As we get closer to the end of another great and successful year here at Stony Plain HQ, it is easy to reflect fondly on the work and dedication of our staff, the successes of our artists, our new partnerships and the support of media and music fans around the world. We are grateful for all of your support.

There are several new releases to share with you, as well as new videos, notable news and reviews. Read on!

Holger Petersen

MAPLE BLUES AWARD NOMINATIONS TAP MULTIPLE STONY PLAIN ARTISTS

Congratulations to Stony Plain/True North artists Sue Foley, Colin James, MonkeyJunk and Kenny ‘Blues Boss’ Wayne on their recent nominations for the upcoming Maple Blues Awards. 

Sue Foley is nominated for six awards: Entertainer of the Year, Electric Act of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Recording of the Year and Guitarist of the Year.

Colin James is also nominated in six categories: Entertainer of the Year, Electric Act of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Recording of the Year and Guitarist of the Year.

Four additional nominations go to MonkeyJunk for Entertainer of the Year, Electric Act of the Year, Harmonica Player of the Year (Steve Marriner) and Drummer of the Year (Matt Sobb).

A nod goes to Kenny ‘Blues Boss’ Wayne for Pianist of the Year and his bassist Russell Jackson also gets a nomination for Bass Player of the Year. 

Read the full list of nominees at mapleblues.ca. Canadian blues fan can even VOTE online until December 1.

(Photo Credit: cropped version of LadyDragonflyCC’s “Collecting Day” used under CCBY2.0 license)

SUE FOLEY’S THE ICE QUEEN SHIPPING ON VINYL WITH 3 BONUS DIGITAL TRACKS

Sue Foley’s outstanding release The Ice Queen will be available on vinyl on December 7, 2018. Pressed on ice clear vinyl and with a gorgeous layout by Grammy winning photographer Alan Messer, it’s a package to cherish.

The Ice Queen vinyl edition includes a download card for the full 15-track deluxe version, which was released digitally at the end of September. The three bonus tracks – “Jimmie Lee (feat. Jimmie Vaughan)”, “Pony Kick” and “The Dance (Duo Version)” – are also available to download or stream separately.

ERIC BIBB’S DOUBLE-DISC NEW RELEASE GLOBAL GRIOT COMING ON VINYL

Global Griot, the newest release from Stony Plain artist Eric Bibb, will be released as a 2-LP vinyl set.

(Illustration: J. Paul Pagnon)

EASTWOOD GUITARS INTERVIEWS DUKE ROBILLARD

Long-time Stony Plain recording artist Duke Robillard is the latest artist to get an Eastwood signature guitar.

“Blues is simple and universal,” says Duke Robillard. “There is a quality to the sound that stretches beyond things like language and ethnic boundaries.”

Read more of the insightful interview between Duke and Eastwood Guitars.

(Photo credit: David Lee Black)

SUE FOLEY, RONNIE EARL & ERIC BIBB HONOURED

Big thanks to the esteemed readers of DownBeat Magazine for including Sue Foley, Ronnie Earl (pictured) & Eric Bibb in the year end readers’ poll. Eric Bibb was recognized in the Blues Artist list, while Sue Foley and Ronnie Earl were listed in the Blues Album category.

(Illustration: “Transcendence” by Tom Noll www.tomnoll.com Creative Bone Artworks® Inc. & Art that Rocks®)

COLIN JAMES & KENNY ‘BLUES BOSS’ WAYNE DIZZY FROM SPINNING

Congratulations to Colin James (pictured) for reaching #2 on the Living Blues Radio Chart that tracks blues radio airplay with his album Miles To Go (Stony Plain/True North) and to Kenny ‘Blues Boss’ Wayne for landing at #7 for October with his album Inspired By The Blues.

Other Canadians dizzy from radio spins this month include Lindsay Beaver at #1 and JW Jones at #23.

COLIN JAMES & ERIC BIBB HEARD MILES DOWNUNDER

Thanks to blues DJs across Australia this October for spinning the new albums from Colin James, who reached #1 on the International Blues Airplay Charts with Miles to Go, and Eric Bibb, who was in at #7 with Global Griot.

IAN TYSON JOINS YOU FOR CHRISTMAS IN THE FOOTHILLS

Ever wonder what it’s like at Ian Tyson‘s ranch in the foothills of the blue Canadian Rockies at Longview, Alberta, in the dead of winter at Christmas time?

Here are classic Ian Tyson lyrics you haven’t heard till now. “Christmas in the Foothills” was created by Sharon Anderson by incorporating Ian Tyson lyrics that he sent Anderson in a Christmas greeting (see above). All proceeds from downloads of this song will be his Christmas gift: a huge wish from us all for his health and happiness this Christmas season and in the year to come.

Meanwhile, Craig MacInnis, ex-journalist for the Calgary Sun, writes about how Ian Tyson impacted his life and career. “I recall sitting near the back of the hall and feeling a strange homesickness slide over me.” Read MacInnis’ full story.