Category Archives: Roots music

Bernie Finkelstein True North – Sex Drugs and Rock

Review: Bernie Finkelstein’s autobiography tells the story of a young Toronto boy who made it big in the Canadian music scene

Bernie Finkelstein True North cover Bernie Finkelstein True North   Sex Drugs and Rock photo

True North by Bernie Finkelstein, a life in the music business

In the early 1960′s Bernie Finkelstein was a young Jewish kid in Toronto cutting classes and on the make in the Toronto club scene.

Within a short time he was managing rock groups, meeting Bob Dylan and smoking pot with Dylan’s manager Al Grossman in New York.

He turned down a gig for his band The Paupers with folk stars Ian and Sylvia so the band could open for Jefferson Airplane.

In his autobiography “True North” (McClelland and Stewart) shares his life, warts and all, the ups and downs of life as a Canadian music promoter and record company owner. 

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CD Review: Old Crow Medicine Show – Carry Me Back

The new CD from Old Crow Medicine Show is a treat for fans of old-timey new folk music with modern themes

Old Crow Medicine Show crop CD Review: Old Crow Medicine Show   Carry Me Back photo

Old Crow Medicine Show – “Carry Me Back”

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There is plenty to like about the new CD from Old Crow Medicine Show – “Carry Me Back”.

It showcases the band’s close harmonies, authentic and energetic string band playing and a mix of modern and ancient lyrics.

Old Crow Medicine Show is the band that inspired Mumford and Sons to play folk music.  Continue reading

Lennie Gallant performs at Halifax Tall Ships

Performing dockside at the Larinda mooring, PEI’s favourite son kept the audience clapping and tapping

Lennie at Tall Ships Lennie Gallant performs at Halifax Tall Ships photo

Lennie Gallant performing at the Halifax Tall Ships 2012, with his nephew Mitchell Gallant on bass (photo Stephen Pate)

A free afternoon concert by award-winning, singer songwriter Lennie Gallant was a highlight of Friday afternoon at the Halifax Tall Ships Festival 2012.

Performing under a beautiful blue sky with picturesque white clouds, Lennie Gallant sang many of his top hits from the past two decades. The crowd loved every toe-tapping minute, singing along and giving him rousing applause.   Continue reading

Ron Hynes in the Maritimes over Canada Day

One of my favorite performers, the Man with a Thousand Songs, will be at Stan Rogers Festival and on PEI

Ron Hynes Ron Hynes in the Maritimes over Canada Day photo

Ron Hynes, man of a thousand songs (photo Stephen Hawken)

The singer songwriter of “Sonny’s Dream” is touring the Maritimes, June 29th to July 1 at the Stan Rogers Folk Festival in Canso.

On July 3rd and 4th, Ron returns to PEI at the Trailside Cafe in Mt. Stewart.

Ron is currently promoting his Stealing Genius CD, a unique collection of songs written or inspired by Newfoundland poets and writers.

In a quiet way, “Stealing Genius” is one of the most intriguing and authentic albums of the man and Newfoundland.

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Miley Cyrus video Bob Dylan You’re Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go

Part of Chimes of Freedom The Songs of Bob Dylan Honoring 50 Years of Amnesty International

Updated with new video – OK I’m not a Miley Cyrus fan but she does acquit herself nicely on the 4 CD set honoring Dylan and Amnesty International. The 4-CD set of Dylan covers grows on you.
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MOJO Greenwich CD takes you back to Dylan 1963

The December 2010 MOJO magazine contains a nostalgic CD The Sound Of Greenwich Village.

Dylans Scene MOJO Greenwich CD takes you back to Dylan 1963 photo

Dylan's Scene MOJO bonus CD

Dylan’s Scene was compiled to coincide with MOJO Magazine’s 17-page coverage of Bob Dylan’s Bootleg # 9 The Witmark Demos.

Update - a 2-CD set with a similar theme called Bob Dylans Greenwich Village MOJO Greenwich CD takes you back to Dylan 1963 photo has been released.

What a treat – 15 tracks that bring back the essence of the 1960s New York folk scene.  If you remember those days, it’s worth purchasing the magazine for the 17 pages of Dylan stories and the CD.  Continue reading

NJN Network donates Blue Christmas proceeds to Schizophrenia Society

Stephen Pate editor and owner of NJN Network has recorded the Elvis classic Blue Christmas and is donating all proceeds to the Schizophrenia Society. Even internet downloads or sharing will generate a donation.

BlueChristmas 500 480x480 NJN Network donates Blue Christmas proceeds to Schizophrenia Society photoPRLog (Press Release)Dec 20, 2010 – Stephen Pate, editor and owner of NJN Network, has  recorded the Elvis classic Blue Christmas and is donating  the proceeds plus more to charity.

“Christmas is supposed to be a happy time,” said Pate “but  for the many people suffering from mental disabilities it  can be a time of deeper anguish.”

“The song is about a boy who misses his girlfriend at  Christmas. We thought it would be nice to donate the  proceeds to the Schizophrenia Society who help people with  mental illness and resulting disabilities.”

“Since file sharing is popular these days, we are donating $.10 cents for every person who listens to the song or downloads it for free. When the song is purchased for $0.99 we will donate $1.09.”

NJN Network has also donated all production costs and the copyright royalty to this project. The musicians donated their time. Avolve Technology donated their graphic design for the cover art.  Continue reading