Notes: Jeff performs all over Ontario as a solo acoustic act, duo’s & trio’s. Jeff also plays guitar & bass in various bands around Southern Ontario.
Recent bands include: Tanya Marie Harris, Front Porch Symphony (Duo), & Rob Kirkham and Neon Rain.
Resides: Southern California
Notes: Michael moved away from Chatham at around the age of 23 and has lived in Whistler, Lake Louise and most recently, spent 5 years in the Cayman Islands. He played in high school bands locally, but mostly performed solo.
06. She’s Alright
2011 – Radio (EP) – (Five songs)
Watch the release preview below
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Artist: Jessica Allossery
Release: Apple of my Eye
Year: 2012
Genre: Pop
From: Home: Chatham-Kent (Kent Bridge)
Resides: London Ontario.
Tracks:
1. Let my Heart Out
2. Apple of my Eye
3. Ugly Duckling
4. Goodmorning Sun
5. Music Makes the World Go ‘Round
6. Little Love
7. Away We Go
8. Dancing in the Great Divine
9. An Old Love Song
10. King of the Land
Previous Release:
2010: Learn (4 song EP)
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*Watch the CD preview below.
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Links:
* Website here.
* iTunes download here.
* Bandcamp link here.
Band: South River Slim & The Fleshmerchants
Genre: Roots,Rock&Roll,Blues
Home: Windsor
Chatham Connection: Singer/ Guitarist Sean Hughey is originally from South River, but raised during his teen years in Chatham, as well as returning to Chatham & Windsor later. He performed in Route 66 (https://demokidblog.wordpress.com/2009/10/28/route-66-1992/)
Members:
Sean Hughey
Rick Rycheghem (Sean’s former Route 66 bandmate)
Jeff Mifflin (Merlin)
Artist: Ray Whaling
Home: Chatham Kent Ontario Canada
Release: Honeybee Sessions
Year: 2014
Genre: Blues/Rock
Performers:
Ray Whaling – Vocals, guitars, harmonicas, percussion, keys
Andy Martin – Bass
Joel Laprise – Drums
Mark Tremblay – Keys
Jennifer Brace – Backing vocals
Kassya Kevany – Backing vocals
Notes: With over 25 years experience, there aren’t many songs Ray Whaling can’t play. No gimmicks, no cheat sheets, no music stands. If you’re looking for a one man jukebox for your next party or special event then Ray Whaling is your man. With an extensive repertoire of originals and an endless list of cover songs Ray will take your party up a notch.
Tracks:
01. Candy Rocker, 02. Strawberry Alice, 03. Little Angel, 04. Rock n Roll Station, 05. Rust, 06. Stardust, 07. Garden of Sun, 08. Summer Girl, 09. The Game, 10. Give Ya Something
Ray Whaling Discography
1994 – The Whaling Band – 3 Pieces
1999 – Ray Whaling – Party Train
2005 – That Whaling Band – Grateful
2008 – That Whaling Band – Live – Jacks Gallery
2014 – Ray Whaling – Honeybee Sessions
Links:
Download or preview this release on ITUNES here.
Ray Whaling online here.
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Artist: Nikki Ninedoors
Release: Wither In Darkness/Thrive In Light
Year: 2013
Home: Chatham
Members:
Dave Richie – music, lyrics, recording.
* Vocals on Track 7 by Frank e. Fitz.
Notes: Nikki Ninedoors is the solo project by Chatham’s Dave Richie.
This is the third demo release from Nikki Nindoors. Dave can currently be seen performing live in the cover band ‘Face 4 Radio‘, & Acoustic MF.
Tracks:
1) Wither In Darkness (Instrumental)
2) The Guilt
3) The Hero And The Heel
4) Ghost
5) With Or Without You
6) Thrive In Light (Instrumental)
7) Believe
8) Get Up
9) Everybody Knows
10) My Successor
11) 6.23.12
Discography
Gridlock – 1999 – Two inches from the floor
A Second Less – 2001 – Demo
The Janet Theory – 2003 – Sacriluscious
Dead Girls Union – 2005 – EP
Nikki Ninedoors – 2009 – Unapologetically Pop Vol.1 (Home Demos)
Nikki Ninedoors – 2011 – Unapologetically Pop Vol.2 (Home Demos)
Nikki Ninedoors – 2013 – Wither In Darkness/Thrive In Light (Home Demos)
Links:
Home page link here.
Listen @ soundcloud. link here.
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Artist: Sarah Hiltz
Release: Til The Sun Falls
Year: 2013 (Feb)
Genre: Jazz
Home:Chatham-Kent
Bio Notes: Sarah is emerging as a singularly talented songwriter with a voice all her own. In a modern blend of two classic and very different genres, echoes of Billie Holiday, Joni Mitchell and Feist ring out faintly through the structure of Sarah’s artistry.
