Artist: Jay Allan Year: 2020 Genre: Country Home: Bothwell
Notes: Born in Strathroy and raised in Glencoe. A well seasoned performer, Jay Allan has been writing & entertaining audiences for over 15 years. His debut album ‘Please Don’t Change’ was released in 1998 by North Street Records. His follow up release ‘The Wrong Direction’ took him yo Nashville and was produced by Doc Walker’s Murray Pulver. Despite the album title, Jay was planted firmly in the right direction, with two successful radio singles “Rumourville” and “She’s A Tease”. The latter, became his first Top 40 single.
Today, Jay is a dedicated and driven songwriter with an original sound, an accomplice to many local aspiring songwriters and musicians and a dedicated member of the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA), SOCAN and the Songwriter’s Association of Canada (S.A.C.)
Some 2020 music credits
Jason Mercer – “Nobody But You”. Written by Jay Allan, Shawn Meriano (Chatham) and Jason Mercer from London Ontario.
Jay co-wrote ‘Never Alone’, ‘Mourning After’ & ‘The End’ with Sarah Smith.
Jay co-wrote ‘Wondering’ with Justine Chantale.
Link to Videos below:
* Jason Mercer – “Nobody But You”. Link here. * Sarah Smith – Never Alone. Link here. * Sarah Smith – Mourning After. Link here. * Sarah Smith – The End. Link here. * Justine Chantale – Wondering. Link here.
Official Jay Allan Links * Website link here. * Youtube link here. * Facebook link here. * Instagram link here.
Artist: Julie Ross Release: Treasures & Ghosts (5 song demo) Year: 2005 Genre: Adult Contemporary, folk. Home: Chatham Ontario.
Note:The demo includes one original track ‘Rearrange’ & four cover songs.
Update 2019: Julie has since put out a few full length releases, hosted open mic in town for many years off & on, and hosts a weekly song circle (Circa late 2010’s) that allows people to share their musical craft with other local like minded people.
Artist: Aaron Allen Genre: Country Music Home: Chatham Ontario Resides: London Ontario Canada.
In 2019, Aaron released two tracks,
‘Good Tattoo‘ & ‘Where Music Comes From‘.
Along with these official releases, he has been busy co-writing tracks with many other song writers in Nashville and abroad.
Notes: Aaron Allen (born August 1, 1981)
Debuting as a solo artist in mid 2000, Aaron created a buzz for himself amongst the country/folk and bluegrass scene in Southern Ontario with his first release (‘’Self Titled’’ 2006). In 2007 he released a record called ‘’Aaron Allen And The Small City Saints’’, which was his first offering as a full band, followed by the critically acclaimed ‘’A Place Called Hell’’ in 2009. He began touring as a solo artist, as well as with a band, and received national airplay, as well as appearing on shows such as JR Digg’s ‘’Man With A Van’’ (which he wrote the title track for). After touring extensively, he released another solo record called ‘’IV’’ in 2011, which was followed by the EP ‘’Small City Saints’’ in 2012. He really cut his teeth performing opening for such acts as Joel Plaskett, Thomas Rhett, Tim Hicks, The Sheepdogs, Dallas Smith, The Trews, Matt Mays, Tom Wilson, Aaron Pritchett, just to name a few.
In 2013 Aaron took a break from music to start a family, which inspired a boost of creativity, and in 2015 he released another critically acclaimed full length album ‘’Better Days’’.
The Small City Saints have seen numerous members over the years.
The band currently consists of Juno award winner Dan Broadbeck, Tara Dunphy (of The Rizzdales), Glen Gamble ‘’Archie’’ (formerly of Helix/The Joys), Corey Cameron and Simon Larrochette.
Discography * 2006 – Aaron Allen – Self Titled (11 songs) * 2007 – Aaron Allen & The Small City Saints – Self-Titled (12 songs) * 2009 – Aaron Allen – A place called hell (15 songs) * 2011 – Aaron Allen – IV (6 songs) * 2012 – Aaron Allen & The Small City Saints – Self-Titled (5 songs) * 2015 – Aaron Allen & the Small City Saints – Better days (10 songs)
Links: * website here. * facebook here. * Apple music link here.
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.
