Category Archives: New Music

The Lancaster Smokehouse Battle

As part of Season 8 of the Mano A Mano show we are going to visit and review various local establishments that serve Lake of Bays Brewing Company beverages. This will then be used as our Mano A Mano battle theme every other week.

wpid-20140607_182610.jpgThe Podcast kinda does the best job in describing the experience but I will add here a few photo’s and a brief description.

Upon getting there I was surprised at how packed the restaurant was – which is always a great sign!

And then the food! ooh my goodness! It was excellent! I have never had wings this good before…it was a different style wpid-1402187990143.jpgfrom what I am used to, but it was excellent. Not battered, not deep fried – BBQ’d!! I also had some ribs, beer battered onion rings, some weird jalapeno bread ball things all topped off nicely with a refreshing Lake of Bays Beverage – Spark House red ale.
This Restaurant is a hidden gem in the KW area and I am very lucky that it is right near my house! I am definitely going to have to make a few extra stops here! Check out the podcast for some bands such as the local band The Gary Cain Band who play here and other songs we felt are great SmokeHouse Tunes!

Check out their website and menu here: http://www.lancsmokehouse.com/

New Music from Chris Toppa, Germany

Greetings!

Chris Toppa is one of the upcoming german reggae artists. After playing at Sting Festival in Jamaica in 2011 he got a lot of attention in the german reggae scene. Now he finally finished his debut album which will be released on july 11th. The first single is called “Long Time”. The video is out now for 24h and already got a lot of positive feedback.

 

Chris Toppa
Long Time

Format: Single
Release Date: 15.06.2014
Label: Boomrush Productions
Release: from the upcoming album “Connected”

Watch music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtPkcBYmS5c

Craig Cardiff – Always Telling The Book of Truths

Craig Cardiff
Craig Cardiff’s latest double CD Love is Louder (Than All This Noise) is one of my favourite new releases in 2014.

For the past two and a half years, Craig Cardiff has been passing around a Book of Truths during his shows and asking his fans to share something truthful in it – a story, a confession, a hope, a secret.

The book gives fans a chance to write down something they might  be too afraid to say out loud, and it gives Cardiff an opportunity to connect  with the people who come to his shows.

Those entries aren’t always easy to read. The stories can be heartbreaking, and they can leave Cardiff wanting to do something, to find the person who wrote in his book and tell them to hold on for tomorrow, that things will be OK. Cardiff’s new album, Love Is Louder (Than All This Noise) Part 1 & 2, has turned into a response to those stories. This double album, which was released Nov. 19, 2013, offers 21 tracks that are connected by an underlying sense that there are better days to come. 

The Arnprior-based folk singer worked with producers Ben Leggett (Faraway Neighbours, Ben Hermann) and Andre Wahl (Hawksley Workman, Luke Doucet) to record an album that is quite different than anything Cardiff has released before. Love Is Louder (Than All This Noise) is one-part boisterous group sing-along, one-part gentle lullaby. One album features full live band recordings, while the other is more subdued, with acoustic guitar, cello, clarinet and violin. This is the same team that produced Floods and Fires, the album that earned Cardiff a nomination for a 2012 Juno Award for Roots and Traditional Album of the Year: Solo and a Canadian Folk Music Award nomination as 2012 Contemporary Singer of the Year. This time, Leggett and Wahl told Cardiff they wouldn’t let him make an album like the ones he’s made before. Cardiff recorded with a live band for the first time, playing louder and harder than he ever has, and he stepped into a new role, arranging instrumental parts. Cardiff, Leggett and Wahl recorded Love Is Louder (Than All This Noise) primarily in Cardiff’s home studio in Arnprior – which he and Leggett built together during the recording of Floods and Fires – the Chalet Studio in Claremont, and the Schoolhouse studio built by Hawksley Workman outside Huntsville.