Tracks:
1. Meditation
2. All Of Me
3. When Sunny Gets Blue
4. Chelsea Morning
5. Beautiful Love
6. One Note Samba
7. Autumn Leaves
8. All Or Nothing At All
9. You Go To My Head
Discography
Sarah Hiltz – 2000 – The People Of Chatham Kent (6 songs)
Sarah Hiltz – 2003 – Close To Me
Sarah Hiltz – 2009 – How Many Fires LP
Sarah Hiltz – 2010 – Letters (Limited Release) EP
Sarah Hiltz – 2011 – Music For December EP
Sarah Hiltz – 2012 – How To Pour Whiskey For Strangers (2012) Single
Note: Purchase this CD at Franks Music Centre, Chatham Ontario.
Book Sarah for a show by e-mailing bookings@sarahhiltz.com.
* Watch/listen to the CD Preview below.
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Links:
Purchase album here: http://sarahhiltz.bandcamp.com/album/til-the-sun-falls
website: http://www.sarahhiltz.com/
Sarah’s Youtube videos: http://www.youtube.com/srhiltz
Book Sarah for a show by e-mailing bookings@sarahhiltz.com.
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Email your info & pics to: chatham_music_archive@hotmail.com
Ted Bushey
Artist: Ted Bushey
Year: 2008
Main approach: Song Writer, guitarist, collabs.
Home: Chatham Ontario
Ted Bushey is a 25 year veteran of the music industry, with writing and producing credits that span the continent from Ontario to Nashville. Ted is an accomplished live performer, and currently runs his own production studio ( Hit Bush Productions ) in Chatham-Kent Ontario, Canada’s Classic Car Capital. Ted now produces and peforms much of the background music for Old Autos Television, and soon other Maverick Multimedia Inc. Productions.
Links:
http://www.reverbnation.com/tedbushey
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ted-Bushey-and-HitBush-Productions/163514303678855?v=info
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Artist: Lee Hurst
Year: 1976
Home: Windsor
Currently Resides: Chatham
Lee is curretly headlining at the Kingsway.
Notes: Lee ejoyed success with (A Whole Lotta Your Love) a 45 released in 1973 on A&M Records of Canada.
Lee Hurst guest stars on “Music Makers” April 1st, 8P.M., Channel 9 C.B.E.T.
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Artist: Roland Lozon
CD: Move that Mountain
Released: 2012
Genre : Country/ Instrumental Varieties
Home: Chatham-Kent
Available in Chatham at:
Frank’s Music Centre
Musical Strings & Things
Tony’s One Stop Music Shoppe
Notes: This CD contains twelve originals. Although the root of the music is finger style country guitar playing, Rolands talents can be heard with his use of fiddle, 5-string banjo, mandolin, & a track with hammer dulcimer.
At age 72, Roland carries on his passion for music & knowledge. I have met him a few times through work on the archive for his previous works in bands, most notably the Jubilaires. Without getting too much into how nice this guy is in person, let’s just say his sharing of musical knowledge & human kindness was extremely impressive, often only found in small towns like ours.
Tracks:
1. Move That Mountain, 2. Camptown Races/Wheels, 3. Alone On Your Star, 4. Remington Ride, 5. Seahorse Bounce, 6. Bello Carosello, 7. Gail’s Theme, 8. Wind That Clock, 9. Mont Royal Swing, 10. Bewildered Butterfly, 11. Up & Down, 12. Scottish Sky, 13. Shortbread Special, 14. Une Femme (Going Home), 15. Are You Teasing Me?, 16. Home Sweet Home, 17. Look Up, 18. Orange Blossom Special.
History:
Jubilaires (1956-1961)
Myers Bros & the Jubilaires (1961-1979)
Weekly radio show on CFCO (8 Years)
Warm up band for Opry shows such as Marty Robbins & the Hank Snow show.
Played for such stars as Ronnie Robbins, Minnie Pearl, Don Gibson, Charlie Walker, Wilf Carter, Skeeter Davis, Jan Howard, & more.
Later bands included Jubilaires II, Front Page News, Vic & the Conchords, Country Drifters.
Current bands include the Dover Red Necks & the Foggy Mountain Boys.
Additional Musicians:
Ron Jubenville – Bass (Track 16)
Eric Trachy – Cello (Track 14)
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Artist: Craig James Laur
Year: 2011
Genre: Acoustic, Singer/ song writer
Home: Chatham-Kent (Wallaceburg)
Resides: Toronto
Former bands: ForClosure, Creek Street Sessions and more
Craig James Laur has been playing music for almost 10years. In his early days as a musician he was the front man for Wallaceburg band For Closure. The modern rock band was a local success playing covers and originals. More recently he was the front man for Wallaceburg local band Creekst.sessions. The blues rock band was also a local success playing covers and originals. The local radio station showcases the talent of both bands on a regular basis. In search of new opportunity, Craig is now recently a part of the Toronto music scene. Him and Kurt Dickson, a good friend and talented drummer, are an acoustic duo playing regular gigs at venues like “The Rose and Crown” and “Sheesha Lounge and Coffee House.” Though Craig still enjoys playing covers, he is expanding as a song writer and has many new original songs. The duo are still in search of a Toronto-based bass player, as they have booked steady gigs as a full band and are looking forward to starting a successful trio.