Artists: Rob Mitchell Release:Songs for the Dateless Year: 2016 Genre:Singer/Song Writer, Folk, Indie Home: Guelph (From Chatham-Kent Ontario, Canada)
Tracks: 1. Obliged 2. Song for Julia 3. The Same Eyes 4. I Will Be Your Man 5. So Tired So Lonely 6. Places We Should Go 7. Every Turn 8. People are Strange
Amongst many other projects, roles, & duties, highlights for Ralph Murphy this year include: 1970 –Wrote for Smokey Circles – Smokey Circles. LP, Album· UK 1970 –Ralph wrote song #1 of the Brotherhood Of Man release. Album: United We Stand.
_____ Email your info & pics to:chatham_music_archive@hotmail.com
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Note:All music performed, written, recorded by Shawn B. except where noted.
Tracks: 01 I’ll Make Mistakes 02 Will You Forgive Me.. 03Pieces 04Don’t Stop The Party 05 123 06 With Someone Else Now 07Beautiful Day 08 Camp Fire Songs 09 Kiss Your Halo Good-Bye 10 Occupy Religion 11Tell You Twice 12Sick With Me 13 I Don’t Wanna Grow Up
Band: Sal Piamonte Release: Lives in Devil City Year: 2011 Genre: Rock Website:here. Download from Itunes: here. YouTube page:here.
Chatham Connection: Former Chatham resident now living in the Ottawa area.
Band Sal Piamonte – Vox, guitar Eric Disero (who also mixed and mastered the album) Dan Stadnicki (Serial Joe, Liam Titcomb) Mike Goyette (Artificial Joy Club, Save Ferris) Dan Joseph
Notes:Breaking into the American market with songs “Humble Heart,” and “Moments They Pass,” from his 2008 “Rogue EP” release, Sal then proceeded to write, record, and self-produce 2010’s “Free Money LP,” which not only demonstrated Sal’s versatility as a world-class songwriter and producer, but got him signed to a worldwide publishing deal with 2850 Music (Lionel Ritchie, GroupLove, John Waite, etc) in Santa Monica, California in the process.
Tracks 01 Big Sleazy 02 Take Me Home 03 Devil Woman 04 Get Up, Get Up 05 Just a Little Bit 06 Tonight 07 Shining Star 08 Nasty Girl 09 Whatcha Say 10 High Road 11 Go All Night 12 Big Sleazy Outro 13 Take Me Home (Radio Edit)
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_ Artist: Elyse Weinberg (AKA Cori Bishop) Release: In My Own Sweet Time Year: 2009 Genre:Folk, Alternative Folk Born:Chatham Ontario Canada Website:here. Preview or buy the Album:here.
Track Listing: 1. Anybody Out There? 2. Break It Wide Open 3. Hey My Baby 4. Remind Me 5. Operator 6. Darlin’ 7. The Shining One 8. Sleepwalker 9. Nothin’s Gonna Change 10. All Is Well
Produced by Cori Bishop & John Swinnerton at Sonic Sojourns, Ashland, Oregon.
Notes:
The Holy Grail. That’s how Andrew Rieger of Elf Power described the moment in 1999 when he first listened to Elyse’s long forgotten 1968 self-titled release. Back in the late ’60’s, the album received quite a bit of attention – so much so that Elyse appeared on Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show, in Newsweek and the L.A. Free Press, and at Shaffer Music Festival in NYC. She continued to write and record for Asylum Records. Cut to 30 years later when Rieger fell so much in love with her debut album that he contacted Elyse (now going by the name Cori Bishop and living in Ashland, Ore.).
The rest is history – Orange Twin rereleased the self-titled debut, along with two other of her songs from that era, one of which, “Houses,” features Neil Young wielding his distinctively ripping guitar sound. Since, Elyse’s story has become something of a rock legend – after the rerelease her album received massive amount of positive feedback in the press, and she was mentioned in Magnet, Time Out NY, Aquarium Drunkard, Creative Loafing (amongst others). Perhaps the most flattering result was two extremely successful indie bands, Vetiver and Dinosaur Jr. decided to cover “Houses” in the aftermath of the release.
Now, after playing extensively over the past few years, which included a date at Montreal Pop Festival in 2008, Elyse has recorded a new album for the first time since the late ’60’s – the aptly titled “In My Own Sweet Time.” Elyse’s voice is still captivating – at once sweet and melodic, while also sounding edgy and ragged, brimming with a sense of hope and liberation. As Andrew Rieger said, it’s scary and magical stuff, which is particularly captured in the album’s first single “Anybody Out There?” _ _ *Watch the CD preview below.
