Happy Hell-raising Halloween from The Vinyl Avenger!

Listen to a devilishly delightful Halloween mix from the mysterious Vinyl Avenger right here. Thanks for sharing Olaf!

Spend Halloween in a Haunted House with Jad Fair and other spooky things

Check out Jad Fair's "Songs From A Haunted House" along with "Halloween Songs" and a creepy collaboration with Phono-Comb. 

Songs From A Haunted House – Jad Fair & Jilles Vincent Rieder

1. Go Go Go (0:00)

2. Peppermint Bubblegum (1:59)

3. The Vampires Are Here (5:07)

4. Just A Monkey (7:24)

5. Sunshine (9:58)

6. Evil Hands (11:28)

7. Demon Seed (14:44)

8. The Phantom (21:10)

9. I'm Your Machine (24:35)

10. The World Is Right (27:02)

11. The Mothership (30:17)

12. The Wild Group (32:34)

13. We've Got It Made (36:02)

14. Number One Pest (37:46)

15. The Storm (39:58)

16. He's Got Nothing (41:39)

17. Only Then (43:35)

18. Goat Creatures (45:38)

LINKS
You can get Jad Fair's other spooky recordings via Bandcamp including "Vampires, Ogres and Fiends" right here, Monsters Rule The Night available here, and Monster right here

Celebrate Halloween like Canadian writers... with jack-o-lanterns on steps!

Not to be outdone by Leonard Cohen this year, Margaret Atwood added a tiny ghost, mini-pumpkins and a gothic crow mask! 

Happy Halloween from Betty Boop, Fleischer Studios & Disney!

Enjoy a couple of the brilliant Halloween-themed animated features from the studios of Fleischer and Disney. 

Erik Andresen Octet unissued Norwegian jazz session from '65 surfaces

Late Norwegian saxophonist Erik Andresen has a 1965 octet set released as "Moderne Rytmer" – a super-limited lathe-cut 10" album from Jazzaggression.  

Here's the scoop...

Jazzaggression Handmade presents a previously unreleased octet recording, discovered in the tape collection of Norwegian alto saxophonist Erik Andresen (1941–1991). After the successful reissue of the GIP album in 2018 and the release of the Cointreau 10-inch, I had the chance to borrow tapes from Erik’s brother, Frank Andresen. Among them was this special recording, accompanied by a letter. It presents a very hip ensemble and a track list quite unusual for mid-’60s Norway.

The session was recorded in 1965 with NRK’s radio programme Moderne rytmer in mind, and it shows a side of Norwegian jazz few would expect from that era: a forward-looking octet tackling material that was brand new at the time.

A highlight is their take on “So What”. It’s a little snappier than Miles’ original and could well become a DJ’s choice for playing the tune out in the clubs.

No reused sleeves on this one: every copy comes in a fresh, new jacket and includes a copy of the original letter, in Norwegian on one side, with the English translation on the flip. We jumped the gun a little when printing the labels and a few typos slipped through. Rather than reprint them all, we corrected them with small overprints, which is part of the charm of Jazzaggression Handmade.

Cut direct to plastic at Jazzaggression Handmade, limited to 50 individually numbered copies. Get it while you can right here. 

Erik Andresen Octet - Moderne Rytmer

Side A

1. Blowin’ the Funk Away 2:24

2. This Here 2:46

3. So What 2:38

Side B

1. Ballad for Alto 3:42

2. Something Coming 2:52

3. You’d Be So Nice to Come Home To 2:53

Catl's Halloween Spooktacular @ The Bell & Beacon, Saturday

The mummy costumes were a good look for Jamie & Sarah although perhaps not the most practical for house-rockin' purposes. 

 Catl's not-so-annual Halloween Spooktacular

Get out yer most gore-geously ghoulish costumes, Catl's swingin' Halloween Spooktacular is back from the grave! This year's bone-rattlin' rock 'n' blues bashin' extravaganza is being held in the cozy confines of The Bell & Beacon Room (1648 1/2 Queen St. West) on Saturday starting at 9 pm. You should definitely grab those tickets in advance (right here) because they're extremely limited and going quick! Creepy cool tunes start at 9 pm and continue all night long. Prizes for the most hair-raising outfit! Like they say, this will be one for the ol' epitaph! 

