| Advertisement |
|
Local Guides
|
|
|
Andre Bisson: R&B Experience
|
by
Ric Taylor
April.16-22, 2009 |
|
Andre Bisson: R&B Experience
Since coming to Hamilton six years ago for Mohawk College’s Applied Music program, Andre Bisson has added a little rhythm and blues to the local landscape. The band he developed with fellow students, called Andre and the J–Tones, has spiced up the local club scene with some heavy duty Motown covers while honing his originals. This weekend, he offers his debut original recording, Andre Bisson: R&B Experience.
“What attracts me to R&B music is that it is very up–beat and danceable,” says Bisson who grew up on ’50s and ’60s music in Bruce Mines, a small town near Sault Ste. Marie. “When the whole band really gets into a song, it really becomes something special.
“Playing the cover songs attracts the listener, and once you have their interest you can throw an original song into the mix,” he adds about exposing his own material. “If they keep dancing and tapping their feet along with the original music then you know you have something that works.”
With some road–tested material, Bisson has put together a solid selection of songs any Motown fanatic would love in their collection. With a solid cast of musicians to perform the tunes, what shines is the almost live, edgy vibe of the CD and Bisson’s powerful voice – not far off from influences like Joe Cocker – gritty and soulful.
“We wanted to create music that was upbeat and positive – music that puts you in a good mood,” offers Bisson on the recording. “I was going for a more of a vintage R&B sound – music with a good groove. I also tried to capture the live sound in the studio.”
For the CD release, Bisson has enlisted Kevin McConvey (alto saxophone), Loretta Hale (trumpet), Mike Rowell (bass), Dan Rodrigues (guitar) and Caleb Moroz (drums), Steve Mcrae (piano), Chris Imrie (trombone), Steve Bijakowski (tenor sax), and Jackie Chalmers (baritone sax) to bring the music to life on the stage.
While his days are spent teaching with the Royal Conservatory of Music, Bisson is planning a Northern Ontario tour that will take the music to stages all the way back to his old stomping grounds in Sault Ste. Marie. With hopes to get more attention in the future, the immediate concern for Bisson is simply continuing pursuing his lifelong love affair with rhythm and blues.
“It will be an upbeat dance party for all ages,” smiles Bisson on the CD release party. “Most of the musicians playing the gig also teach music – and because most of our gigs are in bars starting around 10 pm, this was a great way to play a show where all our students could attend so they could see their teachers play.
“Right now, the future of my music career it to just keep making music,” he adds. “I will continue promoting the CD, booking gigs, and playing the music I love.”
Andre Bisson celebrates his CD release this Sunday April 19 at The Royal Hamilton Yacht Club (at the foot of McNab St. N.). The show gets underway at 7:30 pm and Adults get in for $10 or $17 with a CD and children under 10 get in for $5.
Gina Milanese: She Shall Rejoice
Gina Milanese may be a new name to the local music scene but she’s been singing since the age of seven at her church in Dryden. By the time she entered her teens, she made her goal to study the craft seriously. When her family moved to Alberta, Milanese got her Bachelor of Music degree at the University of Calgary with a focus on opera. Her musical education continued when she came to Hamilton.
In 2001, Milanese and her husband Neill moved here so he could get his MBA at McMaster and so the singer started seeking out new people to help build her career including New York emigrant vocal coach Tom Schilling, manager Cathy Yanko, music website impresario PayWhatYouCan.com’s Kim Le and Grant Avenue Studio producer Bob Doidge.
“I had no idea of the arts community here but quickly fell in love with all the opportunity,” says Milanese. “My plan was to continue with opera and joined an opera chorus in Toronto.
Becoming a mother of two young children ended up hampering the opera career but Milanese’s musical muse would take a different shape.
“I started to write,” explains Milanese. “Then, I started recording in a studio in Burlington, and then was introduced to Bob Doidge. He was so great to work with. I had no idea what I was doing so he patiently taught me step by step. He helped bring in great musicians. I am still in awe of the talent that lives in this city, and how encouraging and helpful the community is.”
Winning a Hamilton Music Award for Best Religious Recording, on She Shall Rejoice, Milanese offers music that might inspire with her voice and lyrics at the forefront.
“I make music for myself first, then offer it to whoever will listen,” offers Milanese. “It is a bit of a self–portrait. My spirituality is very important part of my life. My life hasn’t been easy, but then I don’t meet many people who say that their life is.
“I love singer/songwriters like Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Gordon Lightfoot – simple and reflective with a bit of an edge,” she adds. “But I love Puccini as well. Having an operatic background has given a good understanding of my voice, it is my instrument and I like to hone my skill as a vocalist. I still study opera – I sing it almost every day.”
