Barber Shop Podcast

Never before in 136 weeks have Ryan, Gary, and Kevin left the confines of BOXO Studio.... Not till this week anyway. It's Wednesday July 1 and that means Canada day round here. This night was a Wednesday two weeks prior wherein we captured some area songwriters bringing forth songs in the most beautiful but vulnerable stage. Hamilton nightclubs are regular haunts for top notch songwriters but the venue and location of the ancient mason's lodge brings with it a great mystique and provenance that bars can't buy. Attempting to film as the fly on the wall, we basically crashed the monthly event hosted by Jay Burr and Danny Medakovic with the unknown as our only assurance. Faith it is, and faith it shall be. Happy Birthday Canada from Barber Shop Podcast.

The Castor Troys are a driving punk rock / hard rock 4-piece out of Hamilton/Burlington, Ontario, Canada. Accessible, melodic, catchy, yet uncompromising. Peddlers of true stories and truer fiction. Formed in 2009, The Castor Troys mix storyteller lyrics and a relentless sound that nevertheless comes from careful crafting. With decades of experience under their collective belt, The Castor Troys draw influences from all different styles of rock and blues. Influences of Social Distortion, the Headstones, Bad Religion and the Offspring are definitely present here, but the scope of the sound goes well beyond those confines. With most members being multi-instrumentalists and song-writers, there's always a wealth of creativity to draw on. The band has played stages such as the CBC Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto, Sound of Music Festival, Burly Calling, PouzzaFest, and Canada's Largest Ribfest. Members have shared the stage with many well-known bands including Finger Eleven, the Headstones, the Hanson Brothers (o

Brothers are not always blood, but what runs through the veins of Trevor Howard and Gerry Finn is as strong as the steel city they make their music in. Both men were busy with their own direction, Trev the fabulous lady killer in pink with the golden soul and Gerry the slick sideman and singer, both doing enough to grab the attention of the other. When invitations turned to jams and jams turned to sessions, the foundation and structure of Ghosts of Memphis began to rise with a certain reserved grandeur. Recording their debut CD, Devil in the Details in 2013, the boys made a big impact in showcases and festivals with their tight, evocative brand of heartbreak roots rock. Hard to pidgin hole but do easy to love, both Howard and Finn have made a case for themselves as the troubadours of pain and redemption, champions of the tender moment. If you love a good story, good friends and great music then you will adore this very special episode of Barber Shop Podcast.

Theirs is a sound to Hamilton that you know when you hear it. Long considered a hotbed of great music, this city has history on display on a regular basis in one musical form or another. One of the great pieces of Hamilton history is TRICKBAG, the devil spawn kids that were drawn to our greatest blues ambassador of all time, Richard Newell aka King Biscuit Boy. Hooking up with all the greats, learning about all the legends, the nucleus of TRICKBAG was constantly orbiting the core of blues with a feeling. Twenty five years later, TRICKBAG is still writing, recording and performing their particular brand of music, paying homage and giving respect to the bedrock of modern music. We ventured out to Bay City Music Hall on a beautiful Saturday evening to record some of the 13th annual King Biscuit Boy "Blues with a Feeling" show and we play four live recordings featuring TRICKBAG with a few special gusts along for the ride. Add to that four in-studio gems, and you start to get a feeling that this show is going to

Leonard Burns and Dell are no strangers to these walls, having played with, and alongside, many of the greats from these here parts. What they are however, are The Perfect Strangers, a trio who all write and sing some of the most beautiful music around. Fresh off the release of their debut CD, the girls bring guitar whisperer Andrew Aldridge along to Barber Shop Podcast and they certain did not disappoint. Despite some under-weatherness and in the last quarter of the episode losing the video feed for a minute, it still manages to capture the unique majesty of this trio. Warm, funny and oh-so-real, Leonard Burns and Dell show just why they are the such a bright light in a dazing night sky.

The Acoustics have something very special going on, something that is at once familiar and new, traditional and contemporary in roots music today. Framed with the seasoned bones of Al Spoto's accordion chops, the addition of nephew Enzo Spoto brought the grace and insight of the singer songwriter to the fore along with the beautifully layered refrains of Uncle Al's wonderful phrasing. Adding both Bonnie Bell on violin and the strong sweet pipes of Ally Jed was a no brainier as they add all the colours of the rainbow tonight (sans bass and drums) to what is a stunning portrait of roots-based Canadiana. Something always good cooking at Barber Shop Podcast, something good indeed.