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Send your pictures & info to : Email us: chatham_music_archive@hotmail.com
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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.
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.
Artist:Jim Moffatt Year: 2009 Release:Live At Crystal Gardens (Live) Resides: Victoria, BC Home:Chatham Kent, Light House Cove Genre:Roots & Folk, Pop
Links: * Webpage link here.
Buy the CD @ Itunes online here.
Visit or listen online here or here or here.
Notes: Jim is a story teller extrodinaire! His songs are personal, well composed and played and sung beautifully.
Songs: 01 Introductions 02 Blues Man 03 Introductions Lighthouse 04 The Lighthouse Keepers Dream 05 Intro to Free 06 Free and On the Road 07 Intro Working Hard 08 Working Hard Looken for Work Worken Nowhere Blues 09 Introduction Wizard 10 The Wizard 11 Encore Utah 12 The Logger
Bio:After growing up on the streets of Chatham Ontario, attending high school and finishing with no fixed address, attending numerous universities in both the US and Canada with a goal of football and wrestling, being a Zodiac pilot for Greenpeace “Save the Whales” and a short term in a Newfoundland jail for anti-sealing protests, Jim turned his attention to playing music. With his first test being in Calgary Alberta at the 1st Studio 1/ Keen Craft (Long and Mcquade) music award he walked away with top prize as a member of the duo “Bow River Lumber Company.” This was not a small feat as names such as Jan Arden, Oliver Krall, Scott Parsons and Jenny Allen were also on the program.
(Hi; Jim here….I bet you’re thinking “If this guy’s so great why have I never heard of him?” That’s simple. You never heard of me because just as I was starting to “make it” I went through a relationship loss, and I broke. Plain and simple. I sold all my gear and tried to quit the business. Did too for about 10 years. But as a friend of mine from the Nanaimo Folk club said “The big dog is back.” That’s all I want to say on the matter. I know some will think its not cool to bring it up but one thing I have learned is when there is a giant elephant in the room and nobody talks about it, it only get bigger. If you want to know more, ask me. Now, back to the important stuff.)
Jim has opened for Utah Phillips, Rosalie Sorrels, Connie Calder, Michael Lewis, and Scott Parsons, to name a few. His style and musical influences include suc all-time-greats as Stan Rogers, Harry Chapin, Chris De Berg, John Prine, and James Taylor.
Jim’s been around folk festivals, having played the Home County Festival in London Ontario, Blackfalds Folk Festival in Alberta and Vancouver Island Folk Festival and others. He has played universities from Windsor to Ottawa, from London to Thunder Bay to Calgary. He has been featured in L.A. at the Pier 1 Show, and was a band member with groups such as Hero, Panic and The Bow River Lumber Company. His first love has always been a singer-songwriter writing music to bring images to his listeners’ minds.
Band: Demo Kid (Shawn B.) Release:Home Demos Volume 3 Released:Dec 24th 2010 Year:2010 Genre: Rock, Country, Dance Home: Chatham Ontario
Tracks 01 Drink (with J. Verleye) (Free Download) 02Just Kids (with J. Verleye) (Free Download) 03 Just In Case (J. Ross) (Free Download) 04 123 05 The Big Dirty 06The Switch Song (J. Verleye) 07Laughing At Her (J. Verleye) 08 Wish me Luck (R. Johnston)
Notes: During the past few years, Demo Kid has begun collaborating with many local artists. This release includes performances from Julie Ross, Rob Johnston, Jesse V., & Rene Brosseau.
Demo Kid has done 3 tracks with Weezer front man Rivers Cuomo. Turning Up the Radio just made it onto Weezer’s latest record ‘Death To False Metal’ released this year. The original version contained efforts by many along with Demo Kid, and directed by Rivers.
Name: Mark Beasley Release: Gonna Be Fine EP Year: 2010 Genre: Acoustic guitar & vocal Home Town: Chatham Ontario
Note: Mark Beasley has recently put his music out there to the world wide web via You Tube videos, and has been generating interest for his great voice. He performs many covers as well as throwing in some originals. He is offering his latest collection of tracks as a free download.