 

One For The Halloween Weekend: Bloodshot Bill

Montreal's Bloodshot Bill just issued volume 4 in his Trick and Treat series of eerie tunes to haunt your Halloween – check it out! 

LINKS
Get a copy of Bloodshot Bill's Trick and Treat, Vol. 4 right here.

Cameron's 45th Anniversary salute to Handsome Ned @ Cameron House, Oct 31

Toronto's legendary Handsome Ned is honoured by Lori Yates, Steve Koch, John Borra and others at the Cameron on Saturday! 

Here's the scoop...

Jim Masyk & Steve Koch

This Saturday (October 31), as part of the Cameron House's ongoing 45th Anniversary celebrations, Canadian rockabilly and country music legend Handsome Ned will be honoured with a tribute night hosted by his brother Jim Masyk (playing Ned's Gibson Dove acoustic) along with guitar ace Steve Koch, Clayton Yates, Jimmy Bowskill and Matt Greco at the venerable Queen Street music venue where Handsome Ned launched his career and sparked Toronto's alt-country boom of the late 80s. Who knows, without the inspiration of Handsome Ned on Toronto's Queen West scene, Blue Rodeo's Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor might still be playing skinny-tie pop music in The Hi-Fis! 

The event, which runs from 8-10 pm – actually, more like 9:15 pm to 11 pm-ish – features Handsome Ned's songs performed by friends and fans including Lori Yates (of Rang Tango), John Borra, Blue Rodeo's Bazil Donovan, Nicholas Campbell, Steve Ketchen, Brittany Brooks, Ferraro and very likely some other special guests yet to be announced. It should be a fantastic night but get there early because the Cameron House is bound to fill up quick for Night of The Living Ned, Part 3! 

Watch a clip of Jim Masyk open the show by performing brother Ned's "Put The Blame On Me" with Steve Koch at The Cameron House right here. 

Adds Mike Zimmerman about Ned's guitar...

"Way, way back in the day, we knew Handsome Ned and his brother Jim (Masyk) as alt-country was kicking into gear down on Queen St. in Toronto. Ned is long gone, of course, and we lost touch with Jim. Then, a few weeks ago, Jim contacted me (thanks, Clayton Yates!) about doing some work on Ned’s Gibson Dove (shown in the poster). I did a complete overhaul on the guitar and I understand Jim will be using it for the upcoming show at the Cameron. That’s gonna be a heck of a show!"

Happy 96th Birthday Omara Portuondo!

Raising a glass to great Cuban vocal stylist Omara Portuondo with her performance at the 2008 Montreal Jazz Festival and more. 

Vincent Price doc "What Keeps Us Alive" screens on TCM, Friday

Matthew Miele's great new Vincent Price doc "What Keeps Us Alive" kicks off a night of Vincent's horror classics Friday on TCM.

Here's the scoop...

This fully authorized documentary reveals far more than the man behind Hollywood’s master of the macabre. Through rare archival materials and intimate interviews with Price’s children, Victoria Price and V.B. Price, alongside cultural icons and admirers including John Waters, Tim Burton, Patton Oswalt, Hank Azaria, Bill Hader, Cassandra Peterson, and Alice Cooper, the film uncovers the remarkable life behind one of the most recognizable voices and faces in popular culture.

The documentary traces a life of elegant contradictions: a classically trained actor who redefined screen villainy with charm and intelligence; an erudite art collector, educator, and gourmand who moved effortlessly between high culture and low-budget horror; and, perhaps most surprisingly, a warm and generous mentor figure whose influence extended far beyond the screen. Through his films, television appearances, cookbooks, lectures, and iconic voice work, Price became an unlikely cultural touchstone for multiple generations.

