Badfinger Legend Pete Ham’s Legacy Shines On With the Release of “Gwent Gardens”, February 23rd on Y&T Music

Sat Feb 10 2024
Pete Ham

Nearly 50 years after his untimely passing at the age of 27, Pete Ham is still giving the world beautiful music.

The iconic singer and guitarist for the beloved Welsh/English band Badfinger was a prolific songwriter. Released as a limited-edition CD from Y&T Music, “Gwent Gardens” includes 18 newly discovered home demos, many of them songs that were never recorded or released by either Badfinger or the group’s earlier incarnation, The Iveys. The album will also be available on all streaming services. 

Recorded between 1966 and 1972 with guitar or piano accompaniment, the songs on “Gwent Gardens” are remarkably tuneful blueprints for what might have been. Often double tracking his vocals, Pete also overdubbed additional instruments onto the tracks, fleshing out his vision for what the final Iveys or Badfinger tracks would sound like.

A Great Taste In Music: February’s “Flavours & Vibes” Curated By Jones & Jones Serves Up A Full Menu Of Styles

Sat Feb 10 2024
Flavours & Vibes

Mark the date and get ready to dig in! Flavours & Vibes will bring a sumptuous mix of uplifting sounds to Brampton’s The Rose Mainstage on February 22, 2024, in an evening of songs and sensations headlined by international roots, rock and reggae sensation Jesse Royal. With performances by The Human Rights, Omega Mighty, JUNO Award winner Kairo McLean and Joshua Lucas—and hosted by MC Bondé—the eagerly anticipated event will be a celebration of music in its truest form. Presented by Jones & Jones and Brampton On Stage, it’s a live-band experience that’ll have you rocking and swaying all night long.

This “Peace, Love, Unity Edition” of the crowd-pleasing pop-up has been engineered to, once again, connect worlds with a global blend of vibes that truly reflect the community. Positive energy will flow from a lineup that’s indicative of a diverse cultural mosaic, connecting listeners of all ages through the unifying power of music.

Let’s check out that overflowing buffet of skills:

Author M.D. DUNN Launches New Bruce Cockburn Book, You Get Bigger As You Go: Bruce Cockburn’s Influence and Evolution

Sat Feb 10 2024
Bruce Cockburn

Sault Ste. Marie native, musician and author M.D. Dunn is celebrating the release of his sixth book, You Get Bigger As You Go: Bruce Cockburn’s Influence and Evolution. The Sault Ste. Marie Museum will be hosting a book launch and listening party for the project this February 11th at 2:30pm.

Bruce Cockburn has enthralled audiences with his insightful lyrics and innovative guitar playing for over half a century. Hit songs like “Wondering Where the Lions Are,” “If I Had a Rocket Launcher,” and “Lovers in a Dangerous Time” are just part of the story. In You Get Bigger as You Go: Bruce Cockburn’s Influence and Evolution, musician and writer M.D. Dunn takes the reader on a humorous and obsessive quest to track Cockburn’s significant cultural footprint. Interviews with producers, musicians, activists, fans, as well as Bruce’s career-long manager, the legendary Bernie Finkelstein, and with the enigmatic Cockburn himself form the core of this critical assessment and appreciation. In these conversations, Cockburn and friends celebrate a life of music and social engagement.

Bara Jonson and Free – Knock Knock – Will You Answer?

Sat Feb 10, 2024

Their journey into a personal and musical relationship with Canada began in Newfoundland in 2019. Appearing on a showcase festival, the Newfies embraced them and the birth of the song “Hello Newfoundland” was a tribute to the people there which resulted in another tour and lifelong relationship. (And an official Kissing of the Cod Ceremony to make them both honourary Newfies!)

The new song “Knock Knock” is a follow-up song to “Hello Newfoundland” and is sure to be once again embraced by Newfies everywhere as well as the strong fan base they have established in the last few years.

Newfoundland is also where they met Sandy Graham, Canadian music industry icon, who immediately signed them to Entertainment Music Group Canada. This company has now morphed into EMG Collectives, a newly formed global entity of which they are major participants.

Travelling to all parts of the world had them meet up with Dance Plant Records out of Montreal, Quebec and now they are being released with this new single with a Canadian label, proving once again that music has no borders.