Way back in week 9 we went video with Steve Sinnicks and never looked back - until now. Long regarded as one of the premier drummers in town, Steve Sinnicks has been playing brilliant guitar and writing poignant tomes for a very long time. His last CD, Last Irishman in Corktown showcases his talents when setting the tone for insight and enlightenment. Deep set in Hamilton folklore and sensibility, the spirit evoked from his spirit and sensibilities are a touchstone for the listener and a window into his world. Never shy on the mic, both Steve and Kevin weathered a grueling studio reboot, forced to consume beer while Ryan and Gary played Apollo 13 in the studio. 2 hours after the scheduled start time, the cameras rolled as the scene unfolded before your eyes. If fun were a commodity this show breaks the bank wide open with more delight than you'd thought possible. But then again, nothing is impossible on Barber Shop Podcast.

From the early "sofa days" to tonight, The Human Orchestra has come a hell of a long way. Born from the ashes of an early spark, the present line up is as taught as a drum, loose as a cannon. Bringing their brand new full length album for it's world debut here at Barber Shop Podcast. Throwing in three live numbers is the bonus that only we can bring.

J.P. Reimens was a victim of circumstance and his last minute reversal of fortune left the show short on talent. Never one to be dissuaded, Kevin grabbed some very random vinyl while Ryan hooked up the platter in anticipation of the very first "Barber's Cuts" episode. Funny how an hour flies by when friends have a few while playing records in somebody's basement. Take me back - to Barber Shop Podcast.

It's been 2 years since the mighty Burnin' Ethyl has been to the Barber Shop, but you can tell they've kept up appearances. Long considered one of Hamilton's missing musical links, the rock n' roll has been coming from the boys since the 70's. Bringing a 50's feel to the current era and sensibilities, blues, country and rockabilly all get filtered through these golden threads, as unique as it is real. High hair, tailored duds and wry smiles bring every note and verve to attention, showing off the bands chops and mission. Playing together since the age if 17, Trevor Rogers and Craig Koshul make drummer Steve Sinnicks's job easy with room to spare. Rarely do you get treated to a trio with such excess of musical talent and fearless nature. Playing and spinning some brand new material as well as a few classics, the boys show that they're good, they're real, and they're real good. Every week at Barber Shop Podcast.

This is a blues town as sure as the day is long and hard. Raised a stones throw form this very Studio, Alfie Smith was Hamilton's prodigal son, born to make his mark deep in the hearts of those who hear him whisper and holler. This episode visits a family where music flowed, a disability was harnessed, and yearly sojourns to Gage Park to see the early versions of Bill Powell's homegrown music festival, all set forth the steps that makes Alfie Smith so highly respected and regarded in this crowded field. Standing out as fiercely original while still holding true to the tenants of blues music is often aspired to but rarely executed. It's always a pleasure to hear a performer treat a standard like they wrote it while laying an original song on you that sounds like it's been around longer than you have. Alfie Smith is the real deal, tried and true, all here just for you - on Barber Shop Podcast

The mix of Celtic and Canadiana with a stiff shot of punk make The Plain Steel not only marketable, but also magical. Formed a decade ago, the current line up of Ross Lizotte (guitar/vocals), Tim Friezen (stand up bass), Louis Waters (drums), Jason Sanislo (banjo), and Geoff Ball (cello) make wonderful, evocative music that smacks of early Genesis one second and a St. Paddy's day bender the next. Fast and furious, the intricate interplay between these accomplished players paints a unique tapestry that sets the hook early and deep. Dropping in on a gorgeous spring night, the boys play a few cuts off their 2012 LP "Folk 'n' Roll" and their beautiful 7 inch "Navigators Song" as well as blessing BOXO Studio with a slew of live tunes. A nicer bunch of guys you will not meet, true to their craft with an ear to the street. Sweet. Great stuff, every week, at Barber Shop Podcast.

Some guys don't make it to the Barber Shop very often, if ever. Maintaining a youthful outlook, let alone the locks is a hard gig for most of us, but Doug Feaver has been writing, singing, and playing the kind of music that defines both this city and this country. Musically gifted, relentlessly curious, the Grimsby born, Montreal raised Feaver has developed a sound and a performance level that never seems to get old. Born from the ashes of Dixieland and George Martin, the kid in the man remains in his every note, always a bit beyond expectations. Cold and rainy a sad day might begin, not forgotten the stories that unfolded in the lives as the sun travels the sky. As forlorn a start it was, the gift of music, and truth, rang true this very evening, as serendipitous alignments transpire right before your eyes. Lives that touched briefly for years came full cycle, proving that, as ever, that things that are meant to be, become real. Tune in, turn on, and drop what you're doing because you and this April 8th epis

