December 2010

The Good The Bad & The Lucky – Jevon Rudder

Submitted by cashbox on Fri, 12/10/2010 - 10:56

Unsigned

This CD contains the sounds of the music genre called, “New Country.” The vocals from track to track are as consistent as I have ever heard from this brand of music. After years of being the drummer in several bands, Jevon has stepped into the Artist/Performer/Songwriter position and is carrying himself very well.

The current single, “Country Style,” is taking the airwaves like a Texas tornado and other memorable cuts include: “Apologize”, “Bring It On”, and “ I Want It Back.” This man pulls off a ballad with ease but shines like a new diamond on the up-tempo, sometimes sassy themes he writes about.

Of special interest is the song “What Am I To You”, in which Rudder, himself an Army Reservist, addresses the makeup of the new war veterans, most often young men in their 20s, and the need to pay them due respect.

Jevon’s music should be included on any Country Music radio station’s playlist. It is a perfect fit.

Rusty Russell

Rating 5/5

The Enchantress of Beauty with the Beast

Submitted by cashbox on Fri, 12/03/2010 - 14:04

By Natasha Slinko

In 2005, Canada crowned Melissa O'Neil, as the first female winner and the youngest singer of Canadian Idol at the tender age of 17. Although so young, her voice just soared and completely enchanted not just the judges of Canadian Idol, but all of Canada.

After Idol it was a whirlwind. She released her first single "Alive", which hit stores on October 4, 2005 and debuted at number one on the Canadian singles chart, a position it held for four weeks. The single went on to be certified four-times platinum by CRIA. Her self-title album went gold. On April 1, 2007, O'Neil attended the annual Juno Awards, where she was nominated for Best New Artist.

Her favorite memories of Canadian Idol, was that they had the best of the best. O’Neil sang praises, “The crew and the production team were phenomenal - the people in the background are the glue that brings and holds everything together, yet they never get the credit that they truly deserve.”

Canadian Country Artist John McLeod charting worldwide, to perform at the South Australian Music Festival.

Submitted by cashbox on Fri, 12/03/2010 - 13:53

Story: Bill Delingat

He was a driller, oilman, bush pilot, and businessman. His work experience took him to all corners of the globe, and he’s now going to the far ends of the earth again but this time following the true passion of his life, his music.

He’s slated to perform at the South Australian Country Music Festival to be held in South Australia this June 2011.

John McLeod is a Northern Canadian Metis Indian from the Ojibwa tribe. Born in The Pas, Manitoba. McLeod now resides in the wilds of Palm Springs, California. He went to California to thaw, and pursue his music, after having had a triple bypass in 2006.

McLeod found the warmth of the sun and the desert mountains a perfect mix for his heritage and spirituality. He dedicated himself to writing, and singing about his life experiences and thus “Moving On “was born.

This second chance at life gave McLeod the opportunity to tell his story through song and music, to share with others that “you are never too old to pursue your dreams “and he truly appreciates the respect his music is getting.

Jevon Rudder- The Singing Soldier With A Country State Of Mind

Submitted by cashbox on Fri, 12/03/2010 - 13:24

Story:Lenny Stoute

Some folks are born to the hard road and some seek it out as a soul-building experience. Then there are the ones like Jevon Rudder, who, for better or worse, have it both ways.

First, try being a black Country singer. Now try being a black Country singer from Scarborough in Toronto. Now try black Country singer from Scarborough enlisted in the army and proud to wear his uniform.

Can you say walking target for ignorant yobbos?

“I’ve been called a baby killer, a waste of space. One guy in Tim Horton’s even told me I should get out of Iraq. Where the Canadian army has never been. But for every one of those there have been other people that offered to buy me a coffee and expressed their gratitude.” notes the soft-spoken Rudder.

This rain of bullshit and bad mouth might have embittered many another man; what kept Rudder on the good foot was his family, his music and his belief in doing the right thing for his country.

One day in 2004, Jevon Rudder walked out of a high paying job consisting largely of strategy meetings that would morph into bitching sessions by a bunch of overpaid trough-feeders. Educated, idealistic and accustomed to sticking up for those ideals, he promptly went down to a recruitment centre and enlisted in the reserves.

Downchild Takes It's Rightful Place In Music History

Submitted by cashbox on Fri, 12/03/2010 - 13:11

Story: Sandy Graham

The highly anticipated documentary on blues legends Downchild is entitled FLIP FLOP AND FLY 40 YEARS OF THE DOWNCHILD BLUES BAND and will make it's national broadcast premier in Canada on Saturday, December 4, 2010 at 6.25 p.m. on TMN (HBO Canada)

The documentary was filmed last fall as part of the band's 40th Anniversary Tour and is narrated by their biggest fan, friend and supporter Mr. DAN AYKROYD. FLIP FLOP AND FLY captures the rich history of Canada's ground breaking blues band through candid interviews and "once in a lifetime" live concert footage from their sold out performance at Massey Hall with special guests DAN AYKROYD, COLIN JAMES, American blues legend JAMES COTTON, Stax Records icon WAYNE JACKSON OF THE MEMPHIS HORNS, COLIN LINDEN and JONAS.