Spotlight on Walk off the Earth

At the time of this post, this video has already well surpassed 82 million hits. Though they don’t seem like they need my help to succeed, Walk off the Earth is the band that I am spotlighting today. As the video has already gone viral and as they have already appeared on Ellen, what is the purpose for their spotlight? Surly, a brief post in my blog of few viewers will prove inconsequential. This is very true, but as a guitarist, myself, I am amazed with what they did with that guitar and thus the reason for the spotlight.

Not only has the video gone viral, but Somebody that I used to know, a Gotye cover, made it to the top 5 on Billboard. This is truly an amazing feat, for one lady and four guys from Burlington, Ontario. Hovering over a single guitar, this quintet makes this one guitar sound like there is a full band backing up their awesome vocals.

The true test for this quintet is yet to come. There is no argument that this group has both a sound and talent, but will they crash and burn as a one hit wonder? Personally, I hope to hear more from this group, so I hope there is more to follow. While it is true that most groups make it on their own material, artists such as Elvis totally relied on the material of others for success. The next few months will be interesting to see what, if anything, is next for Walk off the Earth. Musically Connected wishes them all the best in their future projects.

Junos 2012, an April Fool's Joke

I have been looking forward to the Junos for months. As a huge music fan, there is always something special about celebrating home grown talent. Well I should not be surprised that an awards show taking place on April fool’s day would be a huge joke.

So, what were the organizers thinking asking 81 year old, has-been, William Shatner to host this year’s Junos? What, was Preston Manning busy? Let’s face it the jokes weren’t funny. I guess on one level it doesn’t really matter that Shatner isn’t a musician, but he didn’t have to fully illustrate his musical ineptness.

Nickelback is one of my favs in the Canadian Music Industry. Though the young crowd appeared to love their opening performance, and it was tight, for me, it was on the noisy side. To be honest, I am not sure if it was a sound or band issue. Either way I didn’t care for it. I will give the band the benefit of the doubt, not to mention that I wasn’t there to feel the whole vibe.

Now that I’ve dissed the Junos, itself, I will hardly stop there. That would be no fun at all. While Michael Bublé’s Christmas Album was magical, it was not worthy of receiving “best album of the year”. Though I didn’t like Nickleback’s opening, they are an amazing band. I find it difficult to believe that they didn’t receive even one juno. After all, they were nominated in four categories.

It is no secret that artists have tumultuous schedules and spend a great deal of time touring. That said, the date of the Junos 2012 were announced in July 2011. From the amount of notable artists missing in action, such as Michael Bublé and Justin Bieber, perhaps more notice might be an order. If more notice was given, I wonder if that would have made a difference; or are the Juno’s not important enough for artists to book the event into their schedules?  If not, that it is too bad. If more artists showed, who knows it might have been a better show. Naa, William Shatner was still the host. From Shatner’s appointment as host, the Juno’s 2012 were doomed to go down in history as a joke.

Canadian Icon Tommy Hunter Retires

I know that this post is a bit different from what I nominally write, but a Canadian icon is retiring. An icon who should not fly under the radar of Musically Connected. The one and only Tommy Hunter preformed his last show on March 20th, 2012. From his own account, he wanted to stop touring while he was still able to give a good performance and from the reviews, that I've seen, he did not disappoint. Hunter, a perfectionist, appeared to be perfect to the final chord. This may not be my type of music, but I regret not making an effort to catch a Tommy Hunter show. Throughout Hunter's career, he boasts an amazing run of over 30 years with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, 27 of those years were hosting his own television program. In Addition, Hunter received the prestigious Order of Canada award (1986) and the Honorary Citizen of Tennessee award (1987) as well as several other awards.

Few artists exist today who are able to remain scandal free. Tommy Hunter has managed to escape scandal despite the pressures associated with heavy touring schedules and unimaginable demands. Well done and congratulations on a brilliant and enviable career. Musically Connected Wishes Tommy Hunter all the best in his well deserved retirement. You have made Canada proud.