You Tube link here.
Reverb Nation Link here.
Watch his video below in the comments section (while available)
Artist: Danielle Robert
Release: Danielle Robert – Demo
Year: 2011 (Summer)
Genre: Pop & Indie
Home: Pain Court (Chatham-Kent)
Songlist
1. Washing Machine
2. Bent Tree
3. Should I Blink?
4. Sunrainy Soul
5. The Son and His People
6. Je suis guérie
7. Julie’s Song
Bio:
Born in 1992, Danielle Robert is a singer-songwriter hailing from Pain Court, Ontario, a small francophone village in southwestern Ontario. Danielle holds grade nine piano accreditation with The Royal Conservatory of Music. She is currently entering her second year in the Honours Bachelor of Music Program at Wilfrid Laurier University, pursuing a degree in music therapy. Her musical creations are quoted as “earthy and organic” and are classified in the indie/pop category.
Daniel has been playing locally at the Coffee Culture in downtown Chatham while on her summer break.
Watch the CD preview video below.
If video does not appear, watch it here.
Visit her online @ http://daniellerobert.webs.com
Listen to her demos @ http://soundcloud.com/user3343655
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Send your pics & info on Chatham bands (past & present) to
Email us:
chatham_music_archive@hotmail.com
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Artist: Mati Haskell
CD Release: 10, 2 & 6
Home: Chatham Ontario
Genre: Blues,roots
Year: 2011
Notes: A soulful combo of Blues, Roots, Gospel and Soul music infused with Folk and Jazz, 10, 2 & 6 boasts an all star group of Nashville’s finest musicians featuring Americana superstar, John Cowan, Jonell Mosser and Gospel great’s, the McCrary Sisters.
Tracks:
01. Show Me
02. Nothin’ But The Blues
03. Be Back Soon
04. Purgatory
05. Why
06. Blessing (feat. Jonell Mosser)
07. Back To Your Arms
08. Let’s Make A Baby King
09. Fade To Black
10. Big Big Mountains (feat. John Cowan)
11. You Give My Blues A Name
Website: http://www.matihaskell.com/
Buy her album here: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/matihaskell
Watch the cd preview video below.
If video does not appear, watch it here.
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Artist: Demo Kid
Release: Home Demos Vol. 4
Year: 2011
Genre: Rock/Pop
Home: Chatham, On. Canada
Musicians:
Shawn B. – All instruments & Recording
Jesse V. – Vocals (track 4)
Rivers Coumo – Vocals & writer track 7.
Tracks
1. Pocket Full of Candy
2. To Die For
3. Beautiful Day (Free Download)
4. Our Little Secret (Free Download)
5. Don’t Stop the Party (Free Download)
6. On Holidays
7. My Brain is working over time.
8. Sex in Space
Notes: This is a collection of home recordings and song ideas produced, engineered, mastered, written, performed and mixed by Shawn B. at his home studio. Except #7, Vocals & Lyrics written by Rivers Cuomo of Weezer. Shawn has been busy connecting the local scene by running the Chatham Music Archive website which promotes local music releases & events on a daily basis. He is also a home recording enthusiast who has been releasing music for many years to friends and local music lovers.
Watch the CD Preview below.
If video does not appear, watch it here.
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Click pic to enlarge
Artist: Sarah Hiltz
EP Release: Letters
Year: 2010 (July)
Genre: Folk, Jazz
Home: Chatham Ontario
Notes: The “Letters” EP was created as a pilot project in July, 2010 as an accompaniment product for a show combining music and spoken word. The intention was to extend it into a full length, fully produced album in the future.
All the original package contents (credits, information, handwritten letters) are included in PDF format when you purchase the entire album.
Tracks
01. We Are Gods
02. I am for sound
03. First Nail Hammered
04. Brother
05. Small Town Blues
06. What I Thought
07. I Won’t Cry
Click on the video below to listen to the CD Preview below.
If video does not show, watch it here.
Visit her online at http://www.sarahhiltz.com/.
Preview or buy the album @
http://sarahhiltz.bandcamp.com/album/letters
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Band: Assume No Order
Release: Slaggered (EP)
Date: 2011
Genre: Experimental instrumental metal
Home: Toronto
Download the Release for free, click here.
Notes: Nigel Barylewicz began in Chatham as a guitar player for local death metal bands while in high school. He later moved to Toronto and began releasing experimental (mostly metal) albums, performing all the instruments on the recordings.