At its emotional centre is the story of Price’s evolving identity, shaped by the turbulence of Hollywood politics, the complexities of family, and a lifelong fascination with the psychology of villains. In later years, Price spoke of villainy not as evil, but as a mirror—an opportunity for audiences to confront their fears, hypocrisies, and hidden desires. The film explores how he transformed from a sophisticated screen antagonist into a beloved ambassador for curiosity, creativity, and individuality.

More than a portrait of a horror legend, this is the story of an artist who defied categorization. Through the reflections of family members, filmmakers, comedians, musicians, and cultural commentators, the documentary examines why Vincent Price continues to resonate decades after his death. What emerges is a richly human portrait of a man whose legacy endures not merely in screams and shadows, but in the intelligence, generosity, wit, and warmth that defined the man behind the mask. 

Unfortunately, What Keeps Us Alive – clearly made for an American audience – neglects to cover anything about Vincent Price's involvement with CHCH-TV's cult classic Hilarious House of Frightenstein or his childhood summers spent in Amherstburg, Ontario. Those interested in finding out more about Vincent's unlikely Canadian connections should check out my follow-up post right here. 

Daughter Victoria Price shared the documentary trailer here. 

Vincent Price: What Keeps Us Alive screens on TCM on Friday (October 30) at 8 pm Eastern, followed by a few of his classic 50's horror films: The Fly ('58) at 9:45 pm, Dr. Tongue & Bruno's fave House of Wax ('53) at 11:30 pm, Elvira's fave House On Haunted Hill ('59) at 1:15 am, Mad Magician ('54) at 2:45 am, John Waters' fave The Tingler ('59) at 4 am, The Bat ('59) at 5:30 am. 

Watch the Vincent Price A&E Biography followed by a few of his television appearances and interviews below. 

Watch the Rosie Flores video for "Dracula's Haunt"

Singer/songwriter and guitarist Rosie Flores gets into the Halloween spirit with "Dracula's Haunt"... check the eerie clip! 

After touring with Robert Plant, Rosie will be playing Texas Hatters' 100th Anniversary Party on Nov. 7th. Watch this.  

Remembering the amazing Andy Bey on his birthday

Raising a glass to soulful jazz vocalist Andy Bey with an interview and a couple of stellar performances you really need to hear. 

Midweek Mixdown: Kogar presents Lux & Ivy's Favourites – Halloween Edition

Just in time for Halloween, here' the best of Lux & Ivy's fave creepy cool graveyard rockers compiled by Kogar The Swinging Ape!

Here's the scoop from Kogar The Swinging Ape: 

I’ve resisted doing this for years, but here is a “best of” volume of Lux and Ivy’s Favorites for Halloween. Who doesn’t need something good to focus on these days?

Here are 40 tracks taken from LAIF volumes 1-20 of songs with a “creepy” bent to them. I made a playlist of them for myself, but then said “what the hell,” let’s make it so other folks don’t have to go through the hassle of making their own playlists.

I reached out to JR Willaims, who did a cover for one of the other volumes of LAIF, and he agreed and we teamed up for this cool cover from one of my favorite (non EC) pre-code horror comics called WEIRD MYSTERIES. I thought it would be perfect because "Here Lies My Love" by the Undertakers is among the set of songs. Thanks JR!

Original "memento mori" frame layout by Adam Fitch!

Happy Halloween everyone!

– Kogar tSA

Check out Lux & Ivy's Favourites – Halloween Edition right here. And listen to Kogar's Jungle Juice Show #160, The Halloween 2026 Special over here.