For more info about Craig and his current tour go to http://www.craigcardiff.com

Love Is Louder (Than All This Noise) is a fabulous double CD. I have most of it on my Ipod so I can have Craig’s little heartplays in my ear wherever I roam. – Coral FM

Listen here for my interview with Craig Cardiff.

https://storage.radiowaterloo.ca/Coral-FM-2014-05-18-Craig-Cardiff.mp3, 44 MBytes, 48m08s

Meghan Elizabeth Weber on Coral FM


Meghan Elizabeth Weber is a singer/ songwriter who has performed at charity events around Waterloo Region over the past five years. She performed at Kitchener City Hall’s Downtown Live in 2011 and released an EP called Afterthoughts in 2012. Her song Tiny Stones is a local fave, and she often host The Boathouse’s Open Mic Nights. Meghan is also a very gifted visual artist and avid photographer.And she was recently nominated in the category of Music at The Waterloo Region Arts Awards!

To me, Meghan Elizabeth Weber has a savvy slow like honey timber reminiscent of songstress Fiona Apple. She is a savvy lyrical scribe letting her songs overtake her as audiences blissfully follow her into a fascinating sensual world.
I was so happy to finally have Meghan as my guest on Coral FM where she debuted her new song Outskirts. I predict with Kitchener wanting to become Austin Texas North, that you will find Meghan in many amazing places. She is one of a kind!
For more info on Meghan and upcoming concerts go to her Facebook page or check her out on You Tube. She is now working with her new brand Falcon Abbey. Stay tuned for their debut CD coming soon! – Coral FM.

 

Brendan James Stephens aka The Vaudevillian and Joey Bell visit Coral FM. Excelsior!

Brendan
Brendan James Stephens first visit to Sound FM.

Brendan James Stephens is known as The Vaudevillian – the members of his band include – Stephens, a suitcase, a snare/ pedal / cymbal, a (resonated) guitar, a six string Banjo dubbed with the word with Howl!, banjo mandolin, and a Carzoo, which combined in performance with his other one man band tricks of the trade, transforms to “Carzoobamaphone.”

Playing since the age of 14, and working his way around the music circuit James recently wowed the crowds at The Memphis Blues Challenge and soon he’s headed to The Windy City to perform as part of theatrical Medicine Show!

Music-wise James is a throwback to simpler times, his original material a modern version of the old time songs of the Mississippi Blues and New Orleans Jazz Scene in the 1920’s / 30’s. And he often pays homage to The Library Congress, (jug band player) Gus Cannon and The Mississippi Shieks.
I was pleased and pleasured to have Brendan James Stephens and upright bassist Joey Bell grace the Sound FM studios recently with some live tunes. It was pure Vo Vo De Oh Doe! – Coral FM 

For more on Brendan aka The Vaudvillian http://brendanjstephens.bandcamp.com/

 

Acclaimed Canadian Singer /Songwriter Lynn Jackson on Coral FM

 aLynn 3

An authenticity runs through Canadian singer-songwriter Lynn Jackson’s music that reflects a deep commitment to telling stories that ring true with listeners.  Combine this with her gentle voice, rich instrumentation and sweet melodies and you get a sound that is roots-Americana with a hint of folk-pop.

Having shared stages with Ron Sexsmith, Fred Eaglesmith and Jay Semko (The Northern Pikes), Jackson just finished her 7th studio album set for release in April 2014.  The Acoustic Sessions is a stripped-down rootsy retrospective of her writing since 2002 and follows up 2012’s critically acclaimed Down in the Dust (Busted Flat Records, Fall 2012). Jackson take her cues from Lucinda Williams, Kathleen Edwards and Eliza Gilkyson, using her ‘whiskey and honey’ voice to mix her timeless melodies while spinning tales about love, loss and everyday people.  

Having toured Down in the Dust through the dusty Praries to Vancouver Island in 2013, Jackson will soon hit the road again this summer with a coast-to-coast tour to support her 7th release. As audiences warm to her soulful storytelling style, Jackson is solidifying her place as one of the most original and compelling voices on the Canadian folk music scene.   

http://www.lynnjackson.net    http://www.bustedflatrecords.com

 

Lynn is my great pal and one of my fave co hosts because she introduces me to new music all the time.  Here’s our first radio show chat. From Lynn performing live (pardon the mic for the first song) It’s all very casual, lovely and amazing.

And Lynn be soon be back because she has a new acoustic CD about to come out and another CD in the works! Yay ! ….  – Coral

 

 

Rockin’ Ramzi and Jennie Rage Visit Coral FM

I am thrilled to say that Rockin Ramzi and Jennie Rage have their own radio program on Sound FM every Friday night from 8 to 10pm!