I highly recommend checking him out.
Song Writer: Erasmus Huntington (E.S.S.) Year: 1907 Home: Wallaceburg On.
Best known for the song ‘I’m tying the leaves so they won’t come down’. The original melody was composed by Fred Helf and copyrighted in 1907. The song hit the charts becoming popular in Canada & the U.S.A. Byron G. Harlan recorded a version of this song in 1907.
Here are the lyrics to the song.
I’m Tying the Leaves So They Won’t Come Down
Playmates were they, girl and lad
She’s home today -lad feels sad
Doctor who calls…whispers low
“When the last autumn leaves fall, then she must go”.
Lad with a tear, climbs a tree
I’ll keep her here, murmurs he.
Big man blue sternly cries
“What are you doing there”?
Lad replies…
“I’m tying the leaves so they won’t come down,
So the wind won’t blow them away.
For the best little girl in the wide, wide world
Is lying ill today
Her young life must go when the last leaves fall
I’m fixing them fast so they’ll stay
I’m tying the leaves so they won’t come down
So Nellie won’t go away”.
Sad Mother grieves, day by day,
Watching the leaves, hears boy say,
“You mustn’t cry, for you see
I have tied all the leaves fast up in the tree”.
Doctor brings joy one glad day
Mother tells boy…Nellie will stay
Lad at girl’s side, cries with glee,
“That’s what I said one day in a tree”.
Chatham Connection:Mainman Matt Antaya is from Chatham-Kent.
Notes: Ask founding member Matt Antaya about his alt-rock band Self Cynic and his answer may surprise you. Songwriter and lead singer, Antaya, conceived his project as perhaps the opposite of a band. Self Cynic is an evolving experiment whose rotating lineup aims to demonstrate that a collection of songs will communicate their character despite varying musicians and arrangements.
Matt began writing music at age 12, then went on to University (Waterloo) and spent allot of time working in studios, eventually making his way to Montreal.
Tracks: 01. Goodbye 02. The Next Room 03. Misbehave 04. In My Head 05. Mona Lisa 06. Stone Throw 07. All Around 08. Never Change 09. Try It Again 10. Evil Freedom 11. Already Gone 12. Left Behind 04:19
Artist: Brooke Nicholls Release: Brooke Nicholls Year: 2010 Genre: Pop, Piano Home: Chatham-Kent Resides: Toronto
Brooke is a Singer/ Song Writer and Performer from Chatham Ontario.She xxploded onto the scene with a televised, international performance at York University’s 3,500 seat stadium, a national tour with one of Canada’s most successful recording groups, “Blue Rodeo“, and shared the stage with “Q” from Grammy winning recording artists “112”. This is only an introduction to her superb talent and drive.
Songs 01 Pull Me Closer 02 Baby Come Close 03 You ‘ N I 04 Midnight Flowers 05 Follow Me 06 If Wishing Was Forever Ft. Jhevon Paris 07 Tonight
Band: Colours Album: Atmosphere Year: 1969 Genre: 69 PSYCHEDELIC ROCK Label: Dot Records Record No.: DLP-25935
Chatham-Kent Connection: Jack Dalton was raised in Erieau. Jack Dalton started playing music with his four brothers, The Dalton Brothers, when he was six years old. They performed the “banquet circuit” with their father, Walter Dalton (aka Michigan’s Irish Tenor), who also had his own radio show. “The Colours” were a West-Coast Psychedelic Pop act that came together in 1967 at the request of songwriters, “Jack Dalton” and “Gary Montgomery”, two hard-working, former Motown Records songwriters who also penned songs for “The Turtles”, “Nino & April” and “The Moon”. Jack now resides in Detroit.
Band Jack Dalton – Guitar Gary Montgomery – Vocals, Piano Rob Edwards – Lead Guitar Carl Radle – Bass Chuck Blackwell – Drums
ALBUM TRACKS All songsby Jack Dalton & Gary Montgomery 1. Angie 2. God Please Take My Life 3. When Will You Be Coming Home ? 4. I Tried To Make You Love Me Last Night 5. Grey Day 6. Smilin’ In Tronto 7. Hyannis Port Soul (Lost You To The Wind) 8. Run Away From Here 9. It’s Time To Tell You 10. Announcement 11. I’ll Be Your Friend 12. You’re High
Singer: Stephanie McIlroy Release: Life Is Not An Act Year:2010 Genre: Pop Home Town: Merlin Ontario Resides: St. Thomas
Members: Stephanie McIlroy – Vocals, some acoustic guitar Jeff Mifflin – Harmonies and lead guitar Rick Chrysler – Drums Bob Wilson – Bass
Tracks: 01 forever
02 I believe in you
03 Finally gonna be myself
04 Please re-write my history
05 Meet me halfway
06 Life is not an act
07 You don’t know me
08 I need a break
09 You are loved
10 Forgiven
Notes from her bio.