 

The Best of Lux & Ivy's Favorites tracklisting: 

01 Anton LaVey - Satan Takes a Holiday / 02 Ken Nordine - Strollin' Spooks / 03 Jan Davis - Watusi Zombie / 04 The Symbols - Do the Zombie / 05 The Del-Airs - Zombie Stomp / 06 Ralph Neilson and the Chancellors – Scream / 07 Jackie Morningstar - Rockin' In The Graveyard / 08 Joe Wallace - Leopard Man / 09 Lee Ross - The Mummy's Bracelet / 10 Kip Tyler - She's My Witch / 11 Zacherle - Dinner With Drac / 12 The Electro-Tones - Ghost Train / 13 Bill Carter -  Baby Brother / 14 The Five Blobs - The Blob / 15 The Ran-dells - Martian Hop / 16 The Invasion - The Invasion is Coming / 17 Roy Brown - Butcher Pete part one / 18 Roy Brown - Butcher Pete part two / 19 Mr Undertaker - Here Lies Love / 20 Revels - Dead Man's Stroll / 21 Lord Luther & The Kingsmen – Teenage Creature / 22 Kay Starr - The Headless Horseman / 23 The Five Jones Boys -  Mr Ghost Goes To Town / 24 Bob and Jerry - Ghost Satellite / 25 Deadly Ones - Monster Surfing Time / 26 Hugh Barret and the Victors - There Was a Fungus Among Us / 27 Richard Delvy - Green Slime Theme / 28 Albert Elias - King Kong / 29 The Gravestone Four - Rigor Mortis 30 Sickidz - Night of the Living Dead / 31 Screamin' Jay Hawkins - I Put A Spell On You / 32 Social Outcasts – Mad / 33 The Deadly Ones - The Mad Drummer [pt. 1] / 34 Cab Calloway - The Ghost of Smokey Joe / 35 Jim Wolfe and the T-Towners – Inner Sanctum / 36 The Ventures - The Bat / 37 Jack Hammer and the Pacers - Black Widow Spider Woman / 38 The Regal-aires -  It / 39 Vampires' Sound Incorporation - The Lions and the Cucumber / 40 Ghoulardi - Surf

Also, check out Lux's Purple Knif Show below...

Happy Birthday Jason Palma!

Cheers to deep-digging Toronto club DJ Jason Palma on his birthday. Here's a couple of clips and a few mixes worth checking. 

Jason Palma Mix Links

Listen to Jason's latest Higher Ground show for CIUT 89.5 FM right here.

Higher Ground Radio Rare Groove Special 2024 w/ Paul E. Lopes & Jason Palma

Fusion Batches March 21, 2023 with DJ Morse Code and guest Jason Palma

JP Loves Jazz Vol. 1

Global Vibrations 126 with DJ Jason Palma

Soul Expressions – March 3, 2019 with Jason Palma

Tune in to Higher Ground with Jason Palma on CIUT-FM every Thursday at 8 pm Eastern and repeats Saturday at 4 pm. 

Radio Birdman guitarist/songwriter Deniz Tek pens memoir "Full Throttle"

Deniz Tek's "Full Throttle" memoir goes beyond his Radio Birdman glory days to discuss his time as a pilot and surgeon.

Writes Deniz Tek...

Dear Friends 

Today is the official release date for my new book, "Full Throttle" out now in Australia and New Zealand on Picador (Pan Macmillan). It's a memoir, written as a series of short stories. Some are tragic, some are funny, but all are true!  I think you'll get a kick out of it. – Deniz

Deniz Tek – Full Throttle (Picador Australia)

A revolutionary pioneer of Australian rock, an emergency physician, and a decorated flight surgeon with the Marines - Deniz Tek is a man of many lives. In this raw yet reflective memoir, the Radio Birdman co-founder traces an improbable journey from his childhood in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to the high-intensity stages of Sydney’s punk rock venues and the cockpit of an F-4 Phantom.

Full Throttle describes a life lived at the vanguard in multiple domains. With the grit of a rock-and-roll muso and the precision of a doctor, Tek recounts stories of survival and achievement - from narrow escapes in international waters and life-and-death decisions in the ER, to the energy and anarchic excess of the 1970s underground music scene he helped to shape.

This isn’t just a rock or medical memoir; it is a profound testament to the idea that with enough resolve, anything is possible. It is the story of a life lived at full throttle. 

Get a paperback copy of "Full Throttle" via Booktopia Australia right here. In Canada, Full Throttle is currently only available on audiobook via Audible right here or an ebook edition available here. 