Being fearless and finding your own voice is crucial if a young band is to get noticed in this mean ol' town. Keegan Early (drums) and Clive Dickson (bass) had an early and passionate affair with music, robbing their parents record collections of all the Sabbath and Stones they could carry. Clive has always been a disciple of the four string, playing in outfits throughout high school and taking the highly regarded Mohawk music program for almost three years. Keegan on the other hand, found the need for drummers paramount in his musical direction, eventually playing his way through the course, becoming increasingly proficient in the styles of many genres. Founding a band and playing out as a three piece, the two lads found themselves staying late after rehearsals, the freewheeling bass and drum arrangements growing in complexity and eccentricity. Always groove conscious, the seemingly inflexibility of these two instruments soon sprouted wings and as songs were formed, so was the DNA of Alabama Clam Hash. These

You've arrived here either by direction or accident, but either way it's going to change your life. BOXO Studio is the mother ship of Barber Shop Podcast, and like the carrier you take flight from, there is precious little to hang your toothbrush on if it's gone. BOXO Studio is not like other places, it's mission is always to show faith and support to those who might never see their just due. Existing strictly as a recording space for over a decade, BOXO Studio crafts musical missiles of insight and change, providing voices for those so often judged and excluded. Brainchild of Kevin Barber and executed by chief engineer Ryan Cannon along with Alek Bromke and Quentin Brillinger, BOXO Studio has carved a niche for itself through vision and execution. This episode sees Gary at the desk and Kevin providing both an insight, and an offering, of the greatest mental health playlist ever devised. If you believe that music is salvation, you need to listen, if you think that this is bunk, then you need to listen even mo

A natural performer from the get-go, Sammi Morelli was singing and dancing her way up the ladder until she recorded her first record while still a pre-teen. Hailing from the Vancouver suburb of Langley, the friends and family members who joined her on stage and in studio helped flesh out her songs into a cohesive collection, never settling in one place too long. Elements of jazz, pop, dance, and indie folk find their way into her substantial body of work over the subsequent years, each take a personal and singular vision come to life. Possessing killer pipes and an electric stage presence, this vivacious and engaging chanteuse came to Ontario a bit over a year ago and set up shop in St. Catharines. Writing and recording music and doing her gig as a weekend radio jock brought her to the attention of more than a few folks, and one of those people were pretty sure we'd want to have her on Barber Shop Podcast - and they were right on the money. Fun, fresh and friendly is the only way to go through life, and with

Hamilton is full of killer acts, and to stand tall amongst your peers is a sure sign of greatness in this crucible of music. Glowing red hot, the burlesque Queen turned country blues rock goddess has made hay with the gifts bestowed upon her and worked like the devil at all the little things to make even the winks mean something real. Honest songs of the people, laid down with an infectious beat that will please those 10 to 110. It's never easy, it's never boring, the job of building a legend is not for the faint of heart. From the sticks to the dirty streets of Steel town and beyond, those lucky enough to experience the sensation of passion and attitude unbridled will surely not regret or forget the experience. The first beautiful day in a very long time saw Ginger and The Grinders (Tom LaMontange, Greg Briscoe and Snow Heel Slim) burst into BOXO Studio with all the verve and aplomb of a proper fresh breeze. Judge for yourself, with 4 live tunes and 3 from her new CD, "Diesel and Peas" plus a video of her an

There exists in every classic song, the nuanced assassin of a great songwriter. Finding his voice with a father re-connecting to a sacred healing river, Steve Vincent DePiante has carried his destiny as much as it's carried him since he was 16. Not lost on the jaded, not slave to the system, the words of a poet grew alongside the chops of a road warrior. University bands and kindred souls brought these songs to life as the finite core of the man was brought to bear. Solid heart strings and sandpaper whisps tell tales without reservation, truths without regret. It's the pleasure we strive to provide, beating the bushes and finding those dusky diamonds that might escape the casual observer. It's all right here, the absence of ego, fear or judgement,to kneel at the alter of originality. Great stuff, this and every week at Barber Shop Podcast.

Johnny Cash is without a doubt the cornerstone of popular music and if you don't agree you can go fuck yourself. Ok, let me rephrase that. If you don't realize that only one man made both Elvis and The Beatles sit pretty you are the valedictorian for Stupid U. Paul Anthony has been dedicated to bringing the life and music of Johnny Cash to the unwashed for three years, bringing the creases and lines of an honest outlaw to life with both lore and legitimate musicality. Sounding like a legend is hard, but when you manage to record The Man in Black's songs in his cabin with his band - there's something here to behold. Playing Johnny's hits live and from the CD Classic Johnny Cash, Paul Anthony delivers the real deal with guitarist Steve Petrie and Kurk Bernard in studio with the stories and music of many genres and many generations. You gotta love Johnny Cash Or else....