Musicians
Nigel Barylewicz – Nigel Barylewicz
Grant Johnson – 3AM Radio Theremin Outro
Tracks
1. Aggregate, 2. Solidification, 3. Pelletized, 4. Blast Furnace.
Discography
Assume No Order – 2011 – Slaggered (EP)
Assume No Order – 2010 – Nothing More
Assume No Order – 2007 – Exit Dark (EP)
Assume No Order – 2002 – Nigel
Nigel Barylewicz – 2001 – A Selection Of Works
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Artist: Michael LeClerc
Release: Radio (EP)
Released: Feb 01, 2011
Genre: Rock, Pop
Hometown: Chatham Ontario Canada
Resides: Other
Members:
Michael LeClerc – Lead Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Jonathan Ebanks – Lead Guitar
Tracks:
1. Radio, 2. Breathe, 3. Life, 4. Turnaround, 5. Bombs
Notes: Michael moved away from Chatham at around the age of 23 and has lived in Whistler, Lake Louise and most recently, spent 5 years in the Cayman Islands. He played in high school bands locally, but mostly performed solo.
Bio:
2011 is a new year for Leclerc who finally just finished recording at 4th Street Recording Studio, Santa Monica, CA with Platinum/Gold Producer Jim Wirt (Incubus, Fiona Apple, Live, Hoobastank) on a five song EP released in Feb, 2011.
Over the last 2 years Leclerc has opened up for the Tragically Hip, played for the famous WWF wrestler Rick Flair on his wedding day, traveled to Los Angeles to record demos, given his time to a numerous amount of charity events and arranged a small tour through the state of California, Sept 2009 along with lead guitarist Jonathan Ebanks. They had great success with 17 shows and 100 demos sold in a matter of 4 weeks!!
If you like laid back melodies for the easy days or a funk, folk up beat feel to keep you groovin’, then Michael Leclerc is an artist you don’t want to miss! He has a very eclectic sound that drives a soulful feeling!
Michael performs with his good friend Jonathan Ebanks who is from the Cayman Islands. Jonathan has played with Damien Marley, Ziggy Marley and many more. He is a guitar master and Jon and Michael are on their way to California to tour and work with producer Jim Wirt to try and get the music to Film companies and maybe a few labels. They have one Film Production Company interested already.
Download the album from Itunes or CDBABY. Download links below.
Itunes here. CD Baby here.
Visit his website here.
Video CD preview below.
If video does not appear, watch it here.
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Band: Kristin Nicholls Band
Release: EP (4 Songs)
Genre: Rock
Year: 2009
Formed: 2007
Notes: Kristin is from Chatham but now resides in Hamilton. His sister Brook Nicholls also recently released a great record too. These two sibling songbirds have been singing together since they were teenagers. Their first acoustic EP together is entitled “It’s Christmas” and should be released in 2010.
In late 2007, Kristin Nicholls teamed up with fellow long time musicians and close friends to form a new project dubbed “Kristin Nicholls Band”. Produced by multi JUNO AWARD winning producer Julius Butty his new EP is now available on itunes.
Tracks:
01. It’s Ok
02. Alive Again
03. Stand Tall
04. Gotta Be More.
Members:
Kristin Nicholls
Luke Cronsberry
Jamie Altena
Allen Bilston
* Preview the Release below on youtube.
Links:
* Buy the EP at itunes or at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/KristinNichollsBand.
* Visit them online here or here.
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Musician: Tom Starks (Thomas Starks)
Year: 2010
Instrument: Hammond B3 organ, Keyboards
Genre: Jazz
Home: Chatham-Kent Ontario
Resides: Other
Current Groups: Dirty Hammond Organ Band, The Denise Pelley Band and many other ensembles.
Members (Dirty Hammond Organ Band)
Tom Starks – Hammond B3 organ
Troy Neeb – sax & percussion
Chris Norley – guitar
Sandy MacKay – drums & artistic director
Background:
The Force, Manpower, Friends, Solo CD releases, Julie Ross, and many many many more. Tom began his professional career in 1972 as keyboardist with a show group touring Ontario and several Northern States. In 1974 he returned to his home town of Chatham and continued to perform with local artists while touring Southern Ontario. After 25 years of teaching, Tom and his wife Sonja moved to Aylmer where his main focus now is on jazz and a return to his first instrument, the Hammond B3 Organ.
Tom is as professional and polite as they come. He also lends his talents to various occasions & projects.
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Click on pic to enlarge it
Band: Teethen Freeks (Teethen Freaks)
Home: Tilbury
Genre: Rock cover band
Year: 2010
Formed: Circa 2001
Members:
Scott Barnes – Bass and lead vocals
Brian Lansue – Guitar & vocals
Eean Houchen – Guitar & vocals
Dale Montminy – Drums
Members have formerly been in the following bands – Virgil Starr, Lyra,
The Nasteez.