Listen to Deniz discuss "Full Throttle" and much more on The Vinyl Guide podcast right here. 

 

New Deniz Tek single and Visitors reissue 

Deniz Tek returned to Ann Arbor to record “Let ’Em Be Wrong” / “Taking Hits” in the family home of his late friends Ron and Scott Asheton...the house where The Stooges took shape in the sixties!

Due November 6 from Italy's Wild Honey Records, the new Deniz Tek 7″ is limited to 300 copies and is available to preorder now on clear vinyl. 

Last year, Deniz Tek returned to his hometown of Ann Arbor, Michigan, to record two new songs in a house with a deeply personal history: the family home of his late friends Ron and Scott Asheton. The place where The Stooges took shape in the sixties now houses 107 Sound, the studio where “Let ’Em Be Wrong” and “Taking Hits” (written by Deniz & Anne Tek) were recorded with his Ann Arbor band: Deniz on guitar and lead vocals, Anne Tek on guitar and vocals, Chris Taylor on bass and vocals, and Al King on drums and vocals.

As co-founder, guitarist and principal songwriter of Radio Birdman, Tek carried the high-energy sound of Michigan into Sydney’s independent rock scene, helping shape a musical language whose influence travelled far beyond Australia. His connections to that sound run through decades of friendship and collaboration: playing alongside Ron Asheton in New Race, recording his first solo album with Scott Asheton, and working with Wayne Kramer, Scott Morgan and James Williamson. He has also toured internationally with the MC5 and made guest appearances with The Stooges and Mitch Ryder.

Recording at the Asheton house brings another chapter of that shared history onto vinyl. Produced by Deniz Tek and Steve Lehane, recorded by Lehane at 107 Sound, and mastered by Bob Brown at Ship’s In, Billings, Montana, the single is dedicated to the memory of Ron and Scott Asheton, with special thanks to Kathy Asheton. The sleeve features photographs by Kathy Asheton and Chris Taylor, with cover design by Anne Tek. 

You can hear the A-side "Let 'Em Be Wrong"on Bandcamp right now (and later on all digital platforms).

Wild Honey has put together a bundle including a much-requested repress of THE VISITORS self-titled 1985 debut album on white marbled vinyl. Featuring Deniz alongside fellow Radio Birdmen Pip Hoyle and Ron Keeley, with Mark Sisto on vocals and Steve Harris on bass, these recordings capture another essential chapter of his story.

Order both together and save considerably on shipping — two records in one parcel!

Listen, preorder and grab the bundle via Bandcamp right here. 

Dave Hamilton's Detroit soul gems make for a sweet 7" box set

Ace Records have put together a sweet seven-inch box of Dave Hamilton-related Detroit soul treats – out November 27th!

Dave Hamilton’s musical career in Detroit stretched from the 40s into the 80s. He was involved in all black music styles during that period −blues, jazz, and gospel as well as soul music. A talented songwriter, he wrote or contributed to ten of the fourteen compositions here and produced them all in his studios. Though his released output was modest, considering the amount of recording he did, the gems in his tape vaults have been surprising and entertaining black music lovers since they were accessed by Ace in 1990.

Little Ann

That purchase came about due to Richard “Gilly” Gilbert’s detective work in discovering that a big covered-up Northern Soul spin at Wigan Casino was actually Hamilton’s production on “Little Ann” Bridgeforth. The ensuing years have seen soul tracks in all genres, issued on Kent and BGP and we are still discovering great tracks 36 years on. Witness ‘You Got Me Where You Want Me’ by Chico & Buddy, a fabulous funky number from around 1970 that would have been a soul fan’s favourite whenever it was issued; this is its first public appearance. Read more about Ace Records' lengthy association with Dave Hamilton's recordings below. 

Funk crosses over to all dance scenes these days and even jazzier tracks like Hamilton’s own ‘Soul Suite’, a close relation of his coveted ‘Pisces Piece’ will pick up plays now it is on vinyl. Northern soul lovers have been demanding JT Rhythm’s ‘I Love The Way You Walk’ on a seven, as have Motown connoisseurs with Rita DuShay’s original of ‘All I Need (Steal Away Tonight)’ as covered by Barbara McNair on her 1966 Motown LP.