Here is what happened after they did a guest apprearance on Coral FM.  Because these two know how to get the word out!

http://rockabillyroom.com/

Welcome to the Rockabilly Room!

Voted best new radio show 2013, and winner of a Golden Disc award from CKMS!

Broadcasting Rockabilly and Psychobilly music from 100.3 FM in Kitchener Waterloo Ontario Canada
with your hosts, DJ Jennie Rage and DJ Rockin’ Ramzi.

Hour 1 – Rockabilly , Hour 2 – Psychobilly Louder Hour

 I am proud to say that these two are now radio professionals.  I think they were naturals and just waiting to find the mic! – Awesomesaucesome! – Hosted by Rockin’ Ramzi and Jennie Rage every Friday night! – – Coral FM

 

Hosted by Rockin' Ramzi and Jennie Rage every Friday night!
Hosted by Rockin’ Ramzi and Jennie Rage every Friday night!

 

 

Safe as Houses on Coral FM

First radio interview ever on Coral FM at Sound FM.
First radio interview ever on Coral FM at Sound FM.

I am very proud to say that I was first person to ever chat with this band on the radio. That’s because my good pal Amanda Kind told me about this incredible young band that I had to listen to.

 

So listen I did…. four extraordinary young men that now have a huge following and our now receiving national radio airplay. They have been guests twice on the show. And they are always welcome …

Here is my two show interview with Safe As Houses on Coral FM

 

 

 

Lovely and Amazing Canadian Chanteuse Lily Frost on Coral FM

Singer songwriter Lily Frost is a rare bird from Canada’s musical woods. Frost has always danced the line between indie and jazz, thus creating a niche of her own. Frost draws from her real life experiences in her lyrics – in performance, there is an intimacy, a gentle passion that can take you somewhere else and evokes a certain nostalgia – the rainy streets of Paris, a winter picnic or perhaps a beat café in San Francisco. This rarity and distinctiveness can be found on her latest offering, Do What You Love. Do What You Love puts Lily’s distinct sound and exceptional talents together in one concise package.
Lily Frost

From the lyrics to the arrangements to the striking artwork, Do What You Love packs a punch and delivers insightful truths about life – embracing femininity with strength, joy and creativity. “I wanted to make a fun, upbeat record for my daughter that included lessons I had learned the hard way,” says Lily. “I wanted to leave people feeling inspired with smiles on their faces.” Lily left me with a smile on my face when she granted me a recent wide ranging Sunday morning phone chat when she played The Painted Lady last March. We talked about her latest CD Do What You Love, (which I Love Love Love!) fave 60’s chanteuses, and her happy life as a musician / mother to her son Meesha and daughter Paloma (who this latest CD is dedicated to!) and even Lily’s current passion for TV’s Mad Men! Do What You Love is continues to garner rave reviews!
In recent years, Lily has won West Coast Vocalist of the Year (2002, New Music West), a SOCAN award for Situation (2006, NXNE) and also a Gemini Award nominee for co-writing the theme song and score for the CBC hit television show, Being Erica.
  
All shows presented by Gary Topp www.garytopp.com 
And for more info on Lily including ticket info, her current tour dates and much more – go to www.lilyfrost.com – Ba Ba Ba Daahhh – Coral FM. 

 

Pete Oldridge of the Urban Monks on Coral FM

The Urban Monks

Pete  Oldridge of the Urban Monks has been a guest on Coral FM mat least three times. And the Beatles Numus concert radio advance was downloaded almost 2000 times. Iwas astounded.

He is a great musician and has worked with Numus on several projects. Here are a series of chats that we have done over the years.

Pete and Ciel have moved out West with Pete’s loevely daughter Sophie. We miss you. On the last segment of Peter and Coral FM,  Pete and Ceil (armed with her divine vintage mandolin!) played Urban Monks song Hook live and also premiered several new Monks CD Tracks! Pete also talks about  Numus Concert project called The Art of Bob Dylan: Blonde and Blonde and Beyond with Glenn Buhr’s Broken Songs Band.

Look for an Urban Monks new release coming soon – Coral FM.

Drew Austin of Irene Torres and The Sugar Devils on Coral FM

Irene Torres of Irene Torres and The Sugar Devils.
Irene Torres of Irene Torres and The Sugar Devils.