Check out the YouTube for Knock Knock here:

The Lightfoot Band presents The Songs of Gordon Lightfoot

Thu Feb 01 2024
The Lightfoot Band

This original lineup with their newest member, lead singer and rhythm guitarist, Andy Mauck, will perform selected songs from one of the world’s greatest songwriters. Featuring classics like Sundown, The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, If You Could Read My Mind, Beautiful & Carefree Highway. The classic repertoire of songs will come to life through the live performance of the band that helped create the unforgettable ‘Lightfoot Sound”.

Featuring the Original Gordon Lightfoot Touring Band: Rick Haynes, Barry Keane, Mike Heffernan & Carter Lancaster

Thursday, March 28 / 8PM : Flato Markham Theatre, 171 Town Centre Blvd, Markham, ON. Tickets Available Here

This unique show has been built around The Band that was at Lightfoot’s side for thousands of shows for over a half century.

The show will feature all of the favorites as well as some deep cuts that will deliver the ultimate Gordon Lightfoot fan experience. This is a Must See for Gordon Lightfoot fans as well as music lovers who never saw him in person!

CULTURAL GOODS GALLERY PRESENTS MOHAWK WARRIORS, HUNTERS & CHIEFS/ THE ART OF TOM WILSON TEHOHÁHAKE

Thu Feb 01 2024
MOHAWK WARRIORS, HUNTERS & CHIEFS

Official art book launch and exhibition opening February 2

Coming to Cultural Goods Gallery this February, Mohawk Warriors, Hunters & Chiefs will explore the personal story of Juno Award-winning singer, songwriter, musician and performer, Tom Wilson Tehoháhake. This specially organized exhibition presents a selection of works created between 2015 and 2024, and celebrates the launch of Mohawk Warriors, Hunters & Chiefs, a ground-breaking bilingual book that explores the paintings and iconography of Tom Wilson. In his early fifties, Tehoháhake accidentally discovered that he was adopted and that he was Mohawk from Kahnawake.

“There's blood memory that happened in my art. I’ve been painting really simple images since 1997. Even with a lack of identity, I was still expressing myself as an Indigenous artist, or as a Mohawk. And sure enough, now that I know that I’m a Mohawk, that sense of identity that I was lacking is now coming completely into focus in the work that I do,” says Tom Wilson Tehoháhake.

Lasso Montreal, Canada’s Exciting Country Festival Welcomes Some of the Biggest Names in Country Music

Thu Feb 01 2024
Lasso Montreal

Get them spurs shined up, because Canada’s most exciting country music festival, LASSO Montréal, presented by Bell in collaboration with Coors Original is coming back for an incredible third edition. This year, the massive previously-announced headliners Sam Hunt and Eric Church will be be joined by high-calibre artists: Dustin LynchBrett YoungTyler Hubbard, Megan MoroneyMatt LangKip MooreJosh Ross, Laurence St-Martin and many more!

It’s clear, after two hugely successful editions of LASSO, that Montreal is becoming a hotbed for country music. For two days this summer, fans from all over will gather to witness the best in country on the iconic festival grounds of Parc Jean-Drapeau (celebrating 150 years in 2024), overlooking the gorgeous Montreal skyline.

Bif Naked Commemorates 25th Anniversary Of I, Bificus With Deluxe Edition

Thu Feb 01 2024
Bif Naked

Just twenty-five years ago, Bill Clinton had a scandalous affair, Teletubbies invaded American TV, and Viagra got the green light. Surprise, surprise – Bif Naked also dropped her second album, "I, Bificus," right in the midst of this wild ride! Let’s not forget Buffy lost her virginity to the Bif song “Lucky” as she performed on Buffy The Vampire Slayer. 

An infectious, eclectic blend of raucous power-pop hooks, emotive and raw lyricism, with old-school punk attitude-like Bif herself. It’s unrelenting charisma with hits like “Spaceman” “Moment of Weakness” and “Lucky” The album catapulted Bif to superstardom internationally, multiple gold records, followed by multiple platinum records, and set her on a course of global touring that still finds her doing year round concerts to this day. 