Original copies exist of the Ravins ‘Your Love Is What I Want’ but unless you have several grand to spare on this fast and furious dancer, our audio-enhanced release is a great substitute; especially with the Kent 45 deleted.

OC Tolbert delivers a tough and menacing Clarence Reid song ‘Along Came A Woman’ which has huge dancefloor potential, like Dave’s own bluesy vocal on his similarly gritty, R&B composition ‘Take Care Of Your Own Business.’

Dave’s accomplishments into the 70s and 80s are admired by modern soul lovers and his ‘Ride The Disco Train’ by the Moderations, hit a perfect groove for progressive clubs of the genre. Both the Felecia Johnson and New Experience tracks thrive on the laid-back atmosphere Dave was able to conjure up in his home studios and the talented singers present his thoughtful songs with panache.

With enhanced audio for both of Little Ann’s uptempo and ballad classics ‘What Should I Do’ / ‘Deep Shadows’ this box set is irresistible as well as being a tribute to the unsung heroes of Detroit Soul music.

Get a copy of Ace Records' limited edition 7" box set Dave Hamilton's Detroit Soul Sounds right here here. It's out November 27th. Check out the tracklisting below. 

Ace Records' long association with Dave Hamilton's recordings

Urged on by rare soul collector Gilly, who had solved the Northern Soul mystery of “What was the identity of the singer who recorded the Rose Valentine cover-up ‘When He's Not Around’?” (as played on acetate by Richard Searling in the latter days of Wigan Casino), Ace Records went ahead and purchased the tapes and rights to the work of Detroit producer Dave Hamilton. Gilly told me how Dave had been an original member of Motown’s Funk Brothers, had played guitar on ‘Reet Petite’, ‘Boom Boom’ and ‘Please Mr Postman’, had recorded the Chalfontes for Mercury and had run the Topper label. He also said there were some great unissued numbers that Dave had copied onto a reel for him to get played on the Northern Soul scene.

I was not that knowledgeable about the Wigan cover-up, but I realized it made a great story and would create much interest. After Dave’s untimely death, I visited his widow Alice and listened to some of his tapes. I thought they were worth gambling on. At the time I could identify only one full CD’s worth of material with a few spin-offs for other compilations. We shipped the tapes back to London, allowing us the luxury of time to fully explore the material.

Our first “Dave Hamilton’s Detroit Dancers” CD featured most of the tracks that had drawn us to the catalogue. In further researching the tapes we began to discover unheard gems such as ‘Who Are You Trying To Fool’ by Little Ann (the true artist on that Rose Valentine cover-up), a recording later described by Ian Levine as the best non-Motown Detroit soul production. The rare soul collecting scene continued to view Dave’s work favourably and records such as ‘Sweep It Out In The Shed’ by Tobi Lark, Dottie & Millie’s ‘Talkin’ About My Baby’ and James Lately’s super-rarity ‘Love, Friends And Money’ went from strength to strength. Then the rare funk scene exploded and Dean Rudland was able to compile a BGP CD of late 60s and early 70s grooves. Additionally Dave’s jazz productions on himself and his tight band came out as the unreleased “Soul Suite” LP he had hoped would make his name in the late 60s. Dave’s jazz background also led to several of his tracks featuring in our “Mod Jazz” series and there were some excellent modern soul recordings from artists such as of Gil Billingsley and James Carpenter.

Meanwhile, we had been sitting on many unmarked tapes. Every few years we would haul a couple of boxes up from our storage facility, don the headphones and plough through several days’ worth of recordings. These varied from poorly copied old jazz radio shows to fully produced versions of songs Dave was trying to get to Motown’s Jobete Music publishing company. Tapes for some incredibly rare 45s eventually turned up, along with odd acetates, allowing us to release a third volume of “Detroit Dancers” and a new volume of funk, followed by a general “Detroit Soul” CD. 

