October

Reviews:

"There was not a seat to spare at the Mill Pond Folk Club... Rick Fines took the stage with pianist Rob Phillips and bass player Richard Simpkins. All three are very accomplished musicians. There is a great synergy between them. Rob Phillips is an outstanding keyboard player... Fines has the ability to pick up the essence of musicians such as John Lee Hooker, Chuck Berry and Woody Guthrie, either singing their songs, or incorporating their influences into his own. He is a relaxed performer with a sense of humour and perception, which adds to the enjoyment of his great ability on guitar and a voice that turns from gravel to silk."

Louise Livingstone, The Community Press, Eastern (Ontario) Edition

"Fines is an accomplished songwriter, acoustic and dobro guitarist and vocalist. But the key to the magic of Saturday night's concert was the chemistry created by the ensemble, including fellow Peterborough musicians Rob Phillips on piano and Richard Simpkins on upright bass. There was never any doubt of Fines anchoring the trio. However, Phillips and Simpkins were given lots of room to contribute on their respective instruments and on harmony vocals, which were both tight and smooth. This was definitely an ensemble effort as opposed to a soloist with a couple of accompanists. Fines is a laid-back, personable performer and his introductions were warm and charming. His affection for the music that stole his heart remained obvious throughout the evening. It's as though the music -- a rich stew of New Orleans barrelhouse, delta blues, zydeco and vintage swing -- inhabits the body." -

Robert Reid, Kitchener-Waterloo Record

November

From their website

The popular American Jazz and Blues Bible DOWNBEAT MAGAZINE said about Diana Braithwaite and Chris Whiteley “It’s a rare and good thing when two talented performers join forces”. Audiences, critics, and blues lovers all over North America and Europe seem to agree.

The Album MORNING SUN, garnered rave reviews , extensive air play, and led to multiple Canadian MAPLE BLUES AWARD nominations, including Album of the year, and Acoustic Act of the year. Their second album with the Electro-Fi label , NIGHT BIRD BLUES has also been extremely well received, with great reviews and air play internationally. It led to them being awarded 3 MAPLE BLUES AWARDS in January 2010, including being recognized as SONGWRITERS OF THE YEAR. Collectively they have been awarded 8 MAPLE BLUES AWARDS and 6 Juno Nominations.

They have continued to tour across Europe and North America , appearing at Festivals and concerts, as well as numerous radio and television appearances. Highlights include successful tours of Art Centers in the UK, concert appearances in Russia and Europe, and several national tours of Canada.

With southern Florida roots, Diana Braithwaite was dubbed a “national treasure” by Bluz FM radio host Danny Marks. Toronto born and raised, her ancestors traveled to Canada from Virginia, via the Underground Railroad. A gifted and captivating performer, Diana was chosen by Sarah Mclachlan to open Lilith Fair at the Molson Amphitheatre , before 18,000 people, Her talent, and authentic blues shows have led her into the company of such stalwarts as Mel Brown, Albert Collins, John Lee Hooker and Jeff Healey. Appearances at shows in Massey Hall in North America, concert halls and festivals in the U.K. and Europe led to her reputation as a world class blues singer.

Kansas born Whiteley moved to Toronto as a youth where he met the great blues legend Lonnie Johnson who taught and encouraged him. During the late 70’s Whiteley toured and recorded with Leon Redbone, appearing with him on Saturday Night Live. He also worked with a great mentor, the legendary Chicago piano player Blind John Davis , who had been the house piano player at Bluebird Records. Whiteley toured and recorded with Davis, as well as building a solid reputation as a multi-instrumental session player, appearing on over 200 recordings. As a solo artist, Whiteley won numerous Maple Blues Awards as both songwriter and horn player of the year , and a Jazz Report Magazine Blues Album of the Year Award. In 2010 Whiteley was awarded the prestigious BLUES WITH A FEELING AWARD, for lifetime achievement in the blues. . . . more

December

From their quotes page:

“Chris McKhool and the boys were fantastic! They can play my Bar Mitzvah.”

Bob Ezrin, Producer (Pink Floyd, Kiss)

“Virtuoso playing…. An exuberant and infectious sound… Powerful and moving… The Sultans are simply an awesome musical group!”

Mike Hill, Artistic Director, Mariposa Folk Festival

“The Sultans win the admiration of audiences everywhere they play because they strike the perfect balance between brainy composition and fun execution!

Sunfest, 2008

“Thrill of improvising makes Sultans a thrill to experience… gripping suspense for both the audience and the musicians… Superb!”

Roger Levesque, Edmonton Journal

“The playing is top notch and every track is a musical discovery!”

Errol Nazareth, Toronto Sun
. . . more

January

The Marigolds is comprised of Gwen Swick,Caitlin Hanford and Suzie Vinnick. The group was nominated for the 2010 Vocal Group of the Year at the Canadian Folk Music Awards.

From the CFMA site:

The Marigolds are a roots-music ensemble of award-winning singer/songwriters Caitlin Hanford, Gwen Swick and Suzie Vinnick. Each of these women has a distinctive style and musical confidence. Together they “have pooled their considerable individual talents to form a group that is pretty well impossible not to love.” (Penguin Eggs Magazine). Their original compositions combine the timeless and classic genres of traditional country and bluegrass, Appalachian ballads, country and electric blues with rockin’ grooves and soulful, angelic harmonies. Onstage and in the studio, they deliver their music with skill and grace. more ...

February

From the Swamperella site:

After 13 years of partying up crowds at the Gladstone Hotel, Swamperella has deserved its acclaim as a guaranteed good time. The eclectic demographic that is attracted to Swamperella’s monthly events attests to this acclaim. If you don’t think you want to dance, just listening to the band and watching the crowd is almost as fun. But, dancing or not, you probably won’t be standing still - the Swamperella sound won’t let you and the scene will keep you smiling.

The original mandate of Swamperella, ‘to honour the Cajun music tradition’, has never been compromised. The integrity of the traditional form and sentiment has always been maintained even as originals and Zydeco began seeping into the Swamperella repertoire. But there’s nothing stodgy about this band. The old time flavour stirred up in a brand new pot makes for a fabulous and rich musical experience and the Swamp-stew just keeps getting yummier.

March

From Brooke's website:

“....Miller's vocals serve the melody and the lyrics with a modesty that lets them shine. But don't underestimate her voice & undeniable guitar skills. When Miller sings, it has the same effect as someone looking you straight in the eye. You believe her. “

- Jim Farber NYC Daily News

April

From his web site:

You are not yet 20. You already have four acclaimed albums under your belt, a rapidly growing international fan base, and the respect of your peers. Time to rest on your laurels, surely? Not if you are Jimmy Bowskill. This blues-rock phenomenon instead pledges to work even harder at perfecting the craft that has been his passion from before he hit his teens.

This young Canadian is a triple threat. He’s a guitarist of power and finesse, a soulful and supple-singer, and a compelling songwriter. All these assets, plus his intense performance style, are vividly showcased on Jimmy’s new album, The Jimmy Bowskill Band- Live. Recorded in a theatre in his hometown of Peterborough, Ontario, it finds Jimmy and his rock-solid rhythm section of Wayne Deadder (bass) and Dan Neill (drums) at the top of their game. more . . .

May

From Jory's web site:

Jory Nash is a Toronto-based, independent singer-songwriter. His music blends elements of folk, jazz, pop, country, soul & blues. There is little or no influence of salsa, didgeridoo or dub reggae in Jory’s music. more . . .