Music they cover: Seether, Three days grace, Shinedown, Tragically hip, Trews, Candlebox , Thornly , Audio Slave, Boston, Journey & much more
Currently playing at: Tilbury Hotel, Mr. Biggs and more
Visit them on facebook here.
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Musician: Steve Skull aka Steve Saunders
Instrument: Vocals, Guitar
Home town: Chatham
Resides: Toronto Area
Steve moved away to the Toronto area in the early 1990’s. Some may have caught him while he was playing locally in Chatham for the band Lyra (1987-89). Musically, he became a pro player and guitar teacher.
Above Pictures
01 Lyra 1988
02 The Flu 1990
03 Thunder Circus 1992
04 Touring guitarist for the Killer Dwarfs 1995
05 Fear Disorder 1996
06 Steve in 1999
07 2003-2004 Sandman (Metallica tribute band)
08 2009 Live shot
Brief Bio from his page 2010:
My real name is Steve Saunders, but pretty much everyone I know, knows me as Steve Skull. I have been a touring/gigging musician since I was 16 playing with some really great musicians along the way. Some of note include, Thunder Circus, The Flu, Killer Dwarfs, Fear Disorder, Mike Reno, Jimi Jamison, Alan Frew and Revolver. I’ve played in about 50+ different bands over the years.
The band Fear Disorder was signed and released one album called “In A Rage”. It was released in 27 countries throughout Europe and the U.K. in 1997. That band opened for Rob Halford’s old band, Fight and also Voivod, which included former Thunder Circus bandmate, Eric Forrest.
Most of the bands I have been in were either tribute bands or cover bands. Music is my passion. I actually had to rediscover how much it is a part of me. Now, I am ready to write again and I enjoy music all over again! Currently, I can be found playing somewhere in the GTA playing with The Intruders.
Some of the bands Steve was in.
1989 – Lyra
1990 – The Flu
1992 – Thunder Circus
1995 – Killer Dwarfs
1996 – Fear Disorder
2003,2004 – Sandman – Metallica Tribute Band
2009 – The Intruders (party band)
Visit Steve online here.
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Band: Mike Gorman
Release: Twilight Harvest
Year: 2006
Genre: Folk and Blues
Home: Southern Ontario
Music & Lyrics by Mike Gorman
Musicians:
Mike Gorman – Vocals, acoustic guitar, harmonica
Janalynne Rogers, Jennifer Thorpe, Mike Williams – Harmony Vox.
Larry Smith – Guitar, banjo, Bass, harmony Vox
Willie P. Bennet – Harmonica, Harmony Vox.
Jerry Fletcher – Pedal Steel, Guitar
Dean Harrison – Piano, Organ, Accordian
John Allen – Fiddle, Mandolin, Violin
Claire Ishoy – Cello
Peter Hysen & Joel Gehman – Bass
Jonathon Davis – Drums
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Name: Bob Lucier
CD Release: Eleven Favorites
Circa: 2002
Genre: Country
Home: Chatham-Kent (Grande Pointe)
Resides: Toronto area
About Bob: Bobby Lucier has been a leader in steel guitar and is world renowned for his unique style and ability. Bob was the resident Steel Player for “The Tommy Hunter Show” when it aired on the CBC television network in Canada for many years.
Gordie Tapp From ‘Hee Haw’ Writes Liner Notes For CD In 1952, when we started Main Street Jamboree, I became deeply engrossed in Country Music.
I heard my first steel guitar in the hands of Bobby Wingrove and Lloyd Banks. It rapidly became my favorite instrument. In 1969 I arrived in Nashville to begin Hee Haw and thought I’d gone to steel guitar heaven. I worked with such famous names as Curly Chalker, Buddy Emmons, Lloyd Green, John Hughey etc… When I talked to them about their instruments and abilities they told me there was a guy up in Canada who had equal ability.
I returned to Canada to guest on a well received Country TV show and met the young man they were talking about. If you ask Bobby Lucier for a sixteen bar turnaround he makes it sound like a symphony but not at the expense of your vocal presentation and the audience leaves thinking how great you are because of the intricate steel guitar background he provides.
He features four string harmony melodies with just a touch of two of his favorites, Jimmy Day and Weldon Myrick, but it’s his own interpretations that makes him unique.
A master steel guitar technician. A master of Cabinetry (his real income). I’m glad he’s presenting this new C.D.. May I introduce to you Bobby Lucier.