The EU then joined in the fun with a request from the Finnish company Timmion to issue an LP of Little Ann’s recordings. The faux 60s album was a great hit, particularly among the younger soul demographic, and it led to a similar project on O.C. Tolbert, who also cut enough tracks for a very impressive Kent CD of his own.

That one mythical 1966 recording that remained embedded in an old acetate was responsible for eight great CDs and we’re still counting. From small acorns, mighty oak trees do grow, and we’ve not even started on the gospel tapes yet.

Country Flash album launch @ The Bell & Beacon, Monday

Nichol Robertson, Kelly Sloan, Mike Belitsky & Vivienne Wilder unveil their 'Liminal Monday' CD on October 26 at 9:30 pm.

Country Flash – Liminal Monday

 

Halloween costumes we'd like to see

Here are a few intriguing parody Halloween mask/outfit ideas whipped up by Tony Susnick. Finally a worthwhile use for AI! 

R.I.P. Jamaican reggae and rock steady great Derrick Harriott

Sadly, Jamaican singer/songwriter and producer Derrick Harriott has passed away at 87. He'll be greatly missed. 

Maggie's Wake preview new "Lifelines" album @ Hugh's Room, Oct 25

Maggie's Wake, led byTara Dunphy (of The Rizdales) & Lindsay Schindler, unveil "Lifelines" at Hugh's Room Sunday night at 8 pm. 

Maggies Wake 

Live at Hugh's Room (296 Broadview)

Sunday, October 25

Doors at 7pm, show at 8pm 

$30+ in advance, $37+ at the door

Get tickets right here.

Just having wowed the crowd at Ireland’s premier music industry showcase and UK’s Strada Music signing, London, Ontario's Celtic roots ensemble Maggie’s Wake are back on home soil with a much anticipated CD Release of Lifelines at Toronto’s premier folk/roots destination Hugh’s Room on Sunday, October 25 at 8:00pm.

The forthcoming album is a perfect blend of Canadian folk and Celtic tradition with roots swagger – expect heartfelt story-songs, driving jigs ‘n’ reels, bold whistles, double fiddle, flashes of country twang and global twists, not to mention soaring harmonies that are pure joy, start to finish.

The acclaimed quartet came together in late 2022 and quickly took their home province of Ontario by storm — selling out dates on their very first "Spirit of the Season" holiday tour. Since then, they've showcased at major music conferences across Canada, the US and UK, have whirlwind 2026 & 2027 tours on the books, won the 2025 CFMA for 'New Artist of the Year' for their debut, self-titled CD, launched a Holiday EP, were just signed by UK’s Strada Music International, and of course, are launching Lifelines here at Hugh’s Room … not bad for a band just a few years in!

Their work is 100% original, penned by Tara Dunphy and Lindsay Schindler, backed by powerhouses Andrew Kosty on bass and Kenneth Palmer on guitar.

Their first single, Bridget O’Brien, won the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance (NERFA) Songwriting Award. After their NERFA showcase, they were told that if Maggie’s Wake was a soup, it would be a hearty bowl of everyone’s favourite folk styles finished with a dash of Loretta Lynn and a pinch of Nick Lowe. Doesn’t that sound delicious?!

About “Lifelines”

During a visit to a Portland gallery, a painting of a hand with deeply etched lifelines in the palm stopped the band in its tracks. The defining image endured and sparked an album celebrating the constellation of lifelines – from the emotional, creative, to the physical – that shape, connect, and sustain us.

 Across 14 original, new songs, Lifelines brings together some of this country’s finest folk musicians and production talent, creating a recording that honours Maggie’s Wake’s traditional Celtic and Canadian roots while pushing their sound and musical storytelling ever forward. Joining the band are celebrated singer-songwriter and multiple JUNO Award winner David Francey, renowned percussionist Cheryl Prashker, and guests Blair Heddle, Dean Harrison, and Larry Smith. Legendary Canadian producer, engineer, and musician Paul Mills returns to the studio to produce and mix the recording alongside engineer/mixer Adam Plant.