With a collection of all new originals set for another disc, we might also see a classical operatic CD from Milanese in the future. But while it’s taken a while to get the ball rolling, Milanese is confident as she readies to celebrate She Shall Rejoice with a live show – featuring Franz Nangel on drums and Chris Cowsill on guitar. Her music is about perseverance and determination and offers advice for any musician looking to succeed.
“My learning curve has been slow, but I found it’s better to take my time and find the right people to work,” reasons Milanese. “I am building something here – not quite sure what it will look like in the end but I know that a good foundation is important.
“I have learned so much making this album,” adds Milanese. “This past year I have had many people come into my life to help me. Hamilton is full of wise musicians who have had success. The advice I get from my mentors is ‘Get out of your house and meet people, get off your butt and do something’.”
Gina Milanese plays this Friday April 17 at Slainte Irish Pub with Rob Green opening. The show gets underway at 7:00 pm and $10 gets you in
The Soul Shakedown
Back in November 2007, Mohawk College Radio grad Dave Jones and Niagara College Film Production grad Alex Peers started The Punky Reggae Party radio show on Mohawk College’s C101.5 (heard Thursday afternoons 3 to 6 pm) to help inject some of the island into the Greater Hamilton Area. The new reggae rock has becoming more prevalent locally and with the resurgence, Peer began a local annual event to showcase some talent in the city. This weekend The Soul Shakedown Party celebrates all things punky reggae.
“I got into reggae music back in high school when I was first introduced to Sublime and Bob Marley by my friends from The Next Best Thing,” explains Peers. “Music has always been in my life, but I would say when I discovered reggae, music became my life. I’m more into the roots reggae than the punky reggae. I bring more of the modern roots to the table and as a Rastafarian I am here to spread the messages of Jah Love.”
“But we both love ska, reggae, and punk music to death,” he adds. “Punky reggae fuses reggae into rock music giving it a bit of an island flavour with the guitar riffs and thumping bass lines but with that rock style of drumming. Perfect examples of it are bands like Bedouin Soundclash. We have been fans of all the local talent that falls under those genres and decided it was time that those bands got some airplay.”
With Bedouin, The Salads, Ill Scarlett and a growing list of locals like Dodger, Walk Off The Earth, The Next Best Thing and more offering a local perspective, The Soul Shakedown Party celebrates reggae roots influenced music put on by people with a serious love of the music looking to share the love.
“Each year, more and more acts have been included,” reflects Peers on what to expect at this year’s event. “This year proves to be the biggest line up with four bands plus myself deejaying. You have to have soul to play at the Soul Shakedown Parties and TNBT has now played at three out of the four, so they’ve become quite a tradition for the show. They’ve become much more roots reggae over the years with a bit of dancehall flavour to their songs. Lazy Slang is a three–piece band that best represents the punky reggae vibe, as they will remind you of Sublime, but at the same time are very original sounding with their melodies and harmonies. Sound One is an amazing ska band that is extremely tight and can really play the horns. This will be Native Reverb’s second appearance at the Soul Shakedown. They are an acoustic duo that eases you into the night of live music with their folk reggae style.
“I’d like to reach more people that might not normally go see a reggae show,” he adds. “I find a lot of people don’t necessarily dislike reggae – they just don’t hear it often enough, so hopefully this show will open them up to it. To be a punky reggae fan is to love positive messages in song with heavy beats you can dance to and anyone that’s into cultural unity.”
The Soul Shakedown Party happens this Monday April 20 at The Pepper Jack Cafe with The Next Best Thing, Lazy Slang, Sound One, Native Reverb and DJ Themes. The show starts at 8:30pm and $12 gets you in.
ROADKILL BILL MEMORIAL
Sadly this past weekend, William Peer, known to his friends as singer, songwriter and producer Roadkill Bill, suddenly passed away.
Bill lived in the Hamilton area all his life and, as he used to say, he gave up booze 25 years ago and filled the idle times by learning how to play guitar and write hillbilly songs.
Roadkill Bill leaves behind his wife Janice of 29 years, three daughters, and two granddaughters and a legacy of killer honky–tonk music. With three albums in the last nine years, including the 2006 Hamilton Music Award nominated Highway Hash, Roadkill Bill will be fondly remembered by all of his family, friends and fans. Friend and fellow musician Shawn Brush has confirmed a night of music in tribute to Roadkill Bill is tentatively being organized to happen on April 27 at the Moonshine Cafe in Oakville. We’ll offer more details as they become available.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Friday, April 17 at 11 am at Kitching, Steepe and Ludwig Funeral Home, 146 Mill Street in Waterdown. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Kidney Foundation Of Ontario would be greatly appreciated.
Roadkill Bill December 20, 1950 – April 11, 2009.
www.kitchingsteepeandludwig.com . V
[RIC TAYLOR]
|
Share on
 |
No comments yet... be the first! |
|