Enjoy! Gordie Tapp
Tracks
1. Pick Me Up (On Your Way Down) C. Walker
2. Fraulein (Lawton Williams)
3. Workin’ Man Blues (Merle Haggard)
4. I Fall To Pieces (H. Cochrane & H. Howard)
5. Fool Such As I (William Trader)
6. Magnum (Bob Lucier, SOCAN)
7. Pass Me By (Hillman Hall)
8. Blues For Felix (C. Byrd)
9. Alright I’ll Sign The Papers (M. Tillis)
10. My Special Angel (Jimmy Duncan)
11. Lonesome 77203 (Justin Tubb)
Engineered & Mixed by: Doug Deveaux
Cover photo: Brian Carnahan
Produced By : Bob Lucier & Mel Aucoin
All Arrangements By: Bob Lucier
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Click on the above picture to enlarge
Artist: Ray Francis
Release: Two Sides of Country
Format: LP Album
Year: Circa 1974
Home: Chatham Ontario Canada
Label: Condor
Distribution: Marathon Music INC.
Number: 977-1404
Genre: Country Music
Notes: Ray Francis was born Feb 9th 1931 in Chatham.
Back Cover Notes:
Outside the city of Chatham, Ontario, on a small farm, a thirteen year old boy by the name of Ray Francis started strumming chords on his first guitar.
Ray’s love of country music was greatly influenced by picking up from his radio the famous ‘Grand Ole Opry’ show from WSM Nashville, Tennessee, every Saturday night.
By the time Ray was in his twenties, he had formed his own band. With his increasing popularity with the fans, Ray was constantly being booked for club and stage appearances. Later the youngster who had only heard the stars of ‘The Grand Ole Opry’ on radio, now found himself appearing onstage with many of these same stars.
Ray’s versatility as a performer, musician, comedian, and writer has brought him recognition on both sides of the border.
As a performer myself, I would hate to follow Ray’s show onstage. His ability to impersonate many of the Nashville artists plus come back and sing his own originals, is the true sign of a great overall performer.
The makings of a great entertainer is like baking a cake. You take a handful of sincerity, a touch of comedy, a warm personality, and a great love for country music and you have my friend, Ray Francis.
Columbia Recording Artist Dallas Harms
Tracks
01. Forbidden lovers (Stanton-Walker)
02. I knew her then (R. Francis – Doug Springsted)
03. Who’s Julie
04. One nite stand (R.ay Francis)
05. Laura
06. Just let me know (Ray Francis)
07. Margie’s at the Lincoln Park Inn
08. Sweet misery (Ray Francis – Mike Francis)
09. Anita you’re dreaming
10. The downward side of lonesome (R. Francis)
11. If Ginny knew (Ray Francis)
12. In a mansion
Discography as of 1973:
Ray Francis and the Whippoorwills – 1963 – Country Jamboree
The Whippoorwills – 1964 – The Whippoorwills
Ray Francis – 1973 – The Countrey Way
Ray Francis – 1973 – An Olde Tyme Christmas
Ray Francis – 1974 – Two Sides of Country
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Artist: Jay Allan
Release: The Wrong Direction
Year: 2009
Genre: Country
Home: Bothwell
Notes: Ontario singer/songwriter Jay Allan has been writing songs since the age of 14. Today Jay is a dedicated and driven country music singer songwriter with an original sound. As an active member of the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA), SOCAN and the Songwriter’s Association of Canada (S.A.C.) Jay is being recognized in the Canadian Country music scene, performing at many music events and festivals including opening for great Canadian acts such as Jimmy Rankin, Julian Austin & Doc Walker and releasing his first single ‘Rumourville’ to country radio across Canada.
Tracks
1. Rumourville…3:07
2. Hollywood…3:43
3. Winning Streak…3:06
4. Fishing for Memories…3:29
5. She’s a Tease…2:57
6. Midnight Run…3:27
7. Picture of Life…3:36
8. Someday We’ll Talk…3:23
9. Crinan Creek…2:56
10. S.H.O.P…3:15
Click on video below to hear two samples from this release.
If video does not appear, watch it here.
All songs written by Jay Allan Schnekenburger
Visit Jay online here and here.
Artist: David Ostrosser (53) David Nelson Ostrosser
Release Title: SECOND HAND STORE
Year: 2009
Born : Chatham Kent Ontario
Resides: Gatineau, Quebec Canada
Notes: The CD contains 12 original songs, most in an Americana or roots country vein, although there are a few crossover pop surprises and one French-language number. There’s also a fun dance remix of the title tune. The sessions for this album have seen the cream of the Ottawa Valley’s country and roots musicians populate its tracks. Steel player Al Bragg has played with Carol Baker, the Family Brown, Terry Carisse and South Mountain and he puts down some unbelievable tracks on David’s album, while Ball and Chain’s Michael Ball does a masterful job of accompanying him on the violin. Contemporary folk artist Christine Graves adds harmonies and various Ottawa Folklore Centre alumni colour the album with all manner of guitars: resonator (dobro), baritone, electric and acoustic. Each production choice of the artist and of co-producer René Gely (including string arrangements featuring classical musicians) seemed to raise the quality bar ever-higher.