 The album represents an exciting next chapter for Maggie’s Wake, building on the band’s multiple award-winning debut and expanding their musical footprint and evolving sound. Check out "Last First Kiss" below.

Recent Highlights:

•  2026 Your Roots Are Showing Official Showcase Artists – Belfast Ireland

•  2025 Canadian Folk Music Award - New Artist of the Year

•  2025 Forest City London Music Award - World Music Group of the Year

•  2025 Folk Music Ontario Official Showcase Artists (Ottawa ON)

•  2025 Folk Alliance Region Midwest - Official Showcase Artists (Lisle IL)

•  2024 Official Showcase Artists - Folk Alliance International conference (Kansas City MO)

•  2024 Official Showcase Artists - North Eastern Regional Folk Alliance conference (Portland ME)

•  2024 North Eastern Regional Folk Alliance Songwriting Award

•  2023 Forest City London Music Award - Folk/Roots Group of the Year

 

New Orleans guitarist/banjo boss Danny Barker featured on American Routes

New Orleans creole jazz legend Danny Barker and wife Blue Lu Barker get the American Routes spotlight. Check it out below followed by a few clips. 

Here's the scoop...

New Orleans musician and raconteur Danny Barker was a banjo and guitar hero—a major player in New York jazz who never forgot his French Creole roots in song and style. We look back on Danny's career, his life with wife and collaborator, the singer Blue Lu Barker, and his influence sustaining culture in the Crescent City. Then, for the second hour, current guitar and banjo man, Detroit Brooks pays tribute to the Barker legacy with his band the Syncopated Percolators live at the New Orleans Jazz Museum. 

Listen to the Danny Barker special on American Routes right here followed by some bonus interview footage and songs below. 

For more on Danny Barker, visit WWOZ's Closer Walk New Orleans site right here.

Remembering blues harp hero Sonny Terry on his birthday

Toasting harp hero Sonny Terry with a couple of rockers cut for Groove with 'Sticks' McGhee, Milt Hinton & Gene Brooks.

One For The Weekend: Charlie Halloran & The Tropicales

Charlie Halloran & The Tropicales kick off Putamayo's new Island Hopping 10-track compilation in style with "Gabe's Archipelago" – check it out! 

Here's the scoop from Charlie...

"Island Hopping comes out today (Friday, October 23) from Putumayo! Our song 'Gabe’s Archipelago' kicks the record off on track one! 

"It's an instrumental calypso, in the style of Johnny Gomez or Fitz Vaughan Bryan, and hopefully makes your kitchen feel like the Hotel Normandie in 1957 Port of Spain…. Or the Tijuana Club in 1957 New Orleans. They’re really not that different.

"In the meantime, cheers from Tampico and see ya soon!"

Listen to "Gabe's Achipelago," which originally appeared on Charlie Halloran & The Tropicales' album New Orleans '26. 

Various Artists – Island Hopping

Putamayo's new Island Hopping 10-track collection is a joyful musical voyage celebrating the rhythms and spirit of tropical island life from Cuba to Cabo Verde, Haiti to Hawai’i and beyond! 

Circumnavigating the globe from the Pacific to the Atlantic with stops in the Indian Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, the album features upbeat Polynesian reggae, retro Trinidad-style calypso, danceable Cabo Verdean coladeira, soulful Cuban and Puerto Rican salsa, the infectious sega of Mauritius, and more.

Despite the diverse cultural influences they represent, these celebratory songs fit together naturally on this collection, revealing that the sea that separates these islands has also connected them across time and distance.

Island Hopping is the latest release in the Putumayo Discovery series, which seeks to highlight underrepresented musical talents from across the globe. Every month, Putumayo Discovery releases two 10-song digital albums featuring exceptional songs by artists representing diverse world cultures and traditions.

Get a copy of Putamayo's 10-track Island Hopping compilation from your platform of choice right here. 

Also, if you're interested in hearing more from the fab New Orleans crew Charlie Halloran & The Tropicales, check out their Bandcamp page right here.