Through it all Bif remains true to her loyal fans and always gives them all of herself with every performance. What better way to celebrate the lasting power of this record it’s and, of course Bif herself, than to finally release a 25th anniversary edition I, BIFICUS XXV a completely remastered album including bonus tracks and a new version of Lucky (Orchestral)

Caroline Cotto’s First Full Album Bayou Sun is a Soulful Tapestry of Self Discovery

Thu Feb 01, 2024

Fiery blues, rock and soul songstress Caroline Cotto’s first full album is a musical tribute to her quest for her own individual truth. Before landing permanently in her now home of New Orleans, she spent years soaking up experiences while living in New York, Paris and London, walking the same inspirational paths of her artistic influences, writing her own music and poetry, and playing in downtown bars and clubs. Her album Bayou Sun, out now, is Cotto’s own stunning autobiography, with each track divulging crucial weaves that have formed her life tapestry of faith, love, and self-understanding.

Cotto’s track “Young Girl in the City” takes us to the start of her journey which began in New York City, a city Cotto refers to as the first love of her life. “I wanted to capture the rhythm of New York in my song,” she explains. “I see myself vividly walking up and down the avenue with desire in my soul to make a name for myself in the world. I feel the grit of the sidewalk and footsteps of my heroes. I see the young girl with a guitar performing in cafes rambling through the night with love and passion.”

Check out “Young Girl in the City” on YouTube here:

Why Video Game Music is a Serious Art Form Now

Mon Jan 29 2024
Video Game Music

Meta: Video game music is now such a serious art form that it has its own category at the Grammys. Find out why this might be right here.

Music in video games is extremely important and has helped shape the video game industry over the past few decades. It enhances the players' experience and takes gaming to the next level. It even has its own category at the Grammys.

Let's dive into discover why video game music (VGM) is now a serious art form and look at some of the most memorable video game soundtracks in recent years. 

Joy Bullen Launches The Black History Month Classical Music Series

Thu Jan 25 2024
Black History Month Celebration

The Black History Month Classical Music Series, was created by Joy Bullen, Culturepreneur, to introduce Canadians to young, Black, Canadian, musicians who shatter stereotypes and are themselves in the process of making history.

We hear so little about Canadian Black Classical artist, composers and musician, like William Leather Nashville Symphony trumpet, Measha Brueggergosman Diva and Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser Conductor/Composer.

Since 2015, they present performances featuring musicians who excel in areas where Black voices and presence have often been silenced or ignored. Each year they partner with cultural and not-for-profit organizations across Canada to entertain and educate diverse audiences.

This year’s Black History Month Concert Series features:

Micah Barnes Sings 60s Pop Songs Including Former Band The Nylons’ Classic Hits For 2 Dates

Thu Jan 25 2024
Micah Barnes

By Popular Demand:
Feb 14: Hugh’s Room, Toronto
March 30: Brampton Onstage -Cyril Clark Theatre

Tickets Available Here:
showpass.com/micahbarnes/
tickets.brampton.ca/Online/mapSelect.asp

Acclaimed singer Micah Barnes, renowned for his soulful voice and captivating stage presence, is set to enchant audiences with a series of performances celebrating the timeless melodies of the 60s with two shows in Toronto, ON and Brampton, ON.

The eagerly awaited shows will feature Barnes showcasing his vocal prowess through a repertoire that includes iconic hits from the golden era of pop music, including classic songs from his legendary a cappella group The Nylons, along with a few teasers focusing on his upcoming "2nd Great American Songbook” ( Alma / Universal Music Canada, out in Spring, 2024), with tunes by Carole King, Burt Bacharach, Smokey Robinson featuring a top-notch band of Michael Shand on piano, bassist Russ Boswell and Amhed Mitchel on drums.

Folk Pop Icon MELANIE Releases (posthumously) A Timeless Live Album!

Thu Jan 25 2024
Melanie

Editor's Note: We received this press release just days before the passing of Melanie, on January 23, 2024, at the age of 76. We felt it was still deserving to announce the upcoming release as it truly is now a timeless album.

Melanie, the acclaimed folk-pop icon whose performance at the historic Woodstock Festival in 1969 launched her career, continued to captivate audiences long after the counterculture revolution came and went. She’s released 25+ studio albums throughout her multi-decade career alongside multiple compilations. But it’s always been her live performances that resonated the most with her audience. Now those fans have cause to celebrate as one of her best live recordings is set for release on both CD and, for the first time ever, vinyl!

