Roxanne Tellier – The Week That Was CMW 2015

Thanks to the good people at AudioBlood, Bob Segarini, Pat Blythe and myself have spent the last ten days mixing and mingling with musicians, artists, and the people who love them. It’s been simultaneously exhausting and exhilarating. I won’t lie  … my feet hurt, I’ve got a desk covered in CDs, business cards, and promotional bumpf of all stripes … and I’m relieved that I don’t have to do anything more strenuous than type this recap of the festivities. Although there are a few more events tonight …

JAIMIE VERNON – THE FERGUS CONVERGENCE

I first met Fergus Hambleton in person while I was performing with my trio, Graye featuring Todd Miller and Lawrie Ingles, at a small club on Yonge Street in Toronto called Rocky Raccoons. It was a mid-week jam night and we were going to do a few songs when I looked up and Fergus was sitting in the front row taking in what can only be described as a “loose” performance of one of my original songs.

Segarini: The Yearly Assault on My Liver Begins – CMW 2015

It’s easily the real first sign of Spring.

For 30 years it took place during the snow and ice encrusted March Winds, a situation many of us whined about for…well…30 years.

Last year our dreams came true and our hopes and prayers were answered.

Canadian Music Week moved from the Icy Clutch of March, to the more civilized and warmer Embrace of May.

Not exactly Pina Colada weather, but light years better than huddling together around a make-shift fire in an oil drum to stay warm while trying to smoke a cigarette before it froze to your fingers and went out.

…now if we can just keep them lit before the rains put them out….

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JAIMIE VERNON: DO THE FAN DANGLE-O

On Wednesday March 6th Canadian music legend Stompin’ Tom Connors passed away peacefully at the age of 77 from natural causes. Tom was a folk & country fixture around Canada for nearly six decades. He might very well be the last of the Canadian troubadours following in the footsteps of Wilf Carter (aka Montana Slim), Hank Snow, and the Canadian Sweethearts: Bob Regan and Lucille Starr. Connors walked amongst the rarified air of Canadian country Gods. He was a fixture at the legendary Horseshoe Tavern during its inception where his rousing songs and foot stomping put a hole in the stage – which the venue wanted him to pay for. On subsequent visits he resorted to stomping on a piece of wood to save the stage further injury – and Tom Connors became Stompin’ Tom Connors.

Segarini: Remembering Morrison

A couple of weeks ago I went out with a good friend, David Macmillan, and his wife, Marilyn, (who has also become a good friend), to hear Fraser/Daley and David Celia at a couple of Roncesvalles Avenue hot-spots. David’s love of music is legendary, and he is one of the happiest human beings I know. Why wouldn’t he be? He is over-the-moon in love with Marilyn, (they are the King and Queen of our refrigerator, where their picture lords over the freezer door), and has a dream job any of us would love to have; David is the head honcho of Eagle Rock Entertainment’s Toronto office, (others are located in New York, Paris, Hamburg, and London, England). They are the largest (and best) producers and distributers of music DVDs, Blu Rays, and digital media in the world.