However soon after her high school graduation, Stephanie followed the advice of well intending people and put her dream of becoming a singer/songwriter on the shelf for many years. During that time she got married and started her family as well as pursuing a career in the Social Services field. For her, it was like putting a square peg in the round hole—Stephanie couldn’t find the right job and make it stick. Along her journey, she discovered that when you are meant to do something, you will end up doing it no matter what. Finally Stephanie took the quantum leap to chase her dream of becoming a professional musician following examples like Shaina Twain.
She is a dedicated musician who continues to hone her skills by studying voice at the Royal Conservatory level, mastering the guitar, and learning more about the music industry. In addition to these things, a few years ago Stephanie took up song writing. Her songs can best be described as raw lyrics about real life. She has been compared to recording artists like Sheryl Crow with an easy listening folk rock sound.
Stephanie has just completed studio time with Brad Dugas of Revelation Sound out of Guelph. Her upcoming album of original material is available.
Enjoy this amazing new recording artist who’s music will touch your heart and soul _ * Listen/watch the preview below.
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External video link. Click on video below to play it.
Stage Name: Cassandra Leigh Performer: Country Singer Current Band: Destiny Home Town: Blenheim Year: 1980
Real name: Sandra Leigh Vasicek
In October 1980, Cassandra (20) was a guest singing star on the Tommy Hunter Show that aired on the CBC Channel nine. She was quickly invited back. Her first live appearance ever was when she was eight years old in the folk choir at St. Mary’s Church in Blenheim.
She has also performed on the Country Jamboree Show and the Ronnie Robbins show. Other high lights include performing on the broadcast of Opry North Show (Toronto) and won the London FM 96 Talent Hunt.
Cassandra is currently in her final year of college in music related studies. She is also honing her song writing skills as she prepares to do music as a profession.
In 1991, Cassandra released her first album on the Epic Record label. She would become known as Cassandra Vasik. She enjoyed a great music career through the 1990’s including a few more records on a major label, as well as winning two Juno Awards.
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.
Artist: Jay Allan Release: Please Don’t Change Year: 1998 Genre: Country Home: Bothwell (Chatham-Kent)
Notes: Ontario singer/songwriter Jay Allan has been writing songs since the age of 14.
Tracks
1. Please Don’t Change….3:50 2. Home Sweet Home…3:09 3. The Way That I Do…3:37 4. High School Dance…4:43 5. Silver Clay Road…3:50 6. Square One…3:26 7. I’m Gettng By (Lonely All the Time)…3:16 8. Sam (Reflections of a Man)…3:20 9. Until It Was Gone…2:14 10. Sure, I Could Say…3:20 11. (Not Just Another) Face in the Crowd…3:30
All songs written by Jay Allan Schnekenburger
Visit Jay online here and here.
Artist: CHRIS HART Release: Lonesome Blood Date:2000 Home:From Merlin (Chatham-Kent), moved to London
Musicians: Chris Hart– acoustic guitar and vocals Dan Brodbeck– electric guitar and backing vocals Joel Parkins– electric guitar Shaun Sanders– electric guitar and acoustic Jerry Fletcher – pedal steel Mike Bonnell– hammond b3, wurlitzer and piano Casey Peavoy – harmonica Jeff Fountain– bass Ted Peacock– drums
Tracks Shoot Me To Sleep, Lonesome Blood, Dirt Beneath Your Feet, Drifting Away, Dead Savannah, The Simple Truth, The Perfect Ending, Wish I Could Turn Around, Eternally Blue
Digitally recorded At DB Studios in London, Ontario, Canada
Engineered and mixed By Dan Brodbeck at DB Studios
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.
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.___________________________________
Chatham Music Archive 