Throw Jann from the Train

I still Love Jann Arden's music, but at the moment I am very disappointed with Jann. Having worked in the service industry myself, and still do, to a point, it is apparent that Miss Arden is all about herself and has little regard for rules or the patron next to her. Yes, I know I haven't talked to Jann, nor do I need to? This needs to be clarified as she has already slammed at least one reporter for openly disagreeing with her actions. These are the facts, not only from what I researched, online, but also from what Jann Arden has said personally according to an article in the Ottawa Citizen. Miss Arden brought a non-service dog on a Via train. The facts are dubious if the dog was in her bag or not. Miss Arden says that the dog was on her lap and in plain view. At the end of the day does that really matter? Miss Arden said that her assistant, when booking the tickets, was not aware that dogs were not permitted on the train. On this point, does that make it anymore correct? If I am picked up for speeding on a road where the limit is 50 Km and I believe it to be 80, am I not still speeding? Her dog is not a child and Jann Arden is not above the rules. Miss Arden, according to the article, was given the option to have Midi go to the luggage department as there was a cage available. To this she refused and chose to disembark.

There are good reasons, in place, why pets are not permitted in with the other passengers. Many people are afraid of dogs, and that includes even tiny ones. Postal carriers will be the first to tell you that they have been attacked by small dogs. Miss Arden, I couldn't care less about how well your dog behaves herself, she is an animal. Animals can attack if startled, a fact that I didn't get from other blogs or twitter and information that doesn't just pertain to this incident. This, unfortunately I learned from personal experience. From the Ottawa Citizen report, Miss Arden made a claim that Midi, her dog, is hypoallergenic. From my research, this is based more on fiction than reality. Any of the reputable sources, including The Dog Guide, indicate that there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic animal. In the same Article, Miss Arden also is said to mention that while in Europe, pets are everywhere. I am not sure how to say this in a nice way, but you are not currently in Europe Miss Arden.

I can’t stress enough that I do love animals. That said, if society is to work we must all abide by the same rules. In my opinion, Via rail did everything that was possible to bring resolution to this issue that would have benefited the other passengers as well as Miss Arden, but she refused their solution. In the end, she disembarked in Oshawa and not in the middle of nowhere.

Hedley's Concerts Totally Rescheduled

All of the rescheduled concert dates are in for Hedley. They are as follows.

• May 25: St. John's, Newfoundland @ Mile One Stadium 
•  May 29: Halifax, Nova Scotia @ Halifax Metro Centre 
• May 30: Moncton, New Brunswick @ Moncton Coliseum 
• June 1: Quebec City, Quebec @ L’Agora de Quebec 

With the exception of Quebec City, I have the refund locations if you are unable to attend the rescheduled concert dates. Refunds are available for the St. John's concert @ the point of purchase until Friday, March 23, 2012. The fans in Halifax may receive a refund until Friday, March 23, 2012 from the Ticket Atlantic Box office. Regarding the Moncton concert, refunds are available until Friday, March 23, 2012 @ the Moncton Coliseum Box office. Refund information was to be made available Monday, March 12th, 2012. As of the time of this posting, I apologize that I have been unable to locate this information.

Hedley's makeup concert in Halifax

Hedley’s make up concert for the Halifax Metro Center has been released. According to Lite92.9 in Halifax, the concert is now Tuesday, May 29, 2012. Apparently Jacobs’s vocal problems have cleared and they are resuming the tour this evening in Montreal as previously announced. It should be a great concert.

Music released March 12, 2012

According to NME, today, March 12, 2012 is a busy day for music releases. Just have a look at the great new music being released today.

Singles released today

• Adam Lambert – 'Better Than I Know Myself'
• Alexandra Burke feat. Erick Morillo – 'Elephant'
• Birdy – '1901'
• Erasure – 'Fill Us With Fire'
• Fixers – 'Iron Deer Dream'
• Jay-Z & Kanye West – 'N****s In Paris'
• The Maccabees – 'Feel To Follow'
• MIA – 'Bad Girls'
• Miike Snow – 'Padding Out'
• Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds – 'Dream On'
• The Red Bullets – 'East Of Easy'
• Rufus Wainwright – 'Out Of The Game'
• The Silver Seas – 'Candy'
• Paul Weller – 'That Dangerous Age'

Albums released today

• Angel Witch – 'As Above, So Below'
• Cannibal Corpse – 'Torture'
• Delta Spirit – 'Delta Spirit'
• Epica – 'Requiem For The Indifferent'
• Estelle – 'All Of Me'
• Grimes – 'Visions'
• Hooded Fang – 'Tosta Mista'
• Howlin' Rain – 'The Russian Wilds'
• Jason Donovan – 'Sign Of Your Love'
• Marcus Collins – 'Marcus Collins'
• The Men – 'Open Your Heart'
• Michael Kiwanuka – 'Home Again'
• Pythia – 'The Serpent's Curse'
• Say Anthing – 'Anarchy, My Dear'
• The Skints – 'Part & Parcel'
• Soulfly – 'Enslaved'
• VCMG – 'Ssss'
• Wallis Bird – 'Wallis Bird'