About Those Sugar Devils…..
Irene Torres & The SugarDevils came onto the Toronto music scene in 2011 and made a name for themselves interpreting the music of New Orleans. They wowed audiences with their versatility in playing blues, funk, r&b, jazz, latin & soul to name a few.
In 2012 they recorded their first self-titled CD in the cities of Toronto and New Orleans and received rave reviews.
Description

A Canadian band with a foot in both the vintage and the modern making for a foundation that is fresh and unique. Their love of r&b, soul, funk, blues, motown, and reggae shine through in their original music with high energy and passion. Vivid drums, funky bass, wailing guitar, inspired sax, ethereal organ, catchy hooks, and soaring vocals make this band a must listen for music lovers!

I met Drew Austin from Irene Torres and The Sugar Devils when he came to into Far Out Flicks to put up a poster! And one thing to led to another … what a band this is! – Coral FM.
For  more http://www.thesugardevils.com/ and check their tour dates dates page for updated shows all the time.

 

An Interview with Dan Geddes from Vancouver’s Peace on Coral FM

Peace is Dan Geddes band located in Vancouver.
Peace is Dan Geddes band located in Vancouver.

Dan Geddes is a force, plain and simple. And despite the heaps of hella-high-praise references Peace receives — to Neu!, or Orange Juice, or Edwyn Collins, or whatever — there’s no substitute for experiencing their work via headphones. Peace shines not in virtuosity or violence (despite their ties to Vancouver’s explosive Emergency Room scene), but in their command of tone: The World Is Too Much With Us swaps the verbosity of Peace’s earlier work in favour of emotional dexterity, ranging from bombastic romancers (“Your Hand in Mine”), to menacing creepers (“Free Time”), to gleefully detached absurdist romps (“Kissed Dust”). It’s subtle, eloquent and direct — all of which is why I’m so obsessed. – Mark Teo. 

Dan has recently opened his own record store called Horse Records in Vancouver.  And Dan’s dad CBC Producer Ash Geddes is a good pal of mine and I saw Peace when they played in TO at The Magpie  a couple of years back.  That was fun!

Peace plays at The Magpie in Toronto. Pic by Coral
Peace plays at The Magpie in Toronto. Pic by Coral

 

BC’s Coast Kids HipHop take their words it to the Streets. Check It!

Coast Kids Hip Hop  4 guys from the suburban streets in the lower mainland spreading their words and beliefs about life through hip hop music. With all members sharing a strong work ethic and the drive to succeed. Expect big things in the future from the " Coast Kids "
Coast Kids Hip Hop. 4 guys from the suburban streets in the lower mainland spreading their words and beliefs about life through hip hop music. With all members sharing a strong work ethic and the drive to succeed. Expect big things in the future from the ” Coast Kids “

This is a little feature on Coast Kids HipHop featuring vocalists Live to See Livsey and Grizz G. It’s a little wonky in vocal levels, but hell, turn it up! Check them out on Facebook under Coast Kids HipHop.

ColinMPhoto, GrizzG, Live To See Livsey, Young Casanova

I have been playing their music for a while now starting with Live to See Livsey’s Gwaddafalla, and Wise Wondering under their former moniker Byg Country. Now as the Coast Kids Live to See Livsey and Grizz G have more new trax including Today’s The Day, Stomping Grounds, and I Say What Up.

Here are more of their latest tracks via Soundcloud – Check It! Coral FM.

 

 

Stephen Preece from The Jazz Room on its Inaugural Season

The Jazz Room

The Jazz Room is a sizzling night club dedicated to the best in jazz music presentation. Home to the Grand River Jazz Society (GRJS), the club has a dual mandate—to support exceptional musicians from our own community and to invite talent from elsewhere for local audiences to hear.

Located at the Huether Hotel in Uptown Waterloo, the Jazz Room presents live music on Friday and Saturday nights on a continuous rotation of professional musicians.

Now in its third season, The Jazz Room is a hot commodity in Waterloo Region as it continues to bring in acclaimed Canadian jazz players and some of the hottest new players from the States including landmark jazz spot, Smalls in New York City.

For more info on their 3rd season go to http://www.kwjazzroom.com/

Here is a podcast from Coral featuring Jazz Room instigator Stephen Preece and some of featured artists from this great new venue during its inaugural season.