Bio: David Nelson Ostrosser was born August 2, 1955 in Chatham, Ontario, Canada. His parents, fervent evangelical Christians, were both active in gospel music from and early age, and David’s father Robert travelled extensively with the musical Rutledge brothers, brothers-in-law of weepy Canadian evangelistic television host David Mainse. In 1960, David’s family moved to Australia with other members of his father’s singing group, where they help to establish a novel (at that time) youth camp with a cowboy-style, horse-centred theme.
Followed a return to Canada where the older Ostrosser was a part of several other ranch camp ministries, both in Ontario and in British Columbia. After a series of moves that saw David change primary schools seven times in seven years, the family settled down in Mission, British Columbia, where David first started writing songs and playing music.
After starting out on trumpet at 11 years of age, David switched to drums, at 16 backing first country singers, and then a blues band fronted by a pub singer from England named Steve Caller. Itching to go on the road playing music full-time at this point, David switched to piano and took over on lead vocals. The band travelled around B. C. and to the Yukon, and did several house stints in seedy Vancouver bars in the city’s infamous Downtown Eastside, notably at a club called Fort Boogie, where they would do four sets before a bizarre crowd of junkies and homeless drunks, while naked go-go dancers gyrated on each side of the stage.
Following the evaporation of the high hopes of that first creative musical unit, David tried his luck in Toronto for a while, then returned to B. C., playing in countless bar band and duo collaborations and travelling throughout Western Canada, from Ft. Simpson in the Northwest Territories to Neepawa, Manitoba.
David produced a couple of singles in the 1980s, including “Check-Out Baby, Don’t Check Out On Me”, a whimsical creation that received respectable airplay for an independent record in those dying days of the vinyl format.
A growing interest in Quebec music and literature prompted a cross-Canada move, and David began a new musical career in Hull, Quebec, in the early nineties, hooking up with two other local musicians for a house gig in a bar just off the notorious Hull Strip (since cleaned up). It was light years away from the music of Harmonium and the glory days of Quebecois “Peace and Love” of the mid-seventies, and the engagement came to an abrupt end when a half-dozen police raided the club and came onstage to arrest the drummer.
After an interval away from music during which he went back to school to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Translation, started a family and generally settled down for good, David was inspired to write a half-dozen new songs and combine them with a number of older originals and record them with the help of Gatineau producer René Gely. The result is Second Hand Store, an LP-length collection of country and americana originals that bears witness to David’s affection for the vinyl medium.
If Video does not appear, watch it here.
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CD
Artist: CHRIS HART
Release: Behind The Blue Wall
Date: 2004
Home: From Merlin (Chatham-Kent), now London.
All songs written by Chris Hart
Tracks: Behind The Blue Wall, Dionne, Falling From The Sky, Forget About Me, Heart On My Sleeve, Love (X3), Mrs. Mathieson, Rip Van Winkle.mp3, Take Me BackAngel, Waited Too Long, We Were Stoned.
Chris Hart – guitars, vocals
Blair Heddle – banjo, mandolin
Dan Fawcett – guitar
Shawn Saunders – guitar, harmony
Jerry Fletcher – steel guitar
Jeff Fountain – bass
Ted Peacock – drums
Dean Harrison – piano, Hammond B3, accordian
Aaron MacDonald – saxophone
Craig Robertson – trumpet
Casey Peavoy – harmonica
Recorded at EMAC Studios, London, Ont.
Produced, engineered and mixed by Dan Brodbeck
Assistant engineer – Sigfried Meier
* Watch CD preview below.
Listen to the CD here: http://chrwradio.com/lma/2004/Chris%20Hart%20-%20Behind%20The%20Blue%20Wall/chris%20hart.htm
Artist: Demo Kid
Release: Home Demos Volume 1
Date: 2007
Home: Chatham Kent Ontario
Members:
Shawn B – All instruments, vocals
Notes:
* All music performed, written, arranged, produced & recorded by Shawn B.
* Jesse V. is also a contributor & writer to ideas and helps out doing vocals on some tracks.
* This is a collection of home demos/ first draft versions of songs written for fun. They are here in their most raw form, captured as ideas.
* Demo Kid previously wrote and played guitar for Foster Child, The Janet Theory and Dead Girls Union.
Watch the CD video preview below
If video does not appear above, watch it here.
Read a review of the album online here.
Tracks
1. The last day of summer
2. To die for
3. Never let you go
4. With someone else now
5. Another stupid love song
6. Best Friend
7. Guardian Angel
8. Drunk and Happy
9. Will you forgive me… (Free Download)
10. The things you didn’t know
11. Bad habits are hard to break
12. Dance like you mean it
13. Kid in the corner
14. Goth girl tragedy
15. Kiss and tell (Rumors)
16. Role model zero
17. Would you still love me if?
18. Never saw it coming
19. Keep your pants on
20. I want to be used by you
21. Our little secret
22. I don’t want to be like you
23. Told you so
24. Mom and pop stores (Free MP3 Download)
Watch & Listen to Demo Kid online at You Tube here.___________________________________
Artist: Michael Schatte
Release: Hard Ticket
Year: 2006
Home: Originally from Chatham
Michael began his early career in music in a Chatham blues band called Midnight Mojo.