Illness Sidelines Jacob Hoggard Of Hedley

Hedley's 2012 tour Shipwrecked, has been shipwrecked. Well sort off. This Hot band out of B.C. Canada, comprised of Jacob Hoggard, a 3rd place winner in Canadian Idol, guitarist Dave Rosin, Tom Mac on bass and Chris Cripplin on Drums, has had to postpone 3 shows due to illness. Hoggard is having throat issues and this has side lined the band. It is because of this that the band has had to postpone their tour dates at the Metro Centre, in Halifax on March 6, 2012, Mile One Stadium in St. John's, Newfoundland on March 8, 2012 and the concert slatted for March 10, 2012 at the Moncton Coliseum in New Brunswick. The replacement dates will be announced soon. The original tickets will be honoured at the door. For those of you who are not able to attend the rescheduled dates, you will be able to get a refund on your tickets before the concert takes place.

From the reviews that I have read, it seems like the tour is going well. The only negative reviews that I have seen are with the occasional and very major sound issues. The band, from most sources, is a crowd pleaser. If you are fortunate to have Hedley visit your area, they are a must see. Make sure to secure your tickets now. From Musically Connected, we wish Jacob a speedy recovery and can't wait 'till they come to Halifax.

Canada's Got Talent, I saw it and I liked it

Having viewed just the first episode of Canada's Got Talent I was more than impressed. Canadian directed and produced shows are now on a world standard if this is any indication. Queued by the amazing host Dina Pugliese, Canada's Got Talent, easily show cases what Canada has to offer and yes, even what it doesn’t. The Chemistry between Dina and the three judges, Martin Short, Measha Brueggergosman and Stephan Moccio is both instinctive and spontaneous. CGT's editing is both seamless and fast paced. All of this gives the recipe for a fun and entertaining show. Of the show that I viewed, I was kept on the edge of my seat the entire hour. For me, the show didn't drag at all. After growing tired of the Idol shows, I was ready for something completely different.

CGT is something completely different. The judges are often in agreement with each other in determining if an act is going to move forward to the next round. A reasonable argument exists that the amiability of the judges is boring. There is another side. Talent is talent. So the fact that the judges often agree just helps instill a sense of confidence in that collectively they are able to recognize good talent. Hence, it is an awesome show, with an awesome host and with an awesome team of judges.

Ok, so you get it. I love the show. I struggled with this post for a bit as I couldn't think of really anything critically to write and I found it a refreshing change from the idols. In writing this paragraph, I am still analyzing the show in my mind. The show itself was fun, exciting and flowed seamlessly from one act to the next. In my opinion, the show is world class and deserves to be on center stage in Canada and available to any canadian who choses to view the program at the initial viewing time. As the show is on City TV, here in Eastern Canada, City TV is only available in a speciality package. On the flip side, the show is available, within twenty-four hours, of the airing time. While my criticism has little to do with the show, CGT brings to the forefront new and original talent from across the country and it would be nice to have the program more accessible to more canadians.

Delayed condolences go out to the family of Davy Jones

Davy Jones dead at just 66. Though he had a solo music career as well as an acting career, he was best known for being the hilarious “heart throb” front man of the Monkees. The Monkees were formed to star in the TV show of the same name. The show lasted just 2 seasons, 1966 through 1968, though the group, itself, lasted for several years, but not continuously. By many, The Monkees were the American equivalent of the Beatles. In reality, however, Davy Jones was himself, British. He is survived by his wife Jessica and four daughters Talia, Sarah, Jessica and Annabel from his two previous marriages.

It is with sadness that Musically Connected says good bye to Davy Jones and at such a young age. To many around the world, he will certainly be missed, especially by the baby boomer generation. He was a great performer. To his family, he was a brother, a father and a husband. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family during this time.

The Peach Kings

Meeting in 2010, Paige MacLean of Texas and Steven Trezevant of L..A., now make up The Peach Kings. Originally collaborating in San Francisco, currently they are based out of Los Angelis. From the moment I heard them, I thought they had a unique but familiar sound, thus earning them a spot light position in Musically Connected.

