Misery Lights" album with Star Beast, Don't Tell Sarah and Enchanters (at 1 am). 

Remembering Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown on his birthday

Raising a glass to guitarist/fiddler Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown with his performances with Dizzy Gillespie & Roy Clark.

One For The Weekend: Tumble

Check out "The Less I Know" off Toronto power trio Tumble's new Ian Blurton-produced album Lost In Light out May 2nd.  

Jon Spencer issues call to action with "Come On!" video

Jon Spencer with pals Kendall Wind, Spider Bowman and Deke Dickerson try to stir that revolutionary spirit with "Come On!" 

JON SPENCER On Tour

May 21 – Cleveland OH – Beachland Tavern

May 22 – Kalamazoo MI – Bell’s Eccentric Café –

May 23 – Chicago IL – Fitzgerald’s

May 24 – Ferndale MI – The Magic Bag

May 25 – Rochester NY – Skylark Lounge

May 31 – Bourges (FR) – Cosmic Trip Festival

June 1 – Reims (FR)- Cartonnerie Club

June 2 – Lille (FR) – L’Aeronef

June 3 – Liege (FR) – Reflektor

June 4 – Paris (FR) – La Maroquinerie

June 5 – Annecy (FR) – Le Brise Glace

June 6 – Lourmarin (FR) – Yeah! Festival

June 7 – Savona (IT) – Rain Dogs

June 8 – Reggio Emilia (IT) – Handmade Festival

June 10 – Schorndorf (DE) – Manufaktar

June 11 – Mainz (DE) – Schon Schon (Auch 13)

June 12 – Koln (DE) – Koln – Bumann & Sohn

June 13 – Munster (DE) – Gleis 22

June 14 – Dresden (DE) – Beatpol

June 15 – Berlin (DE) – Lido

June 17 – Copenhagen (DK) – Hotel Cecil

June 18 – Hamburg (DE) – Molotow

June 19 – Hanover (DE) – Café Glocksee

June 20 – Antwerp (BE) – Djingel Djangel

June 21 – Nijmegen (NL) – Kids N Billies

July 11 – Lancaster, PA – Tellus 360

July 12 – Staten Island, NY – Maker Park Festival

July 13 – New Haven, CT – Cafe Nine

July 14 – Northampton, MA – Iron Horse Music Hall

July 15 – Portland, ME – Oxbow Blending & Bottling

July 16 – Burlington, VT – Higher Ground

July 17 – Troy, NY – No Fun