Michael Schatte: all vocals and instruments including electric, acoustic, and 12 string guitars; drums; electric bass; mandolin; violin; German button accordion; piano accordion; organ, piano, and electric piano synths; harmonica; and various percussive items
All songs written by Michael Schatte except tracks 3, 6, 7, 9, 11, and 12
Recorded at Mithrandir Studios, Chatham, ON, Canada between the months of May and August, 2005
Mastered by Bob Hiltz at Eyrespace Studios, Chatham, ON
Though Hard Ticket is unapologetically guitar-driven, it also showcases Michael’s considerable chops on both the mandolin and violin, both of which add wonderful colour to the album’s already diverse palette. There’s something on this record for everyone – searing blues, rootsy pop-rock, bluegrass, New Orleans flavoured “feel-good music”, country, folk and even instrumental celtic-rock – it’s both difficult to categorize and easy to enjoy!
1. Turn
2. Room For Me
3. Hey Pocky Way
4. Crying Uncle
5. The Hardest Part
6. Tear Stained Letter
7. If You Be My Baby
8. Slow Burn
9. All Work and No Play
10. Tipsy On the Cork
11. Under A Stormy Sky
12. Big Chimney
13. Aspasia mp3 snippet
14. Five Alive
Visit Michael Schatte on the web at www.michaelschatte.com.
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Artist : Janet Theory
Home : Chatham Kent Ontario
Release : Studio Out Takes
Style : emo/metal meets pop
Date : 1997
Musicians:
Shawn Beaulieu – Vocals, Guitar
Jesse Verleye – Vocals, bass
Chuck Young – Drums
Additional Musicians :
Jay Moskaluk – additional Guitars on tracks 1,2,3,4,5
Rob Johnston – Backing Vocals on ‘Shoot Me Down’
The Scoop: Recorded in Jan 1997 by Steve Eyres @ his house studio. This is the first Janet Theory demo.
These songs were slated to become part of the upcoming CD, but after listening to the songs over & over again they decided that they were not up to par.
So back to the drawing board they went. With close to 40 new songs to choose from, It took them a little longer than anticipated.
This is a collection of the rejected songs in their rawest form. But you can’t get more real than raw, so this demo cassette still holds strong as one of their best releases to date. Their original sound went unnoticed generally, but 5 years later, their style would dominate the music scene as the so called “emo” style, but the band had moved past that sound years before it broke out
That is a good sign for a band to be ahead of it’s time.
The demo was known for it’s return to their underground roots.
Track Listing.
1. Shoot Me Down, 2. Inspire Me, 3. Trust Me, 4. Freaks Me Out 5. The switch song, 6. Special, 7. More & More, 8. Everyone Is A Gun
Recorded and produced by Steve Eyres at his home studio 1997.
Watch the video below for preview of the release.
If video does not appear, watch it here.
Listen To The Janet Theory here.
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Artist: Chris Hart
Release: The Magic Hour
Year: 2009
Genre: Country/Rock
Raised: Merlin (Chatham-Kent)
Home: London
Members:
Chris Hart – Vocals
Others: n/a
Tracks:
1. Mystery
2. Best of Me
3. Bad Girls
4. Try Again
5. Down in Flames
6. Hey Hey Hey
7. Black Anger
8. Midnight Man
9. New Year’s Eve
Notes:
* He has been writing and performing music for the past 20 years.
* Dabbled in many styles of music including Punk, Rock-A-Billy, Blues, and Country. Lately falling into the ambiguous roots or Americana category.
* Chris has collaborated with various acts, most notably the infamous matadors. It wasn’t until 2001 that he decided to pursue a solo career. His first record “Lonesome Blood” was a dark and brooding country epic. One Critic referred to it as Goth-Country.
* Watch/listen to the CD preview below.
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* Watch live video of Chris performing in Nashville below.
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The guys take a break from full on music and decide to wrap it up to spend time with families for a while. After years of playing non-stop in bands, they take a rest. The Janet Theory had fun and thank everyone for their support. Band members will be back on the scene soon slowly one by one.
The band was featured on 2 different compilation Cds put out this year also.
From The Underground – features ‘It’s Alright’. (New York Label)
Winter Rose – features ‘ You Suck’. (Chatham Kent/ Essex Release)
Both tracks are from the 2003 CD Sacriluscious.
Website with music & videos: http://www.myspace.com/janettheory
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Chatham Music Archive 