Stop Hey -What’s That Sound? Martha And The Muffins Show Their Enduring “Worth” with A Bold Take On A Buffalo Springfield Classic

Thu Jan 25, 2024

When a band has been around for nearly half a century, you don’t necessarily expect their music to carry any particular message beyond “Yep, we’re still alive.” The legendary Martha and the Muffins are a blessed exception: Their jaw-dropping new single shows they’re less concerned with their own survival than with everybody else’s.

With their radical reworking of a certain anti-violence perennial, the venerable Toronto-based group have paid full respect to the source material while simultaneously contorting it into a bone-chilling lament that couldn’t be more pertinent to the mortal dangers of today.

Led To Love A Black History Month Celebration

Thu Jan 25 2024
The Legendary Jay Douglas

11:00am - Sunday, February 18th 2024
11:00am Worship Service at Verity Centre For Better Living - 449 Vaughan Road, Toronto
Guest Speakers: Eddie Bullen ~ Jazz Pianist; Dani Elwell and John Devenish ~ JAZZ.FM91
Guest Performers Drummers From The Community Verity Community Choir, Derrick Sweet & Son, and Kolette Easy

Jay Douglas first appeared on stage in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Throughout his time of entertaining, Jay has developed into an Internationally idolized musical renaissance man thanks to his wide-ranging repertoire of Reggae, American blues, West Indian rhythms, and jazz standards — including the Light in the Attic’s “From Jamaica to Toronto” concert series. In the late ’60s,

Music in Motion Canada And the Winners Are…

Fri Jan 19, 2024

Music in Motion Canada created its inaugural contest to provide the opportunity for artists to connect with industry professionals to adjudicate their music and provide advice on moving forward in their careers.

Awards and prizes were given to individuals who exceed in their originality, skill, and distinction. Prizes include branding, media marketing, consulting & mentoring, and promotion and distinction.

“In order to foster the growth and advancement of musicians in their careers, EVERYONE who enters will be adjudicated by a panel of professionals in the music industry and gain valuable feedback, and receive a certificate of participation, Founder Barb Keck explained.

It was a challenging contest for the adjudicators to pick the winners as they were all so talented. 

Here are the 3 Winners. Each one will be featured in upcoming Cashbox stories, so you can check out their websites and we will be posting exciting news updates soon.

Nick Heddon

Del Shannon – The Legendary Rock ‘n’ Roll Falsetto Singing Star

Fri Jan 05 2024
Del Shannon

He was rock and roll music's first falsetto singing star, with Frankie Valli and Lou Christie soon to follow in his musical footsteps.

Del Shannon had a "Runaway" hit with his first hit in 1961, Charting #1 on the Cashbox Charts. Two years later in 1963, he had the first USA hit single written by the Beatles, before we would know who the Beatles would become.

Check out “From Me to You” here:

His first hit that put him in Rock ‘n’ Roll history books was definitely “Runaway”:

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the Cashbox Team!

Fri Dec 22, 2023

Music has always been a part of my life and it is in everything around us. We all have falling in love songs, wedding songs, breakup songs, sad songs, happy songs and the ones that make you want to rock. I could say I have been working for decades in the music industry, but I truly don’t know if I would call it work.

My mission with Cashbox Canada for the last 15 years has been to honour the legacy artists and to give the indie artists a chance to be heard. Whatever country, language or genre the origin of the song is from, I truly believe that music has no borders. I still love hearing new artists and the songs that were the musical tapestry of my life.

But there would not be a Cashbox Canada without the amazing team that works behind the scenes to bring our readers, friends and fans a weekly eclectic mix of music offerings.

Cashbox Cover Design & Graphic Artist:
Jain McMillan

Neil Leyton Announces The Release Of His Newest Single “Singerman” an Ode to Industry Icon Robert Singerman

Fri Dec 15 2023
Neil Leyton Photo Credit Katja Ruge

Neil Leyton SingermanNeil Leyton has just announced the release of his newest single “Singerman” out NOW on Shame Destroyer Records. The new single follows Leyton’s tradition of crafting sing-along pop anthems with garage-rock-grit. Following the release of the “Michael Maker” and “Praia Verde Eldorado” singles recorded at Canoa Studios in Portugal, Portuguese-Canadian rock n roll singer-songwriter Neil Leyton brings us “Singerman”: an ode to his good friend from NYC Robert Singerman.

Listen on Spotify here: Singerman - song and lyrics by Neil Leyton | Spotify