“Thieves and Kings” was the first video I had the pleasure of viewing. The sensuous, soulful voice of Paige quickly got my attention. Steven brings everything together with his abilities on the guitar and back ground vocals. This is not to under estimate his talent when it comes to lead vocals. After viewing “thieves”, I couldn’t wait to see other videos and I was not disappointed. The Peach Kings definitely have a new fan. To my knowledge, this team is still unsigned. If this is the case, I am sure they will get signed very soon.

The collaboration of Paige and Steven saw the birth of an EP in September, 2011. Due to local air play and the internet, Trip Wop, their EP, was well received. Currently, they are working on a new single as well as doing some performing.

I am expecting great things from The Peach Kings in the future. Whether your genre is Rock, Folk, Soul or R & B, it is a safe bet that you will love Paige and Steven. This team is a must hear and one to watch.

Saying good-bye to Whitney

The world will say good - bye to Whitney Houston tomorrow at 12 pm ET. The family obviously distraught by her death had to make many hard decisions. Conceding that the public has a void because of her death, the family decided to permit 1 camera inside Newark’s New Hope Baptist Church. The funeral will be by invitation only as the church reportedly seats just 300; however, the funeral will be streaming live on line. The funeral will be viewable at livestream.com

LL Cool J Rocks

LL Cool J is alright in my books. He took no time in demonstrating that he was the best person to MC this year’s Grammys. Starting with a heartfelt prayer, he quickly brought the audience and viewers alike into a solemn attitude. Right on cue, memorable video footage was shown of Whitney. From that moment on, little time was wasted between acts and awards. The entire evening was a time of remembering and celebrating. Not just remembering Whitney, but also remembering other artists who passed on this past year such as Etta James and Amy Winehouse.

The Grammys of 2012 is going to stand out for many years to come. This is not only because it occurred within 2 days of the death of Whitney Houston, but because of the quality of performances. In recent times, I cannot remember a time when the artists preformed so well during the Grammys. Of course there were exceptions, but generally it was a well organized and entertaining show.

Like I said, on the whole, the show was well organized. For me, there was one glaring organizational flow. I was blown out of the water with Jennifer Hudson’s performance and tribute to Whitney. This performance should have been, however, near the beginning of the show. I know that many people missed seeing her live as it was nearer to the end. In addition most of the tributes to Houston came at the beginning. Unless there is something that I am missing, I see no reason for her performance not to have been placed near the beginning and to have been more connected with the other memorials.

Although this is not an original thought, the Grammys could not have happened at a better time. So many lives were touched by Whitney’s life. Many of those in attendance, at the Grammys, either knew Whitney personally or were inspired by her. It could have been “the day the music died” all over again. The gem here is that people came together during the Grammys, supported each other and kept the music alive despite Whitney’s death. This is what Whitney would have wanted.

Whitney Houston Dies at 48

It is with sadness and disbelief that my first blog is regarding the death of Whitney Houston. A musical icon, in her own right, Houston has passed away at just 48: thus joining the eerie distinctions of Richie Valens, Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson of leaving us much too early. Houston, who gave us great songs as “I Will Always Love You” and “Greatest Love of All”, passed away February 11, 2012, from not yet determined or disclosed causes.

While it is true that Houston was living a fast and destructive life style, of late, now is not the time to focus on that. She was an incredible musician whose voice will live on. Her voice was powerful and clear Her passion was evident in every note. She lived for music. Ironically Houston was found dead in her hotel room hours before the traditional pre-Grammys dinner hosted by veteran host Clive Davis. Davis is the producer who discovered and developed Houston.

This is a dark day for music. Yet another artist dies way before their time. It may even be probable that she died due to a drug over dose. Writers, including, myself are being very careful not to speculate on the cause of death. We do not know for sure, at this point, and we should not allow these rumours to take away from the great talent that we have lost this weekend. There will be plenty of time to search for the truth. Today let’s celebrate her life as we look forward to the Grammys tonight.

Houston’s passing is going to have a dampening effect on the Grammy’s scheduled for this evening, but in true form they will continue as Houston would have wanted. Jennifer Hudson is going to do a tribute as well as other respectful additions will be included in the program. Neil Portnow, president of The Recording Academy, the organization that runs the Grammy’s said, “We will do something appropriate tomorrow, and nothing could be more appropriate than having Jennifer Hudson sing on stage for Whitney”. Although Portnow, couldn’t elaborate further, we do know that Houston’s contribution to music will be a highlight in tonight’s Grammys. The show will go on, but Whitney Houston will never be forgotten.